Author Topic: Towing Help Needed (Read 1827 times)

Speeddemonsledding · « **on:** January 25, 2009, 09:35:30 AM »

Hey everyone. I am new to this site, and it looks great. I just bought an 05 (1500) with the Z71 package. It has 4:10 gears. I bought it to tow a 26 foot aluminum frame/fiberglass wall V nose 4 place sled trailer. I do have a weight distribution hitch. I used to tow this trailer with a 2006 Envoy Denali (5.3) with 3:73 gears no problem. The Denali had the auto load levelling package on it, but still needed to use the weight distribution hitch. The problem I find now that I just bought the AV is that when I hook up the trailer to it, there is a lot of rear end sag to it. The distribution bars help to level the truck, but it still seems that front end looks lifted. I have not pulled the trailer down the highway yet, because it just does not look like it would be safe. I was very surprised to see the amount of rear sag on the truck. I expected it would have been much better. If I let it sit on the street without the distribution bars attached, it goes into a full squat. I had used this same trailer with a 2007 Yukon (1500) rental (when the Denali was in the shop) with no weight distribution hitch and it was fairly level and pulled great. Should I put new shocks on the back to control the sag? I need help, because I am to be going out on a trip next weekend with the family, but I am concerned about the safety. The wife thinks I made a mistake buying the AV. I like the truck (so far) but I am really surprised at this, especially since it has a much larger towing capacity than the Denali. What can I do to reduce the rear end sag?
Thanks

Waynesworld · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2009, 09:44:46 AM »

Speeddemonsledding

AS for your Q Id say Air bags..

Richie_Rich · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2009, 10:14:04 AM »

You need to make sure you set up the hitch correctly.

I don't remember the names of all the parts, but the shank has several holes.
You need to get your rig on a level parking lot and adjust the shank properly.
http://www.etrailer.com/c-wds.htm

You should not get much if any sag with a weight distribution hitch.
The idea is to transfer some of the weight through the frame of the truck to the front wheels.

Do a Google of "How to adjust a load distribution hitch".
There is a bunch of info on it.

Here is a nice looking page from eTrailer.com

Donnie1 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 25, 2009, 10:21:04 AM »

How many miles are on the Av? If the shocks are original, that would be a good starting point but I think Richie has some good info as well in checking your hitch adjustments. Bags would be another good start.

I think you answered your own question about the Denali, it had the load leveling which if I'm not mistaken is an airride setup. You won't have a problem with the Av I don't think. It has the 4.10's which is perfect for pulling. Our 06 has 4.10's and I pull our 24' pontoon boat all the time in the summer with no problems and very little sag.

Welcome to the club and hope everything goes ok for you.

Speeddemonsledding · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2009, 06:40:53 PM »

Quote from: Donnie1 on January 25, 2009, 10:21:04 AM

How many miles are on the Av? If the shocks are original, that would be a good starting point but I think Richie has some good info as well in checking your hitch adjustments. Bags would be another good start.

I think you answered your own question about the Denali, it had the load leveling which if I'm not mistaken is an airride setup. You won't have a problem with the Av I don't think. It has the 4.10's which is perfect for pulling. Our 06 has 4.10's and I pull our 24' pontoon boat all the time in the summer with no problems and very little sag.

Welcome to the club and hope everything goes ok for you.

Thanks for the advice. The AV has 107,000 KMs (66,000 Miles). It was bought from a GM Dealership and was a GM Optimum vehicle, which they are supposed to check it all out. The airbag is a good idea (Waynes World said the same). The Denali did have the airlevelling suspension, but it still needed the Weight Distribution Hitch in order to hold the truck level when loaded with the trailer. The 2007 Yukon did not and it did not sag much at all. The AV dropped a fair amount and then when it was sitting on the street while I unloaded one sled out of the back of the trailer, I noticed it dropped quite significantly, so I put the trunnion bars on the hitch and it popped up the back of the AV quite a bit. I was real surprised at how it sunk. I will try installing some air bags. I looked on the net and maybe I will try the Firestone ones. If anyone has some installed, a recommendation would be great.
Thanks

bluedevil · « **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2009, 06:43:34 PM »

Richie_Rich has airbags on his. He'll post again...

Richie_Rich · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2009, 07:02:54 AM »

I have Air Lift[/color] bags on my truck, but the previous owner is the one who installed them.
He used to tow a 30' huge TT.

What I noticed using them is is keeps the rear from bouncing while driving.
The last time we went out with the trailer, I forgot to air them up.
As we went over the ups and downs on the highway, I could feel the rear sag when we hit the bottom.

I did not have bags on my Durango.

Another thing to check is you don't have too much tongue weight.

FlaBouy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2009, 07:28:43 AM »

Quote from: Richie_Rich on January 26, 2009, 07:02:54 AM

Another thing to check is you don't have too much tongue weight.

Bingo... if there is no mechanical issue, I would suspect this... I tow a 21' Wellcraft on a twin axle trailer, and even with a lowered Av, I have little issues. I bought my Av to tow the boat, and other than low end torque, there were no issues.

Hard to see in this pic, but this was before I lowered the Av....

Didit · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2009, 03:05:21 PM »

I had the same issue with my 03 but with a 25' camper and a butt load of fire wood, firestone air bags solved the problem, easy install, reasonably priced.

Didit

Speeddemonsledding · « **Reply #9 on:** January 28, 2009, 06:56:00 AM »

Quote from: Didit on January 26, 2009, 03:05:21 PM

I had the same issue with my 03 but with a 25' camper and a butt load of fire wood, firestone air bags solved the problem, easy install, reasonably priced.

Didit

Thanks for all the info on the replies. I will order a set of Firestone Coilrites and give that a shot. The weight distribution hitch had already been readjusted for the AV, so that should not be the problem. The tongue weight would be the same as what it was when it was hooked to the Envoy Denali and the Yukon, so I will get the Firestone bags installed and see if that "cures" this issue. Perhaps also install some new shocks at the same time.
Great advice everyone. I also am thankful to this great forum for a place to get some help.

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