Constant ~500 lb load. Add a leaf or Sumo Springs?

I have a 22 Tacoma SR Access Cab and with camper shell, wooden platform and drawers, plus misc. gear in the vehicle, I'm at a constant 500 lb load. I'm deciding between an add a leaf or sumo springs.

The add a leaf wouldn't hurt travel at all, but I'd probably need to get new shocks too. Even with that, it'll be about the cost of sumo springs. But, I've heard that these aren't great for carrying loads, just for adding lift.

With the sumo springs (SSR 612-40), It'll lead to slightly reduced travel and a rougher ride. But, it would make load carrying a lot easier.

I know a new heavy duty leaf pack is the best way to go about this, but with the cost of the leaf pack + shocks it would probably be around $700 - $800.

I've had sumo springs before on a Tundra but I have no idea how the ride was affected since it had tired springs and about 2,000 lbs of constant load -- so the ride was terrible. The tacoma is a dream to drive by comparison.

 

If your springs are still in good condition, I'd go for AAL. Not sure why you'd have to buy new shocks. Shouldn't change your travel that much.

Then, save your money for a good leaf pack and new shocks to go with them.

Other option is air bags, which are pretty reasonable price-wise as long as you go the bike pump method instead of a full-on on board air system. You'll get the best ride with airbags, as well. Simple install, too.

 

AAL is the correct solution imo. A complete leaf pack replacement is better but many of us haven't sprung for the cost (pun intended.) The AAL install takes longer than sumo springs but it's a relatively simple process. Most here say the progressive 3 leaf AAL are preferred.

Sumo spring or Air-bags could be appropriate if you're sometimes completely unloaded and other times experiencing a sag from the shell, platform drawers, etc.

Air-bags are great for very heavy loads or heavy tongued trailers but they will stiffen your ride when completely empty.

 

For constant load, leaf pack (Icon RXT) would be my first choice, 3 leaf AAL would be my second, helpers/roadmasters/sumos would be my distant third.

Helper devices are for variable loads, my opinion.

I went from Roadmasters to icons 3 leaf AAL. 40 pounds worth of softopper and bed mat is my constant load. Both perform amazingly with 400 pounds hitch weight plus 300 pounds bed payload.

 

500lb is a lot of constant load, and you are on stock leaf springs now? Those springs are not happy. If cost is an issue, I would suggest waiting until you can save up and do it right. Sounds like you know what you should do, but trying to talk yourself out of it.

 

Get yourself some Deaver u402 stage II leafs and never worry about them again

 

Deaver stage III here, wouldn't go back. Love them. Expensive, but worth every penny.

 

Accutune said it right. You know what you should do but talking yourself out of it.
If financially you’re not ready, just be patient - I try to follow a few simple sayings

“buy once, cry once” and “buy nice, or buy twice”

Personal experience - I once ran OME HD Dakars. Lasted me 3 ish years till they tired and sagged. I had to buy twice - now I’ve got a custom Alcan pack that can hold 600 lbs over stock and maintain height.

Over 300 qts of ice in Aussie coolers, 30 gallons of water, spare carrier and spare 35, other camping nonsense.

 

what's that look like without 8-900lbs on the bed?

 

lol…ughh..let me say that when Alcan recommends 5” spring, you should listen and not tell them “but I want a 1” rake when loaded”

btw, this isn’t my daily so I’m okay with it

 

I thought I had a lot of rake... hahaha. My Deavers are supposed to give 3 inches of lift at 700-1000lbs of constant load. I'm often running with none... even without a tailgate.

 

i bet when it’s loaded, it rides like a dream tho!
When my truck is loaded, it feels incredible on and off the road. Empty bed, mehh, I’m just glad it ain’t a daily lol

 

honestly not too bad unloaded. But yeah, rides great loaded, which not only includes the camper but about 400+ pounds of tongue weight And my truck is pretty much at GVWR empty, hahahaha.