Slide in camper: recommended mods for suspension

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

 

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

 

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!

 

@Ridgewalker1 great suggestion and affordable...

 

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.

 

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