Sgb020

Am asking this question for a friend. He pulls a bumper mount travel trailer. Of course the rear is sagging. Would any aftermarket rear shocks help with this? I suggested an add a leaf or airbags. I don't think he wants to do that. Any suggestions for shocks would be a help. I have billsteins 5100 rears. What about the 4600 series or another brand? Thanks

Driftboater

No, rear shocks will not help with sag. A good helper spring, add-a-leaf, RAS, or airbag suspension will do the trick.

Sgb020

That's what I told him. Thanks for the second opinion.

Driftboater

You're welcome. I was hoping the firmer 5100s I recently installed at all 4 corners would help some with sag due to my Leer topper, but they did not. I set the front @ 1.5" and am just about level, but when I start adding weight in the back it slowly goes nose up. So I ordered and received (today) add-a-leafs from General Spring ($170ish shipped). I hope to get them installed by this weekend so I can play.

GeorgiaMike

Maybe a dumb question but I happen to be running into the same issue and thinking about add-a-leaf for awhile. Would it would add more rake unloaded and would it would void warranty?

BCMIF150

What he probably needs is a good weight distributing hitch. I pull a 29 foot travel trailer with a 750lb tongue weight and have no sag.

Driftboater

Not a dumb question. Based on my research, major AAL supliers like Autospring, Procomp and FatBobs Garage advertise about 1.5"-2" of lift. Amount of lift and effects on ride comfort depend on the length, position of the new leaf in the pack, and the arch.

I purchased mine from generalspringkc.com. They offer 3 different weight/load capacities. Based on my setup with the Leer topper, they recommended the middle class ~998lb class. I was told that, although they were designed for load support not necessarily for lift, I should expect about 1.5" of lift. If you don't want the lift, you could opt for helper springs from Hellwig or superspring for example, which offer progressive support. Meaning they don't come in to play and it is pretty much like stock until you add weight. The more weight you add the more work the helper springs do to support the load and maintain ride height.

As for warranty, I don't know for sure and can't answer to that.

acadianbob

If the rear end is sagging that badly, you have to ask yourself about tongue weight vs payload capacity. Also, is there the opportunity to use a weight distribution hitch? Remember that an extra leaf or air bag does not increase the payload/towing capacity. Don't use them as a crutch for a bad situation.

Heretic

Why would you want to use your bumper to pull a trailer?

Get a proper hitch receiver installed.

RES4CUE

I'm assuming he does have a hitch. I know people call trailers pulled by ball on rear "bumper tow". Distinguishes between 5th wheel and bumper pull.