Solutions To Correct Porpoising and Sag On 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4WD Towing Popup Camper

Question:

I will be putting a popup camper on my new 2020 Tacoma 4WD pickup. With people and gear I will be near the max load for the truck. For this setup on my old Tacoma I used Firestone RideRite airbags. They worked well except on large bumps or dips when I experienced some porpoising. Would the Roadmaster RAS provide a better ride while still handling the load and keeping the truck level? I will also be running the truck without the load so I dont want to permanently lift the rear end. Is there a better combination for this air bags plus something else?

asked by: Stephen A

Expert Reply:

The best suspension enhancement to keep the ride level and provide a comfortable ride are air bags for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The RAS part # RAS3611-Y is a great choice but it will not provide the comfortable ride quality that you are seeking when the truck isn't loaded.

I recommend the air bags for the Firestone RideRite Air bags part # F2410 for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma (if these are not the air bags you already have). This really is the best set up that you are going to find when it comes to preventing sag and providing a better ride quality.

If you don't have a compressor I recommend Firestone Air Command II - Analog Gauge w/ Standard-Duty Compressor part # F2178 which is a dual path system so it will allow you to level out the truck bed side to side if you need to. It allows you to inflate the bags from the cab instead of stopping at a gas station for air.

Porpoising is normally caused by the trailer weight not being properly distributed. If there is too much weight in the back of the trailer the weight could cause the porpoising. If your tongue weight is not between 10-15% of the loaded weight of the trailer then it may be too light in the front. If you are 10% try to make the tongue weight 15%. If you have a weight distribution system you may also consider backing off the tension of your spring bars a little if you can still be level after reducing the tension.

If you do not have a weight distribution system, I recommend to add one to the pop up camper to help distribute the weight. Please provide me with the loaded tongue weight of your trailer and I can make a recommendation.