Adding Capacity - towing and payload

Hi all, this is my first post. I've had my taco for about 6 years now. It's a 2000 rwd 5-speed. I just got my first boat and have been towing it around, but hate how low my truck sits. I also do a fair amount hauling lumber, stone, gear etc. Does anyone have suggestions for the best way to add capacity and/or lift that will help for both regular towing an occasional heavy payloads? I'm not trying to break the bank (or go cheap for that matter). I want something practical and durable that will ease the wear on my little guy.

Thanks!

 

In no specific order, it all depends on you. Heavier leaf springs. Helpers like “Sumo Springs”. Air bags.

 

I have the General Springs Heavy Duty Springs plus Super Springs

Often my 4x4 hauled 1000 pounds and pulled 2000 pounds

No idea of the supply or wait times or cost.

I have no idea if they are made for the 2WD 5 lug trucks.

 

Hey all,
I'm here for the same reason. Just got a pop-up camper. I immediately did not like the "squat" and am looking at helper springs. Does anyone have any suggestions on brand/type?

 

Are your springs just worn out and tired??

2020 ?

Just how heavy of a Pop up camper when filled with your adventure goodies??

I could pull most of them around by hand. Getting them into tight spots .

Very little tongue weight .

 

It's a hardside pop up, Rockwood a213hw. About 2600lbs dry weight, 305 tongue weight. It wasn't horrible, but I wanted help her as must as possible.

 

So loaded out with 2 kids another 500 to 1000 pounds depending what all you take.

There are several options comes down to how much you can afford to spend.

 

Haha, yeah, I guess it always comes down to how much $$$ you're working with. I'm middle of the road...I ain't poor, but I'm no trust fund baby either.

 

another possible less expensive and easy (1 wrench, 40 minutes) option:
Hellwig Products Helper Springs - Hellwig Products

I have Hellwigs, did a cross-continent trip overloaded by about 30% and the sag was only about 2"

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bed-weight-capacity.446365/page-2#post-26588957

 

Another pop-up weirdo here. There are so many ways to skin that cat.


This was what I ran for five years - roadmaster active suspension. Adjustable, ran great, a little stiff if you don't adjust them back after the trip. Also reduces articulation/flex, if you care about that sort of thing. Still, I loved the benefits.








This is what I'm running now - 6112/5160 with three leaf AAL. More comfortable unloaded, still doesnt squat when loaded. Not adjustable.






I might run that for a few before I stop being a cheap ass and just get the RXT pack.



Other options are the bump-stop helpers (ie Sumos) and airbags. Nothing wrong with either, but after reading detailed reviews they didn't appeal as much as other solutions, at least for me personally. Pick your poison.


Edit - also also. A huge factor to reducing squat: convert the camper to lithium. That alone reduced tongue weight by nearly 80 pounds.

 

I have Air bags on one truck with on board air.

The other truck Super Springs .

They both perform the job I installed them for.

I have no idea of the price or availability at this time it was a few years ago .

 

This looks like a solid option

 

You're reading my mind! I was looking at getting a set of the LiFePO4 batteries...as soon as I can afford to

 

I might just go with the Hellwig springs...

 

Best 700 bucks I ever spent. I currently run a 120 Ah bank and carry 200 watts' worth of folding solar panels. The camper is completely sustainable off-grid with that small amount, even with running the radio and charging phones during full waking hours.

Way better than running two marine batteries.

 

Buy a bigger truck. You can modify the truck you have all you want, but your payload doesn't change. In fact it will probably be less after modifying the truck. You subtract the actual weight of the truck from the GVWR to determine how much payload you have. When you start adding stuff to the truck you make it heavier and reduce how much you can carry.

The truck is supposed to sit down in the rear under a load. I have no issue with someone modifying their truck to squat LESS and often a stiffer suspension will improve ride quality when loaded heavy. That's fine as long as you don't overdo it.

The problem with doing that is that it often encourages drivers to overload their trucks by a lot. Just because it is now sitting level under a load doesn't mean it isn't overloaded. Squatting in the back is really just a visual cue that you're approaching all the weight that truck is designed for. And Tacoma's aren't designed for much. A Honda Ridgeline is rated for significantly more weight than Tacoma. My son's Honda Fit will haul more weight than some Tacoma's.

I love my Tacoma, it is a great truck, but it ain't made for hauling or towing much.

 

Do you have any pics of your set up?

 

I hear ya, and I was looking at getting an F-150,but the Ford dealers seemed to have picked up a serious crack addiction lately. The prices are insane! I hear you about the payload overload. Being aware of that, I am under no delusion of being able to tow a space shuttle. I just wanna haul my camper and crew without the saggy diaper look to my ride.

 

Old and busted:






New Hotness:






Monitor panel:







New power center, as the old one did not have a lithium profile when hooked up to shore power:






Solar set up:






Enjoying the sunset:

 

VERY NICE SETUP!!!
I may have to copy this.