Towing Upgrades for 05 SR5 2WD

Hey everyone, first time doing one of these question blog things. Anyway, I have an 05 TRD 2WD with the tow package and we are getting ready to purchase a 4K# dry wt (6000# fully loaded) camper. Taco is in great shape at 115k miles and has never pulled a thing. What would be the best recommended options for a DIY project with my son to beef up the rear suspension to alleviate any squat that will occur with stock items? Also and recommended front upgrades as well? Wouldn't mind a 1-2" lift and will eventually up size the rims/tires.

Thanks for any help!

JW Taco

 

Do you do any off-roading with the truck? Or just towing/daily driving?

6,000lbs is a lot. I know it’s under the limit for the truck but it’s going to be a lot for our Tacoma’s.

 

It is not a daily driver, its basically a weekend warrior. I will not be pulling it at the 6K range (full water and shitter). will probably be more in the 4500-4700 range when traveling.

 

I would look into riderite air bags, or a new full leaf pack. I’m looking into the riderites with daystar cradles.

 

I've been watching some videos on replacing the leaf packs and my only concerns with any of this is working on driveway on jack stands and not have the convenience of a lift when needing to drop the axle.

 

I dropped my axle to do my add a leafs with the truck on jack stands. I just made sure to place them on the frame of the truck and nothing suspension related.

 

Being an 05, I would make sure the frame is intact as well. Not sure if you live in a snow/salt area or not. But if it's never towed before, probably would be wise to check it all out to be safe.

I also think airbags would definitely help you out with the squat. Won't raise your towing capacity but at least you can drive level. WDH and brake controller will be essential as well.

 

I have a 2011 with a 1” lift spacer in the front and back. It kept the slight rake look but lifted 1” all around. But now I’m in the same shoes at the OP. I want to load the back down and tow some stuff from time to time but it’s obvious the leaf springs are weak. They’re basically flat lined across the axle block. I’m thinking of either adding a “helper leaf” on top of taking the 1” block out and replacing it with an add a leaf to keep the same ride hgt and look but also give a little extra payload. Interested to know what the OP ended up doing also.

thoughts on that anyone...?

 

You won't "gain" payload. You'll just get rid of junk leaf's. Most will suggest doing a whole leaf pack. Such as EMU packs. Rather than adding a leaf.

Remove all of the spacers and put on 5100 shocks all around.

 

Get more leaf springs installed in the rear. I put two more per side. No more squat plus stiffer lateral support

 

4500 is about all you're Tacoma needs to try to tow. Towing and pulling aren't the same thing. If you go to larger tires you effectively change the gear ratio and have less power. Not a good idea if you're pushing the envelope with what you're towing.


None of the modifications will increase your GVWR and that is what limits how much you can tow. In fact most will reduce what you can tow. The truck won't have any trouble PULLING 6000 lbs. But your suspension won't handle the tongue weight of a 6000 lb trailer. You'd be pushing the limits with a 4500 lb trailer.

Take the truck somewhere and weigh it. Subtract actual weight from GVWR. That is what your truck is rated to carry. Figure 13% of trailer weight as tongue weight. A 6000 lb trailer will put 780 lbs on your truck. If you go over 5000 lbs you'll need to add a Weight distribution hitch which adds another 100 lbs. It will vary between different trucks, but that will only leave you with 100-300 lbs for the driver, passengers, and any other cargo in the truck.

If you can keep the actual trailer weight close to 4500 lbs you'll be OK. But even at that you may have to pack carefully and maybe leave some stuff at home.