Best way to stiffen stock suspension for towing

Hi everyone! I am new to TW and happy to join the family!

I have a 2021 Tacoma SR5 with the towing package, ~80k miles on it, KO2s and no lift. I tow between 3,000-5,500lb loads about 1-2x/month. I am in Colorado with varying elevations (6,500-12,000’) and frequent washboard roads but do not do much off-roading with my truck, as it Is my daily driver.

I am looking into stiffening the suspension (front and rear) to accommodate these heavier loads and to avoid bottoming-out the soft stock suspension on the rougher roads. I don’t necessarily want a significant lift and am trying to not spend a ton of money but don’t want to cut corners, either.

I am unable to do the work myself (sadly), so I will be having a professional perform the modifications.

I just want to be safe and treat my truck as well as I can.
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
I Know this is on the higher end of towing capacity for this vehicle. When towing (atv trailer, camper) I do not push it hard up inclines, down shift on declines, use the trailer brakes instead of my truck’s whenever possible and do not have it in overdrive.

thank you I’m advance for any constructive criticism and any advice on what ways I can improve my truck’s ability and efficiency in towing!

 

I went with sumo springs.

 

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

Then get a good portable air compressor, Viair is what I use, and a deflator system to air down, I use MOrrflate for driving on our CO horrible washboard roads.

 

Subbed.

 

Timbren rear bump stops with all pro expedition leaf springs and Bilstein 8100 (had 5160 before and worked fine). Works great!!

I pull my boat and no sag.

 

I tried SUMOs alone but caused a bounce in the rear. Added a RAS system and tightened it down to 40% and with loaded bed it feels like it did off the lot

 

Factory leafs are way too weak. Upgrade those to stage 1 deavers or icons rxt's and replace the shocks with Dobinsons or Bilstein 6112/5160.

 

It is hard to not get a lift with new leafs, but the stupid stock leafs are just trash.

You can get aftermarket ones that do not feel harsh with or without a load in the back or attached. I have enjoyed my Icon RXTs for over 50k now, but even the lowest setup (Option 1) will add 1.5in over stock.

Otherwise, some bump stop upgrades would be a good hold over.

 

Hi BorntoExplore- this is a good place to start:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

I ended up getting a single Deaver add a leaf for my rear OEM springs (left the overload leaf in) and put 5100 shocks front and rear, along with Firestone airbags with Daystar airbag cups. The way mine is set up, I can off-road without the trailer just fine with good articulation and have a good level towing experience with it as well. Be sure to get a

$1,400 self-leveling 165FT/50M, drain pipe inspection camera built-in 512hz transmitter, meter counter, with microphone speaker DVR recorder, 16GB TF card, guide wheel (5mm cable)

self-leveling hitch.

 

https://www.generalspringkc.com/roa...JosVj-ig9aW_jasT2S2eGT-EyhqjRkBVr30kSIsS87Ehh

 

Airbags would be my first choice. Air up to maintain height when loaded heavy and minimum pressure when empty to maintain factory ride.
I’ve had airbags in a Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 2 Tundras and my current JL Wrangler. Never had a single issue with any of them. All of the them had a dedicated built in air source that could be operated from the drivers seat.
Tacoma will get a set later this year.

 

Sumo & Airbags, are both solid solutions. I went with Hellwig helper springs and have been very happy with their performance with occasional heavy loads.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/adding-capacity-towing-and-payload.804082/page-2#post-28841106

 

Show it some porn.

 

I may need to pick your brains about it.
I do not want a lift, but I carry full loads once a month (30-35 bags of mulch or 60 bags of topsoil). I want the truck ride to ride stock the rest of the time.

 

Road Active Suspension. Research the system, it lives up to the hype. Smooth and compliant with no load, cuts the sag and sway with a load. I love mine. No interference off road.

 

The OP does not mention if she uses a weight distributing hitch, if not that would be where I would start.

 

Do you want a lift or not? What’s the cost range?
Lowest cost is AAL. Then you get to airbags. Most expensive would be a custom or increased load lead pack plus airbags.

I’m a fan of the icon MultiRate leafs and have not needed an airbag yet. If you go over 600ish lbs to get wight, airbags are a good idea.

 

Shouldn't E Load tires be a recommendation here? Sorry, I don't tow much, just what I hear...

 

(1) Air bags get my vote - tuned with pressure, any time you like. They use so little air, people can charge them with a bicycle pump. That said - I've got an onboard Viair compressor due to other uses. Used Daystar cups with mine to avoid hanging the axle on the bags when she's on jacks.
(2) Load equalizer hitch for when the trailer is on.

 

Won't solve the bottoming-out issue OP is having.

Can relate to OP. I tow at times and my stock leaf springs are weak allowing a good amount of sag.