Rough ride when pulling camper

Pearl2017 · October 30, 2018

I have not had the magna shocks myself before but don't they just change damping like +-30% or so? I mean there is a limit to how much damping they can apply? So when a heavy weight or trailer is attached they should not turn to stone right? What I would try without the trailer hitched get a couple of guys in the back and bounce it up and down. Does it move significantly and does the shock damping feel right or does it feel abrupt? then attach the trailer minus WDH and do the same. Is the truck adding in a lot of damping with the trailer harness attached or when tow mode enabled? you could always get a gopro and attach it underneath and go record a ride over some bumps.

Guess is the shocks are over damping ...all else working properly. I just didn't think those shocks could damp enough to keep that tongue weight from doing the opposite and smoothing out the ride/overpowering the shocks. Is it possible to unplug the power from the shocks so they don't tighten up?

Jerry Lee · October 31, 2018

Thanks. You have mentioned some things that I’m not up to par on. I don’t know how much dampening these shocks do but what you say makes sense. As you suggested, I will get a couple of guys on the tailgate to see what happens.

I did pull the camper for a distance without the WDH bars and there wasn’t much, if any, difference! But the back end was lower by a couple inches and the front end of the truck seemed higher. Still rode like a steel tire log wagon!

I have thought about disconnecting the electrical to the shocks for an experiment but haven’t yet read how to do that. I did read that it will cause an alarm to show. I thought maybe pulling a fuse if it has one.

I assume a gopro is a camera? If so, I will try to borrow one. That’s another good idea.

I read a post from last year where a guy said one of his Magna shocks went bad and was rock hard. I don’t think that’s my case since this truck rides better than any truck I’ve ridden in, when empty.

I will update as I try different things. I’ve even thought about removing the rear Magna shocks but leaving them connected to the system and installing some regular shocks just to give it a try. I would really hate to lose the great sports handling of the Magna shocks but....

Jerry Lee · November 1, 2018

Update: as Pearl2017 suggested, today I and friends sat and bounced on the tailgate of the Denali with the switch off and the key removed and then again with the engine running. We couldn’t tell much, if any, difference! So, I assume the shocks are not changing the bounce by much and now conclude the shocks are not the problem!

But, we did notice that at about 450 lbs of weight the 2 top springs contact the third spring (as seen in the picture) and stops any further downward movement and feels like the bed has hit bottom although it didn’t. So now I’m guessing that is what’s happening with the camper. The rear of the truck doesn’t move downward much before contact is made with the third spring!

So, now what do I do? Can there be this much difference between this truck and the 2015 Double Cab Chevy I had?

Pearl2017 · November 2, 2018

If the shocks aren't the issue and the ride is plush before that helper spring leaf is touching. The applied hitch load may be just enough to lower you onto to the helper springs but not enough to overpower them and so soften the ride. To lift it back to normal ride height and off of the helper springs get a set of air bags. those helper springs are meant to be very strong/stiff For maximum load.

What I did was to drop/lower the rear. When not towing truck sits more level and has a plush ride. When trailer is loaded i pump up the bags and lift it back up and support the main springs. then there is more distance between the main leaf springs and the helper spring and still plush ride. you only need to gain an inch or so to be off that helper spring and absorb normal road bumps more softly.

Sierra Dan · November 2, 2018

If you have 22" wheels that definitely will cause a harsher ride.

You need more sidewall especially when towing.

Also, the Magneride is definitely not helping.

Jerry Lee · November 2, 2018

Thanks again for the replies. Pearl2017, can you recommend what air bags to get? I will do that.

Sierra Dan, I had 22” on the 2 wheel drive Chevy and it rode ok, but I understand what you are saying. I would hate to change these tires because this truck really handles well and rides good when not loaded. Plus that’s a lot of $$$.

Rukus · November 3, 2018

I have ride rite and LOVE them. HUGE difference. I suggest on board air as well. (they a great wireless set up).

https://www.riderite.com

Had on my '15, '17 and '18. WELL worth the money.

Jerry Lee · November 3, 2018

Thank you all. I will get and add the Ride Right before I pull again and will report on the ride.

Pearl2017 · November 3, 2018

I got the air lift Model: 59565. If you tow a lot the onboard air would be nice too. I just did the bags bc a compressor setup is part of my trailer toolbox and always right there.

Jerry Lee · November 4, 2018

Thank you. I have spent 2 hours reading up on these air bag lifts but can’t find anything that says they will work with the Magna shocks. These shocks have some linkages that attach to the axle and to a little device on the frame that I assume tells the shocks what to do and I’m not too sure that nothing will hit! Are you familiar with this?

Jerry Lee · November 4, 2018

Pearl, Amazon doesn’t show the model you mentioned.

cansled · November 5, 2018

See my post below. Went from a 2015 LTZ (conventional shocks) to 2018 Denali (magnetic shocks) and noticed the same problem. I was totally surprised by the ride difference. I couldn't find an air bag solution to work with Denali, so the solution for me was to put on Timbren SES to raise the ride height when towing, putting the shocks back into their sweet spot. Towed all summer including a two week trip with no problems. Ride quality was virtually the same unloaded, except on very harsh large bumps as you could tell the Timbren's might of come in contact with the axle. They are very easy to remove for the rest of the season if you choose to when done camping. (one bolt per side). Good luck.

Pearl2017 · November 6, 2018

I believe the magnaride have sensors that measure the jounce and rebound of the suspension then actively adjust the fluid viscosity within to dampen the movements without being harsh. Air bags do not assist the shocks they assist the springs. As long as airbags physically fit on the truck not sure why they wouldn't be compatible.

I googled the model and see an amazon listing. I purchased from SDTrucksprings.