Is Weight Distribution Needed With Suspension Enhancement on 2018 Toyota Tacoma?

Question:

I have a 2018 Tacoma Sport Double Cab Short Bed 4x2. I am considering two products from Sumo Springs - SSR-612-40 and SSR-612-47. As you know, the 40 is rated at 500lbs and the 47 is rated at 1000lbs. Being the same price, I am curious to know the trade-offs of using either system. Will the 47s ride harder than the 40s? I am using my Tacoma daily and will be hauling a 5x8 enclosed trailer 3500lbs max weight rated once a week or so. I am also considering adding a weight distribution system depending on how I feel about the quality of tow - will a WDS negate the need for these in the end?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Those are very good questions and let's start with the capacities of both systems. The SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs # SSR-612-40 has a 500 lb capacity and SumoSprings # SSR-612-47 has a 1,000 lb capacity, which means that is the highest amount of weight that the springs will actively still help your 2018 Toyota Tacoma's suspension. Anything over that and you won't see the benefits of the system.

If 3,500 lbs is the max weight of your enclosed trailer when it is loaded then your tongue weight will be under 500 lbs so unless you are also going to be carrying quite a bit of cargo in the bed of your Tacoma, the 500 lb capacity SumoSprings # SSR-612-40 will be a better choice, because the 1,000 lb capacity springs are going to ride a bit rougher.

As for your question about weight distribution, using these springs will not necessarily reduce the need for depending on the amount of sway you are experiencing; a weight distribution system will offer anti-sway capabilities that the SumoSprings will not. What I would do first is tow with the SumoSprings and get a feel for how the ride is and look into a weight distribution system if need be.

expert reply by: Kyle S

John I.

5/10/2020

I have more of a question than a comment. I have the same style of Tacoma as is mentioned here except for it being a SR5 model. I have a 3" lift level installed. I will be towing a 2004 airstream Bambi sport behind the truck and I need to know witch product will work the best with a loaded truck bed and the trailer towing behind. I'm not sure what will work with the 3" lift kit also installed. I will appreciate any advice and recommendation you my have. Thanks

Chris R.

5/12/2020

If you have a true 3" suspension lift on your Tacoma, I actually recommend going with a different kit so spacers can be utilized to fill in the gap. If you have the 3-leaf springs at the rear you will need the Timbren # TTORTUN4L and if you have the 4-:Leaf suspension you'll need part # TTORTUN4. The Timbren springs will provide excellent support for your loaded cargo and hooked up trailer, and the 1" Spacers # A25723-90AH00 can be added to accommodate for the truck's lift.