Towing with 2003, 2dr Blazer

I want to tow a 5x8 v nose trailer with my 2003 Blazer. Trailer holds a Harley dresser and total weight is about 1900 lbs. Because the construction of the trailer places the bike in the front "V" I have a tongue wt. of 300 lbs (or More). This really compresses the suspension. Can I use those one leaf helper springs or the coil helpers you put around the shocks? As it's set up now the truck height at the ball drops about 3 inches when loaded. Thanks, Hall

Sure you can. Either way it will help.

Anyway to put the bike weight back a bit at all?

Also, remember no to tow in overdrive if you are in a hilly area or the transmission is struggling and constant downshifting.

Some trailers have an adjustable axle. If yours does move it to the front setting.

Plus if it has an expandable tounge it'll help to make it as long as possible.

With these 2 mods you might not have to beef up the suspension

Axel's not adjustable. I actually thought about doing that it has torsion susp. not springs. I was thinking about moving them a foot further forward, but not only are they bolted in place they'r welded on. What really bothers me this is an enclosed trailer for motorcycles. You would have thought that they would have moved the axle forward. The bikes center of gravity is well forward of the axle with the V nose. To address a previous question I can't move the bike back with the travel trunk on, that's one of the reasons I got the V nose. The dresser won't fit in a regular 5X8. Thanks for the responses, guess I'll look into the spring helpers. Has anyone used the coils around the shocks, or any suggestions?

Increasing spring strength is the correct way to address the sagging bumper issue you are experiencing. The sole purpose of a shock absorber, including the coil-over type, is to dampen the action of the spring, not to adjust ride height or increase load capacity. Ride height and load capacity is determined by the strength of the springs. A spring shop can add a leaf or two if necessary for about the same cost as a set of good shocks. After the spring work is done, a front end alignment is necessary, after that, your problem will be solved.

But, for random towing and such, I would not turn my ride into a board on rocks by putting super heavy springs in.

The shock spring helpers are there for the add time towing.

Don't ruin your ride by putting in springs you will use 2% of the time.

Personally I would just get a set of air shocks, and adjust them to match the load.

You can still increase load carrying capacity without sacrificing ride quality. I had an Olds Wagon I used to tow a very heavy boat with. It would bottom out if you looked at it sideways! The cure was to obtain a set of what is known as variable rate springs. When they are unsprung and the vehicle unladen with weight, they still ride super cushy and feel good. As they are loaded up, they excert more and more opposing force, keeping the rear from bottoming out at all. Look into them, or helper springs. Helper springs fit in brackets over the leafs already present in the truck and they do not go into effect until they are loaded, in effect making for another variable rate sping kit. Either way you go, it will improve things dramatically for you.

Thanks for all the replies. I looked into adding a leaf and the local price was $450 dollars, not worth it for the occassional use someone else mentioned. I've seen the add on helper springs that attach to the rear leaf will probably go that way. I'll try it once and if it's no good I can use an aluminum open trailer I have and sell the enclosed trailer. Thanks again. Hall

Get air helper springs, you can get them from Stylin' Concepts for only $199. I think it would help you out a lot and its not expensive. You can go with an onboard compressor or even put the fill valve in the fuel door. Thats how my moms chevy was set up and it would hold just about anything while keeping a great ride. Even with a 5"-7" drop.

I agree with OverBoard's idea, or even old master's. Adding a helper leaf will not sacrifice ride quality when its unloaded, only when the weight is added, will it engage, plus it helps as the truck gets older, the leafs tend to sag a little. Adding air shocks is also another possible idea. I think Rancho makes a very dependabe system, I don't know prices for the air shocks, but adding a leaf and re-arching the leafs on my '93 cost me about $150.00.

Also, don't forget your tranny, add an external oil cooler for the trans. It will pay for itself in the long run gaurenteed.