Max Towing too Stiff

[Black18premier]

I’ve got a 2018 Tahoe Premier that has the max trailer package. I bought it about a year and a half ago and got a decent deal on it and I’m thinking it’s because of the suspension. This thing is so stiff stuff actually flies around in the back if you hit a bump in the road. I was originally ok with it as I had a car as my other vehicle. I have since gotten a truck for work and am looking to soften the suspension up on the Tahoe. Looking for input on what softer suspension parts are compatible.

First post so let me know if I didn’t do this right.

 

[Fless]

Welcome to the forum from the Centennial State!

 

[B-train]

My guess is you could look for springs and shocks for the standard tahoe. Does yours have the electronic shocks and air ride?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

The first step that I would take is to bring it to a reputable dealer or repair shop, familiar with this truck and its suspension systems, to inspect it and determine if all of the components are operating correctly. I would not shoot the parts cannon at it, or devise any other potential remedies, until this is done. I don't think that the situation that you describe (This thing is so stiff stuff actually flies around in the back if you hit a bump in the road.) is normal for any stock truck in proper operating condition.

 

[swathdiver]

I’ve got a 2018 Tahoe Premier that has the max trailer package. I bought it about a year and a half ago and got a decent deal on it and I’m thinking it’s because of the suspension. This thing is so stiff stuff actually flies around in the back if you hit a bump in the road. I was originally ok with it as I had a car as my other vehicle. I have since gotten a truck for work and am looking to soften the suspension up on the Tahoe. Looking for input on what softer suspension parts are compatible.

First post so let me know if I didn’t do this right.

Doesn't your Premier have the Z95 Magneride suspension? It's possible that a shock has stuck or needs to be re-calibrated. Should ride like a Cadillac unless you are running non stock wheels and tires.

These were made to tow and the suspensions settle down with a load on, even a hundred pounds or two in the back can help.

 

[Black18premier]

My guess is you could look for springs and shocks for the standard tahoe. Does yours have the electronic shocks and air ride?

I know it has air because I’ve heard the compressor. I think there’s a different setup for the trailering package no?

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

The first step that I would take is to bring it to a reputable dealer or repair shop, familiar with this truck and its suspension systems, to inspect it and determine if all of the components are operating correctly. I would not shoot the parts cannon at it, or devise any other potential remedies, until this is done. I don't think that the situation that you describe (This thing is so stiff stuff actually flies around in the back if you hit a bump in the road.) is normal for any stock truck in proper operating condition.

I may take it up to the dealership but the one near me isn’t my favorite place. Their service is extremely slow. Like almost all day for an oil change with an appt. Also it has been basically the same since I bought it from that dealership and it was certified preowned. Not that that means they actually checked it but I feel like if the ride was wrong they would have caught it.

Doesn't your Premier have the Z95 Magneride suspension? It's possible that a shock has stuck or needs to be re-calibrated. Should ride like a Cadillac unless you are running non stock wheels and tires.

These were made to tow and the suspensions settle down with a load on, even a hundred pounds or two in the back can help.

I think because it has the max trailering package it doesn’t have the mag ride suspension. I could be wrong. Any idea how to tell exactly what suspension it has. I know it has air because I’ve heard the compressor run.

 

[swathdiver]

Been told your trucks don't have an RPO sheet in the glovebox anymore, have to scan a QR code somewhere with your phone. Then you can see what suspension code(s) you have.

Probably Z95 but maybe Z55 with G69.

 

[Tahoe14]

Magneride is standard on the Premier.

 

[B-train]

Hmmm.....not sure on this now. I don't know if there are different settings for the air suspension based on what you have. It will be interesting to see what you learn.

Does it soak up bumps properly over whoops in the road? The air suspension should provide a nice landing without being harsh. I also see that you have 22 inch wheels, how's the pressure? Have you tried putting more weight on the back (couple people standing on the bumper will work) and listen to the compressor pump up and then release air after the weight is gone?

 

[Bigkevschopshop]

My 2015 Burb has max trailering, rear rides like a dream... Loaded and unloaded... You may have a fault in the rear mag ride or air suspension. If the air is too much then it will ride stiff as hell all the time. I would at least pay a diagnostic fee for a dealer to tell you whats up with it.

 

[DadsToy]

Nice ride. Like the interior. I can tell by the way it is setting the suspension is stuck up. You diffidently have an issue with it. Would have to take it to the dealership to scan for codes. Unless you have a scanner that you can emulate the shocks to see if they can move freely and operate correctly. Had a similar issue with my Navigator. Same suspension, the air ride module was bad. Then the shocks went. Sold the car...Cost way more to fix than the car was worth. One shock was $900. But they do make a conversion kit where you can get rid of the air ride.

 

[tdebacker]

I'm going to sub to this because I have the exact same issue on my '17 Suburban Premier. I have the max trailer package, Z95 magneride, and rear air shocks, and mine rides very rough.

I replaced all 4 magneride shocks. I was going to use ACDelco, but with backorder time, I went with TRQ complete front strut assemblies and rear air/mag shocks. I figured it'd ride much better, but it still doesn't.

I'm going to call a dealership and see if they need to be recalibrated or something. I figured new struts and shocks would make it ride amazing but it doesn't.

I wouldn't think the max-trailer package would make it ride as stiff as it does.

 

[Tahoe14]

Are the TRQs the same quality as AC Delco.

 

[tdebacker]

Are the TRQs the same quality as AC Delco.

My buddy loves TRQ and uses it on all his shitboxes, so I decided to give them a try. They seem like good quality, but the ride didnt really improve. Still feels like im driving an F450 rather than a luxurious SUV.

I did notice the front coils look different than the factory coils.

 

[BlaineBug]

I wish my 2019 Yukon 4x4 was a bit stiffer, personally. Shocks seem to be good but it's a little floaty especially in the rear.

 

[BrentS]

Doesn't your Premier have the Z95 Magneride suspension? It's possible that a shock has stuck or needs to be re-calibrated. Should ride like a Cadillac unless you are running non stock wheels and tires.

These were made to tow and the suspensions settle down with a load on, even a hundred pounds or two in the back can help.

Is the recalibration a DIY or shop? I have the same very stiff suspension unless towing. Much smoother ride while towing.

 

[swathdiver]

Is the recalibration a DIY or shop? I have the same very stiff suspension unless towing. Much smoother ride while towing.

It requires a bi-directional scan tool. If you have one, it can be done at home.

 

[petethepug]

TRQ complete is a wallet drainer. They’re listed on BBB over and over again as short lived, refusing to honor warranty claims or charging postage both ways with restocking fees so exchanges are the same price as the initial purchase.

TRQ jambs standard hydraulic strut bodies in MagRide or AutoRide bodies and supply resistors made for PC circuit boards on top of the strut. They work, sometimes, for a while to keep the suspension warning lamps off. They piss off owners who rightfully gripe about what a PITA they are. That spreads a toxic flu of unreliability and price gouging.

Replacements OEM z95 are now guaranteed for life and have 1-2 years on labor. Do it right once and have a pro check your truck out. Test drive another one so you have a baseline of what to expect. A past owner may have even monkey’d with what’s on your truck.

I replaced all 4 magneride shocks. I was going to use ACDelco, but with backorder time, I went with TRQ complete front strut assemblies and rear air/mag shocks. I figured it'd ride much better, but it still doesn't.