Do I Need Suspension Enhancement For My 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road?

Question

Question:

Hello, I am purchasing a 2017 Passport Ultra Lite, dry weight around 4,400 lbs I believe. I currently drive a 2020 Toyota Tacoma Off Road stock suspension, which I believe has a slightly upgraded suspension, low level Bilstein - I am wondering if you think my truck can reasonably tow this trailer or if a suspension upgrade is recommended/necessary?

asked by: Kyle S

0

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out, Kyle. According to the online owner's manual, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road has a max towing capacity of 6,500 lbs. So based on this, yes, I think you can definitely tow a 2017 Passport Ultra Lite with a 4,400 lb dry weight.

I do suggest that you consider a suspension upgrade though. Once the trailer is loaded you will likely be pushing it closer to its limit for towing. A suspension upgrade will help to keep the ride level and stable.

An air bag kit like the Air Lift # AL49DQ will be the best option for suspension enhancement. This will allow you to fine-tune your suspension for a perfectly level ride at all times. Leveling the vehicle improves handling, braking and overall ride comfort.

If you want something a bit more simplistic, the SumoSprings # SSR-612-47 is an easy add on that will help support the suspension without making the ride too rough.

You will find an install video for each product linked below. Feel free to reach out if you need anything else.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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Jesse M.

1/19/2026

Hey Kyle, how did things go with towing your Passport Ultra Lite behind your Tacoma? Did the air bags or SumoSprings help keep the ride level and stable? Your update could make it easier for others towing near their limits.

Reply

Kyle T.

1/20/2026

@JesseMi ended up going with the Timbren SES. They seem to work well. I think the air bags would’ve been the better choice but ease of installation was a big factor for me. Towed it to Maine with no issues! Thanks for checking in. Kyle

Reply

Jesse M.

1/20/2026

@KyleT Thanks for sharing, Kyle. That makes sense. The adjustability of the air bags is nice but the install is way more involved and time-consuming. Glad to hear the Timbrens are working out though! Thanks for taking the time to share!

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Joe, SumoSprings actually makes springs specifically for your 2021 Toyota Tacoma that has a lift. What they do is add spacers with the kit so you don't have to get any separately, and there are a couple options for your truck: - 1,400 lb…

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Answer 2

Hey Mike, thanks for the question and the best SumoSprings for your 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD for a combination of towing and a load in your truck bed are the 1,400 lb springs: - SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs #SSR-612-40 The reason I like these…

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Answer 3

Hey Alex, those are both really good questions. Let's start with the off-roading at full drop for the Air Lift bags on your 2021 Toyota Tacoma, which are the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs #AL49DQ. When you are off-roading the…

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Answer 4

Yes, it will but you may need a spacer. The reason I say may is most 3" lifts are not 3" in the rear. If your 2013 Toyota Tacoma has less than a 2" lift in the back then all you will need is the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper…

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Answer 5

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…

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Answer 6

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 7

Rear suspension enhancement will not increase the tongue weight capacity of a vehicle. They will only reduce the amount of sag in the rear suspension. I looked up the owners manual for your 2008 MKX and it looks like the maximum tongue weight…

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Answer 8

Thanks for the photo! The Goal Zero Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Panel #287-32409 uses a specialized connector that is different from what you have pictures but we have the Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar…

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Answer 9

The Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops - Rear Suspension - 3,600 lbs #TABSTRFK have bump stops and mounts that are 5-1/2 inches tall overall and u-bolts that are 8-1/4 inches long and 3-3/4 inches on center. I've attached a photo to assist. These…

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Answer 10

When installing any Timbren system on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma you should have about 1/2" to 1-1/2" between the frame and the spring after installation. You won't necessarily be losing wheel travel when you use a Timbren Rear Suspension…

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Answer 11

The Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops #TABSOSR referenced in your question feature an assembled height of 4-5/8 inches. I have attached a short video review on this kit along with the written installation instructions that you can check out as well.

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Answer 12

Yes you do need a brake controller installed in your 2020 Toyota Tacoma to control the travel trailer's electric brakes as there isn't one installed in your truck from the factory and there's no other device that can actuate the brakes.…

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