Recommendations to Help With Squat While Towing a 6,500 lb Trailer with a 2018 Toyota Tundra

Updated 05/22/2019 | Published 05/21/2019

Products Featured in This Question

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2329)

$319.99

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2634)

$19.90

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3914)

$20.94

Question:

I’m considering installing the sumo springs on my 2018 4×4 Tundra. We have a 6500 lb travel trailer with about 850-900 pound tongue weight. When we tow we also have stuff in the bed of the truck. We probably use our trailer about 10 times per year including one long trip which probably averages around 2000 miles round trip. I want to take out some of the squat while towing but at the same time not negatively impact the ride quality while not towing. Will these accomplish those goals? If so, what color/load capacity would meet our needs?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

When adding suspension upgrades that replace the jounce bumpers on any vehicle it is hard to beat the SumoSprings because we have found that they have the least amount of impact when your vehicle isn't loaded. For your 2018 Toyota Tundra I recommend using the Solo Custom Helper Springs # SSR-610-54 which will offer support for up to 2,000 lbs.

For suspension enhancement that has the absolute least amount of impact on your ride quality while not towing I recommend the TorkLift StableLoad Rear Suspension Upgrade w Quick-Disconnects # TLA7311. These engage your lower overload springs (which are normally only active when you have heavy loads) before they are actually needed so that you get that additional support quicker. These feature quick-disconnects so you can disengage them while not towing which means your Tundra will have the same ride quality as you are currently experiencing.

With all of that being said, the best option for keeping your towing setup level and having zero impact on your Tundra while not towing is a weight distribution (WD) system. A WD system spreads the total tongue weight (loaded tongue weight of trailer plus cargo behind the rear axle of tow vehicle) of your towing setup evenly among all of the axles involved and, when properly setup, returns the ride height of your Tundra within 1" of the OEM ride height. For your application I recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66561 which is the correct range for your weights. All you need is a 2" # A-90 or 2-5/16" # 19286 hitch ball to complete the setup.

I have attached some videos for all of the products mentioned above to help you make the best decision for your towing setup.

expert reply by: Jon G