Dobinsons 112 for heavy build

Looking for input from any running Dobinsons leafs. In anticipation of getting our new off road camper (Vagabond Drifter) this year…fingers crossed, trying to finalize the rear suspension plans and install before the trip. I narrowed the spring selection to either the Deaver U402 Stage 3’s or Dobinsons 112/113s thanks to input from this forum. The concerns I have picked up on have been a harsh ride resulting from a recent design change with the Deavers and shackle contact with the second spring on the Dobinsons. Of the two concerns I feel that the Dobinsons may be my best option for ride quality and weight bearing considering some quick work with an angle grinder to reshape the spring end might be the fix on the Dobinsons, if really needed. Has anyone here experienced the shackle contact problem with the Dobinsons?

 

following thinking of running one of these with my four wheel camper on full time

 

I’ve read many positive reviews of the Dobinsons on TW for heavy rigs and also received good feedback in the Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods thread. (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ildout-and-mods.540940/page-313#post-27125767). A fellow just returned from a hard wheeling trip to the Canyon Lands with his heavy rig and was kind enough to provide photos showing no interference between the shackle and spring ends during his post trip inspection.

 

@Windmill Road @Vst

I switched from OME Dakars (CS047R + aal for 8 leafs total) to the Dobinsons 112-R pack with the 113-R aal (for 8 leafs total) and am very happy with how this turned out. My truck runs at least 6900lbs loaded so she's a heavy girl. Front bumper and skid plates are aluminum but with 9500lbs winch and the rear bumper w/dual swing outs (33" tire, 40L fuel and high lift) and sliders are steel. The Prinsu rack has an awning, Maxtrax and a gun case with recovery gear in it. Front is lifted approx 2.25" from stock. I may have been alright with just the 112-R packs but I still have room to add a few more camping items an will be pulling a small inflatable boat in the future. If you need a heavy duty leaf pack for your application, consider Dobinsons as a better option to the Dakars at 2/3 of the price of Deaver Expedtion stage 3s.

Truck with the Dakars (below) is completely unloaded (nothing in the bed).

Old Dakars 75% fully loaded.

Truck with the Dobinsons (below) is fully loaded approx. 6900-7000lbs.


No issues with shackle contact but I haven’t had them out on the trails yet. I also believe that mine are the updated version that addressed the shackle contact issues. @Crikeymike is the guy you want to speak with.

 

Nice setup! Thanks for the info!

 

Awesome info, much appreciated! I’ve ran the Dakar’s with overload on my first Gen (with FlipPack) and had good luck with them holding up, but they have been squeaky since new. We have the RSX Full pack on our Tundra, ended up softer than we needed. Our new third gen will end up heavy by nature with a camper, armor…

Btw, Nice build!

This is the current point in the build an need the springs before we pick up the camper this fall.

 

The Dobinsons have been holding up well and I have been pleased with the ride and how they handle the weight. Since I’ve also had the Dakars, I wouldn’t even bother looking at them again.

 

I'm running the 111's and Billies with a shell on a DCLB. I know it's not the weight you will have but the ride is awesome and they're completely silent. No squeaks or anything. Pretty stoked on the quality vs price.

 

After a decade+ on the Dakars squeaky ride, I will enjoy a quiet trip. The Dakars have held up well, but I’ve tried new pads and several suggested lubricants, it nothing seems to help. I’m pretty much sold on the Dobinsons, but waiting on a trip this summer to take a ride in a buddies heavy rig with the 112s…good opportunity to see them first hand.