Bed weight & necessary upgrades.

Hi everyone,

For relevant and needed information,
My truck is a 2021 Trd off road 4x4.
No vehicle performance modifications or suspension changes from stock.

I have the cbi roof rack height bed rack (67 lbs)

roam6.5 ft awning (27 lbs)

traction boards ~(15 lbs)

how much of an effect will adding a softshell roof top tent affect the ride. I have tested that ~150lbs added upon the listed accessories lowers the truck by another 3/8ths of an inch in the rear.

my question is, while that will cause suspension to wear quicker with the constant weight, do i need to upgrade my leafs or anything?

I have no knowledge of suspension and if nothing is needed I would like it to all remain stock. However, what could I do that doesn’t hurt the bank if needed…..

Do i need some type of air bags or aal?

any help is appreciated!
again my bed carries a constant ~110lbs of accessories. I plan on adding a waterport day tank and kickass shower awning so maybe another 20/40lbs?



Picture of current look for reference:



i know my gas mileage will worsen and honestly it is what it is. A tent would be above the cabin height and will also probably add wind noise.

 

My point in case like that (and based on previous experience) - add a leaf to to your leaf springs. Usually gives you 3/4" lift and waaay more of constant carry and towing capability.
Affordable, effective.

 

Does that entail a whole new leaf spring set? Or specifically just an add a leaf purchase?

 

Ever/or. I like just add one leaf to my stock springs, cheaper, tho... Works!

 

I am very pleased with my

$256 Hellwig 980 Leaf Helper Spring

Hellwig 980 add a leaf kit. I'm more than a little disappointed in the way they pack the product and the terrible instructions but thankfully there are a lot of vids out on the internet and it is straightforward, it is just a couple of springs and brackets. If I would have known what little care they put into packaging their products and shipping them I would have gone with another manufacturer but thankfully the product performs exponentially better than the care put into packaging and shipping.

I am running more weight in the bed than you and the 980s did the trick for me and the taco still feels good when unloaded. The nice thing about the add-a-leaf is it is a relatively inexpensive option and you can always beef up your suspension with a completely new pack of springs down the road. I'm running at least 300# more than you with my decked box+ gear plus the FSR High County 55in roof top tent so I'd think an add-a-leaf would do you just fine. You can adjust the tension as well so if you like your rig to ride tight crank down on the U bolts for the helper and you'll put more tension (more help) on the leafs.

If you do go with Hellwig make sure you order from one of their authorized dealers (they have two - Summit Racing and I forget the other). If you order from Amazon or through another party Hellwig will not honor any warranty, you will have to deal with the third party who sold you the item. Let us know what you go with. I hope this helps.