Sumo springs or AAL for towing?

I'm going to get a 2017 sr5 4 door short bed 4x4 in MGM. I need to tow my camper on 6-7 five day camping trips per year. Would it be better for me to get Sumo Springs or a dealer-installed AAL?

I don't want a too harsh ride, but need it to be capable for towing and the occasional heavy load.

Opinions?

 

AAL doesn't tend to help with load capacity. Most will soften the ride little while raising the rear; unless you keep the overload, and then it can be stiff. For me, I went with the AAL and the sumo for those times when I have a load. Unloaded the sumo doesn't make contact, but as load is added it will engage and prevent the rear end from squatting.

 

Sumo will stiffen the ride when offroading when suspension under compression

 

that effect only comes with a bit more suspension movement than you get on a typical drive, but it does exist. i like it for "spirited driving" on the road. i added a sway bar, too. that can also be something to assist in rear stability while towing. a bar won't do anything to increase tow capacity, however.

 

I had Sumo's on my 2007 SR5 and swore by them. I'd load the bed up and hitch my teardrop and go. They worked well. I'd planned to put them on my 2016 OR and guess what? So far I don't need them.

Same load, same trailer. New truck.



I'd wait and see if you still think you need them.

SB

 

I vote for both. The factory leaf springs are pretty weak. The factory bump stops are also far to short in my opinion as the springs have to go into a negative arch before they make contact. Longer bumps and a good add a leaf cured my issues when loading the bed and towing.

 

Sumosprings worked great on my 2015 trd off-road, don't need them on my 17 though.

 

What is this arch you speak of in toyota leaf springs? As far as I can tell all tacoma leaf springs are basically flat out of the box, heck even most aftermarket ones tend to sit fairly flat on the trucks.

 

They are designed to be pretty close to flat. However when you are getting 1.5-2" of negative arch and only lack about .5" from setting on the bump stops... Yeah it is time to do something.
Mine now sits about .75" over factory ride height when fully loaded for a weekend out and hooked up to my car hauler. Rides about 1.25" over stock when unloaded.