Considering trailer weight and tongue weight, should I get Sumo Springs?

Well OP, as you can see there is notable support for RAS. It is a good idea for you because your future is uncertain. If you get a different truck it is easily removed for resale or to another pre 22 Tundra. So, let's suppose you lay down $600 and use it for three yrs. Then sell it for $250. For under 10 bucks a month you rented a decent solution to fulfill your needs.

 

I have the blue Sumos and tow a much lighter trailer. I am very pleased with them for my application. Empty the truck doesn’t ride any harsher and if anything the ride over rough roads and speed bumps is less harsh.

Last trip out I weighed 3450 front axle, 3550 rear axle, and 3750 trailer axles. Dry weight on my trailer is 3800 and I figure with a full fresh tank and all our stuff I was probably sitting at around 4300 to 4400 gross on the trailer. I do not use a weight distribution hitch as it’s not required under 5000 and quite frankly with my trailer not needed. I would use one for a bigger trailer even if it was under 5000. My Escape 19 is the same size as my truck.

Sumos won’t help if you’re riding on the stock bump stops due to the stock springs being shot or being overloaded. The only thing that will help you there is a proper leaf pack. What Sumos do is support your load without harshness.

I will also add having used Wheeler’s Super Bumps on the rear of a Tacoma these are not a whole lot different. Slightly firmer, larger, and less up travel but accomplishes the same thing as they won’t beat the hell out of you when bottoming out. Stock bumps are rock hard.

One final note if I find the Sumos are not quite enough in the future I’ll be adding the Roadmaster Active Suspension. For now I’m good but as you can see I travel pretty light.

 

OK, so i did find the payload on the striker and lost 200 lbs in the blink of an eye

With 500 lbs of payload after the hitch weight of the trailer, my wife, myself, and our two dogs are pretty much gonna use it all up.

Will have to pack light and live with it as this is the situation and its not going to change in the immediate future. Most of what we bring can go inside the trailer, and I will be mindful to distribute it to try and keep the weight off the hitch end of the rig. I don't think we need to carry much in the truck at all.

I'm going to install the sway bar and see how it goes, and will look into the RAS if it seems more help is needed.

I am hoping that if that is the case I can install the RAS system together with the sway bar.

Thanks for all the input and feedback...

SPP

 

I see you have a DC. I saved 114.5 pounds by removing the back seats on my CM. My dog weighs 137# so I needed every oz of saving I could muster.

 

All the stuff that you are thinking about adding to your truck is going to lower your payload and all the extra suspension components are not going to increase your payload either.

For that trailer all loaded up with gear, the batteries, propane tanks, propane, and weight distribution hitch, I would plan on the tongue weight being about 1000 pounds. Do you plan on bringing the family on the trip? You will need to subtract all the passenger weight from your payload too. I suspect that you will be over weight. You should fuel up your truck and have it weighed at a truck scale. Subtract the truck weight from your GVWR to get your available payload. Then, subtract a 1000 pound tongue weight and the weight of the passengers. If you are still above zero payload, then you are good.

Just run the numbers and make sure that you are safe.

 

Just don't load it too far back or you'll be very unstable. Right over the wheels would be ideal.

 

Curious ... has anyone tried reducing weight by swapping out the tailgate to something like the composite tailgate by Stromberg?

Can't seem to find any info on weight of that product or how much lighter it would be then stock.

SPP

 

Spare tire can be relocated to the trailer, tailgate net can help if you are really concerned too.

 

Great idea...got a brand suggestion to look for??

SPP

 

If you tow with a tundra, yes get RAS or sumo springs. It doesn’t replace the WDH, but it will ride a ton better. Measure for your WDH after installing the new equipment as it will change your loaded ride height in the rear

 

I don't but maybe just google baja tailgate net or webbing. When I was a po boy I once used a soccer goal net made from 1/4 nylon rope.

 

Take your tailgate off and feel how little it weighs. Im sorry but trying to save weight with the spare tire and tailgate off is beyond silly.

you don’t need the rear sway bar if adding sumos or RAS

 

I agree 110%, kinda makes me wonder sometimes. I bet a bunch of the payload police don't even check their tire pressure or grease the trailer bearings.

 

I must be OCD since I purchased a trailer TPMS before we left home. My Goodyears were at 45 psi with cute little green caps from the dealer. Another 20 psi of good old American air really ruined that nitrogen since I was seeing +- 3 psi with temperature changes. Also running 35/45 on the truck.

 

No your not OCD, I also have trailer TPMS. However, the payload police are a little nuts IMO. I assure you many of the same individuals have no clue how to pack a bearing or adjust their trailer brake controller gain.

 

OK another question...

When I back the new RV into the driveway.

I live on a hill, and my driveway is at about a 45 degree angle to the road.

I will need to be facing downhill to back in.

Wondering about thoughts on this...

I will likely attempt to back up normally (2WD), but if the truck is struggling or losing traction, is there any reason to NOT use 4-low?

SPP

 

Making that turn in 4L on dry pavement would be akin to fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Tongue weight will help with traction.
I've had my 21 in some fine sand and don't know what's going on in that rear axle but it's sure working to provide traction. That's without the trailer.

 

You will have weight which will give traction.

 

That's what I was thinking, and exactly why I asked.

SPP

 

Yup...definitely counting on that.\

SPP