Adding 1,500 lbs

I recently purchased a 2017 Tundra to do some overlanding. I’ve ordered a Tune M1 tent that is being manufactured, which is advertised at 500 lbs. By the time I add fridge/freezer, water, camping gear, myself & my wife, food & exterior components including winch, bumpers & bigger tires, we’re up to about 1500 lbs.

If anyone has made suspension upgrades similar to these specs and are happy with them, I’d appreciate knowing your mods.

I’ve called around to several companies and have received as many conflicting recommendations.
Thanks in advance.

 

You likely need a bigger truck, unless you have a unicorn payload rating.

Payload is about way more than your suspension. It accounts for how it handles, cools, brakes, etc. Making the truck not squat by beefing up suspension doesn't fix anything besides looks, and it doesn't negate the added wear of being over payload.

Most importantly, the payload rating takes into account the vehicle's behavior in emergency braking and maneuvers. Overloading is going to degrade emergency performance.

 

Now that the classic payload post from someone is out of the way....

Sounds like a pretty standard camping setup. I'm not entirely versed on Tundra suspension options, but you'll probably want an add a leaf in the back, front is probably fine with whatever springs, and then shocks probably need to be slightly stiffer which if you get something like King/Fox/ADS with adjustable knobs on the reservoirs then you can dial it in to what you want. @memario1214 sells a bunch of Tundra stuff and probably has the most up to date suggestions for a bolt on suspension setup.

 

That Tune camper looks awesome.

You might want to look through the GFC and FWC threads. Similar lightweight truck camper setups. See what those people are running.

Here are some threads:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/2017-tundra-gfc-bed-build-out-super-pic-heavy.142861/#post-3591713

https://www.tundras.com/threads/go-fast-camper.23578/

https://www.tundras.com/threads/baileys-2018-four-wheel-camper-build-photos.35164/

https://www.tundras.com/threads/four-wheel-camper-fwc-thread.94294/

 

Probably right, but! ...

@GODZILLA

 

Mainly make these posts so folks at least take a look at their payload and raise a bit of awareness. So many (myself included many years ago) have no idea what payload ratings are and misunderstand them.

I'm under no illusion that my posts will ever dissuade anyone from doing what they want to do, but I do hope they at least make their decision from a more informed position.

 

Thank you all for your suggestions & advice. I’m about ready to make a decision. I won’t be able to buy a new truck, but I do appreciate the info on emergency handling.

Once I decide and get it together, I will update my post & let you know if I am happy with the results. I am hoping all my research & your advice will make this decision less stressful & exactly what I need. I only have another 45 days or so to have the truck ready for the camper delivery. I’ll update after my shakeout trip.
Thanks again.

 

What's your budget? Bilstein 6112 / 5100 or 5160 setup would be better than stock and not break the bank. If you want more than that - @memario1214 can setup you up with a higher end suspension and some aftermarket leaf packs.

 

Look at Roadmaster Active Suspension HD kit for Tundra. E trailer.com has

 

Also payload is adjustable, to a degree. It's the total weight being added to the vehicle. If there are things in the vehicle that you don't need to carry around, get it out of the vehicle. If there are components you are considering adding, and one of the options saves weight, consider using that one instead (usually more expensive). Weight reduction mods...