Airbags or Helper Springs

I recently purchased a Polaris Ranger/14' Utility Trailer. I've been in the process the past couple months getting my truck back into shape (new tires, rear brake job, replaced faulty vapor charcoal canister, replaced 3 u-joints, replaced faulty left front hub, installed trailer brakes, etc). I wanted to get everything done (for peace of mind) before hunting season when I'll be towing the Ranger to my hunting camp and another camp I hunt with. I have no doubt in my mind that the Tacoma has the ability to tow the package (only 3500 lbs total), but I'm curious as to whether or not I should add towing airbags or helper springs to take some strain off the suspension. My truck is a 2010 with 148,000 miles but has been well maintained (every 3000 miles - oil changes, tire rotation/balances, fluid checks,air filter cleaned, etc). Thank you!

 

Welcome aboard Brantley
Start a new thread at link below
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/towing.34/

 

Welcome to TW! That will start an endless argument. It took me about a month of waffling between the pros and cons of helpers, airbags, bump cushions (like sumos or timbrens) and all the other magical products out there. Each person will swear that whatever product they are running is the absolute best for whatever reasons fit their lifestyle.

Eventually I settled on the Roadmaster Active Suspension. It works for my trailer. I dont have to air up or down with each load like with airbags, but it is somewhat adjustable for those trips where I'm running a trailer and carrying a small load in the bed.

Eventually I might ditch that and just do a rear suspension replace, but I have been happy with the roadmasters so far.

Good luck on your search.

 

As said above, you'll get many different answers based upon the individuals experience and what worked best for their situation.

For me personally I'm also running roadmasters set to the stiffest setting and sumo springs for added insurance. Now that being the case I know not to overload the truck, but if by some chance that happens there's a fair chance I'll be "OK" and muddle through the situation. Again, don't overload! That's what I personally find to work for my situation of having a ton of stuff in the bed (drawer system loaded to the gills) plus a fiberglass shell and an occasional trailer loaded down.

-PyroTaco

 

Welcome to TW... I have Firestone Ride Rite air bags and compressor. I mounted the compressor switch on the dash under the steering wheel, easy to air up easy to air down.

 

My solution to sagging leafs under my trailer tongue load was Hellwig EZ-990 helper springs. Keeps truck level under load. No effect on ride quality running empty.

 

I regularly towed my Kawasaki Teryx4 on a 16 foot dual axle car hauler behind my 2011 TRD OR with OEM suspension. It handled the weight fine. It wasn't until I started hauling a lot of weight in the bed AND towing that my springs started getting unhappy. Do you know if you have the TSB springs (3 leaves and an overload) or original leaves (2 leaves and an overload)?

 

Welcome to TW

 

Neither, go with sumosprings much easier and won’t effect your ride when empty

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I like this article. Noticed my 2020 TRD Sport LB was a bit saggy loaded up.