Bed sag while towing?

I am looking to purchase a new Hybrid 6.5bed Limited/Platinum/Pro or 1794 very soon. I like the TRD packages but they are hard to find with long beds. I infrequently tow a boat that is around 9400#. The dealer is telling me that I will have serious bed sag without the TRD package. Is this true? Would I need to upgrade shocks or add air bags? Will the TRD shocks be sufficient or will I still have sag?

 

Any half ton pulling a 9400lb boat will have sag, TRD or not.

Look over the towing/hauling forum here, you should find some helpful information.

Shocks are not going to change any sag, they just dampen the suspension movement. The truck and any loads are supported by the springs.

 

Airbags will definitely get rid of the sag.

 

Well, there is a lot to unpack here!

1) Dealer seems to have an agenda. Might want to look around a bit.
2) The TRD package is nice but the Auto levelling air system would be better to deal with sag while towing.
3) If you get a TRD package, you can prop up the rear with some airbags,or get the rear air system too (not too sure if that can be configured with the TRD).
4) It's not the shock but more about the springs that give you height. It is hard to have the best of both worlds but aftermarket air bags would probably be the way to go with the TRD package.

 

Get the Advance Pack Option if possible. ....OEM airbags. Work great.

 

The Hybrid/Long bed TRD is hard enough to find and I think I have only seen the load leveling package on one other truck? May be an unicorn. I am ok with waiting I have been shopping these trucks since October.

 

Will do that thanks. New to the forum.

 

How about a 6.5' bed hybrid and then adding the TRD setup shocks and springs from another member, they aren't too expensive? Check out the Marketplace section of this forum.

The other things you get with the TRD package is an electronic rear locker which is only useable in 4LO. and the 360 cameras (a must) but those might already be on the trim that you can find. Other than that not too much more functional stuff. My none hybrid limited 6.5' bed came with some TRD branded stuff and some stickers on the bed.

 

I very much agree.

 

Picture says a 1000 words ......

 

I found a hybrid crewmax w/ the 6.5’ bed for sale in Tennessee that is actually showing its door jamb numbers.

Check this out. Just so you’re fully aware. This truck is the size of a HD truck and will drive like it—the turn diameter on the crewmax 6.5’ bed truck is 50.0’. For reference, a 2500 Silverado crew cab regular bed truck is 52.7’. Previous Tundra short bed has a turn diameter of 44.0’.

Looking at this pic, we see that the GVWR of the Hybrid CM6.5 is 7750 lb, yet the payload is only 1390 lb.

This is a non-HD truck that drives like a HD truck and weighs almost 6400 lbs empty. All the maneuverability of a heavy duty, but only 100 lb more payload than my 2nd gen shortbed.

If it fits your use case, great. Just something to consider. For something that drives so large, I would want the payload to go along with it. Especially if I were towing nearly 10k.

 

9400lbs!! you need a diesel truck.

 

Yep, at that weight, you really should be looking at an HD truck, not a Tundra.

Maybe it’s in the limits, but with barely any margin.

 

What are you towing the boat with currently?

 

I have the factory air suspension on my22 crew cab 4x4 Limited. It was hard to find but so worth the wait. I have zero sag and it handles the load with confidence. I pull a 6000# boat and I almost don’t know it is back there. I have towed a 26’ 8000# boat in the past and agree with others you are approaching needing a 3/4 ton truck at 9400#.

A new Tundra has enough power to pull it and may be okay with air suspension if you are just towing from your home to the local boat ramp. If you travel any distance you need to think about other things namely safety. Even with air suspension, a weight distributing hitch, heavier tires, and anti sway gear really needs to be part of your set up. And are the Tundra brakes up to an emergency situation? I know you likely have trailer brakes but all it takes is one stupid driver to cut you off or get caught in serious cross winds and your boat starts wagging your truck. You clearly have some experience if you are towing a boat that heavy. I got my first grey hair when I was towing my 8000# boat and almost lost control at highway speeds with my family in the truck. Google videos of trailers flipping trucks if you aren’t convinced. Good luck with your search.

 

Do you know the weight of the trailer tongue? Boat trailers tend to carry the bulk of their weight pretty far back, over the axles. Hard to know how much sag you'll have without knowing how much weight you're putting on the truck.

 

If I did that might as well just get the air bags? I love the looks of the TRD package but it adds a ton of cost for $3500.

 

Its more I being picky. Trust me he just wants to sell me any truck at this point..

 

Yeah payload is an issue that's why I am concerned about the sag and considering bags. I have a 2500 Ram and the payload on it isn't great either. My last 3 trucks have had 6.5 beds that's what I am used to.

 

I drive a Ram 2500 CTD. Can't wait to unload it.

 

Ram 2500

 

Yeah I drive the truck everyday and rarely tow the boat. I may only tow it 10 miles in all of 2024. I am tired of driving a huge HD as a daily driver.

 

Everyone without an HD will tell YOU to get an HD. I would not buy an HD unless I needed it at least 30% of my driving miles. They aren't worth it (to me) otherwise. 10 miles of towing something within the trucks specs? Go for it. 10,000 miles a year cross country at 94% of rated towing capacity? That would wear me out and I'd get an HD truck.

 

What were you towing 8000# boat with? All serious considerations. I have an HD now. I might rent one if I ever go on a long trip.

 

This is my thoughts exactly. I just put another $15 jug of DEF in.. So over it..

 

Sounds like it would be cheaper to hire someone else to move the boat around as needed.

 

I hear you. If I'm sticking with a 1500 truck, I want 1500 maneuverability. But if you're used to the size and drivability of a 2500, that big ol Crewmax with the 6.5' bed and longer wheelbase isn't going to be much different.

 

I was in a similar situation. I bought the Limited with air bags and changed wheels and trim to match the TRD pkg for the look. It’s not hard to change the appearance.

 

I can sympathize with that, I have to use HD's at work and I'd hate to daily drive one. If it is truly that infrequent, maybe your best bet is just to get a Tundra with the OEM airbags. I haven't driven a new Tundra with airbags, but I have airbags on one of my LD trucks and they are very useful.

 

I would agree but don't know how to find one? I only remember seeing one with them? Maybe they put them on Capstones but I don't want to pay for that.