Z71 w/6.2 towing

Z71RAD88 · September 7, 2020

Does anyone have any pictures of their trucks with this specification hitched up to their trailer? I’m curious to see how much squat is in effect with different trailer weights. Thanks!

bshort · September 7, 2020

I don't have a pic, nor do I have the z71. I do have the max tow version, and with a 6000 pound trailer with an 800 pound tongue weight, it sags. The weight distribution hitch will bring it back to somewhat level.

Z71RAD88 · September 7, 2020

Do you think a 4,000-5,000 lbs TT with 10-15% hitch weight and distribution hitch would sag much on the Z71 suspension?

bshort · September 7, 2020

2 hours ago, Z71RAD88 said:

Do you think a 4,000-5,000 lbs TT with 10-15% hitch weight and distribution hitch would sag much on the Z71 suspension?

Short answer is yes. Do you own this trailer or going by the spec listed for a new one?

Z71RAD88 · September 7, 2020

35 minutes ago, bshort said:

Short answer is yes. Do you own this trailer or going by the spec listed for a new one?

Nope. Don’t own it. The spec dry weight is is 3600 lbs and I figure about 500-1000 lbs will be add for what we plan to do with the travel for our trips.

bshort · September 8, 2020

They list them dry without propane and batteries. Mine spec'd at 600 but was over 800 with the two 30lb tanks and two batteries. Just have to crank up on the wdh to get somewhat level with the gear in the bed. Can always get bags if it really bothers you. I don't really care on mine.

Z71RAD88 · September 8, 2020

57 minutes ago, bshort said:

They list them dry without propane and batteries. Mine spec'd at 600 but was over 800 with the two 30lb tanks and two batteries. Just have to crank up on the wdh to get somewhat level with the gear in the bed. Can always get bags if it really bothers you. I don't really care on mine.

Ya, I’m aware of that. I honestly don’t envision going more than a weekend at this point with the age of our kids. Most places we’ll have full hookups too.

mrtizzom · September 8, 2020

I have a Z71 w/ 6.2 and it does squat when the camper is hooked up. Trailer is about 6500 loaded...equalizer wdh brings it back up some. No issues pulling at this point. I do have plans to switch to Bilstein's in the rear as well as adding Sumo Springs...i'm anticipating that will help some with the sag but wont totally eliminate it.

oldmann · September 8, 2020

I don't mind squatting the truck at all. The more tongue weight the better. I would say there is 3" of squat here. Total weight is about 9000 lbs. The motor and trans did very well. Never got over 182 degrees in 500 miles in Northern Michigan.

Z71RAD88 · September 8, 2020

6 minutes ago, oldmann said:

I don't mind squatting the truck at all. The more tongue weight the better. I would say there is 3" of squat here. Total weight is about 9000 lbs. The motor and trans did very well. Never got over 182 degrees in 500 miles in Northern Michigan.

Thanks for taking the time to post the picture. The visualization is nice to see. Although I realize each truck is spec’s differently as well as each trailer so squat is likely to change.

Z71RAD88 · September 8, 2020

Would installing aftermarket shocks like Bilstein's 5100 help reduce squat? I see most guys install them for overall better ride quality but would they help off-set squat from tongue weight of a trailer too?

bshort · September 8, 2020

8 minutes ago, Z71RAD88 said:

Would installing aftermarket shocks like Bilstein's 5100 help reduce squat? I see most guys install them for overall better ride quality but would they help off-set squat from tongue weight of a trailer too?

Nope. You would need airbags or the absolutely horrible riding sumos.

aseibel · September 8, 2020

34 minutes ago, Z71RAD88 said:

Would installing aftermarket shocks like Bilstein's 5100 help reduce squat? I see most guys install them for overall better ride quality but would they help off-set squat from tongue weight of a trailer too?

Your springs carry the weight, shocks just help damper the bumps.

I bolted on some hellwig helper springs on my truck solely because I planned to drive around with up to 400 lbs of sand in the bed during winter. I left them on all the time because they don't hurt the ride unsprung. There are various bolt on options you can consider if the sag really bothers you. (sumo, timbren, hellwig, etc, not to mention airbags)

I don't think your trailer is going to cause you a considerable problem. Are you planning to use a WDH?

Go find 3-4 buddies/neighbors, hand them each a beer and tell them to stand at the back edge of the bed while you measure your sag. Then you'll know exactly what you'll be dealing with.

Z71RAD88 · September 8, 2020

8 minutes ago, aseibel said:

Your springs carry the weight, shocks just help damper the bumps.

I bolted on some hellwig helper springs on my truck solely because I planned to drive around with up to 400 lbs of sand in the bed during winter. I left them on all the time because they don't hurt the ride unsprung. There are various bolt on options you can consider if the sag really bothers you. (sumo, timbren, hellwig, etc, not to mention airbags)

I don't think your trailer is going to cause you a considerable problem. Are you planning to use a WDH?

Go find 3-4 buddies/neighbors, hand them each a beer and tell them to stand at the back edge of the bed while you measure your sag. Then you'll know exactly what you'll be dealing with.

Yes on WDH. The issue with my neighbors, I’ll hand them a beer and they’ll need another one by the time we walk from the garage to the truck.

aseibel · September 8, 2020

46 minutes ago, Z71RAD88 said:

Yes on WDH. The issue with my neighbors, I’ll hand them a beer and they’ll need another one by the time we walk from the garage to the truck.

I didn't know you lived in my neighborhood!