Bouncing and more bouncing

[Javi]

Originally Posted by Mandtra

It bounces when I hit a dip in the road , or uneven surface . If I lessen the tension on the bars the bounce is better , but the sway gets worse and when I tighten the bars with more tension the sway disappears , but I get the bounce . The odd thing is that with the bars tight and trailer connected I can push down with one hand on the truck bumper and bounce it like a basketball . It really does not take much pressure to make the back of the truck and front of the trailer go up and down . It really seems to me that it's the truck springs causing the movement . That's why I hope the airbags will stiffen up the rear of the truck . After the airbags I'm thinking of upgrading the shocks


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I know you don't want to hear it and then you most likely won't listen, but several of us have personal experience with it phenomenon....

You are just throwing good money after bad and a whole bunch of us have been where you are today...

I wish you luck..... and let us know what truck you end up with... I hope it's a big enough for the inevitable upgrade....

[mfifield01]

Originally Posted by Mandtra

It bounces when I hit a dip in the road , or uneven surface . If I lessen the tension on the bars the bounce is better , but the sway gets worse and when I tighten the bars with more tension the sway disappears , but I get the bounce . The odd thing is that with the bars tight and trailer connected I can push down with one hand on the truck bumper and bounce it like a basketball . It really does not take much pressure to make the back of the truck and front of the trailer go up and down . It really seems to me that it's the truck springs causing the movement . That's why I hope the airbags will stiffen up the rear of the truck . After the airbags I'm thinking of upgrading the shocks


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What happens when you push on the bumper without the trailer? It sounds like a blown or worn shock, but your truck is a newer model. My concern with a 1500 has been more on the side of length than weight (based on my ultralite). I don't really notice the trailer until I'm going faster than 45 MPH.

Mine doesn't bounce or move when hitched up. I did set up my WDH based on weights from a CAT scale, so I'm as even as possible. Also, I have a few things that could help me out: Air Suspension, LT Tires, and longer wheelbase (same as 2500/3500).

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by mfifield01

What happens when you push on the bumper without the trailer? It sounds like a blown or worn shock, but your truck is a newer model. My concern with a 1500 has been more on the side of length than weight (based on my ultralite). I don't really notice the trailer until I'm going faster than 45 MPH.

Mine doesn't bounce or move when hitched up. I did set up my WDH based on weights from a CAT scale, so I'm as even as possible. Also, I have a few things that could help me out: Air Suspension, LT Tires, and longer wheelbase (same as 2500/3500).

One word Bilstein!

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by mfifield01

What happens when you push on the bumper without the trailer? It sounds like a blown or worn shock, but your truck is a newer model. My concern with a 1500 has been more on the side of length than weight (based on my ultralite). I don't really notice the trailer until I'm going faster than 45 MPH.

Mine doesn't bounce or move when hitched up. I did set up my WDH based on weights from a CAT scale, so I'm as even as possible. Also, I have a few things that could help me out: Air Suspension, LT Tires, and longer wheelbase (same as 2500/3500).

Sounds like you've done some things to "beef up" your 1500 as I've done in the past, which is good, but, your last statement is a little confusing; "air suspension, LT tires and longer wheelbase (same as 2500/3500)."

I hope that you're not thinking that those listed items make your truck the same as a 2500/3500....because it doesn't - just so the OP doesn't get the wrong idea.

[mfifield01]

Originally Posted by sourdough

Sounds like you've done some things to "beef up" your 1500 as I've done in the past, which is good, but, your last statement is a little confusing; "air suspension, LT tires and longer wheelbase (same as 2500/3500)."

I hope that you're not thinking that those listed items make your truck the same as a 2500/3500....because it doesn't - just so the OP doesn't get the wrong idea.

Sorry, I'll clarify. The only upgrade I did was LT tires. The Air Suspension is factory. The wheelbase is the same as a 2500/3500. Most half ton trucks have a shorter wheelbase.

[Mandtra]

Originally Posted by mfifield01

What happens when you push on the bumper without the trailer? It sounds like a blown or worn shock, but your truck is a newer model. My concern with a 1500 has been more on the side of length than weight (based on my ultralite). I don't really notice the trailer until I'm going faster than 45 MPH.

Mine doesn't bounce or move when hitched up. I did set up my WDH based on weights from a CAT scale, so I'm as even as possible. Also, I have a few things that could help me out: Air Suspension, LT Tires, and longer wheelbase (same as 2500/3500).

When I push down on the bumper with no trailer , it still moves quiet a bit . I suppose that's why it has such a soft ride . I think it's engineered so that's it's really soft until you contact the next spring if that makes sense . If the airbags and shocks just cut the bounce in half I will be happy . Equalizer Tech support said that with the air bags , I should be able to task some tension off the bars which should also help with the bouncer. My fingers are crossed

My truck is almost new, it has the towing package , but I'm pretty sure it has the standard shocks


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[Tbos]

The suspension on the 2014 Silverado 1500 I had was never that soft. At one time I also had a 2013 Sierra and it's suspension was not that soft. I think your shocks are weaker than they should be.


2016 Passport GT 2810BHS, 2016 F350 CC DRW

[Ken / Claudia]

I followed a Passport trailer being towed by a 150 SC that looked like around 2002-2005. Trailer appeared to be 26 to 28 ft. What caught my attention was the bouncing bicycles on a bumper mount. 12 miles of freeway and 2 bridge crossing with steel bridge joints. They were going around 55 the whole time. I did not see any trailer bounce, it seemed to pull great. When I passed the vehicles I than noted the nose down trailer and rear of truck pushed down, with rear tires bulged out. Over loaded for sure but, again no sway or trailer bounce as the#1 post brought up. This was on 4-14 on my way to work.

[the sodfather]

I'm no expert but it sounds like not enough tow vehicle an too much payload and trailer...

[Mandtra]

Originally Posted by the sodfather

I'm no expert but it sounds like not enough tow vehicle an too much payload and trailer...

A , 5800 lbs tt is too much for a Silverado 1500 with a 9400 lbs tow capacity ?


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[Javi]

Originally Posted by Mandtra

A , 5800 lbs tt is too much for a Silverado 1500 with a 9400 lbs tow capacity ?


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It ain't about what it can tow, it's about what it can carry.

Javi

[SUnderwood]

I went to the next size spring bars , stopped the bouncing

[ctbruce]

Originally Posted by Javi

It ain't about what it can tow, it's about what it can carry.

Javi

I would second this. It can pull a lot. Per your numbers it can't carry a lot. Not just some or most of the numbers need to be met. All the numbers nerd to be met and payload on a 1500 is usually the first to max out. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt to prove it.

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[TLB]

Originally Posted by Mandtra

My truck is almost new, it has the towing package


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I'm pretty sure that all you get in the package is the hitch, trailer wire connection, and maybe a brake controller.

[notanlines]

Mandtra, GMC offers about a dozen different tow packages, from tranny cooler, engine oil cooler, receivers and such. Your build sheet (available online with your VIN) will tell you exactly what they sent you.

[Double b]

Originally Posted by notanlines

Mandtra, GMC offers about a dozen different tow packages, from tranny cooler, engine oil cooler, receivers and such. Your build sheet (available online with your VIN) will tell you exactly what they sent you.

Can you post the link to the place you can check your VIN Number? What information does it post? What the sticker/sheet that is posted in the window when you are on the lot? Or do you get more information?

[Tbos]

In the glove box of your truck will be a sticker with a bunch of 3 digit alphanumeric RPO codes. They can be tracked online to figure out exactly what is in your truck.


2016 Passport GT 2810BHS, 2016 F350 CC DRW

[the sodfather]

Originally Posted by Mandtra

A , 5800 lbs tt is too much for a Silverado 1500 with a 9400 lbs tow capacity ?


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Ya, I saw a Toyota Tundra pull the Space Shuttle on tv too.

Now seriously, I'd go by actually scale numbers and have a good margin for error. My 07 Avalache pulled my pop up quite nicely. Replaced the pop up with a 5300 lb TT. Simular numbers as you've got. Should easily pull it (by the numbers) right? Buying that TT also cost me a new truck (2500HD) to yank it around. Safely.

[GMcKenzie]

I've got Sumosprings on the way. Sort of middle ground between Timbrens and Air bags. I had some bouncing last year and am told these will help. I also am thinking of LT tires.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by Mandtra

It bounces when I hit a dip in the road , or uneven surface . If I lessen the tension on the bars the bounce is better , but the sway gets worse and when I tighten the bars with more tension the sway disappears , but I get the bounce . The odd thing is that with the bars tight and trailer connected I can push down with one hand on the truck bumper and bounce it like a basketball . It really does not take much pressure to make the back of the truck and front of the trailer go up and down . It really seems to me that it's the truck springs causing the movement . That's why I hope the airbags will stiffen up the rear of the truck . After the airbags I'm thinking of upgrading the shocks


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Bounce is not enough damping, specifically rebound damping. Quality shocks, like Bilstein 5100's will go a long way to resolving the ride.