Towing suspension upgrades?

I have a 2022 TRD Off-road MT with a ranch topper and am towing a small camper (3k pounds). I've noticed a little sag in the back end while towing and even just from the topper. I live in Wisconsin, so I'm not sure how much true off-roading I will be doing.
My question is, what is everyone doing to fix the sag? Do I go for airbags, a leaf spring enhancement kit, weight distribution hitch, or just replace the rear shocks?

 

You might also want to post this question in the towing forum: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/towing.34/

 

For constant weight (like a topper) go for add-a-leafs or heavier-duty replacement leaf packs.

 

I have Dakar HD and airbags because I do carry a load in the truck and occasionally tow. If going airbags, get the Daystar cups for the lower mounting points

 

I have a 2017 Off Road with 6MT, and we have a ~3800# single axle travel trailer. I upgraded my shocks from OEM to Bilstein 5100's, and also had a set of Hellwig "helper" leafs added to the rear. They are not a full leaf, each one comes in two sections, so you never have to loosen or remove the original leaf pack/shackles. I also have a weight distribution hitch for the trailer.

 

There are many ways to go. My camper weighs between 3000 and 3400 fully wet, depending how I have it equipped. Purchased in February 2017, and it has some serious miles put on it since.

For the first 4-5 years I ran Roadmaster Active Suspension helper springs. They were great - they reduced sag, reduced axle wrap, and they were fully adjustable. They could accommodate between commuting/light weekend trips to the twice a year "take the kitchen sink" road trips. Downsides: they definitely reduced flex off-road, and adjusting takes about 20-30 minutes to do. Still, they were a solid choice.

Here I am, running RAS springs, bed fully loaded with cooler, luggage, ice, and firewood:





For the past year and a half I completely changed it up, and am now running a 3-leaf AAL. No adjustment needed, flex is somewhat restored, I feel more planted towing over uneven terrain, and it accommodates a wider range of weight. It was also very cheap, at about $250 for just the springs. Downsides - I needed to lift the front about an inch to match the rear (bringing the total of shocks, springs and alignment to about $1500) and it does very slightly squat under the kitchen sink trips.





If I had to do it again, and I probably will, I'll be replacing the AAL with a full pack replacement, likely the RXTs.


Also considered, but ultimately not purchased - Airbags and bump-stop aids (like sumo springs).

Airbags - Pro: infinitely adjustable, if set up with cradles can still be offroaded. Con: infinitely adjustable (your trip is no longer a hitch and go), pricey.

bump-stop aids - Pro: Can be had over a wide variety of price, but generally cheap. Its a set and go. Unlike others, it is virtually unnoticeable when empty. Con: reduces flex, makes hard bumps much harsher despite what the proponents say.

 

Sumo Springs. I have the blue ones and they do not reduce flex or cause ride harshness.

 

given how soft the factory springs are, the amount of times I have read folks say "if I could do it all over again, I wish I would've skipped the helpers and replaced the whole leaf pack", and the fact that I have a bed topper and drawer system that stays in all the time, that is what I elected to do. I have a set of RTX's sitting in the basement waiting for my buddy (with a lift) to help install,, even though that's not needed, it sure makes things easier.

 

Got a question,
I was wondering how high the hitch receiver was off the ground in inches, when I measured mine last the measurements from the ground to the receiver came up around 16in but I'm not sure if that's correct

 

don't forget that the off road models have softer suspension

good recommendations above my post

 

I will be buying a travel trailer this summer or fall. Nothing too heavy. Thinking around 3500 lbs max. How much $ approx would it cost to swap the leafs for something a little beefed up for the extra weight in the bed and hitch? Never did or paid for any suspension work before. Would like to get all set up before I buy the RV.

 

Stock springs with RAS. 5,100 lbs. for the trailer. Bikes are 27 lbs each. Paddle board is 30, kayak is 32, racks are probably 60.

RAS takes about 45 minutes to install. 35 minutes for the first one and 10 for the second one.

 

Mind explaining how you have your bikes setup? If it’s a hitch rack on a riser or something does it interfere with trailer backing radius? Looking for options on doing exactly what you appear to be doing.

 

Tailgate pad. No issues backing up just blocking the backup camera if there are three bikes or more. Let me know if you have any other questions. I have a roll up tonneau too. Ultimate setup for flexibility. Can quickly take off the back rack if I need to get something dumped into the bed like cedar bark.

 

I got a wolf pup black label, about 4k plus when its loaded. The trailer came with a distribution hitch and works great. My tacoma is modified with fox suspenaion and had added leafs. I even towed the camper trailer with a chevy silverado and the hitch worked great as well. I just added chevy 63s to my tacoma and im curoius to see if any difference in towing when i go on my next trip.

 

Thanks. Couldn’t tell it was a pad in the first pic so was wondering. I have been looking at the Up-N-Front bike carrier to get them off the truck altogether since I have a shell but just don’t know. I’ll post pics of whatever I come up with.

 

I tow a 3,500# TT. Blue Sumo springs work for me.

 

Important to note, I set up my truck to carry weight, but don’t have any plans to offroad it.

I installed RAS helper springs recently.
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Su...CeLDxj1vOsZBSTo1kdNM0-itkRt-uW6UaAt9GEALw_wcB
Super easy to install/remove, and adjustable. Simply have to remove rear wheels, Jack up rear and support so rear axle can fully droop/no weight. I have mine set to 1mm gaps between coils which gives about 25% added weight capacity. Adjustable up to ~40% increase in weight capacity.Added a slight amount of rear lift, I’ll be carrying tools/lumber so wanted to eliminate the rear sag. It’s settled on a bit, ride height is pretty perfect, no ass end high or sag.

Reason I mention I don’t intend to wheel this truck is because I have no idea what it will do to articulation or if it’ll prematurely wear out the RAS spring, but it definitely doesn’t limit droop.

Ride quality is actually improved, less body roll, no noticeable additional stiffness/harshness. Pretty happy with the end result