New to the forum....added weight to rear end

Was finally able to buy my first Tacoma in April and plan on using it as my daily driver; while also supporting all of the outdoor activities we enjoy.

I bought a 2019 TRD Pro and almost immediately installed the decked system which I previously had in the full size truck I traded. I also added bed stiffeners and had an ARE Z series cap installed. With the added weight, the rear end has a bit of a sag to it. I plan on adding more weight inside the bed of the truck and / or on the roof.

I've researched a bunch of options to accommodate the added weight but was hoping to get some feedback from someone who has had the same experience and was satisfied with what they did.

 

Welcome to TW and congratulations on the truck buy!
I installed the Firestone air bags and Daystar cradles and am pleased with it.
I really like the adjustability of this system. A heavy load?...just add air, no sag, rides great.

 

get kings all around and heavy duty leafs

 

Welcome to tw!

 

Rear air bags are great because you can adjust them when you add or remove weight from the bed. I had Firestones on my last truck and can recommend them. Heavy duty springs or AAL’s would work too but they’d leave you with a stiffer ride if you removed the weight.

 

On a 2007 2nd gen, with dealer installed recall leafs, I installed simple Helwig helper springs designed for an off road version. Helwig said they wouldn't fit. I proved them wrong with very little maneuvering. Bottom line, with them cranked down tight, empty, she rides just a bit high in the rear. With a tongue load from a trailer, or some gravel or sand (not too much), she rides very level. Cheapest fix I found.

 

Some great feedback. Thanks for the quick responses.

Noticed you have a 2018 TRD Pro. I've done a bunch of reading on the Firestone Ride - Rite air bags. Are you running a similar set-up to what I described as far as weight in the bed (decked system and ARE cap)? Was wondering how the install was and read a bunch about leaks and the air bags holding pressure. How much air pressure do you have in the bags during daily driving? Thanks and appreciate the feedback.

 

Thanks. How long did you run the Firestone air bags? Any issues as this seems to be the best solution for me.

 

Stupid question cuz I see EVERYONE talking about Kings.....Are they that much better then the stock set-up for the TRD Pro? I am not an overlander / camper (used to be) and don't see myself off-roading much (maybe a logging road to get to a fishing hole or hiking spot with my dog).

 

The install is pretty easy if you have access to a lift. Could be done without a lift, or pay someone else if you don't?
Never had any leak issues, just check the pressure once a month as recommended. With no load, I keep mine at about 8-10lbs.
To answer your other question I do not have a constant load in the bed and only air up higher when carrying a lot more weight or if I was to pull a camper/trailer.
You'd probably have to experiment a little with air pressure to get it level since you have more of a daily load. Very easy.

 

I had Firestones on two commercial trucks (Dodge 4500 and Chev 3500) The Chevy spent most of it’s life in Southern Ontario (ie: Shitty, salty winters) and the bags were over 10 years old with a few hundred thousand kilometres on them when I sold the truck. Never had any problems with either of them.
I’d buy them again for my Tacoma but I don’t tow or haul much weight anymore. Prob just gonna do a spacer and AAL lift for looks and convenience (no off roading)

 

Much appreciated. Good to have some first hand knowledge rather than reading some old reviews. Thanks

 

Good to hear. Thanks for the info. This seems to be the most economical remedy for me (without altering the stock suspension).

 

IMO if the extra weight is somewhat permanent you'd be better off beefing up your springs than adding airbags.

I've got a canopy, toolbox, and other gear in the bed. I estimates that it's 300-400 lbs over stock, plus I tow regularly. I considered Dever/OME springs but decided to try Roadmaster Active Suspension system. Search for it on this forum. So far the RAS springs are working great.

 

I don't plan on taking the decked box out or cap off anytime soon. I'll bet I'm running 300lbs+/- over stock as well. That will increase for ice fishing trips. I'll do some reading on the RAS system. Appreciate it.

 

Good call!!

 

I just finished installing the Firestone ride rite air bags with the cradles. Man, it was a PITA! I was just using a floor jack and some stands with hand tools but I don’t know that air tools would have helped much. Maybe.. I rode home with 20 lbs of pressure carrying a couple hundred pounds of weight in the rear and it was a bit stiff. I’m thinking 10-15 will be fine.
I also have an ARE shell I ordered that will be coming in a few weeks so I will see if that changes anything.

 

If the extra weight is there all the time then I would go with aftermarket spring set up. If more leveling is still needed, then add air bags.

Also, checkout the Wander the West forum where a lot of folks have 800-1000lb popup truck campers on Tacos.

 

People will tell you to get airbags, but man. Are you building a work-truck or a play-truck? Because if it's your weekender/offroader/overlander/whateverer, then just get beefier suspension all around. You can spend money with Kings or Icons, or go cheaper with any of the recommendations you'll find on these forums (OME, etc.).

I only have improved shocks and 3-leaf AAL in the back, but if money was no concern there'd be super nice new leaf springs back there.

I think you'll have more fun with nice suspension than with airbags.