Beef up rear suspension for full-time topper?

I plan to add an ARE V series topper to my 2018 crewmax this spring, and I’m looking at options for my rear suspension to account for the added weight of the topper, help keep me level when towing my camper, and still maintain off-road capability.

Cost effective options are always nice, but if I can’t achieve all of this without spending some money let me know!

Suggestions?

 

This may help.

 

Look in the suspension section.

I'm running an ARE fiberglass topper and decked drawers full time. I added the HD RAS system to bring back the rake, but i've cranked it up quite a bit (to where i can fit both washers between the coils). Contemplating buying a set of the General HD springs to help out along with the RAS at a lower tension.

I have noticed no negative issues with the RAS, they are quiet, ride very well, no negative impact on flex. I'd highly recommend them as a first step.

 

My 08 Tundra got air bags like 6 years ago.

My 21 Tundra is getting them soon.

I like them and I like that I can customize the bed height by adjusting the air pressure in the bags.

 

Can you share details on what you’re going to run on your 21? I’d like to add to my 20 too.

 

I went with the Road Active Suspension. I’m very impressed with it.

 

I used this kit on my 08. It does the job perfectly.

I'll run it on my 21 when I get caught up and find time to install it.

There is no hurry, since the 08 still does all the towing presently.

They are the same truck except having 13 years ago difference.

TORQUE Air Spring Bag Suspension...

$220 Air Bag Suspension Kit for 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra 2WD 4WD Rear Helper Bag

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W7MDKL6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Yeah, that’s the other consideration. Might go that route. Seems like the forum leans that way.

 

I installed an add a leaf when I first built the truck. After installing the shell without being loaded it was fine. When loaded down with all the gear for camping, it squats a bit as you can see below. I am considering airbags as well. Thoughts on the RAS vs air bags?

 

Roadmaster Active Suspension HD kit is the answer.

 

I considered them, but there is no way to quickly adjust the suspension.

The air bags can be pumped up with a bicycle pump.

 

There's not a need for adjustment

 

Dammit, it looks like a sibling of my truck! Only so shiny and not scratched.

 

I went with a $20-something +1 inch rear leaf spring shackles to maintain the level.

 

Install a higher rated leaf packs.

 

LOL, it has a few dents and dings..

Yea looked into that, but man it would be expensive...shipping uggg.

 

Better than mine here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...5-gen-tundra-today.713/page-2777#post-3206979

You get what you pay for

 

Awesome! I remember that thread!

 

Please elaborate.

Does the truck ride the same height carting a full load of green oak as running empty?

With air bags I can easily make adjustments after the load of wood is unloaded.

 

This was also my logic when considering the options. I used a slightly taller shackle for a while, but for heavy loads it does marginally worse than a stock leaf pack and shackle, IME. I ran bags for 6 years or so, then added an Icon 3 leaf add a leaf to get gain some height back without the bags (but not lifted like most aftermarket leaf packs, if that makes sense). That turned out to be insufficient and I still needed the bags to restore rake without a trailer hitched up (I hadn't removed the bags, I was just looking to run a little less pressure all the time).

Just recently, I pulled my airbags to replace one and clean up/inspect/touchup the hardware, and added back one of the factory leaves to the pack after cutting it a little and cleaning it up. The factory leaf pack is a 3+1 (three main leaves plus one overload); the Icon kit makes it a 4+1; most single add a leafs also make a 4+1; now I have a 5+1 leaf and am planning on going back to bags as soon as I have time to finish prepping the bag brackets. And maybe make some modifications...

I'm almost always loaded down and I tow regularly. As @koditten said, the bags allow me flexibility to adjust for the load as needed, and it's as simple as adding some air with a bicycle pump or air compressor. I always carry a tire inflator or air compressor, so that's not a hurdle. Most gas stations also have air compressors (well, most around me. Can't speak for everywhere I guess). I chose to go with Firestone RideRites and have zero regrets. I think Koditten with with Torque brand bags? They are newer and available at a lower price point, but appear to be copies of the Firestone.

One drawback to bags is that you can lose some up travel, or have a rapidly increasing spring rate on up travel. You need to maintain at least 5 psi in the bags, but that's almost zero spring rate until you blow through half the suspension travel on a big bump, then it builds spring rate quickly. Airlift bags allow you to run zero pressure in the bags because they use an internal jounce bumper (basically a bump stop placed inside the bag). I've heard several folks have a very harsh ride with zero air in the bags due to the hitting the bump stop. You also need to maintain the correct amount of pressure in the bags or they could die an ignominious death. Minimum 5 psi, but whatever pressure restores you to ride height is the correct pressure depending on the load.

Folks also worry about air line leaks and such. If installed properly, the lines shouldn't leak. Even a simple DIY at home can cut the air lines correctly. Don't pinch them between two blades like the cutters on needle-nose pliers - cut them square and clean by using a sawing motion with a clean razor blade with enough pressure to cut, but not collapse the line as you cut. After 7 years and over 120k miles on the bags, I've had exactly zero leaks in the lines or fittings.

If it tells you anything, when I reached out to Alcan springs about a custom pack for my truck considering the constant load and regular towing, they recommended I keep the airbags one for when I tow heavy.

 

It does not, but it won't squat near as much as without the system. There are vids on YT from the manufacturer.

 

Blenton, much thanks for your detailed writeup. Confirms my thoughts..it seems I will go with the bags, probably the Torque with cradles. I will not be loaded all the time, in fact my "Tool Kitchen" (See post 14 in https://www.tundras.com/threads/red-tundra-camper-build.140610/#post-3552145) has wheels and is designed to be removed. It is by far the heaviest part of my camping setup, and will allow much less sag when removed. Cost is obviously another factor. Will be ordering those fairly soon, thanks again.