Recommended Towing Setup and Rear Suspension Enhancement For 2006 Toyota Sienna AWD Towing 15' Boat

Published 07/30/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6606)

$269.36

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(380)

$47.44

Air Lift Load Controller II Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Single Path

(55)

$288.40

Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear

(1221)

$137.40

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(823)

$178.77

Question:

Want to purchase 2oo6 awd for camper conversion which will add total of maybe 250 lbs to overall weight with half between front and rear and the other half125lbs almost directly over rear axle including expected gear as occasional camper. Would be towing 15ft skiff with 50 hp yamaha 1300# fully loaded on galv trailer probably another 400# and a tongue weight of probably around 225# as I just lifted to check and im a 150 weakling. Never seen my boat sway when towed with anything from a ford focus to blazer 4x4 with stock suspensions. Thinking a class 3 hitch and ttorsen04 might be the ticket if the 225# tongue weight wont cause too much rear end on a sienna. After reading all the questions and answers do you think the 225# will cause much loss of rear end clearance and would you recommend new shocks on the rear as long as Im doing itprobably not necessary but might be smart. Helpers are always stiff and this looks like the perfect answer for my needs/planwifes driver and ready budget camper. Also curt,draw tite, or reese hitch? Hope to get the right expert.

asked by: Mark A

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

It sounds like you are adding 250lbs of weight to your 2006 Toyota Sienna AWD to convert it into a camper, and are wondering if that added weight plus the weight of your 15' boat trailer will cause too much sagging of the rear suspension.

Since you mentioned only 125lbs of that will be over the rear axle of your Sienna, and the tongue weight of your boat trailer is 225lbs you will likely have some rear suspension sag.

With that said the Timbren # TTORSEN04 would help with sagging but will be very stiff and cause an uncomfortable unloaded ride.

Instead I recommend going with the Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear # AL60732 which will install the rear coil springs on your Sienna and will give you between 500-1000lbs of load leveling support when needed. This will not effect the unloaded ride at all so it is the best option in my opinion.

To keep from having to manually inflate the air helper springs when you are ready to tow your trailer I recommend adding an on-board air compressor # AL25592 to allow you to adjust the air pressure from the comfort of your driver seat.

Moving on to the trailer hitch receiver I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98837 due to it being made here in the USA, and the matte black powder coat finish that helps the hitch resist chips and scratches, but also blends in better to the trim on your van.

The 350lb tongue weight rating and 3500lb trailer weight rating are plenty for your boat trailer with 225lbs tongue weight and roughly 1700lb trailer weight.

Lastly to be able to tow your trailer you will also need a vehicle wiring harness # 118304, and a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip which can all be found in the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.