Payload

I like these guys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXqx3as6SGY

Re: 4:40
Question: to keep the intended travel geometry of the suspension, but still compensate for the squat that occurs (even when bed loaded within proper limits), what is the opinion on a simple helper spring setup (e.g. Hellwig)? It will only engage when beyond a given pre-set threshold...otherwise, normal travel and ride charactericts.

https://www.hellwigproducts.com/product-list/helper-springs/

 

A properly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch is your first priority for towing. Recommended by Toyota owner manual over 5000 lbs.

The concern about "squat" when towing is not aesthetic (looks). The squat is a physical symptom of the rear axle being over loaded, and the front axle being unloaded. Having the front axle unloaded can affect steering, handling, and braking. The answer is scales: tongue scale, then scales to confirm payload, trailer weight, gross combined vehicle weight, and truck axle loading.

For hauling, helper springs will help with the aesthetics when you fudge, but the payload rating is still the same.

 

Thanks.
I know that WD hitches are a tried n true, safe choice, but I have always associated them with heavier, towed loads (boat, camper). I was thinking that a helper spring might be a good choice for the occasional heavier-than-usual bed cargo loads....

 

If you're observing "squat" when towing, then you're definitely in need of a WDH. The WDH reduces the squat, but more importantly, it shifts some of the applied load from rear axle to front axle.

The mistake most towing owners make is allowing someone else to set up their WDH. To get it right, learn how to set up your WDH, and adjust it yourself. Ideally, the height of the front fender lip will remain substantially unchanged after the trailer has been hitched and WDH applied.

 

I have used helper spring in the past on my older Toyota’s. They were excellent...until you emptied the weight. Nothing short of horrendous IMHO. I highly prefer a airbag system or Timbren’s for addressing squatting.

One of the biggest issues with all these newer 1/2 Ton pickups it that the have been prioritizing comfort over capability. My cousin owns a brand F150 and it squats well over two inches with a 750 pound aluminum trailer and a properly load 1500 pounds of cargo. I was in shock. It’s completely stock and the front sits higher than the back however it’s one of the most comfortable vehicles I have ever ridden in. I would never put a 8k trailer on that thing or even my Tundra. Yet they are allegedly capable of much more. I am very conservative and believe in having it but not needing it. Truthfully I went to to Tundra so I could tow 4K comfortably at 60 mph versus all the tranny hunting my 4Runner was doing when towing 1.5k.

I don’t mean to be a wise a$& OP but follow the manual. Get the WD hitch...yes you don’t “NEED” it and many people tow 9k doing 75 mph... You’ll be much safer and the vehicle will be much easier to control during evasive maneuvers.

 

Thanks all.

Opinion of Sumos?
https://www.supersprings.com/products/sumosprings/

 

What did you come up with for a solution? I'm in a similar boat.

 

Think of your rear axle as the pivot point of a teatertotter. Your chubby trailer is the kid on the back and the empty end is your front axle. Now imagine adding an extra spring to the pivot on the teatertotter. It fixes nothing because your front end is still lighter than it was from the factory. WDH is the safe choice.

 

So you were shocked. Shocked!!

PSA: Every 1/2 ton on the planet will squat with a 750lb tongue weight and 1500 lbs of cargo. Even the vaunted F150.

 

How does 2250 pounds (750 pound trailer+2 750 pound ATVS) create 750lb tongue weight?

I had the same load behind my Tundra and it didn’t squat that bad...

 

Glad to see he loved the tundra for what it does best, super cush suspension travel at high speeds. After a week of hauling as on back roads/dunes in Moab a couple weeks ago, I can attest to that. It's so friggin good. That plus yota reliability is why I'm sold personally.

 

I must have misread the part about the trailer - I didn't think there was a trailer on the planet that only weighed 750lbs. But 1500 lbs in the bed would definitely cause any 1/2ton truck to squat.

 

No worries, it’s all good brother. I honestly don’t know how to properly calculate hitch weight. Typically my trailer weights are below the 50% capacity mark so I focus on proper weight distribution. 1500lbs is a lot in the bed of a 1/2 period.

It’s an Aluma trailer (all aluminum). You pay for them however for the weight and load capacity they are incredible. My family and I have owned quite a few and they are as strong. As reliable as a Tundra IMHO.