Max Trailer suspension vs Non Max Trailer suspension

[AFournier]

I'm not understanding weather or not I actually get a better suspension with the max trailer package. I built a plain LT vs LT Max Trailer and in BOTH summaries it says:

 

Heavy Duty Suspension

Rear suspension - rigid axle leaf

Rear shocks - gas pressurized

 

Neither list as having a better suspension than the other.

 

Does anyone work on these trucks? Can you confirm the suspension is actually different in the max tow trailer package vs the regular LT trucks? I'm starting to think the max trailer pack is just a gimmick except for the 9 3/4 rear end!

[Krusty]

I'm not understanding weather or not I actually get a better suspension with the max trailer package. I built a plain LT vs LT Max Trailer and in BOTH summaries it says:

 

Heavy Duty Suspension

Rear suspension - rigid axle leaf

Rear shocks - gas pressurized

 

Neither list as having a better suspension than the other.

 

Does anyone work on these trucks? Can you confirm the suspension is actually different in the max tow trailer package vs the regular LT trucks? I'm starting to think the max trailer pack is just a gimmick except for the 9 3/4 rear end!

 

Max Trailering Package

$925

This package includes:

• Increased towing and GCWR rating
• Automatic locking rear differential
• Handling/Trailering Suspension Package
• Enhanced cooling radiator
• Revised shock tuning
• Heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR
• 9.76" rear axle
• Integrated trailer brake controller
• Trailering Equipment

On LT, this package includes a heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential and the Trailering Package, it also requires the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. On LTZ, this package requires the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine or 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.

[AFournier]

Thanks for that. I'm really only concerned about payload capacity. It's not really clear as to whether or not I actually get a different suspension with max trailer vs true north. When I build the truck on the chevrolet website, both list this in the summary:

 

Heavy Duty Suspension

Rear suspension - rigid axle leaf

Rear shocks - gas pressurized

 

Wondering if anyone here is a chev/gmc mechanic that has seen any difference in the rear suspension.

[powerhaulic]

Yes the gvw is increased, 300# heaver front & rear spring set and different shock valving

[Krusty]

And the fantastic tow mirrors - worth the price of admission alone - seriously........

 

[jay15892]

Totally disagree with the towing mirrors. I swapped mine for the regular DL3 mirrors and am way happier. The tow mirrors look goofy on a 1500 and belong on a 2500 or above

[shane.lawrence.311]

I'm not a mechanic but I did have my max tow shocks swapped out for Bilstein 5100 shocks...It definitely rides rougher than stock set up...

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[newdude]

Thanks for that. I'm really only concerned about payload capacity. It's not really clear as to whether or not I actually get a different suspension with max trailer vs true north. When I build the truck on the chevrolet website, both list this in the summary:

 

Heavy Duty Suspension

Rear suspension - rigid axle leaf

Rear shocks - gas pressurized

 

Wondering if anyone here is a chev/gmc mechanic that has seen any difference in the rear suspension.

 

 

Really, there isn't a "visual" difference, at least to my eyes. The springs look like springs, the leaf pack has the same amount of springs. The shocks look like shocks. The axle looks near identical to the 9.5" as its only a 1/4" difference. Could the leafs be thicker? Sure, I've never measured though. Its not a gimmick package though, the changes are significant enough to raise your payload, and allow you to tow 1800-2500lbs more than a regular 3.42 gear 1/2 ton 5.3 or 3.23 gear 6.2.

 

If you are concerned about payload, you may want to go up to an HD truck. What payloads are you trying to reach?

[Silver ice 6.2]

Totally disagree with the towing mirrors. I swapped mine for the regular DL3 mirrors and am way happier. The tow mirrors look goofy on a 1500 and belong on a 2500 or above

I personally disagree about the max tow mirrors only belong on 2500-3500... I have a 1500 max tow 6.2 2 wheel drive. Do I tow....no! But I get nothing but complements.

[bosro]

Totally disagree with the towing mirrors. I swapped mine for the regular DL3 mirrors and am way happier. The tow mirrors look goofy on a 1500 and belong on a 2500 or above

I totally disagree with you...

I'll never buy another truck without the towing mirrors...and think they look great and function even better.

[Silver ice 6.2]

I totally disagree with you...

I'll never buy another truck without the towing mirrors...and think they look great and function even better.

This^^^^^

[powerhaulic]

This^^^^^

X2

[patrick6.2]

It is better for towing, but it will have a little harder ride. I have a max tow and the ride quality is still really good. I haven't had anything heavy in the bed, but have towed a boat. Compared to a 2014 Suburban it feels worlds better! The suburban would squat down like 2in, max tow squats less than a 1/2in. When towing the suburban felt very floaty, my Silverado you can hardly tell anything is there.

 

I agree with the others saying the tow mirrors are very nice to have. If you don't like them you can get max tow without tow mirrors.

[Krusty]

A few Max Tow action shots...........

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MiamiSilverado1500]

 

 

Max Trailering Package

$925

This package includes:

• Increased towing and GCWR rating
• Automatic locking rear differential
• Handling/Trailering Suspension Package
• Enhanced cooling radiator
• Revised shock tuning
• Heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR
• 9.76" rear axle
• Integrated trailer brake controller
• Trailering Equipment

On LT, this package includes a heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential and the Trailering Package, it also requires the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. On LTZ, this package requires the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine or 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.

 

 

 

Can these parts be purchased and installed individually and if so where would I have to look to do it?