Recommendations to Level Out a 2017 Toyota Tundra Pulling a Fully Loaded Trailer Weighing 6,000 lbs

Question:

I recently purchased a new 2017 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4X4. I own a 31 ft fully aluminum toy hauler. This trailer weighs approximately 2500 pounds empty and approximately 6000 pounds fully loaded. When hooking up the toy hauler to the 2017 Tundra CrewMax 4x4, I’ve noted the vehicle squats 3.5 inches measured at the rear bumper or 2 inches measured at the rear tire / axle. Can you please advise which model of Sumo Springs would best suit the application. I generally tow this trailer 15 of the time while 85 of the time the vehicle is lightly loaded. Ideally I would like to reduce the squat effect down to 1 inch or less when hooked up to the toy hauler and also not compromise the ride quality when the vehicle is lightly loaded Looking forward to your comments. Thanks,

asked by: Dan G

Expert Reply:

SumoSprings will do a good job at helping to keep your 2017 Toyota Tundra level when your trailer is empty, but since it will weigh more than half of the weight of your Tundra when fully loaded we recommend going with a Weight Distribution (WD) system. A WD system will distribute the Tongue Weight (TW) of the trailer to all of the axles included in the equation - both on your Tundra and your trailer. This results in a level ride, better handling, and in most cases some sway control. In your case you could very well use a combination of both and just disengage the load bars on your WD system for light towing.

To add SumoSprings then I recommend the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs # SSR-610-54 which will replace your factory bump stops and have a weight capacity of 2,800 lbs. Keep in mind that any suspension enhancement will not increase the towing capacity of your vehicle and is meant to add support to a suspension system that is in good working order.

For a WD system I highly recommend the Reese Strait-Line. The thing that sets this system apart from others is that it actually works to fight sway before it starts instead of fixing it after it is started. To choose the correct WD system you will need to base it off of your Total Tongue Weight (TTW). This includes the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with any weight that is behind the rear axle of your Tundra. You will want to then choose a WD system that has a TW range that your TTW falls in the middle of. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the weight of the loaded trailer.

For your application I recommend using part # RP66084 which has a TW range of 600 - 1,200 lbs. This will give you wiggle room when it comes to adding weight behind your rear axle of your Tundra, like a cooler, and how you load your trailer. This system comes with a shank for a 2 inch hitch receiver but you will need to purchase either a 2 inch hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16 inch hitch ball # 19286 separately.

I have attached review videos for both the SumoSprings and the Strait-Line for you to check out.