Harsh ride

[Blueinterceptor]

does anybody think their 15-17 rides a little harsh? What did you do about it?

 

[Vector]

Actually the reason I decided to move up to either a Denali or Escalade was for the magnetic ride suspension. Though some LTZ Subs apparently had it as an option, I also wanted the 6.2 and 8 speed transmission which is only available on those two models. This all came about after having renting a new generation and driving on the highway at speeds well above what it felt like I was doing. The power was ample and the ride was so smooth.

Now I will grant you that going over bumps and the like, even in tour mode does seem a bit stiff, but for highway driving and towing, you cannot beat it.

 

[NYisles1]

does anybody think their 15-17 rides a little harsh? What did you do about it?

Lots of owners do and you’ll find plenty of posts on here about it. Hopefully it’s something GM addresses with the upcoming redesign.

Running 3-5lbs lower tire pressure makes a big difference on my suburban z71, but it’s got 18’s so a lot of sidewall to soak up the bumps. Not sure how well that would work with 20’s or larger wheels.

There are threads about bypassing the MRC, take a look at those to see if it’s worked for anyone.

 

[DwDrummer]

Our 16 Escalade had a harsh ride and could feel every bump, joint, and crack in the road. Absolutely ridiculous for a $85K vehicle. And then add in the vibration issue they could never figure out on our truck.

 

[Vector]

Lots of owners do and you’ll find plenty of posts on here about it. Hopefully it’s something GM addresses with the upcoming redesign.

Running 3-5lbs lower tire pressure makes a big difference on my suburban z71, but it’s got 18’s so a lot of sidewall to soak up the bumps. Not sure how well that would work with 20’s or larger wheels.

There are threads about bypassing the MRC, take a look at those to see if it’s worked for anyone.

Wow, hard to believe there are those who wish to bypass one of the features that make an SUV handle so well. I have stock 22's and while I feel the bumps, it is an SUV afterall.
I just wonder if people are expecting too much from a huge heavy truck, and wanting them to ride like an Acura luxury car.

 

[Vector]

Our 16 Escalade had a harsh ride and could feel every bump, joint, and crack in the road. Absolutely ridiculous for a $85K vehicle. And then add in the vibration issue they could never figure out on our truck.

So what was your solution?

 

[DwDrummer]

I sold the piece of junk!

 

[NYisles1]

Wow, hard to believe there are those who wish to bypass one of the features that make an SUV handle so well. I have stock 22's and while I feel the bumps, it is an SUV afterall.
I just wonder if people are expecting too much from a huge heavy truck, and wanting them to ride like an Acura luxury car.

No doubt some people have unrealistic expectations of a full-size BOF solid rear axle vehicle. But a better compromise could likely have been had. Yes you should feel bumps but it doesn’t need to be as harsh as it is on many variations of this generation.

 

[Csurp]

My 2017 Tahoe LT with tow package rides great but in a truck way. It turns a lot quicker than my 2002 F-350 Lariat with the front leaf springs did.

No matter the price, these are still body on frame trucks not luxury vehicles.

I have no experience with the magnetic ride.

 

[Csurp]

Running 3-5lbs lower tire pressure makes a big difference on my suburban z71, but it’s got 18’s so a lot of sidewall to soak up the bumps. Not sure how well that would work with 20’s or larger wheels.

How does that lower air pressure affect your mileage?

 

[Blueinterceptor]

I have a 15 Tahoe that rides fine. Taught but without issue. I had a 15 burb that rose great. The 16 Tahoe just seems too tight. I was wondering if it’s the shocks or the trailering pkg?
My 17 Tahoe. Replacement for the burb rides great.

I thought it was the tires. But they are all 20’s.
All have the magnetic ride and trailering pkg.

 

[NYisles1]

How does that lower air pressure affect your mileage?

Marginally. I’ve got 40,000 on the original wrangler sra tires and lifetime average mileage as per computer is 17.8. That includes about 3500 miles towing a utility trailer. And airing down made a big difference in ride quality so whatever mpg hit I took, I’ll take.

 

[kilyung]

I have a ‘17 Denali with 22s. Most of my driving is highway so I like the taut MRC suspension. My ‘15 ‘Burb was too bouncy. However once in a while my sciatica flares up and I use a gel seat cushion. Cheapest solution to resolving a hard ride.

 

[ajs800]

No doubt some people have unrealistic expectations of a full-size BOF solid rear axle vehicle. But a better compromise could likely have been had. Yes you should feel bumps but it doesn’t need to be as harsh as it is on many variations of this generation.

Well, our 2007 Tahoe and 2010 Burb didn't ride as harsh as our 15 Yukon XL. Honestly there's no comparison...our 15 rides like a brick in comparison. All with 20" wheels.

And regarding the MRC, there are many complaints here and on the caddy site re a rough ride. GM has admitted that with the 15 and 16 models there are issues with the MRC programming and/or there are many defective units from the factory.

I too run our 20" tires low to provide a softer ride....typically in the 32psi range.

 

[Vector]

Well, our 2007 Tahoe and 2010 Burb didn't ride as harsh as our 15 Yukon XL. Honestly there's no comparison...our 15 rides like a brick in comparison. All with 20" wheels.

And regarding the MRC, there are many complaints here and on the caddy site re a rough ride. GM has admitted that with the 15 and 16 models there are issues with the MRC programming and/or there are many defective units from the factory.

I too run our 20" tires low to provide a softer ride....typically in the 32psi range.

Do you know if they are covering reprogramming and/or replacing defective units?
I wonder how they would know a unit was defective unless it either throws a code, or has measurable tolerances that shows it is out of spec?

 

[Blueinterceptor]

I had asked about reprogramming and the service Dept was unaware or its availability.
My thing is that since the vehicles interior is a lot of plastic and Velcro. I don’t want to shake it into creaking. I’m trying to get the dealer to change the shocks. Would that help? Or is it able to be completely reprogrammed?

The thing is on smooth roads the truck is great but hit a pothole and the truck seems like it can break something. On a road with horizontal cut in the road it seems like a basketball.
Compared to my 17 which rides like a it’s on a cloud.

 

[AZRiverRunner]

I can't speak for the standard '15-18 suspension. I did have a 2015 Tahoe LT with the tow package, auto leveling comfort ride option and it road like a coupe de ville, without any wind or outside noise. I put 45,000 miles on it in less than 3 years. A little too soft for my liking. My 2018 RST 6.2L has the magnetic ride, it's awesome in my opinion. More like a luxury sports sedan. You feel the road, but not harsh and it is quiet.

 

[dmad1]

The '17 LT we bought last week is supposed to have the "Soft Suspension" package but it doesn't ride like it does to me. I also have a '13 Vette and it is a little harsh and I was expecting a better ride from the LT.

 

[sickpup]

does anybody think their 15-17 rides a little harsh? What did you do about it?

My god... my 2018 feels like im on a pillow.... i hate it...daily driver is a f150.. bout to pick up sway bars and springs from Norcal to stiffen it up..

 

[olyelr]

It all depends on what you are expecting out of a big SUV, and what you consider "harsh" or "comfortable". It varies greatly from person to person.

I dont think the ride is horrible, but not really great either. But I am kind of used to 3/4 ton pickups and a Jeep, so I am used to harsher riding vehicles. But, I swear my '17 half ton RAM pickup rides and handles better than my wife's Denali XL.