Chevy & GMC Vans

We've had our van for several months now but only just got back from our first extended trip (2 weeks) using it to tow our trailer. The results were somewhat less than desirable. Our trailer is a '97 Starcraft Venture and weighs less than 1500 lbs when unloaded. We never experienced any trailer sway with our old tow vehicle ( 2001 Nissan Quest) and the ride in the van was pretty wild sometimes - lots of bouncing, rolling and swaying. Yesterday, I replaced the stock tires with some 235-70-R15 (and new wheels) which has made some improvement as well as got the alignment corrected ( requiring replacement of the idler arms ) but now want to get the rest of that bouncing under control. I want to put in new shocks and a Hellwig anti-sway bar. Does this sound like the logical progression of things or am I missing something? Also, I am curious about an air lift system on the rear. The rear of the Astro drops lower than our Quest once the trailer is on ( a surprise ) and makes it much more difficult to get it in and out of our driveway due to an unfortunate flaw in the grade between street and sidewalk (thank goodness for Lynx Levelers or we'd do all our camping in the backyard). I tried looking up info on the air bag systems but got a little bogged down in the technical jargon when what I really need is "Air Bags for Dummies". So what are some good systems for the Astro and who sells them?



'97 Chevy Astro (stock, without factory tow package)

The rear anti sway bar will make a big difference. I added Monroe air shocks. I don't pull a trailer but do carry a 900-1000 load at all times. The van handles much better.

I towed our old Starcraft tent trailer a few times with our Safari and never had an issue so I'm surprised to hear about your encounter with that little weight.

That being said, I'd go air bags first and air shocks second. I've used air shocks in the past, but feel air bags are a better option given the way they mount and their ability to support more weight. Installation is more involved though. I just looked and i see kits from Air Lift and Firestone Ride-Rite. I guess you should also consider how often you really need the extra capacity. If it's only a handful of times a year and your trips are relatively short, then maybe air shocks are your better option.

I've had no experience with a rear anti-sway bar, but certainly feel it would be a great addition.

Guys have used this system to resolve the sag issue while towing:

http://www.timbren.com/

The nice part about it is it is only engaged when the wt is on and you don't have to add air to it or adjust the amount of air.

I have the airlift system and it is great. The stock steel leafs are not half as good as the old single leaf system I had on my older vans. When I am just running empty or with the family I run about 20psi but when I put the big travel trailer on then I run it up to 80-90psi and it takes all the bounce and sway out of it. I run a single channel airlift pump with the gauge and inflation buttons mounted by my right knee out of the way. The power wire and air line then runs down the drivers side behind all the paneling to the pump that I mounted behind the paneling just above the drivers side rear fender. Then a single airline runs through the floor with a small grommet to stop rubbing. Once under the van it tees off to both bags so they fill and drain at the same time that way you can't fill one and have one flat as that will really mess the ride up. I also put one other tee connector and ran a line up to the inside of the gas filler door that way if the pump fails I can use the air at a gas station to fill the bags.

1Gary wrote:Guys have used this system to resolve the sag issue while towing:

http://www.timbren.com/

The nice part about it is it is only engaged when the wt is on and you don't have to add air to it or adjust the amount of air.

I'll have to give these a look. Thanks!