Half ton helper springs, air bags, Or?

[True North Truckin]

Ok so I've been looking into helper springs for my 2017 Silverado 1500. I'm looking most heavily at Firestone RideRite air bags or Sumosprings but I'm open to hearing what if anything others are running under their rigs.

 

Ideally I'm looking for something to retain the trucks factory soft ride during my long unloaded highway commutes but provide the leveling support while towing my 24ft enclosed car hauler with roughly 7-800lbs tongue weight. Currently when towing the truck squats about 3 inches and although it seems to shoulder the weight reasonably well, I think having the extra support would make for a safer tow plus im sure on coming traffic does not appreciate the ultra bright factory LED lights shining up in their eyes.

 

 

 

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[Donstar]

There is lots of discussion on this topic in earlier threads so you will receive many suggestions.  I personally would go to a spring and axle shop.  They can add the strength you need without significantly impacting your ride quality.  You may also want to research on equalizer hitches because if you are not overloading a stock truck,  it should not be squatting below level.

[Sierra706]

I had hellwig helper springs that worked great hauling weight. Truck stayed level even under 3000lbs of gravel (short trip which I wouldn’t do again or recommend anyone try). Problem was they were uncomfortable unloaded, even when loosened as much as possible. And they didn’t stay adjustable for long, as the u bolts used to loosen and tighten started to corrode and seize up. I have a dirt road commute so comfort is key for me and the springs weren’t justified by my infrequent towing/hauling. Currently sitting in my garage for the foreseeable future, useless until I order a new set of ubolts.


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[CDNSS]

If ot squats 3” and using a WD. Hitch wrong  hitch capacity and or not set up right  WD hitch is first thing to do gor safe towing at that wt 

Ive had both air bags and Summo springs and for my 7500lb trailer I like the summo springs the best  unloaded dont change stock ride and of course never leak but air bags work fine but they need some air in them even unloaded so ride a bit firmer but not harsh 

[crankman]

I put Firestone air bags on both my company truck and my sons 1500. They would squat just looking at them cross eyed. They just make them to ride softer so the spring packs aint got much backbone. There simple to install all bolt on and Ive had them for 6 years and never done anything but add or release air as needed. We can now carry our atv in the back (700 lbs) and she rides nice and level. 

[aseibel]

I use helwig helpers, but if you tow the car trailer frequently, you may get more use out of airbags. I didn't have any interest in the adjustability/ need to air up the bags. are you interested in an on board compressor? if so then that's the way to go.

[True North Truckin]

I put Firestone air bags on both my company truck and my sons 1500. They would squat just looking at them cross eyed. They just make them to ride softer so the spring packs aint got much backbone. There simple to install all bolt on and Ive had them for 6 years and never done anything but add or release air as needed. We can now carry our atv in the back (700 lbs) and she rides nice and level. 

Haha yes it's crazy how quick the back end dips when some weight is back there! I really like that the firestones are bolt on install and sounds like they hold up well, thanks for the response!

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[True North Truckin]

If ot squats 3” and using a WD. Hitch wrong  hitch capacity and or not set up right  WD hitch is first thing to do gor safe towing at that wt 
Ive had both air bags and Summo springs and for my 7500lb trailer I like the summo springs the best  unloaded dont change stock ride and of course never leak but air bags work fine but they need some air in them even unloaded so ride a bit firmer but not harsh 

To be honest 3" is a rough estimate 2-3 might be more accurate basically sits just slightly below level with the trailer loaded and hooked up but it's a good point although I have a heavy duty Anderson hitch I don't have a WD hitch so that's on the list as well!

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[craig944]

Firestone ride rites are great. Had them on my 08 hauling a 26 foot camper and leveled it perfect every time. Pulled and rode a lot smoother as well. Have 1 summer with them on my 17 and worked great. Super easy install when you remove the spare tire. Highly recommend!

[Waaazooo]

I did the airlift system. It worked great it was nice and balanced. Hindsight I’ll do a helper spring in my 2500. It’s just easier to instal.


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[sdeeter19555]

I had hellwig helper springs that worked great hauling weight. Truck stayed level even under 3000lbs of gravel (short trip which I wouldn’t do again or recommend anyone try). Problem was they were uncomfortable unloaded, even when loosened as much as possible. And they didn’t stay adjustable for long, as the u bolts used to loosen and tighten started to corrode and seize up. I have a dirt road commute so comfort is key for me and the springs weren’t justified by my infrequent towing/hauling. Currently sitting in my garage for the foreseeable future, useless until I order a new set of ubolts.


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They make two versions of the hellwig, one is "progressive" and is not supposed to impact ride much.

Steve
2012 2500hd 6.0l

[sdeeter19555]

Lots of threads on helper springs...

I've ran airbags and Timbrens, the next truck will have airbags just for the adjustability and fact they don't affect the unloaded ride when aired down.

Steve
2012 2500hd 6.0l

[Waaazooo]

Lots of threads on helper springs...

I've ran airbags and Timbrens, the next truck will have airbags just for the adjustability and fact they don't affect the unloaded ride when aired down.

Steve
2012 2500hd 6.0l

Neither should a helping spring, correct? My only complaint about bags is knowing that you have to maintain. 5psi in them and that does not equate the same bump-stop range as the oem bump stop does. And little information about psi needed to have an oem ride.


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[sdeeter19555]

Neither should a helping spring, correct? My only complaint about bags is knowing that you have to maintain. 5psi in them and that does not equate the same bump-stop range as the oem bump stop does. And little information about psi needed to have an oem ride.


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While not in contact with anything unloaded or static, on bigger bumps the helper spring will slap the perch and cause a jarring ride, my Timbren are/were no different.

My one Dodge Cummins 2500 had factory overloads (it was a "camper" edition with a higher weight rating, essentially Dodge's answer for a 3500SRW), I hated that truck when I had about 1500 pounds in the bed...it would beat you to death if the road was very rough. Unloaded or loaded real heavy it wasn't bad...

Steve
2012 2500hd 6.0l

[Waaazooo]

While not in contact with anything unloaded or static, on bigger bumps the helper spring will slap the perch and cause a jarring ride, my Timbren are/were no different.

My one Dodge Cummins 2500 had factory overloads (it was a "camper" edition with a higher weight rating, essentially Dodge's answer for a 3500SRW), I hated that truck when I had about 1500 pounds in the bed...it would beat you to death if the road was very rough. Unloaded or loaded real heavy it wasn't bad...

Steve
2012 2500hd 6.0l

Understood. I can see how that would work. I’m passively looking at something along these lines and didn’t want to go with more bags.


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