Towing - What other upgrades?

id just never tow above 50% normally

 

I like the airbag ride better, and they're adjustable which is nice. I have the Firestone bags, I think you made the right decision. The sumo springs had a tendency to rebound way too harshly, though I understand there are different revisions of the rubber now. For the purposes of this thread, anything to bolster the rear suspension is better than nothing.

 

ive heard this as well

 

Huh, didn't even think about a pressure regulator. Never knew that could be a damage area...

 

Not to derail the thread, but if your load is not typically resting on the sumos, it probably wouldn't be as bad. In other words, using them as an extra-thick bump stop. In my situation the truck was riding on them at all times, causing the harshness.

 

Id agree with that as well, truthfully it depends on what you're towing even. adding a leaf spring or even bump stops probably are the simplest thing to improve your towing

 

Here's my recent brake controller install.



Airbags, the ECU flash, towing

$41 CIPA USA 11980 Universal Bar Towing Mirror Kit, black

mirrors, and

$434 Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System with 7" Monitor, 1 Rear Sharkfin, Infrared Night Vision, Wide-Angle View, Hi-Res, IP65 Waterproof, Motion Detection, Microphone - FOS07TASF

Furrion backup camera (base and ball links)

 

Assuming you have the tow package all you need to add is a brake controller. You don't even need a WDH. Use a friction sway control bar instead of the WDH. Everything else is a "feel good" waste of money. I'd use premium 93 octane fuel when towing. In fact it wouldn't hurt to use it all the time. With some vehicles it is a waste of money, but with the high compression ratio of the 3.5 in your truck it will make a noticeable difference.

You'll want to fill up with premium and run at least 1/2 tank then fill-up again before you leave to make sure you have premium fuel in the tank when you start. Otherwise you will be 200 miles into the trip before you start using the better gas.

That is a sensible weight for your truck. We have a 2020 NOBO 16.5 that weighs 3450 dry, 4750 GVWR. I CAN pull it with my Tacoma, but that is as much weight as I'd want back there. We pulled it almost 5000 miles last summer to Colorado and back with my F150.

Water regulator and surge protector are good too, but that is for the trailer, not the truck.

 

Yeah that's why I didn't do sumo springs I wanted the ability to adjust to my load I was hauling or towing

 

Am I understanding correctly, you have a similar, but smaller, trailer as the OP is asking about and you recommend no weight distribution or suspension upgrades? And then you go on to say you prefer not to tow it with your Tacoma?

No disrespect, but anyone towing a trailer with an unloaded weight of 3000lbs with a Tacoma will want a suspension upgrade. The taco squats when a heavy bird lands on the rear bumper, let alone a few hundred pounds. At the very least you'll be blinding every oncoming driver and causing irregular tire wear. If you performed the upgrades mentioned in this thread, maybe you'd feel better about pulling (and stopping) the weight.

 

I like air bags over Sumo springs. There when you need them, deflated when you don’t. Also, truck has to “squat” for Sumos to come into place. I’ve run Airlifts on my last 4 trucks. This truck, my ‘19, squatted a bit after just adding my ARE Mx topper, OEM bedmat and tool box. All this is normal day to day stuff. So I added Wheelers 1.5 AALs. Not Airlifts on this one. And it tows and rides great, even when towing my Satellite 17RB (about 3300 lbs dry)

 

I’m going to go with Roadmaster active suspension when/if I finally get my new Taco. My camper is 2,300 lbs. No camper brakes.

 

I will say, if you are new to towing and not great at backing a trailer, I would recommend initially putting your money into other areas to help the truck tow better as opposed to a camera. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but learning how to be aware of your surroundings and putting yourself in a good position for an easy back in is really helpful. I would worry having a camera would would give too much of a sense of security and reliance on using it. Others might feel different, but just my opinion.

Not saying that a trailer camera isn't useful or helpful, as they especially are if you have young kids, pets, etc. Just suggesting, learn how to use the trailer without it first.

 

Get airbags with cradles instead is the only other thing I would recommend. The cradles stick allow plenty of articulation.

I had Duro Bumps before my bags and it was alright…just no adjustment for long drives or specific liking

 

2nd on the Redarc Controller. I have one on my truck and it works great. My trailer is about the same dry weight as yours and would definitely recommend some type of WDH with a anti sway device. I have towed with and without, just easier with the above.

Always carry spare Keys. I keep a spare trailer key in the truck and a spare truck key in the trailer just in case. Remember to carry 2 hoses. 1 for black water flushing and 1 for fresh water, latex gloves also.

 

Fwiw, and nothing against OVTune who made all things possible, but I think there are better performing tunes out on the secondary market here on TW.

+1 on the redarc elite. It’s a super clean install when done right.

 

Very handy location. So handy I’m going to keep it in mind.

 

would you recommend the KDmax instead?

 

I added SS brake lines and a PowerStop Z36 brake kit. Unscientifically, brakes do feel firmer although that could be from stock brakes simply being at 3/4 of their life cycle when they were replaced .

 

Thanks, something else I didn't know existed but now I need it and can't live without it.