Towing Suspension Suggestions

Between the properly set up Fast Way E2 (I have this one) and good stiff tires, you should eliminate almost all bouncing.

 

Would love to see pics next time you do this!

 

Not hard, 3- 55 gal., 3 -30 gal. drums of liquid, not to mention I have North of 800lbs. In just accessories, armor, and tools. I will get you some pics, next time. Might be a few months though, not planning to do much over the winter.

 

I'm hauling daily, 9000lbs, slight lift, 37s, rear has stock leafs with AAL, Air Lift brackets (leaf side only), inverted oversized bags (fittings on the bottom) and daystar cradles on the top. I think the bags are at 65 ish lbs. This has been a good setup, and I have no front anti-sway-bar, but if you run an anti-sway-bar out back you'll want to get some longer endlinks.

Also running a stabilization/distribution hitch setup, which I think is KEY.

 

Chad - I just upgraded to the GY Endurance tire but haven't been out yet. WDH is dated but I still see it often on the road.

 

WDH dated??? Wtf?

 

Probably the wrong way to describe the WDH. It's the heavy weight bar that locks in to the hitch with chains on the trailer. Most of the new ones I see nowadays don't have the chains. I've used the same WDH on two trailers over the past 16 yrs. Still solid as a rock.

 

Chain setup still works great as weight distribution. Doesn't offer much sway control, have to run a separate sway control friction bar. The newer style with no chains offers both weight distribution and sway control together. I've had both, Haven't towed much with the new chainless setup yet.

 

Got you beat by a good ten years, still fine. Add up all the actual hrs. of usage and it likely don't add up to a whole bunch. Lots of antique things still going, look at tractors for an example.

 

Before you run out and get longer links made for the swaybar, consider mounting the bar on the rear side of axle housing instead of beneath it. I just did this with my Deavers and it appears to fit just fine with the original links.

 

Good move on the quality trailer tires. You won't be disappointed!
As for the WDH being dated, don't worry. As mentioned earlier, there is no problem with the old chain style. They work perfectly fine, but just aren't as convenient as the newer friction style. You will need the sway control piece to complete the system, and you'll need to disconnect it to make tight turns in reverse. Otherwise, it will certainly do the job. I wouldn't buy one new, but would absolutely use it if it's what I had.

 

I have the sway control piece, and I learned the hard way to disconnect when making sharp turns! On my old trailer, I snapped a bolt right off of the sucker.
I've talked with a couple of other Tundra owners at campgrounds that have the sway control AND the TRD sway bar. They said it's overkill but like having the TRD one, too. I was just thinking if I'm having the RAS-HD installed, why not throw on the sway bar at the same time?

 

If anyone is on the fence about the Roadmaster Active Suspension, they are offering a Black Friday Special with $100 off. It got me off the fence............

 

There ya go. Nothing like a Benjamin to get me off the fence! Thanks!

 

Just ordered it. Present to myself!! Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Nice! Thanks!

With all the other things I’ve bought recently I was holding off on the RAS HD, guess I’m ordering it today.

 

you need quality shocks to control the bouncing as well

the side to side movement can be lessened with E rated tires if you don’t have them already . Thats a heavy trailer i would def want e rated

 

After the Roadmaster Active Suspension has been installed, if you need to make an adjustment, do you essentially repeat the installation process or is there an easier way?

 

No, it is already installed, you just back off the set nut and crank on the adjuster to widen or lessen the gap in the RAS coils.

 

So you still have to jack it up and remove weight on the suspension to adjust the spring? Do you have to remove the wheels?

 

You only need to remove them if they get in the way

 

Need to jack it up, need no weight on the springs/axle. No need to remove wheels unless you need the room/clearance.

 

Thanks for the info.......

 

My RAS-HD arrived yesterday. Getting them installed next Wed. Can't wait!

 

I highly recommend the TRD rear sway bar, especially when you’re not towing. It does help when towing and going around a curve at speed.

 

I took everyone's suggestions to heart. Installation completed today, ride feels great, can't wait to take the trailer out in a couple of weeks! Thanks to everyone.

 

Curious to hear an update once you take the trailer out. How has the ride changed from stock while driving unloaded?

 

As soon as the install was finished, I got on the rear bumper and bounced the truck up & down. There was definitely a bit of added rigidity. I had the RAS adjusted to max. I then drove the long way home looking for as many curves on the road as possible. Can't say the rear end felt like there was less sway, but I'll know for sure in a couple of weeks when I'm in the mountains. I'm bringing the trailer home next week for routine maintenance, and I should get a good sense then.

 

@My171794

Did the RAS raise the rear of your truck? Which spacer did you use? I have the RAS HD kit, but am hesitant to install because I don't want to add more rake...I'm on stock suspension/shocks (no level/lift). I tow a 7Klb Travel Trailer 7-8X per year.

Thanks!

 

Best I can tell (eye ball vs before & after measurements), there's no change to the rear height. I had the RAS adjusted to max. Just considering the mechanics of the RAS, can't see how it would change the height. It runs straight across the leaf spring arc. The spring tension only impacts the drop when a trailer is hooked up. I didn't want any additional height which is why I didn't go with adding a leaf. I'm testing it out with my trailer this Friday. Yesterday I was up in the mtns (hardball) driving on very curvy roads. I could definitely tell the difference in the rear end with the TRD sway bar. I've driven those roads countless times, and the bar gives the rear more stability.