[juan flores]

What would be the best route on rear shocks for towing an RV. Weighs 5,000 lbs looking for good rear shocks. I like the Bilstein 5100 just wasn’t sure if there something better.

 

[snakebitten]

There's a high ceiling on shocks. You can spend a lot and get really high quality stuff.
But for towing specifically, it might be a better overall improvement to go with the Bilsteins and some additional Payload aids.
RAS helps to assist in the squat. And a rear Antisway bar can help really plant the truck.

Just one example of a towing package that can tame things down.

 

[EgregiousBlunder]

5100's are a staple for those that own a half ton. What are you trying to prevent, sag or droop? If that's the case then shocks won't do you any good, but I would pair up the 5100's with a solid add a leaf kit or air bags depending on your budget and a solid rear sway bar from Hellwig. All of this can be gotten easily from Stage3Motorsports.

 

[Upshifter]

5100's and a Sway Bar for stability.
Add-a-leaf, airbags, or Roadmaster Active Suspension for security & capacity.
Icon Adjustable rear shocks if you feel like spending bookoo bucks.

 

[Boatwaco]

On my 2018 I added Bilstein 5100s, a Hellwig Rear sway bar and RAS (Roadmaster Active Suspension). In my opinion, a 1,2,3 punch combination that's hard to beat. 🥊🥊🥊

 

[chedder]

Would someone mind explaining what a rear sway bar does in simple terms?

I added timbrens to my 2022 hdpp. I still have stock shocks and I tow a 7500 gvwr travel trailer. Also have a deck for atv's/snowmobiles (I don't use the deck and trailer at same time)

 

[Boatwaco]

Sway bar tightens up the rear end by connecting one side to another. Very much reduces the rear flexing or “rolling sideways” in turns.

 

[snakebitten]

An Antisway bar does so much more than what first glance might imply.
And there's several ways to describe what it is accomplishing. But the one aspect that is most noticeable is that it inhibits the body of the vehicle from roll/lean. Reduces extreme weight transfer. Transfers a percentage of suspension forces in play from one corner to the opposing corner.

I could keep on going. But suffice to say it keeps the vehicle planted. Pretty much the opposite of what you would want if you were rock crawling and wanting maximum articulation.

 

[Boatwaco]

Yep. ^ That too.

 

[NoTraxx]

Juan, what can you tell us about your truck?
Tow Package? Max Tow Package? HDPP? Door sticker weights?
Any modifications you have already made?

 

[Upshifter]

Sway bar allows both wheels to cycle in unison, like going over a speed bump.

But it resists individual cycling of the wheels, like going around a sweeping corner or a bump that only one wheel goes over.

The bar itself is more like a spring, with a spring rate to allow a certain degree of individual wheel cycle, but not to much.

It attaches to the frame which is fixed, and to each side of the axle (rear) or each control arm (front). Deflection from the fixed position on the frame is controlled by the rating or strength of the bar, often but not always related to its thickness.

So good for on road stability, not so good for off road articulation. Life is full of choices.