Spring helpers or add a leaf?

2017 Access cab 4x4 sr5. When I put my boat on the drop hitch it drops the rear. Yes, I’ve adjusted the tongue weight. I looked at the rear springs without the boat and they are pretty much flat and straight. Was going with add-a-leaf, but the ride without the boat will probably be pretty stiff. I don’t want to raise the truck unless I have to. Would helper springs work? Anybody have any experience with them? Has anyone had their springs re-arched? We used to this when I worked at a Chevy dealership
Thanks in advance

 

The stock rear leaf springs are weak, and will flatten out with regular heavy loads. Consider replacing the whole leaf pack with an aftermarket pack made for towing, or an add a leaf, but it is hard to find a no lift rear anything. Airbags would be your best bet, but are pricey. Although there is a system that clamps onto the leaf springs, but I don’t have personal experience with any of this as I’m at 110,000 miles on my original flat leaf pack and still going! Sorry, good luck!

https://activesuspension.com/products/toyota-tacoma-2005-2021

 

Strange looking . $539
Thanks

 

I use these for my 5100 lb trailer. Work great and I think they ride better than stock even when empty. and ZERO maintenance other than maybe a car wash.

 

What do you use?

 

I went with the Roadmaster active suspension.

Looked at airbags and sumos but decided to go with Roadmaster. Lot of great reviews on etrailer too.

 

Airbags are around that same price.

 

progressive AAL to replace the overload springs, here. rides amazing and helped keep a slight rake with the front end lift. tows my 14' boat just fine with no squat.

 

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&inc_subcat=1&categories_id=437&year_select=2023&make_select=654&model_select=8688&search_in_description=&sort=2d&fltFront/Rear[]=Rear


Timbren's

 

These are excellent https://activesuspension.com/products/toyota-tacoma-2005-2021, easy to install and adjust.

 

What do you mean by “I’ve adjusted the tongue weight”?

How much is the tongue weight?

What is your ride height with the boat hitched up?

How does the truck drive with the boat?

It’s normal for the rear to sit lower with a payload. That’s how springs work. It’s nothing to worry about unless it’s excessive. My boat and trailer weigh about 2300 lbs with a tongue weight of about 230 lbs estimated. The truck doesn’t sweat.

I do think it porpoises less with my king shocks and OME Dakar leafs, but it’s a subtle difference. I did not install them to improve towing.

 

If you're not wanting to change your stock ride height or suspension then the Firestone Ride Right Air Bags are probably your best bet. They can be aired up to tow your boat & aired down for normal driving. They're good for hauling any kind of weight really & it only takes a couple of minutes to adjust.