broken leaf spring. best replacement for camper towing?

Good morning all, I know this has been beat like a dead horse but... here I am.

2011 V6 Tacoma with the factory tow package (about 115k on it and going strong). I have a 18' toy hauler when fully loaded is probably around 4800. listed tongue weight is 440, but I bet its closer to 500 (I know I should weight it at some point). I was about to head out on a trip with it when I noticed that there was a broken rear leaf on each side of the truck (not sure how long they have been like that). The current springs have 4 to a pack, I am pretty sure they are stock, but not 100% on that.

I am ordering heavy duty replacement springs through a local store that specializes in commercial truck suspention. The replacements also have 4 springs per pack, but made with stronger steal. MY question is... Is the replacement enough or should I have a custom spring made?

Edit: I have the option to add a extra spring to the heavy duty springs, not sure if its really needed or not.
If I am complete potato just say so, its ok I have not really towed this new camper at all, prior to this its just been utility trailers with this truck. I hate to say it, but I depended a lot on the (camper) dealer in terms of what I needed for sway bars and stuff. The weight is under the tow rating (empty about 3300) but I know that doesn't mean much when its fully loaded and how the weight is distrubted. it towed fine the few times I have had it out but wouldn't doubt it if there was an overload issue with the tongue weight (I have not towed it with gear in it). I live in the good ol' rust belt so I know the stock springs have seen their far share of abuse.

 

eh... I already caved and am having them add an extra leaf to the packs. Im sure it'll ride great when I am not towing haha.

 

Me thinks the cause of your broken leaf spring is likely from an overload situation.

But its your truck and camper.

Although, I'd suggest you take a serious review on the GCVWR, GVWR (Truck), GVWR (camper), UVW (Truck) and the CC (truck). Then determine your actual weights.

Enjoy the lumber wagon ride after those new leafs are installed.

 

let us know about your vibes , shims , carrier bearing drop , etc as you go

 

I guess the other option would be to just stick with the heavy duty springs and use a WDH. I dont want the rear to be any higher, just stiffer.

 

who doesn't love a rock polisher!

 

Good luck O.P.

 

if I am not changing the drive line angle how would I end up with vibes?

 

I haven't pulled the trigger yet on the added spring.

 

Your rear leaf springs are subject to a recall.

 

Maybe,Unless they have already been replaced by Toyota.

 

www.nationalspringinc.com
150 years in the business.

 

Read the towing bible thread for more info at:
The Tacoma Towing Bible | Tacoma World

I put OME Dakars on to tow but the rear goes up 3" unloaded then tows up to 6000+ level.
As you said the setup will be rough unloaded but with that stiff a level spring pack vibration should be minimal as those won't flex/wrap up on takeoff.
Your stock driveshaft may require rebuild due to heavy tows. Also heavy towing did eat my rearend diff and wheel bearings after 1 year so be warned.
The WDH will help greatly with sway control also. I used a 10,000lb rated one on the heavy tows but for a 3000 boat did not. Good luck.

 

Thank you. Ill check it out.

 

according to Toyotas website its under the recall. Even if that was the case, I am not sure replacing with factory springs is the way to go? of course a helper spring may... help a bit if I did go that route.