Tow your trailer with Chevy Silverado helper springs
Some Timbren SES kits are more popular than others. This short article will examine one of the most popular SES kits - part # GMRCK25D. Do you know why it’s so popular? Keep reading. One thing you’re sure to realize is that Timbren has continued to satisfy their customers with quality products and great service for several decades.
Part # GMRCK25D is only one part number on a list of over 450 helper springs for towing a trailer.
Which Timbren SES kit is the most popular?
For the last two decades, Timbren has checked their sales annually to see which SES kits were the most popular. And virtually every year part # GMRCK25D has topped the charts for the most sales. This particular kit happens to fit the rear of the 2500 and 3500 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra - both 2WD and 4WD.
And every year their sales department would ask the same questions:
- Is it because there are more Chevy and GMC pickups on the road?
- Could it be that Chevy and GMC pickups require more assistance?
- Does it have something to do with the fact that it’s one of the easiest kits to install?
Well, whatever the reason, the fact remains that GMRCK25D has been their most popular kit since 2005. Whether towing a travel trailer or hauling a heavy load of tools and materials, Timbren suspension upgrades are guaranteed to keep the tow vehicle level and stable.
Does part # GMRCK25D work better for hauling or towing?
The Chevy 2500HD and 3500HD are designed more for commercial use. You don’t have to look far to find a Chevy Silverado 3500HD with a wrecker bed, dump bed, car carrier, or aerial device installed for heavy hauling on a daily basis. Whether you’re hauling or towing - or both - GMRCK25D and GMRTT35D are designed to level the load and help stabilize any severe-service application.
If you tow a regular travel trailer, GMRCK25D is more than enough to level the tow vehicle. If you’re towing a 5th wheel trailer or hauling a truck camper, GMRTT35D is recommended for severe service applications.
It doesn’t really matter if you use your truck for towing or hauling regular loads, GMRCK25D will keep you out of the woods by leveling the load, smoothing the ride, and adding safety and stability.
Can I use GMRCK25D on other makes and models besides the Chevy Silverado?
Part # GMRCK25D is designed specifically for the Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 and GMC Sierra 2500/3500. It also works on the 3500HD cab-chassis model. This particular part number will not work with any other make and model. Here’s why:
Each make and model has its own bump stop design. Some kits bolt to the frame. Some fasten to the axle. Also, you have to factor in the ride height between the axle and frame. Timbren SES kits are not a one-size-fits-all design. Each SES kit is made to fit a particular vehicle or set of vehicles. Let’s take a look and see how to install GMRCK25D.
The following are 7 easy steps that will ensure proper installation:
Step 1 Be sure to block your tires to ensure that the vehicle does not move during installation. Wheel blocks are often overlooked as a safety precaution. Put the vehicle in park and apply the emergency brake. Then, wedge the blocks beneath the tires on both sides to keep the vehicle from moving.
Step 2 Use a jack to lift the vehicle and allow the axle to hang freely. The jack should contact a sturdy, unpainted area of the vehicle’s frame. If necessary, remove the tire to ensure you have adequate room to work.
Step 3 Using a screwdriver, pry the bump stop out of the bump-stop cup.
Step 4 Position Timbren assembly making sure the rubber spacer is facing up toward the cup.
Step 5 Using soapy water, wet the rubber spacer portion of the assembly. Push and twist simultaneously until the assembly is properly seated in the cup.
Step 6 To ensure that the assembly is properly seated in the cup, place a temporary spacer such as a short piece of 2x4 lumber between the axle and the rubber spring. Then lower the vehicle.
Step 7 Raise the vehicle, remove the temporary spacer, and replace the tire.
That’s all there is to it! When you’re done, repeat steps 1-7 on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Are Timbren SES kits strong enough to tow super-heavy loads?
It’s been said before, and I’ll say it again, “Timbren Aeon® rubber springs are stronger than steel and more reliable than air.” In other words, they don’t rust, and they don’t leak. Aeon® springs - the heart of every SES kit - have some unique characteristics that allow you to tow super-heavy loads. Here are just two of them:
- Hysteresis is a fancy name that means ‘self-damping’. In other words, Aeon® hollow rubber springs have shock absorption built right into them. No matter how heavy the load, you always get much smoother ride quality than metal.
- Progressive spring rate explains how they’re able to carry much more weight than metal helpers with a linear spring rate. Here’s how it works:
Linear springs give the same spring rate as they compress all the way down until they bottom out. Hollow rubber springs deliver a spring rate that increases progressively as they compress, continually pushing back more and more as the load increases.
Timbren SES suspension upgrades are ready and able - strong enough to handle the toughest loads and the heaviest trailers. To learn more about Timbren SES products, visit www.timbren.com.
