Best Way to Prevent Sagging Suspension When Towing a Trailer

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Question:

I tow a 25 foot bumper pull camper. With it loaded down my Tundra sags a little more than Id like it too. I was looking at both your bolt on helper springs. I tow my trailer maybe 10 times a year and was wondering which of the two would work the best? I have a 2014 Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4x4.

asked by: Grayson

0

Expert Reply:

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle by distributing the tongue weight of the trailer up to the front axle of the vehicle as well. This will help greatly with handling and braking, especially in an emergency situation.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Once you determine your tongue weight check out the link I attached that will take you to a page that has all of the WD systems we carry. Select your tongue weight from the filters and all of the correct systems will be listed.

Suspension enhancement is ideally used when the suspension sag comes from a heavy load being loaded in the bed of the truck. It can still help when towing a trailer, but not as much as a WD system.

If you are dead set on suspension enhancement the Timbrens # TTORTUN4 have been confirmed as a fit for your vehicle and would work well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Nick B.

1/18/2020

Hello, I have a 2019 Ram 1500 New Supenion from a Classic . Im pulling a Camper Trailer 8,000LBS what air bags can I buy.

Jason S.

1/20/2020

If you have the 2 wheel drive, then the AirLift 100HD Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs # AL60828HD is what you need. If you have the 4 wheel drive, then the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL57375 are the better option. If you have the factory air suspension system then aftermarket air springs cannot be used. You can however use the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle # SSR-307-47 for supplemental support.

Helpful Links

tv-Demo-Air-Lift-Vehicle-Suspension-Rear-Axle-Suspension-Enhancement-AL57375.aspx

tv-Demo-SuperSprings-Vehicle-Suspension-SSR-307-47.aspx

Scott

7/17/2020

@JasonS I have a 2004 suburban pulling 8000 lbs travel trailer and need to fix the sag. What do you suggest Thank you

Chris R.

7/22/2020

@Scott To help reduce that sag on your Suburban the Air Lift # AL60769 will work really well.

See All (5) Replies to Nick B. ∨

Maurie

6/24/2020

I have an Acura MDX and my trailers weight is 3,480 lbs. my Acura sags. What can I do to fix this problem?

Chris R.

6/27/2020

A weight distribution system is definitely the best solution for rear sag that's caused by a hooked up trailer. For this trailer weight I specifically recommend the Fastway # FA92-00-0600.

Happy R.

7/10/2020

I own a 2002 Tacoma Prerunner and tow a boat. I have enough sag that I'm having issues with blinding oncoming drivers when it's dark. My concern with the WD system is it will remove the weight from the rear axle increasing the chance of losing grip on the ramp when launching and sinking my truck. Any thoughts on this? Boat trailer is level and towing ability is good.

Chris R.

7/14/2020

That's a good question. A properly rated WD system will indeed relieve the rear axle of some of the trailer weight, but it's going to re-distribute this to the other axles of your setup - so you aren't going to lose any stability that would lead to issues on the boat ramp. Can you tell me the loaded weight of the trailer?

James H.

11/1/2021

I , as well have a question And problem .I bent my axel after attempting a narrow right turn towing my 25 foot holiday rambler . Can I slowly get my camper back home by Removing the front bent axel , and pulling it carefully 140 miles back home using only the One rear axel with 2 tires . Please , I need an answere , I've been broke down a week so far

Les D.

11/3/2021

@JamesH You cannot tow a trailer without proper axles to support the trailer, no matter how careful you are, or how short the distance may be. If you can send us the information from the axle sticker we may be able to ship you a replacement axle.

Answer 1

Hey Ed, welcome back! As long as the Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale #BTBRV004 is on a hard flat surface that does not flex it will work just fine. So you can use a spacer of some type to take up the extra space needed with this and it will work…

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Answer 2

Hello Barry, Since you already have a weight distribution (WD) hitch and are only experiencing a little rear sag, I recommend going with SumoSprings. I typically only suggest Timbrens for those who are towing heavy loads regularly, as they can create…

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Answer 3

Hey Ryan, the reason the Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension Upgrade Kit for Single Axle Trailers #K71-358-00 that you referenced only comes with 4 bushings is because the bushings only install in the leaf springs. The additional wet bolts of this kit that…

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Answer 4

When the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs item #SS65FR are installed on your 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 you will have a 1/2" - 1" of clearance with no additional cargo weight. This allows for you to have a comfortable ride when you are…

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Answer 5

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the AirLift 5000…

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Answer 6

Suspension enhancement systems like Timbren springs are perfect for the scenaro you're describing. These solutions supplement your factory suspension but don't necessarily increase your capacity. Timbrens are hollow rubber springs that sit…

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Answer 7

Since the pin weight of your camper is 2.1k, I recommend going with the LoadLifter 5000 opposed to the 7500. While technically there is not reason you couldn't use the 7500 kit, it really is not necessary for a camper like yours. Generally the…

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Answer 8

When you're adjusting a weight distribution system, you're looking for the system to return the front ride height as close as possible to where it was when unloaded, ideally within an inch or so. If you're at or near that point,…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

Great question, Brian! The bushings that fit on the bolts for the shackle straps tend to wear out a bit faster than the ones that connect your leaf spring directly to a hanger which is why there are only 4 bushings in the Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension…

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Answer 11

We have many styles and sizes of trailer wheel lug nuts shown on the linked page. These are offered in either 60-degree or 90-degree coned profile, in zinc, chrome or stainless and for four different wheel stud diameters. Just click on the feature to…

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Answer 12

I would recommend the largest cooler that will easily fit in front of the air conditioning condenser on your 1996 Chevy Express Van. In your case the Derale Class IV, Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, item #D13504, would be the one that…

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Best Way to Prevent Sagging Suspension When Towing a Trailer

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