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Slide in camper: recommended mods for suspension

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Kickin'Tires, Sep 8, 2023.

  1. Sep 8, 2023 at 6:34 PM
    #1
    Kickin'Tires

    Kickin'Tires [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2009 Toyota Tacoma access cab V6
    Ripped the jump seats out and made a bench for my dog
    K! I found a slide in camper that will fit my Taco (09 access cab V6, 6' bed). The truck came with 'the tow package' but I have no idea if that includes slightly heavier suspension than stock. The shocks are OEM, but they're newer.

    Total weight of the camper, loaded, will be about 1,000 lbs.

    Camper will stay on the truck.

    I do dirt roads/USFS roads, but not into crazy off-roading.

    What do you suggest for upgrading the suspension?

    TIA
     
  2. Sep 8, 2023 at 6:55 PM
    #2
    GilbertOz

    GilbertOz Driver

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2014 AC V6 MT 4WD, 84K miles
    FOX 2.5, Deavers, ARB, OTT, 4xInnovations
    I put about $6.5K into a FOX 2.5 PE / DSC (all 4 corners) setup, plus Deaver U402 Stage III leaf springs. All provided by Accutune Offroad. (Highly recommend them.)

    What that got me is a suspension that allows me to greatly exceed the GVWR of the vehicle while preserving good handling. I can carry at least 1600 lbs in the back (including metal utility cap, lumber rack, & a pallet of 24" x 48" floor tile) without the truck suffering from typical stock-Tacoma ass-drag. Can hit speed bumps, railroad tracks, and pretty serious potholes at full speed (45-65 mph) without bottoming out.

    More details & a photo here:
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/maybe-too-much-leaf-springs.810890/#post-29087361
     
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2023
  3. Sep 8, 2023 at 7:28 PM
    #3
    Ridgewalker1

    Ridgewalker1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Philip
    Longmont, CO
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma TRD OR, 2015 Tacoma TRD OR
    2003 1 5/8” lift, 235-85r16 BFG KO2, ARB Bull Bar, Warn M8000, sliders, Snugtop; 2015 Hefty Fab al bumper and sliders, Warn Zeon 10k, Rago bed stiffeners,
    Measure from center of axle to fender before you install the camper (keep this for reference).
    Personally I would start out with some air bags. Air up to your original height axle to fender. You can adjust them for what ever weight and side to side. Pretty cheap and easy to install.
    Then after a year of use on what ever type roads you go on, you can have a better idea of how much you will load it up. At max (fuel, water, propane, food, toys, additional passenger, dog, etc), weigh it and then decide.
    JME&O Best of luck on your set up! It sounds like a fun rig ready for some travel!
     
    Kickin'Tires[OP] likes this.
  4. Sep 8, 2023 at 8:14 PM
    #4
    Kickin'Tires

    Kickin'Tires [OP] Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 Toyota Tacoma access cab V6
    Ripped the jump seats out and made a bench for my dog
    Ridgewalker1 likes this.
  5. Sep 9, 2023 at 8:22 AM
    #5
    jameswirl

    jameswirl Well-Known Member

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    Second the air bags recommendation. I have an OVRLND camper on my 2010 6’ bed. The OVRLND is a shell type (sits on bed sides so not a slide-in) and the weight is ~300 lbs., but all loaded up for camping I’m much heavier. I ran it the first year with no suspension changes and was much happier after the air bag install.
     
  6. Sep 9, 2023 at 8:30 AM
    #6
    andrewtheadventurer

    andrewtheadventurer Well-Known Member

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    Andrew
    Somewhere probably
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    Off-road Tenthouse
    an empty wallet
    Airbags until you get the truck standardized. Then Custom leaf pack and bilstiens are a budget option. Custom leafs are kinda pricy but will be worth it because they are tuned the weight of your truck. If you want to spend more money then 2.5 coilovers
     

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