Looking for a fix to eliminate rear end sag on a 2021 Sierra Denali when towing

Like A Rock · June 21, 2021

Since 2003 I have added Air Lift springs to the Silverados I have owned with excellent results, hook up a trailer and raise the rear end to the unloaded ride height and all is good, now with this 2021 Sierra Denali 1500 I now own Air Lift does not make a spring that fits a truck with the Adaptive RIde Control (why a P/U truck needs a sport setting is beyond me). In any event does anyone have a solution to eliminating the rear end sag caused when trailering?

Gangly · June 21, 2021

Deaver Rear Leaf Springs and Firestone Airbags are two solutions I have seen used by members on this site.

Like A Rock · June 22, 2021

13 hours ago, Gangly said:

Deaver Rear Leaf Springs and Firestone Airbags are two solutions I have seen used by members on this site.

Adding a leaf will be my last resort, I checked out Firestone's webpage and they make no mention of the Adaptive RIde Control, I'll give them a call tomorrow.

Thanks for the info!

Gangly · June 22, 2021

10 hours ago, Like A Rock said:

Adding a leaf will be my last resort, I checked out Firestone's webpage and they make no mention of the Adaptive RIde Control, I'll give them a call tomorrow.

Thanks for the info!

I wasn't even paying attention about the adaptive ride control so I have no clue if the Firestone bags would work, my bad.

Bgill · June 22, 2021

With no ARC in play, does any know how much stiffer/harsher we should expect the Dever mini pack to make ones ride with a Denali or High Country?

Mr_Macc · June 22, 2021

Following this topic. I too need to remove some sag out the rear when towing. Generally I'm only pulling approx. 5k lbs with a 7x14 enclosed v-nose trailer. Interested to know what solutions are available.

Like A Rock · June 23, 2021

9 hours ago, Mr_Macc said:

Following this topic. I too need to remove some sag out the rear when towing. Generally I'm only pulling approx. 5k lbs with a 7x14 enclosed v-nose trailer. Interested to know what solutions are available.

I tried contacting Firestone today, was hold on for 25 minutes before there phone system hung up on me, and I also sent an e-mail asking if there air spring will work with ARC, as soon I get an answer I will post the news.

I've used Air Lift springs on my Silverado's for 20 years, I was very disappointed when doing the Air Lift springs install on the Sierra and finding the ARC linkage was in the way.

My personal truck is used as my wife's DD as her commute is less than 2 miles and the major miles on the truck are used for toy hauling and towing, the sag the Sierra has with a 5,000 lb load is unacceptable, if worse comes to worse I will remove the ARC linkage to make the air springs fit.

Like A Rock · June 30, 2021

Still no reply from Firestone, I think I'm going to disconnect the ARC this weekend and see what if any codes may get thrown to the DIC, and to find out what mode the shocks default to. I really want to get air springs installed on this truck.

It really bothers me to be towing while my truck looks like a 30' I/O pushing along at 3/8 throttle.

Edited June 30, 2021 by Like A Rock

BowtieBill · June 30, 2021

Another option to look at would be SuperSprings. I added them to my Kodiak C5500, worked well for me.

Good luck,

Bill

Like A Rock · July 2, 2021

On 6/30/2021 at 4:19 PM, BowtieBill said:

Another option to look at would be SuperSprings. I added them to my Kodiak C5500, worked well for me.

Good luck,

Bill

Thanks for tthe post Bill, especially after getting confirmation from SD Springs that no one has an air spring option that will work with the Adaptive Ride Control.

SD was recommending Hellwig Helper Springs but after seeing your post I checked out SuperSprings and found the video below pretty informative.

newdude · July 2, 2021

There's supposed to be sag.

Re-weigh your tongue and see how heavy it is. If its above 10% of the trailer's weight when loaded, reposition the load to pull weight off it.

If the trailer is too heavy, get a 2500.

Like A Rock · July 3, 2021

20 hours ago, newdude said:

There's supposed to be sag.

Re-weigh your tongue and see how heavy it is. If its above 10% of the trailer's weight when loaded, reposition the load to pull weight off it.

If the trailer is too heavy, get a 2500.

The trailers are nowhere close to the rated max towing capacity of the truck (3,000-5,000 lb. loads, tongue weight 10%) I tow a lot during the winter and I like my front end to have near unloaded traction when towing and I've accomplished this with all my GM 1/2 tons using air springs, now I'm at the point where I have to go steel helper springs or remove the linkage for the ARC.

I get the same sag when I load a 600 lb. snowmobile in the bed.

Edited July 3, 2021 by Like A Rock

pmkeller · October 2, 2021

Hello,

Following this. Same problem. 2021 Sierra Denali with quite a bit of sag towing our camper with about a 700 pound tongue weight. Camper weighs 5800 pounds. Looked into airbags as well but won't fit with the adaptive ride control. Has anyone found a solution to this, or airbags that would fit?

LikeARock - did you find a solution that would work for you?

Anacortes Army Guy · October 2, 2021

6 minutes ago, pmkeller said:

Hello,

Following this. Same problem. 2021 Sierra Denali with quite a bit of sag towing our camper with about a 700 pound tongue weight. Camper weighs 5800 pounds. Looked into airbags as well but won't fit with the adaptive ride control. Has anyone found a solution to this, or airbags that would fit?

LikeARock - did you find a solution that would work for you?

Are you using a WDH? Assuming you are, I'm surprised you would still have a lot of sag. I'd be interested in knowing what WDH you're using as I'm shopping around for one for a larger camper than the one I currently tow without a WDH with minimal sag (2" max at 3250 lbs GVWR/380 lbs tongue).