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Deephelmet's avatar
Deephelmet
Explorer
Oct 15, 2015

Air Bags for 2004 GMC Yukon Denali?

Hi there. I've searched and didn't find the answer. I have the above vehicle, short wheelbase, and a 24' bumper pull. The trailer is a Crossroads Sunset ST240BI. GVW is 7666, Dry weight is around 5600, and hitch weight is 666. I have an Equalizer hitch and this setup seems to tow well for me. I've towed it up steep mountain roads at 60mph no problem. I know this setup is close to the limit of my Denali's towing capacity, but for now it's what I have to deal with until I can get a 3/4 ton.
My question is this: there is some sagging at the rear of the Denali. I have the auto leveling air suspension and haven't seen any problems until now (I also haven't towed anything this heavy before). Should the air suspension be able to keep up with the weight of this trailer or do I need to add air bags? As a side note, I'm having a hard time finding air bags that are compatible with this vehicle. Any advice? I know this is a lame first post, but I thought I'd jump right into it. Thanks.
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6 Replies

  • Deephelmet's avatar
    Deephelmet
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2016
    Ugh, sold the Denali and got a 3/4 ton. Thanks for all the replies though..
  • Deephelmet's avatar
    Deephelmet
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    ktosv wrote:
    Do you have the owners manual for your truck? As I recall, depending on the function of the Autoride suspension, some vehicles may have required for it to be running while hooking up the trailer so that it could adjust properly. You may want to see what the manual says about the procedure to see if the vehicle should or doesn't have to be running.


    The vehicle is running when I'm hooking up. Thanks though, I never thought of that. I'll check out the manual.
  • Deephelmet's avatar
    Deephelmet
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    100,000 miles so the rear shocks may very well be toast. I just had my mechanic check the fronts and he said they were fine, sounds like it may be time to have the rear shocks checked out. I suspected this was the way I'd have to go, but wanted some other opinions since it's the more expensive route.
    Yes, Gary, the compressor runs when the trailer is attached. It runs quite a bit actually, which makes me fear there's a leak somewhere.
    Thanks for the replies guys, I appreciate it.
  • ktosv's avatar
    ktosv
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    Do you have the owners manual for your truck? As I recall, depending on the function of the Autoride suspension, some vehicles may have required for it to be running while hooking up the trailer so that it could adjust properly. You may want to see what the manual says about the procedure to see if the vehicle should or doesn't have to be running.
  • FunTwoDrv's avatar
    FunTwoDrv
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    Be certain the air pump runs when you attach the trailer. If it doesn't, perhaps there is a problem with the pump or controls. If it does run, then as Don stated, new shocks may be in order.

    Good luck,
    Gary
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2015
    The air ride suspension you have as I remember is air shocks. I suspect your shocks are toadt bu this time. So your best option might be new shocks first. Either converting to standard shocks or new air shocks might fix your concerns without add ons. If not, then since this is a coil suspension vehicle your choices get way more difficult. New springs might be the best next option.

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