Troubleshooting Weight Distribution System that is Allowing Vehicle Suspension to Sag Too Much

Updated 05/01/2024 | Published 04/30/2024

Question:

Currently running the Sumo Super Spring custom coil helper springs front and rear in my 21 Toyota Land Cruiser. Hasnt impacted ride whatsoeveryay. I have a 16foot Airstream I tow with a weight distribution type hitch. With the above coil Sumo springs, I still have squat, headlights point up, and as a result do not carry full water tank. I tried Timbren SES but they have turned my polite-riding SUV into a farm truck. WAY TOO ACTIVE and Timbrens touch even without trailer attached. Interested in the Sumo Solo Helper Springs. But, they say -25 degreesI live in Minnesota and we have had days of -40 degrees on occasion. Will these work for me? I have ARB drawers full of tools in the third-row seat area that I carry all the time. Occasionally we have our Airstream or a utility trailer in tow. We also sometimes have 5 adults riding in the Land Cruiser. I want to preserve ride quality but want to eliminate squat with our Airstream and be able to carry a full tank of water. Please advise best setup for me knowing Timbrens were WAY over kill. Thank you!

asked by: MCM78LC

Expert Reply:

Hey MCM78LC (I don't think that's your real name haha), your best option is to take a closer look at the weight distribution system you are using as it most likely isn't rated high enough for what would be your "loaded tongue weight". When a WD system isn't rated high enough it basically is ineffective and what many don't know is that your loaded tongue weight is the tongue weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to go AND the cargo weight in the tow vehicle that is behind the rear axle. So in your case most likely you haven't factored in the weight of your tools etc.

So what I think you'll find is that you need a higher rated WD system which will get you the leveling you are needing and won't affect ride quality like the Timbrens etc. If you can get me that number as well as what system you have now and it's rating we can take a closer look and see.

Also make sure you aren't over the towing capacity for your vehicle as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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4/30/2024

Airstream 16' Sport - tongue weight just shy of 400 lbs. - overall weight just shy of 2,900 lbs. Land Cruiser towing capacity is 8,100 lbs. I have used both 1,000 lb bars and 600 lb bars on my E2 weight distribution hitch, and recently replaced my original E2 to the torsion bar model. I think we are good on all of those numbers and setup. Truck scale has me nearly 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 even across three axles, but have too much squat for my desire and headlights cause others to flash me. So, back to the question--Sumo Spring Solo helpers? How do they degrade the daily unloaded ride, if at all?

Jameson C.

5/1/2024

@Dars0014@umnedu The SumoSprings would be the best blend of ride support and ride quality. We don't get complaints on them like we sometimes do with the Timbrens.