Add a Leaf or Airbags?

Hi, 2013 Tacoma quad cab 4x4. I haul fire wood, tow single axel cargo trailer that weighs 2500 lbs or so, haul dirt and mulch plus 4 wheelers. Suspension is stock today. I will install Bilstein's when I make the mod. I do have 18" aftermarket wheels and Bridgestone Dueler HL tires.

Rear sags, bottoms out A LOT, man those leaf springs are crap. So, I've been reading a lot but I don't see a comparison of a "add a leaf" like Hellwig medium vs "air bags" like Firestone.

I want to improve the daily ride around town with nothing in the back and have the ability to haul loads and not bottom out all the time.

What are the opinions on this? What would you do, not do?
Thanks much!

 

I put Ride Rite bags on my '12 and it was a huge help. Normally tow quite often around max capacity and/or have a few hundred pounds in the bed. They work well for me.

 

Are you wanting to lift, or maintain current height?
Personally, I love my airbags. Love the self leveling setup I have also.

 

I want to keep the stock ride height, maybe up and inch in the rear...

 

I think you'll like the air bags. you can adjust them based on the load you're carrying.

 

Air bags, hands down.

 

Tx bikers- I'll be selling my old set-up soon if you're not in a hurry. Firestone Ride-Rites, 1" rear block, U-bolts, sawed-off bump stops, wireless Airlift compressor, rear Rancho 9000 shocks. The airbags will need new brass fittings and plastic air tubing. The air compressor needs a wire soldered in the wireless controller. The batteries corroded the solder. The brackets have been fabricated for the rear blocks. Eventually, I'll get the front Readylift level kit off as well. Upgrading suspension.

 

Love my air bags.

 

After 5 1/2 years since being on my last truck, my Ride Rites are now on my newer truck! Instant raise of 3" with just 20 psi in the bags. No more bottoming or sagging!

 

After 5 1/2 years since being on my last truck, my Ride Rites are now on my newer truck! Instant raise of 3" with just 20 psi in the bags. No more bottoming or sagging!

Installed by Jason 'Speed Freek' in Vista, CA

 

Now with new shocks added...

 

could you run airbags with a 3 leaf aal? just bought icon 3 leaf because have about 500lbs+- in truck at all time (tool box, tools, camper shell) and wanted to raise rear 1.5 to 2''. or would this be overkill because the airbags would already help at all times with weight and lift.

 

yes, I have ride rites and wheelers 3 leaf aal.

 

Thanks @williams63 thats the plan!

 

I put c/o up front and did the 3 leaf aal in back for lift and when I tow the boat and small camper. then ended up buying a bigger camper and after loading up every thing it did sit just a little lower in the back. not much but I didn't like it so bought the air bags. I only run 5psi when not towing. and about 20psi towing the camper.