SR5 Squats When Towing

I know this is one heck of a first post. I’m clearly a noob at all of this. To say I’m overwhelmed is an understatement. So, here goes……

I have a new stock 2022 6 cylinder SR5 DCB 4x4. I love this truck. My issue is the squat I get when I hook up my bassboat. It’s about 2800 pounds overall including the trailer. I don’t know the tongue weight. I’m getting just over 2 1/2” of squat once the trailer is connected to the truck. It actually tows just fine. It just looks funny and is probably less than ideal. I typically tow the boat about once a week.

So, here’s the question. Is there a solution that reduces the squat, but doesn’t add lift? I don’t really want to redo the whole suspension to fix an occasional problem. Clear as mud?

Thanks in advance!

 

A couple inches of squat is totally normal and I would just leave it as is. There are some options for you though if you want to get rid of it.

• firestone ride rite airbags
• Sumo springs
• RAS (roadmaster active suspension)

 

Look into: Air bags, Sumo Springs, helper spring.

 

This is where the Ford Ranger shines in the midsize segment. Towing capacity and it's ass in the air rear end.

You might not want a Ranger, or be able to find one. It's turbo, and it's a Ford, and it's not a Toyota.

The Tacoma needs a little aftermarket help when it comes to towing as you have found out.

The above solutions are good options Sumos, airbags, helper springs. You can do an add a leaf but that will flatten out over time, and might be stiff when not towing.

 

As said, definitely consider the sumosprings if you don’t want to mess around with the factory suspension. There’s nothing much to installing them, they will address your problem and will ride better when you’re loaded, and won’t really change the factory ride/suspension when unloaded.

 

I did an add-a-leaf but found it wasn’t enough, recommend FireStone ride rite air bags. Easy to install in the driveway. Just increase psi when towing, reduce to 10-20 when not.
I’ll also mention both of these trailers were extremely tongue-heavy, and had to be adjusted but the truck did not squat beyond 1-2”

 

Basically it’s supposed to squat. Even with airbags you want the suspension to compress with towing.

That said we’ve installed a few sets of sumo springs and it’s been well received.

Simply acts as a secondary spring and reduces squat.

Lastly a weight distribution hitch is most ideal for towing.

 

It’s perfectly normal for the springs to compress when you add weight. That said, I’m very surprised that a 2800 boat/trailer has compressed the rear 2.5”. Did you measure it with a tape measure or did you eye it?

My boat/trailer weighs about 2300 lbs and I’ve never been concerned about my rear suspension. Based on the 10% rule of thumb tongue weight, I’m only adding 230 lbs to the rear. That’s like one large d00d standing on my bumper. The truck doesn’t even sweat.

If it really concerns you, I suggest looking into weight distributing hitches. IMHO, it’s a better solution than air bags and such, because it keeps your front-rear weight distribution closer to stock rather than just making your rear suspension stiffer.

 

I actually used a tape at the hitch. Here’s some measurements before and after and a picture of the boat & trailer. Thanks!

 

Sounds like sumo gets after your concern, but I wouldn’t do anything personally.

 

Ah I see. I suggest you measure the distance between the center of your wheel hub to your fender flare instead. That’s a more popular measurement that will be easier to compare to others.

 

That last pic tells the tale. I don’t know if all boat trailers are like that but with how far back the axle is, that’s a lot of weight on the tongue. Makes sense why your ass is squatting.

 

I tend to agree. OP’s boat trailer tires look undersized for 2800 lbs and way too far back. Mine are near the middle. I’d have to go look to give a more accurate measurement, but they are near what seems like the center of gravity of the boat, but enough behind it so that it tips forward. Is that trailer designed for that boat?

 

That axle position is not true of my single axle trailer, but I haven’t really surveyed the rest of the crowd.

The trailer strikes me as wimpy for that weight as well. It might just be the picture.

 

No I have shorelander boat trailer for a 18’ fiberglass Larson with a 115hp outboard which I estimate the combined weight to be 2300lbs.

 

As an aside, The other thing I notice in the picture is that there is no evidence of a surge brake or electric brake. A boat/trailer of 2800 lbs without brakes could be illegal depending on local laws.