Does an 2021+ SR5 squat under a load?

Hello,

I am looking to buy a tacoma (sr5 6 cylinder dual cab 5 foot) and wanted to ask about squat under a load before I decide. I have a small flat bed trailer in which I tow about 1400 lbs including trailer. Tongue weight is 150-200 lbs.
I currently use my kia sorento (4 cylinder) to pull this and I had to install air bags in the springs due to squad. The kia is a tin can car underneath.

Is the Sr5 going to do the same thing? Ideally I would have a 200lb tongue weight and load about 200 lbs in the bed of the truck, so I would disappointed to find its squatting. Just want to ensure I get the upgrades I need!

 

It will squat to level likely or 1" rake. Not bad enough to make the headlights shine upwards.

You can look into timbrens or sumo springs for occasional light towing. Really neat stuff for a tacoma.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sumo-springs-review.499597/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-install-sumosprings.447686/

 

Have a look at Hellwig Helper Springs EZ990 (part# 980). If the rear end is going to sag under load, the Hellwigs will kick in to keep it level. When light or no load there is no action from the helpers. I installed these on mine 2 years ago and find they work as advertised with 150# in the bed and a 400# tongue weight.

https://www.hellwigproducts.com/product-list/helper-springs/

 

Is this normal for all brand trucks around this size? I mean 1400 lbs with 150-200 tounge weight shouldnt really stress it out. Its also possible Ill up my tow load someday and be at 300 lbs tounge weight.

Maybe the tacoma is not the best choice for lightweight towing?

 

It’s just a fact of how spring based suspensions work.

that load should be fine

 

Send it.
If our Tacomas can’t handle a light load like that we don’t have trucks. You’re well below the ratings for a Tacoma towing.
I don’t tow but Ive had much bigger loads in the bed driving 300 miles, not an issue.

 

That’s the suspension doing what it was designed to do.

Wait until you discover the Taco Lean.

 

I tow more than that in my Toyota Sienna Minivan. It's rated at 3500# max towing and has no special equipment installed.

My 2009 Tacoma is rated at 5000# and would tow that without any issues. I throw 150# of sandbags in the bed when it's empty and tow a couple thousand pounds of trailer with absolutely no issues. The rear end does drop a little as compared to an empty truck with no trailer, but not unacceptably so.