We recently switched TV's.
We went from a more than adequate 2000 Lincoln Navigator with a self-leveling rear-end (air bags) which towed our 1575 easily straight and true to a more than adequate new-to-us 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LTZ (V8, 5.3L, factory tow package, integrated brake controller, ...).
*Here is the thread on our TV switch -
https://community.lanceowners.org/top...ed-to-a-new-to-us-tv
While the truck is much more than adequate to handle our small, skinny, & light 1575 (3,465 lbs. loaded for an extended trip) I found on the initial tow that there was a very minor amount of sponginess and porpoising. Absolutely no sway whatsoever, but just a touch of movement while braking to a stop.
Just like with the Navigator I/we want to tow as if nothing is behind us so this small issue needed resolving.
We don't want to add & mess with inflating & deflating air bags, dealing with sway bars, or anything else that is above-and-beyond what we need for our trailer.
Enter the Torklift Lower StableLoads (our truck does not have "uppers") -
"The StableLoad Suspension Stabilizer dramatically improves vehicle handling characteristics by "pre-activating" the stabilizing effect designed for rear springs by keeping them actively under load the way your vehicle factory engineers designed them to operate.
StableLoads are designed to improve the handling characteristics of your loaded vehicle by “pre-loading” the factory overload spring."
http://www.torklift.com/index....uspension/stableload
Here is the truck with no load -
Here is the truck with the trailer loaded, but without the still-to-be-added full 7.5 gallon/30 lb. LP tank (53 lbs.), group 30 Trojan battery (70.2 lbs.), B-D battery lock (3 lbs.), & Arvika bike rack & 3 bikes (123.6 lbs.) -
*Here is my thread on weights -
https://community.lanceowners.org/top...-free-to-add-to-list
Installed the first Stable Load -
Piece of cake right? STOP right there.
Yes, they are easy to install, but not until you have spent quite a bit of time with the first one. After that, the other 3 are indeed a piece of cake.
So, here are my tips -
- Loosely assemble all 4 StableLoads in the house, garage, etc...
- Be prepared to disassemble & reassemble the first one 2 or 3 times before getting it perfect.
- Once you have the first one installed tighten the other 3 in a comfortable upright position. No need to do that prep. work on your back under the vehicle.
- Assemble the wedge pack so that it is tight, but can be rotated by hand (without the ratchet).
Specific to our truck - 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 -
- 6 spacer washers are the perfect amount.
- Use the center hole of the 3 small grouped holes in the 7-hole bottom plate.
- All 3 wedges work well with our springs. *You can use 1, 2, or 3 wedges depending upon your vehicle/springs.
- Install them on the inside of the springs. *The outer/tire side of the springs was way too close to the tire(s) for my comfort.
What you'll need to supply -
- A ratchet & a 3/8"-drive extension. I had an extra ratchet & 3" long extension that I was willing to commit to the truck (glove box) full time. A 2" extension would also work.
Miscellaneous -
- I had 8 spacer washers left over (from the supplied 32 spacer washers) as well as an extra bolt (was supplied 9 instead of 8).
- The tailpipe gets in the way of the ratchet on the rear StableLoad on the passenger side so I was glad that I assembled the wedge pack to be able to be rotated firmly by hand.
- The hanger assembly for the tailpipe is pretty close to the rear StableLoad on the passenger side, but not so close that I am concerned. It will be something that I check frequently however just to make sure everything is fine.
- I do not have a floor jack to raise the rear end a bit for installation so I instead drove up on to a curb and then up on to an Andersen Camper Leveler. This caused the opposite rear tire to have enough spring separation for the installation.
-------------------------
Results/thoughts (this will be added to as we tow more with them engaged & disengaged, etc ...) -
- As of this first day I have only driven with no load with them engaged & disengaged. Engaged they make for a pretty stiff ride. Not bad, but I wouldn't want to keep them engaged for daily non-towing driving.
- We have an upcoming camping trip to the coast up and over coastal hills and on some extremely windy roads - including Hwy. 1 - with a lot of stop-and-go areas - small towns. I will be towing with them engaged for the trip to the cg and then disengaged for the trip home. As soon as I return from that trip I will give a full report.
- 4/24/17 170-mile drive with the truck unloaded & the StableLoads engaged -
https://community.lanceowners.org/top...5#559194101590978125
- 4/27/17 Fully loaded tongue area test drive and rear StableLoads lowered to 2 wedges (fronts still at 3 wedges) -
https://community.lanceowners.org/top...6#558771889104945526
- 4/27/17 Pictures of how/why 2 rear wedges & 3 front wedges works well for our rig -
https://community.lanceowners.org/top...2#559194101617072622
- 4/30/17 Pictures & write up engaged & fully loaded for a trip tow to the ocean (very curvy & hilly) -
https://community.lanceowners.org/top...9#559334912878988189
- 5/2/17 Engaged, fully loaded and level picture -
-------------------------
Here are a bunch more pictures. So many that I am going to go the easy route and click on the "Large" display option.
If you have any questions please ask away.
