Shackles for those that tow...

I was chatting with a local overland builder this week regarding my rear suspension options and he recommended to stay away from any sort of extended shackle considering I tow a travel trailer during the summer season.

I was looking at a minor rear end bump and was considering a small 1 inch block or 3\4 inch shackle to level out the truck.

He recommended a zero rate add a leaf if I was not ready to do a full replacement leaf pack. I searched high and low and the only source I could find was Offroad Design.

Who is towing with shackles and any issues?

 

I don't have shackles, but I was considering add a leaf and possibly shackles. Right now I have a 1 / 1.5 inch block in the rear as part of an old leveling kit, and I can tell you that it still sags a bit and is spongy when towing or with load in the back. Stock suspension just gets flattened out over time. I have 26000miles on mine now. Up front I have upgraded the suspension already (3inch Icon 2.5 with RR). But have been waiting to upgrade the rear. I think either replacement leaf pack / add a leaf or may consider airbags or the 'airless' alternative sumo springs. I see some guys have gone with add a leaf and sumo springs or similar. Whatever I go with, I don't want it to deteriorate too rapidly over time.

 

I have CB+2 shackles and have zero issues towing or off-road.

 

CB +1 here. These shackles are strictly better than stock in every single way. Not worried about towing with them in the slightest. I can maybe see his case with a +3 though. The spring with those is getting flattened more than possibly designed for before it hits the bumpstop. A +1 shackle is a very slight lift

 

Yup had a shackle (toytec) and a block. Towed just fine..

 

Same. CB +2 shackles and no issues towing. When I get the money for it, I want to get a whole new leaf pack though.

 

I decided on the CB+1 while it is called a +1 you are actually only gaining just over .5”
I will be pairing them with Falcon Tow/Haul adjustable rear shocks.
I would prefer no lift in the rear at all but CB does not make a set without any lift and don’t really think any other shackles compare to the CBS. The slight lift will help me retain a slight rake which I prefer.
I don’t foresee any issues towing with a properly equipped hitch and trailer.

 

I purchased my 1gen and 3gen add a leaf from wheelers. They just ran a 15% off sale, they may run again at Christmas.

 

I have CB+2 shackles and have never had any issues towing.

 

Extended shackles generally have no negative towing impacts on a Tundra. However, Tundras do very well with an airbag/daystar cradle combination for towing heavy hitch weights.

 

Please post your impressions of that setup once you have it. and again when you tow with it!

 

I recently brought a big boat - 5700 lbs and my 16' TRD PRO with +3 CB Shackle in the back sag when towing. I don't like the feel of it on the road so thinking either air bags or leaf spring upgrade. Any thoughts?

 

how often do you tow? If only a couple times a year, I'd say weight distributing hitch rather than springs... you'll retain the nice factory ride when not towing.

and a 5700lb boat, plus fuel, water, etc and trailer, is definitely in the range where you'd benefit from a WD hitch.

If you're hauling the boat to the lake every weekend, then you might want springs/bags along with the hitch.

 

I'm try to put her in a slip but want to tow to good fishing spots around the NorthEast this summer.

 

Towing with shackles, no issues.

 

You gotta watch out for those Overlander guys, it's all or nothing.
Might as well go 4 link with trailing arms. Leaf springs are soo antiquated


Kidding aside, you will be fine.

 

CB +3
Tow almost daily.
CB is beefy and the best for towing imo.

 

Most boat trailers use surge brakes which don’t play nice with WDH.

 

There's your first mistake

I have 3" lift shackles and tow all the time.

 

I have have +2 shackles from Toytec. Often tow a trailer that is maxing out my ratings, seems to work quite well. Also using a WDH. It’s been a few years since I put them on but I remember them appearing more heavy duty than the factory one I took off.