Helper Springs

[Leedillion]

Hi all. Had a nice first trip with my X17Z towed by my 2018 Tacoma. Drove over highway, dirt, and gravel with little problem. Never went over 62 on highway.

I did notice a little porpoise action on slow speeds on washboard gravel and a neighbor suggested overload or helper springs. Wondered if anyone uses any suspension assistance with these smaller trucks. Truck rated to 6,400 pounds, but wondered if worth the $250 to install some suspension assistance.

Here we are getting ready to leave. https://imgur.com/gallery/wcFuUop

[oldmanAZ]

Very nice.

How many miles on your truck's shock absorbers? You may want to consider replacing them and then seeing if helper/overload springs are needed. OEM shocks are usually soft and don't last very long.

[brettt]

Depending on your suspension we did Firestone air bags, maybe 150 bucks.Easy install been on our truck since 2006!

[Scott91370]

I would (and DID) go the air bag route. You can deflate them when not in use and the ride doesn't change.

[Camping Grandpa]

Air bags all the way! Been using them for over 10 years on my trucks and love them. A good set isn't inexpensive but with the onboard compressor and in-cab remote you can adjust on the fly.
Towing a 5er with a kingpin weight over 2000 lbs the chocking (sp?) can make a guy crazy and the bags all but eliminate it.
Happy Towing!

[GarlicDude]

I tow a Jay Feather 7 18RBM which is a bit heavier than your trailer with a Tacoma. I installed Timbrens on our Tacoma. I like them as they are an easy install, relatively cheap. They replace the factory bump stops and when the truck is unloaded there is a gap before they contact so the ride is "Stock". Some like them, some don't.

https://timbren.com/

Best,
Steve

[Leedillion]

Thanks all for the advice.