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AT Staff
/ Dec 10 2024
Pickup trucks are the ideal machines for towing heavy but they still have some shortfalls that become obvious when you get serious with towing. That’s why the aftermarket offers many upgraded parts designed with towing in mind. Some of the most demanded among those parts are towing suspension upgrades, which we’ll focus on in this read.
There is a variety of upgrades that can make towing easier for you. It's true that manufacturers already try to do that by offering you optional equipment from the factory, such as trailer parking assistant, electronically operated tow hitch, and so on but there is still much room for improvement. In general, the mods we offer help you eliminate rear axle sag, excessive sway, and reduced suspension bounce The most important and useful mods we can offer you are the following:
Helper springs are of good help indeed! Fairly inexpensive, don’t require a particularly difficult installation, and improve the towing capabilities of your pickup truck. They provide extra support to the rear axle and strengthen it, which is something that manufacturers try to do with their trucks from the factory, but you may still experience excessive sagging of the suspension when under load - the helper springs solve that issue. They don’t replace the existing springs but they are added to them. You can have these in both main types - coil or leaf, and they’re available for a really wide range of cars.
One of the most recommended upgrades to pickup suspensions is airbag suspension kits. These offer more versatility, as they are adjustable. Based on your current load, you can either add air pressure from the airbags to adjust the ride height and eliminate any sag. This can be done either automatically or manually, depending on the kit you choose. This makes them great for those that don’t tow so often but when they do, they tow heavy.
Alternatively, it is also a great option for those that tow varying loads. Last but not least, these airbags are able to provide extra comfort to your ride, as they absorb bumps and vibrations - this is rarely the case with tougher leaf springs or shocks, which have to trade off some comfort for improved towing capabilities.
The pneumatic airbags are fitted between the axles and frame of the pickup truck. While they look relatively subtle, they can provide thousands of pounds of assistance to keep the truck level. The more advanced systems have several airbags that allow you to level not only front-to-back but also left-to-right.
While helper springs are added to the existing suspension, upgraded heavy-duty springs completely replace them. Because you have to completely replace the existing springs, this solution is better for those who tow very often and won’t mind some of the cons that are noticeable when not towing, as it is a permanent solution and takes time to replace.
Thanks to that though, they can provide a really significant improvement and increase the load capacity considerably. The solution is reliable and there are no “vulnerable” parts that might break, as is the case with airbag suspension kits. Of course, this takes away some of the versatility and added comfort but the lower price and ruggedness are not advantages to ignore either.
Compared to the airbag suspension kits above, SES is sometimes favored for its simplicity and longevity. Airbag lift kits are somewhat fragile, and may not be able to hold air after years of use - just like it happens with standard air suspension. Timbren SES doesn’t have this problem because it's a much more simple and sturdy rubber spring. It only engages when the truck is under a heavy load, so it doesn’t hinder comfort when the vehicle is not loaded and only supports you when actually needed.
In simple terms, it's something like an upgraded bump stop. When engaged, the ride is less comfortable than when driving empty but as it was designed, the SES absorbs shocks and vibrations, so the comfort is still much better than with a sagged-down suspension. The same also goes for controllability.
In short, the SES is a viable solution that is cheaper and lower-maintenance than an airbag kit, as it doesn’t require wiring, air lines, or special brackets. Nothing is perfect though, so it's less versatile and somewhat less effective.
Shocks for towing or so-called heavy-duty shocks are one of the more basic upgrades, and fairly easy to install, as they just replace the standard shocks. You probably won’t be able to tell a difference between standard and heavy-duty shocks simply by looking at them, but the tougher version has firmer valving and uses stronger internal materials, which allows it to offer more support and less sag when towing.
All of the upgrades have one thing in common - they are there to ensure that your pickup truck maintains a proper ride height regardless of how heavy you’re towing. Those who are able to compare two trucks side by side, one with upgraded suspension and one stock, immediately notice the differences in handling. What are they?
By reducing rear axle sag, you can ensure proper wheel alignment and overall wheel contact with the road - this is quite important for braking and even tire wear. You’ll also be able to avoid bottoming out over bumps, and you’ll notice a more comfortable ride when under load. They also improve handling and reduce sway, ensuring a more controlled ride. Given the reduced strain on the axles, your suspension components are also likely to last longer and not wear out so fast.
If this has convinced you and you want to maximize the effectiveness and towing capabilities of your pickup truck, take a look at the wide range of aftermarket suspension upgrades. On top of fair prices, the dedicated sales techs are always happy to advise you on your purchase and help you choose the right parts for your ride.