Which Shocks for a 2500 HD?

[msutoad]

Glad to hear it . I really like the 5100s on my truck too! Big improvement...

[Soundsailor]

OK, so I wanted to report back. Got a set of the 5100s installed on my 2500HD today, and the difference in ride was apparent immediately. Haven't towed with them yet but I'm expecting a big improvement.

[Brougherc]

Question... Do I need to change the suspension in my truck?

I drive a 2016 GMC 3500 Single wheel Denali crew cab with 70,000 miles. Original shocks/suspension except that I installed Air Lift airbags about a year ago. I recently upgraded my tires (5 tires) to MichelinL LTX AT2 LT275/65R20 126/123R with a max load 3,750 at 80 PSI, load Range E. My previous tires were Goodyear LT 265/60R20 121/118S with a max weight of 3,195 at 80 PSE, Load Range E. I changed to the Michelin because I had 2 sidewall blowouts, both on the rear, with the Michelins. Not simultaneously thank God!

The Michelin tires are larger (my truck sets about 1 inch taller off the road) and more robust: can handle 555 more pounds each.

Since I changed tires...no blowouts after about 2,000 miles. However, the ride in the truck is really rough. I really feel the bumps on the road no matter where I have the airbag pressure set...from a low of 10 to a high of 50. And most importantly, the wife is not happy!

MY 5th wheel is a Grand Design Solitude 2017 310 GK. I only travel with empty water, grey ad black tanks. I had it weighed at a Grand Design Rally sometime back and I am confident I am well under the max rear axle weight of the truck.

So, my question is, do I need to replace/change the suspension in my truck?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Hoopy Frood]

Those higher weights come at a cost: stiffer sidewalls, which lead to a rougher ride. Be that as it may, you probably needed new shocks about 20,000 or 30,000 miles ago. OEM shocks are pretty wimpy. Doubtful they'll do much for the ride though.

[FT4NOW]

Question... Do I need to change the suspension in my truck?

I drive a 2016 GMC 3500 Single wheel Denali crew cab with 70,000 miles. Original shocks/suspension except that I installed Air Lift airbags about a year ago. I recently upgraded my tires (5 tires) to MichelinL LTX AT2 LT275/65R20 126/123R with a max load 3,750 at 80 PSI, load Range E. My previous tires were Goodyear LT 265/60R20 121/118S with a max weight of 3,195 at 80 PSE, Load Range E. I changed to the Michelin because I had 2 sidewall blowouts, both on the rear, with the Michelins. Not simultaneously thank God!

The Michelin tires are larger (my truck sets about 1 inch taller off the road) and more robust: can handle 555 more pounds each.

Since I changed tires...no blowouts after about 2,000 miles. However, the ride in the truck is really rough. I really feel the bumps on the road no matter where I have the airbag pressure set...from a low of 10 to a high of 50. And most importantly, the wife is not happy!

MY 5th wheel is a Grand Design Solitude 2017 310 GK. I only travel with empty water, grey ad black tanks. I had it weighed at a Grand Design Rally sometime back and I am confident I am well under the max rear axle weight of the truck.

So, my question is, do I need to replace/change the suspension in my truck?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Even if you didn't change your tires, I'd highly recommend new shocks with those kind of miles on them. Factory shocks don't generally last very long.

[Wileykid]

Question... Do I need to change the suspension in my truck?

I drive a 2016 GMC 3500 Single wheel Denali crew cab with 70,000 miles. Original shocks/suspension except that I installed Air Lift airbags about a year ago. I recently upgraded my tires (5 tires) to MichelinL LTX AT2 LT275/65R20 126/123R with a max load 3,750 at 80 PSI, load Range E. My previous tires were Goodyear LT 265/60R20 121/118S with a max weight of 3,195 at 80 PSE, Load Range E. I changed to the Michelin because I had 2 sidewall blowouts, both on the rear, with the Michelins. Not simultaneously thank God!

The Michelin tires are larger (my truck sets about 1 inch taller off the road) and more robust: can handle 555 more pounds each.

Since I changed tires...no blowouts after about 2,000 miles. However, the ride in the truck is really rough. I really feel the bumps on the road no matter where I have the airbag pressure set...from a low of 10 to a high of 50. And most importantly, the wife is not happy!

MY 5th wheel is a Grand Design Solitude 2017 310 GK. I only travel with empty water, grey ad black tanks. I had it weighed at a Grand Design Rally sometime back and I am confident I am well under the max rear axle weight of the truck.

So, my question is, do I need to replace/change the suspension in my truck?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I had a '16 Chevy 2500 that I was using to pull a 10K lb trailer, the OEM shocks were shot by 40K miles and replaced with Bilstein 4600's. On my current truck, a '23 Chevy 3500 that has the "upgraded" off road package with Rancho shocks*, I just replaced them with Bilstein 4600's. They were shot, first quarter travel had no resistance. Truck has 7,000 miles, just under 3,000 miles pulling my trailer with a 2,800 lb pin weight. The ride in both trucks improved a lot with the new shocks.

Changing the suspension is not going to change the ride much, if at all, and may add more headaches.

When you are not towing, you can reduce the pressure in the tires (many threads), to get a better ride.

*Rancho shocks on the Chevy is not the same that are sold retail, and most likely a cheaper version.