Recommendation for Fighting Sag When Towing with a 2010 Toyota Tundra and Weight Distribution

Question:

Thank you so much for your responses. I realized, based on your feedback, that I needed to adjust my Equalizer hitch first, and it has made a big difference. I’ve decided to go with a fixed option vs air bags. I only have one more question: can you help me understand the difference between Timbren and SumoSprings for my application? I’m going to purchase one of them.

asked by: Dean M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Weight distribution (WD) systems actually take on the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle (your 2010 Toyota Tundra) as well as the tongue weight (TW) of the loaded trailer. This is why you are finding that your WD system isn't performing as well when you load down the bed of your pickup.

For example, the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET has a TW range of 600 lbs - 1,000 lbs. If you were using this system and the 709 lb TW of your trailer plus the cargo behind the rear axle of your Tundra was over the 1,000 lb max TW range of this system then you would want to get the next heavier WD system.

If you are near the max TW range of your current WD system then I recommend installing the SumoSprings # SSR-610-47. these replace the OEM bump stops on your Tundra and have a weight capacity of 1,500 lbs. They will not increase the weight rating of your pickup but they will add extra support to the suspension on your vehicle.

Not only will these help while towing but they will also help during travel whether or not you have a payload in your truck bed. Once they are installed they require no maintenance. You don't have to check them to make sure they aren't leaking or add/subtract air depending on your situation.

If you are simply overloading your WD system just let me know the weight of the cargo you are putting behind your rear axle and I can make a recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Jon G

Dean M.

10/29/2018

I hadnt looked at these. I had looked at Air Lift and Firestone air bag options. Will the Sumo Springs work as well or better than these two options?

Jon G.

10/29/2018

If you only have a little bit of sag (about an inch) and you want your Tundra to be completely level then an air bag kit like Air Lift # AL88299 or Firestone # F2445 is what you want to go with since you can inflate the bags before your suspension will need help. The SumoSprings # SSR-610-47 will engage once there is a load so they help to level out a pickup but since there is a little bit of space before they engage you may have about an inch difference in ride height. All of these options are great quality and will supplement your WD system. If we were to set them side-by-side then the air bags would be the best route to go but if you are only needing to rely on the suspension enhancement every once in a while it is hard to beat the SumoSprings since they are maintenance free and you don't have to add or subtract air every time your load changes.

Dean M.

11/8/2018

Jon G.

11/8/2018

The Timbren Jounce-Style Springs # TTORTUN4 and the SumoSprings Jounce-Style Springs # SSR-610-47 are actually very similar as they use the same idea and similar materials. The reason that I recommended the SumoSprings instead of the Timbrens in my earlier answer is because we have received feedback from customers that the SumoSprings are less stiff than the Timbrens when a load isn't present. Either system will work great for your application but I do recommend the SumoSprings over the Timbrens strictly for the better ride when your Tundra isn't under a load.