2018 Trd Pro - towing a trailer

Hi, new to the site and owning a Tacoma. Just purchased a 2018 Trd pro (manual) and Jayco 154bh baja trailer.... but I have noticed at least 2 to 2.5 inches of sag on the back springs.

I have a e2 weight distribution hitch installed.

The trailer is approximately 2600lbs dry and 3300lbs wet.... approximately 500lbs of tongue weight.

Is this normal to see this amount of sag in the back with an equalizer weight distribution hitch installed? If yes, are airbags my only option level out the truck?

Do the airbags void any suspension warranty?

How do airbags change the ride when offroading without trailer attached?

Thanks and apologise if this question has been asked by a other pro owner.

 

@TRD101 - I haul a good amount with my TRD Pro as well, with similar weight on a 14’ tandem trailer. Hauling SxSs, Dirtbikes and whatever else I can cram on there.
I too am looking into options as I write this. Not wanting to compromise my suspension ride quality I have been looking at the following options:
- Icon or similar Brand Add-a-leaf progressive springs.
(This keeps your springs on the truck and adds another set of leafs to cominsate for the load). This is good if you have a constant load, but not so much when you drop the trailer. Rather not as plush as you are used to, due to the fact you have changed your spring rate in rear and kept the same in the front.
- Air Bag (I am researching this now), but I myself have added gear and a rack, so I am leaning towards a add a leaf or a whole new spring set.
- A new set of rear springs.
Icon, Deaver, Alman, and others make a leaf pack that is progressive (which is what’s on there now) that can just straight up handle more weight. These companies also can adjust the amount of leafs used vs thickness.

I will keep you posted to my findings.
Search the Forum for TRD Pro suspension. You will find some threads specific to this exact topic. Some of which are helpful discussing options.

 

Yup mine sags. Had to lessen the drop on my hitch.

 

Without getting in to new springs or an AAL an airbag with a cradle (so it doesn't limit down travel) is probably your best bet to eliminate sag.

$87 Daystar Air Bag Cradle - KU09140BK

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/daystar-air-bag-cradle-ku09140bk/_/R-BKCG-KU09140BK

 

Sumo SPrings are the easiest and cheapest way to help, i added them to mine and I had 1000 lbs in it a couple weeks back and no sag..

 

Kgilly - how is the ride with no load?

 

no problem at all, just like factory, the frame barely sits on the SS..

 

but with the 1000lbs in the truck it was still a little squirrely on the road, but then again, you don't want to be flying with that much weight and have to stop all of a sudden..

 

Id say thats about normal for these trucks with that amount of weight. It shouldnt hurt anything or cause bad handling.
If you do get an add-a-leaf, or a new leaf pack, be sure too keep the factory overload spring (AAL) or buy a spring pack with overload leaf(s) in them. This is what helps with heavy loads and towing the most, and keeps it the safest as they prevent the springs from going into negative arch with heavy loads (bad for truck and dangerous while driving).

 

and I had the load in for about 17 miles, and then unloaded it, and no issues at all, I am glad I put the SS's in, just wish I had gone with the 610-40's instead of the 612-40's.

 

I think that those would be a good place to start for OP, keeps the factory springs, limits, and quality of ride, but helps with control when loaded up heavy correct? Since they just replace the factory bump stops yes?

 

I'm towing a similar load and also have the e2 hitch. You need to adjust your hitch to reduce sag. Easiest way is to add all 3 washers to the hitch. Consult your owners manual or let me know if you have more specific questions.

 

Would you say that these would be good to roll with if say I had just the following in the truck bed?
- AllPro Alum Bed Rack, Decked Drawer System, 63qt ARB Fridge.
(An occasional RTT if I am not pulling my trailer or a friend is coming with me).

I ask because my truck is new, I do like the ride it has, rides even better now that here is constant weight in the bed.
I am having a hard time deciding as I felt like any replacement of springs would result in a a stiffer ride or some bounce, as I have experienced with other builds.

This Sumo Spring looks legit, I may just try them before I get involved in a replacement. Hell my FJ-40 had some crazy old helper springs on it that were very plush...sort of

 

They just replace the factory bump stops, took me about 15 minutes a side to install.

 

And a lot cheaper and easier to install than AAL’s, although I may add those down the road anyhow, but for now I love them, also added super bumps tops up front

 

@kgilly - you mentioned that you wish you had gone with the 610-40s instead of the 612-40s. I am guessing those are different spring rates?

 

One is 50% compression at 500 lbs and the other is 50% compression at 1000 lbs, so I think the higher rated ones would ride a little rougher...

 

What's the trick with the three washers? Hoping to hall a trailex car trailer, 4500lbs total weight.

 

I recently towed a 3500lb trailer with the e2 (or twin). We set it up right with near zero sag at resting state and it handled like a charm. Work on getting it setup correctly and you’ll be good to go.