How to Correct Vehicle Sag & Trailer Sway in 2014 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Towing 4K Camping Trailer

Question

Question:

Hi I am trying to figure out what will be the best upgrade for my Tacoma. We are regularly towing a ~4000lb camping trailer with it and the truck sags quite a bit and I believe for not a whole lot of money we can improve this and also improve our safety in the process, possibly eliminating sway as well.

asked by: Evan G

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Expert Reply:

To both correct vehicle rear-end sag and also control or prevent trailer sway the best solution is a properly-rated weight distribution system, one that includes built-in sway prevention. These setups can do both of these things at once, both leveling of the tow vehicle and prevention of sway in the trailer. You can refer to the linked article and video for more information.

The way to choose the right one is to know your fully-loaded road-ready trailer's tongue weight (TW), with water and propane tanks filled and all supplies and recreational gear in place. The simplest way to measure is with Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. This handy tool also makes it easy to know you have your trailer properly loaded, with the idea TW of 12 to 14-percent of the gross weight. To what you measure at the trailer tongue you'll add the weight of any cargo in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, say a generator or loaded cooler. This total TW will let you pick out the right system. A properly-loaded 4000-lb trailer will usually have TW in the range of 500 to 600-lbs.

For a 600-lb TW I suggest the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66083. This will level the vehicle and actually prevent sway from starting in the first place thanks to its locking cam mechanism that holds the trailer in line with the vehicle until you turn, when the cams unlock. Please refer to the linked video on this particular system.

All you need to add is a hitch ball to match your coupler size, either # A-90 for a 2-inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16-inch ball. If you ever change to a heavier trailer all you need to do is swap out the bars to a new set and you can keep using the rest of the system.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

I recommend going with the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit, part #RAS4524-SAT for axle above leaf springs or part #RAS4514-SAT for axle below leaf springs. This system is going to engage automatically so there is no takeup…

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Answer 2

The RAS Suspension Systems essentially preload your leaf springs making them stiffer to prevent sag. This will affect your unloaded ride quality but not as negatively as some other compatible suspension enhancements for your Tacoma. These systems…

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Answer 3

Suspension enhancement like the RoadActive System part #RAS4514-SAT are not designed to improve unloaded ride quality in a vehicle. At best they leave the ride quality the exact same when unloaded but give more support to the suspension when…

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Answer 4

Extremely sharp turns like jack-knifing can result in the tension bar coming off of the dual cam completely on the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Systems. The strait line system is designed for the spring bar to lift up off of the cam to allow…

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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

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

The correct Roadactive kit that fits your 2023 Ford F-150 is the part #RAS3611-YHD. I really like the RAS kits as they basically don't have any downsides. You get the adjustable support, an easy install, no maintenance, and actually improves…

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Answer 9

According to RoadActive Suspension the spring rate for the standard kit #RAS3611-S is 2,400 lbs. For the heavy duty #RAS3611-SHD it is 3,600 lbs. The heavy duty #RAS3611-SLHD is the same but only designed to fit if you have factory top overload…

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Answer 10

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 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

The round or trunnion bars refers to the end of the spring bars. Round bars are typically designed for lighter applications, are a bit harder to install and are usually priced lower than trunnion bars. Trunnion bars are typically designed to be used…

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