Looking for a capable midsize pickup? Look no further than the Chevy Colorado. Old or new, this mid-size pickup has it all... except for one thing: carrying capacity.
Today, we’re going to talk about the limitations of this midsize pickup when it comes to capacity. There are several truck suspension helper springs available for the consumer, but only one that gives you the best value for your money.
Does your Chevy Colorado need helper springs?
If you’re planning to use your Chevy Colorado as a tow vehicle, you’re probably going to need Chevy Colorado helper springs. Let me explain:
Even though the leaf spring rear suspension has a towing capacity of 7,700 lbs and a maximum payload of 1576 pounds, the rear suspension on the Colorado has its limitations.
Here’s why:
Today’s pickups are made to ride like a Cadillac. (Hey, no one wants their pickup to ride like a lumber wagon!) But a smooth, ‘Cadillac’ ride is a trade-off. In order to get great ride quality, you lose carrying capacity.
So, it should come as no surprise that the weight of a heavy trailer will make your Colorado sag in the rear. When this happens, the weight of the vehicle shifts backward reducing the amount of traction on the front tires which will impact steering ability.
You’ve probably seen it on other vehicles towing camper trailers. Maybe your own tow vehicle does it, even though it isn’t anywhere near its rated towing capacity. The back end of the tow vehicle squats lower than the front end when it’s hitched to a travel trailer.
At the end of the day, too much weight on the rear suspension can cause sag and squat resulting in instability. As you’ve probably guessed, instability is dangerous and will require the driver to slow down to a crawl.
What helper springs are available for your Chevy Colorado?
It’s not uncommon for the rear end of a pickup or SUV to droop after a load of 200 – 300 pounds has been added. And the sag becomes increasingly obvious as you near the maximum load rating. Here are some of the most common solutions for suspension sag and squat:
Add-a-leaf
Add-a-leaf products help to level the load. Unfortunately, they cost about $600.00 US for the pair. And they’re capacity is limited to approximately 1,500 lbs additional.
Airbags
Airbags were originally designed as an alternative to leaf springs. Air bag products help to level the load but they’re expensive, costing anywhere from $1,000 - $1,500. They usually require professional installation which adds to the total cost.
Timbren SES
Timbren SES use Aeon® hollow rubber springs made from natural rubber. They’re designed to replace the bump stop on trucks, vans, and SUVs. SES kits are affordable, easy to install, and can add up to an additional capacity of 8,600 lbs.*
* Helper springs and suspension upgrades do not increase the GVWR set by the manufacturer.
How do Timbren helper springs compare with the competition?
Add-a-leaf
- Price: $500
- Progressive spring rate: NO
- DIY installation: NO
- Improved ride quality: NO
- Durability: NO
- Lifetime Warranty: NO
- 100-day money back guarantee: NO
Airbags
- Price: $2500
- Progressive spring rate: NO
- DIY installation: NO
- Improved ride quality: YES
- Durability: NO
- Lifetime Warranty: NO
- 100-day money back guarantee: NO
Timbren SES
- Price: $297
- Progressive spring rate: YES
- DIY installation: YES
- Improved ride quality: YES
- Durability: YES
- Lifetime Warranty: YES
- 100-day money back guarantee: YES
Why are Timbren helper springs your best choice?
A quick observation suggests that Timbren SES part # GMRCCA is the easiest to install on a Chevy Colorado 2018 and 2016. It offers the best price, the most capacity – up to 6,000 lbs – and maximum stability by eliminating roll and sway. And if you were to take a closer look, you’d notice that Timbren SES wins big points for:
- best ride quality loaded or unloaded
- best added stability
- best warranty
Our satisfied customers highly recommend Timbren SES suspension upgrades for your Chevy Colorado!
Think about it: Timbren SES products have been around for over 50 years and are still the best and smartest choice hands down!
Part # GMRCCA is perfect for towing with your new Chevy Colorado.
“Whether we’re towing with our GMC Sierra or our Toyota 4Runner, Timbren SES kits have been a game changer by reducing sag in the rear plus helping the tow rig gain maximum control. Over a year with SES and we would never go back.” @ClicOutdoor
For more information about Timbren SES products, please visit Timbren.com
