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Comparing Air Spring and Leaf Spring Suspension Enhancement for a 2005 Toyota Tacoma  

Updated 06/29/2012 | Published 06/28/2012



Question:

Which do you recommend for towing with Tacoma? Air springs, or helper leaf springs. Towing 23foot Salem trailer 3600lbs dry weight with 2005 Tacoma 4.6 liter v-6. Tounge weight is about 450 pounds

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Expert Reply:

Since you will be towing a travel trailer, which is a static load that does not change weights all of the time, I recommend going with leaf springs, see link. If you have a 2 wheel drive model that is not a Pre-Runner, go with # SSA1 for 2,000 pound capacity or # SSA7 for 3,000 pound capacity.

For a 2 wheel drive Pre-Runner OR a 4 wheel drive model that is not a Pre-Runner, go with # SSA19.

Air springs are great if you will be carrying varying load sizes and types so that you can level the bed accordingly. I have included a link to those systems for you as well.

Another option is to use a weight distribution system on the trailer. This will be a better choice for reducing sag and safely towing a trailer because it distributes the tongue weight rather than just raising the rear suspension of the vehicle back up to level.

For a tongue weight of 450 pounds (you also have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to this 450 pounds) I recommend a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds like # RP66540. With this system you will just need to add a properly sized ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

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Michael H

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