Do I need load level bars ???

Hey, thanks for the feedback.... He's definitely using the bars, just making sure to set them up correctly. Had to get a differant drop mount to get it level, will be in tomorrow. Thanks again

This is the same sticker your brother should have on his TV receiver:



With 4300 pounds dry, 5000-6000 pounds loaded, he certainly has over the 600 pounds of TW that his receiver is rated for. Besides that, without WD bars he is losing about 300 pounds of weight from the front axle. That may affect steering and handling.

As mentioned, air bags/suspension only affect ride height, not weight. The rear axle may be overloaded and front axle too light for stable handling without WD bars.

The bars are for the FRONT axle.

Auto-ride only levels the REAR.

If you measure the front fender well height before and after the hitch-up, you will see that it is actually HIGHER in the front with the trailer hitched up. That is weight that has been removed from the front wheels, weight that you need for steering.

Also, the design of the receiver almost certainly requires the weight bars.

old guy wrote:
well, my two cents worth is, I wouldn't tow across the street without the bars.

Agree 100% .... it takes me about 5-8 minutes to attach the bars. Not sure why so many people make a big deal about the use of the load bars.

The safety of my family is worth a lot more than 5-8 minutes of my time.

OP,

What does your brother's Chevy Owners Manual say?

I don't know for sure, but I thought I read that they recommended you turn the auto level system off for towing.

they would help the vehicle handle better and distribute the load more evenly... as far as 'required' - depends on tow vehicle hitch rating (most are rated more for weight distribution than weight carrying) and the tongue weight of the trailer.. IMHO it won't hurt with a 4k+ trailer. Usually 'recommended' by manufacturers if the trailer exceeds 5000 lbs..

you need to understand something. Auto level rear suspension is never going to put weight back on the front axle and trailer axles. Only a WDH will do that.

SO of course you want to set the WDH up with the vehicle off. Personally I would be pulling the fuse for the auto level. It isn't needed so why have it there?

So does he set it up with the truck running? The truck is gonna level itself out when your start it up. It seems to me that one does have something to do with the other when setting it up.

WD bars first, then airbags.

K Charles wrote:
One doesn't have anything to do with the other.

So does he set it up with the truck running? The truck is gonna level itself out when your start it up. It seems to me that one does have something to do with the other when setting it up.