Towing handling

[Ron Wright]

Are there any suspension modifications that will improve handling when towing my 26 foot travel trailer?

 

[VBreithaupt]

Staying within rated tow capacity and use of a weight distribution and sway bars are the biggest. Cheapest add on is Sumo spring spacer. I'm sure others will get into aftermarket stuff.

 

[Ron Wright]

Thanks! Do your sumo springs make a difference?

 

[LG_123]

My sumo springs made a very slight difference. Mine rear end was already getting saggy and this hasn’t fixed it but they might be more effective as a preventative measure. They’re easy to install and relatively cheap.

 

[byathread]

Thanks! Do your sumo springs make a difference?

Depends on use case/whether you have CCD or not I think!
More importantly, what WD Hitch are you using and what are all your axle weights when loaded? Go to a CAT scale at a truck stop and check (loaded, like you would be for a trip/camping)... Optimize from there. I had a Blue OX Sway Pro WD hitch with our 7K GVRW Travel Trailer. 750lb bars/pulled like a dream for like 30K miles/CCD/a little squat, not too bad...

 

[C Trost]

Sumo springs, Bilsteins 5100 shocks, Helwig rear sway bar, correctly setup WDH. Sumo and Helwig are easy diy installs. The shocks are a bit tougher to diy ‘cause you need a heavy duty coil spring compressor tool. I also put on some power stop Z36 HD tow brake rotors and pads.

‘20 XLT HD tow, tow 8700lb boat

 

[roard]

Yes — I improved the handling with thicker anti-roll bars and reinforced shock absorbers — it changes everything when you tow. Also, the reinforced coil springs (or trailer air bags) help a lot to stabilize the hitch.

Mini Militia App Lock​

 

[JasonH]

Load D tires and more pressure.

 

[durb]

towing with independent suspension sucks

 

[MAC1]

To the OP. Have you tried a Pro Pride or Hensley hitch? They are pricey but work well, completely change the bumper pull towing characteristics; substantially reduce instability.