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Payload and helper springs question

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by CHUCK W, Aug 7, 2015.

  1. Aug 7, 2015 at 3:45 PM
    #1
    CHUCK W

    #1
    CHUCK W [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hi everybody I'm new to Tacoma World and just picked up a 2015 DCSB TRDO last month. My question is about the payload capacity and adding air springs. Toyota says to never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 5500 lbs or the payload capacity of 1280 lbs. Firestone (air spring manufacturer) says the same thing. My question is; is the purpose of helper springs just to keep the truck level when loaded and NOT to increase the payload capacity? I understand the springs are quite weak and will sag without maxing out payload capacity.
     
    CHUCK W, Aug 7, 2015
    #1
  2. Aug 7, 2015 at 3:52 PM
    #2
    Justus

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    Justus fucks not given

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    Right..... Much more involved in payload capacity than just suspension
     
    Justus, Aug 7, 2015
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  3. Aug 7, 2015 at 6:19 PM
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    OldDogRoad

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    OldDogRoad New Member

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    Another NewB here. I'm also happy to be back in a Tacoma after a 6 year hiatus. I have the same truck as the OP and just put a Snug Top cab high shell on today. The weight of the shell is sagging the rear. Speed bumps and driveways are giving me the thud of bottoming suspension. Not sure if I am imagining things :). The point is I am considering some sort of upgrade to allow me to keep the truck relative level under load and give me a little more resilience in the rear once the truck is filled with camping, hunting, fishing, etc... gear. Let alone the kids...

    Aftermarket air bags or ??? as the solution? Thanks in advance.

    Todd
     
    OldDogRoad, Aug 7, 2015
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  4. Aug 7, 2015 at 8:41 PM
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    CHUCK W

    #4
    CHUCK W [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OldDogRoad,

    I'm leaning toward the Firestone RideRite air bags. They look really easy to install, no frame drilling and you can adjust the amount of air you add based on the load you are carrying. Not real expensive either, about $300 for the complete kit. The kit does not come with an on-board air compressor, that is extra (about $200 or so) or you can fill the bags with a tire pump (fill between 5-100 psi).
     
    CHUCK W, Aug 7, 2015
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  5. Aug 7, 2015 at 9:50 PM
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    Conumdrum

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    Conumdrum Well-Known Member

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    In the suspension forum (since you should of asked there) there are many posts on helper springs and a replacement set of springs that many get.

    Airbags will help and so will better rate springs to help the ride since you're not carrying groceries like many Taco owners. Sadly like me, I have a 2WD Sport Double cab non off road. It's all I need though. In the 5-8 year future I'll be in the same boat, wanting to get a Casita camper.
     
    Conumdrum, Aug 7, 2015
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  6. Aug 7, 2015 at 10:05 PM
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    whipper

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    whipper Well-Known Member

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    whipper, Aug 7, 2015
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  7. Aug 7, 2015 at 10:12 PM
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    Conumdrum

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    Conumdrum Well-Known Member

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    They have a 2015. Guess they haven't changed in 28 years.....

    God that site is impossible. No search functions for '2015 Tacoma' etc.
     
    Conumdrum, Aug 7, 2015
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  8. Aug 8, 2015 at 9:04 AM
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    neverstuck

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    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    neverstuck, Aug 8, 2015
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  9. Aug 8, 2015 at 9:06 AM
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    OldDogRoad

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    OldDogRoad New Member

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    Thanks guys. I'll check those options out.

    Todd
     
    OldDogRoad, Aug 8, 2015
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  10. Aug 10, 2015 at 5:26 PM
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    whipper

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    whipper Well-Known Member

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    whipper, Aug 10, 2015
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  11. Aug 14, 2015 at 12:54 PM
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    nodal

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    nodal Member

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    I bought Helwig 550 helper springs (sdtrucks) after adding a shell and Class 2 hitch on my 2012 2.7L 2wd AC. I haven't installed them yet. I thought they would help for hauling firewood and or a trailer with my riding mower.
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2015
    nodal, Aug 14, 2015
    #11
  12. Aug 14, 2015 at 1:01 PM
    #12
    Pigpen

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    Pigpen My truck is never clean

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    Love my Firestone Ride Rite airbags. Whatever product you choose, the key is to keep the rear of the truck elevated during towing and hauling. This maintains correct suspension and steering geometry and therefore keeps the truck handling as it was designed to handle. None of these products increases the GVWR of the vehicle.
     
    Pigpen, Aug 14, 2015
    #12

Products Discussed in

Timbren TORTUN4 Suspension Enhancement System
$269.36
Timbren TORTUN4L Suspension Enhancement System
$269.36
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