Comparing Air Spring and Leaf Spring Suspension Enhancement for a 2005 Toyota Tacoma
Question:
Which do you recommend for towing with Tacoma? Air springs, or helper leaf springs. Towing 23foot Salem trailer 3600lbs dry weight with 2005 Tacoma 4.6 liter v-6. Tounge weight is about 450 pounds
asked by: Don B
Expert Reply:
Since you will be towing a travel trailer, which is a static load that does not change weights all of the time, I recommend going with leaf springs, see link. If you have a 2 wheel drive model that is not a Pre-Runner, go with # SSA1 for 2,000 pound capacity or # SSA7 for 3,000 pound capacity.
For a 2 wheel drive Pre-Runner OR a 4 wheel drive model that is not a Pre-Runner, go with # SSA19.
Air springs are great if you will be carrying varying load sizes and types so that you can level the bed accordingly. I have included a link to those systems for you as well.
Another option is to use a weight distribution system on the trailer. This will be a better choice for reducing sag and safely towing a trailer because it distributes the tongue weight rather than just raising the rear suspension of the vehicle back up to level.
For a tongue weight of 450 pounds (you also have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to this 450 pounds) I recommend a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds like # RP66540. With this system you will just need to add a properly sized ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
SuperSprings Custom Suspension Stabilizer and Sway Control Kit
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Leaf Springs
- Light Duty
- SuperSprings Intl
more information >
SuperSprings Custom Suspension Stabilizer and Sway Control Kit
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Leaf Springs
- Light Duty
- SuperSprings Intl
more information >
SuperSprings Custom Suspension Stabilizer and Sway Control Kit
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Leaf Springs
- Light Duty
- SuperSprings Intl
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Standard Duty
- Air Lift
more information >
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