1st Gen Tacoma camper weight suspension sag

Hey there. I have built a camper conversion in the back of my 02' double cab Tacoma. Due to the weight of the sleeping platform, drawers, and gear my truck is sagging in the back about 1.5 inches. Aside from going full replacement of an OME setup is there an alternative way I can level out my truck to get my clearance back?

 

You could flip the overload spring over. But that's not recommended unless you're just straight up broke.

 

Check out Super Springs

Do you plan to have all your plunder in the truck all the time orremove it from time to time??

 

Air bags

 

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hellwig-helper-springs/toyota/tacoma

 

I am pretty much running up to the mountains every weekend so I typically keep it geared up so I can dash after work on Fridays.

 

Those helper springs look like an interesting option. Ill have to research these a bit more. Thanks

 

I had the same issue. I turned my wooden platform into a campfire and rebuilt a new one out of aluminum tubing. The old one was 120 pounds. The new one is 55 pounds and probably a lot stronger. The old one was kind of a pos too.
Your platform is way nicer than my old one. Maybe don't convert it into a campfire. Or platform phase two as I like to call it

 

theres a few threads on TW suspension-lift forums or even AMAZON.COM has reviews they are a very cost effective,easy install answer to your issue they will work when an excessive load in the truck bed when its empty the truck operates as normal.https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...pring-vs-hellwig-979-ez-helper-spring.379448/ https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hellwig-979-helper-spring-install-2013-tacoma-trd-sport.379512/

 

Thanks! It's been my pride and joy building it. I have been trying to think of ways to shed down the weight but not sure I'll do a full rebuild.

 

Awesome! This might be the way I go. I'm not very experienced on bigger projects but this looks like something I can do. Thanks for the links.

What level load capacity you think would be needed? I see there is a range. I don't want it to be too much where it becomes stiff as hell but also not enough. I would think the 550 would be enough.

 

theres a lot more threads on the helpers do some searching online you can get a lot of help. also iv have noticed peeps with the airbags say that they leak air sometimes and has to be refilled to keep ride height. the helpers maintain ride height under load and operate just like the stock setup but with extra capacity

 

more build pics!!

looks cool man.

 

the 550 pound 1 spring would probably do it, your topper must weigh 200lbs? so it would be close to 550 pds under the full load. you can also call sdsprings and talk to customer service for advice on it. the next would be 1000 pds. which uses 2 springs which seems a little too much
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pics-of-the-hellwig-550-helper-springs-in-action.173681/heres a real good thread

 

AIR BAGS
https://www.airliftcompany.com/shop/59537/L

 

How do you sleep in a 5ft bed?

 

I was looking at air bags for myself. One downside is that if you have after market leaf pack like OME Dakars you have extra droop. If the air bags act like limiting straps they're rip. You need to add in limiting straps or get a daystar air bag basket thing...which some people have reported to have caused air bag failure.

I'll have to research if there are longer travel airbags.

 

I've checked out the daystar airbag cups myself. From what I've found out so far is, improper inflation. Not enough air in the bag to keep it straight or to much air causing misalignment. With to much air when the suspension articulated the bag would push out and over the edge. Daystar rep said that usually happened when the owner used the bags for an excessive lift when off road.
I'm in the process of building my own airbag system. That will use the 5inch bag and daystar cups. I don't do a lot of offroading.
I load a 4x4 quad and gear in my truck and it squats it alot. So airbags fit my use better.

 

So for me its too short. Im an even 6ft and so to make it long enough I made an additional pullout to extend the bed. Ill attach some photos so you can see how it all works. But basically I pull the drawers out to the end of the tailgate and add a platform on top. This make my platform a good 6.5ft. Then I have this truckbed tent I got on Amazon

$210 DAC Mid - Size Truck Tent by Dac Inc.-Vehicle Tents

https://www.amazon.com/DAC-Mid-Size...899&sr=1-1&keywords=dac+mid+-+size+truck+tent to keep me out of the weather. It has worked pretty well so far but I would much rather have a fullsize bed on my next Tacoma. I hope this helps let me know what questions you have.

 

Mine is just too friggin heavy. I have Dakars with the AAL and the leaves are flat...before I add all my crap to it. I have an 19 gallon Aux fuel tank, sleeping platform, fridge on a fridge slide and camper shell.
I off road from time to time but the main thing I want either air bags or a helper spring is when I go to Mexico for 2 weeks. I bring a second spare tire and spare parts for the truck and motorcycles and 6-10 gallons of water. Last year we did 1300 miles of rough dirt roads following the Baja 1,000 route in 9 days. This year we're going for 16 days and will follow the race for at least a few days.