Need advice to eliminate the squat when towing!

[Mtnbikes]

I went with the remote option (WirelessOne). I just want to push a button and be done. Ha! I’m not sure what the cradles are?? My contact at the dealer ordered all the parts and install is Wednesday. I can update when complete.

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[Gearman]

I have had air bags on 3 different trucks, 2 of those with on board air compressor. This is the way to go, you will have ability to adjust pressure/ride to your liking while driving. I personally won't go without.

 

[Muckle]

Now considering air bags. However, I have seen comments that when the truck is raised on a jack, that can cause the air bags to tear/separate because they're mounted to both the frame and the axle. And when the axle is allowed to fully droop (either jacked up or off-roading), the air bags can't stretch enough to cover the distance?

This seems bogus and something the manufacturer would design for...what am I missing here?

 

[Gurvy522]

Now considering air bags. However, I have seen comments that when the truck is raised on a jack, that can cause the air bags to tear/separate because they're mounted to both the frame and the axle. And when the axle is allowed to fully droop (either jacked up or off-roading), the air bags can't stretch enough to cover the distance?

This seems bogus and something the manufacturer would design for...what am I missing here?

This is why a lot of people run cradles. If I get around to doing bags, I will probably run the Daystar Cradles as well.

 

[1986Bronco]

Has anyone successfully installed Firestone airbags?

I had a go with the Firestone RideRite 2599 kit today and it was a fail. First, all the metal mounts were chipped from shipping. All the parts were thrown in the box with no packaging material. The metal mounts, parts bag, air hose, and air bags were just fighting each other and the FedEx man... the parts bag was even broke open and it was pretty thick plastic.

I kept it and touched up all the bare metal thinking that it would be fine.

Partially through the install I realized that the bottom mount was not going to work. The top mount was a one-for-all deal and did not mesh well with the frame but it did go into place.

The bottom mount required a wire plug to be moved and zip tied to a nearby wire loom. Removing the plug from its mount did not give enough room for the suspension to cycle without rubbing something. Worse, the bottom mount is attached with some really long carriage bolts. If anything were to get loose and the bottom mount clocked itself rearward by about 1/2", it would take out the brake line.

I'll post some pictures.

 

[Gurvy522]

Has anyone successfully installed Firestone airbags?

I had a go with the Firestone RideRite 2599 kit today and it was a fail. First, all the metal mounts were chipped from shipping. All the parts were thrown in the box with no packaging material. The metal mounts, parts bag, air hose, and air bags were just fighting each other and the FedEx man... the parts bag was even broke open and it was pretty thick plastic.

I kept it and touched up all the bare metal thinking that it would be fine.

Partially through the install I realized that the bottom mount was not going to work. The top mount was a one-for-all deal and did not mesh well with the frame but it did go into place.

The bottom mount required a wire plug to be moved and zip tied to a nearby wire loom. Removing the plug from its mount did not give enough room for the suspension to cycle without rubbing something. Worse, the bottom mount is attached with some really long carriage bolts. If anything were to get loose and the bottom mount clocked itself rearward by about 1/2", it would take out the brake line.

I'll post some pictures.

Oh geez. It seems like a lot of people prefer the Firestone bags over AirLift. I was leaning towards doing the Firestone bags with the airlift wireless compressor but maybe I'll go airlift all the way now.

 

[1986Bronco]

Also, for context, I ran Firestone airbags on my 2009 and 2017 Tacomas. No issues with fitment or leaks. And I'm a humble mechanic. I don't know everything but have enough knowledge to adjust or fabricate as necessary to make something work. For what I paid and how it was going with this kit, I was not into modifying the brackets or my truck for something that should have been bolt on.

 

[1986Bronco]

Some pictures of the outcome of the shipping battle.

 

[1986Bronco]

Top mount as the directions say it should fit (not tightened down yet but in place).

 

[1986Bronco]

Bottom mount .

 

[1986Bronco]

I would prefer the Firestone bags because of my history with them on my Tacomas (I'm also a diesel mechanic and deal with airbags pretty often) but this kit is not ideal. Something is off. It started with the shipping issue but definitely did not end well with parts fitment. If another kit with parts specific to this year Tacoma comes out I will give it another go.

Actually, if we get another member on here to get it to work, I will give it a go.

As of now, I cannot recommend it based on what I received.

 

[1986Bronco]

If you look at the picture of the bottom mount you can see what I mean with interference if it clocks forwards or backwards for any reason. Properly tightened with the bottom half, it should not. But I have seen these types of clamps shift back and forth and I am not familiar enough with how this Tacoma's suspension cycles to say that it is impossible.

 

[TrailAdventurer]

Reading through the thread, I’m surprised there’s not more discussion about actual weight—which is really the foundation of the whole issue. With the limitations of our Wrangler, our other overlander, we’ve made it a point to weigh our entire overland kit before trips. Most folks have no real idea what they’re hauling around.

For reference: a TRD Off-Road Premium (non-hybrid) has a payload capacity of around 1,550 lbs and a max tow rating of 6,400 lbs. The Bean trailer’s GVWR is 3,500 lbs, which puts tongue weight somewhere in the 225–300 lb range under normal conditions. But if you're not paying attention and front-load the trailer, it’s easy to push tongue weight past 500 lbs. Now toss 200 lbs of gear in the bed and two 200-lb adults in the cab—you’re suddenly at 1,100 lbs. That’s nearly three-quarters of your payload, and yeah, you’re going to have squat.

Before spending money on aftermarket solutions, I highly recommend two steps:

1. Buy a tongue weight scale ($100–250). You may be surprised how fast that number climbs.
2. Go weigh your setup—fully loaded and ready to roll—at a nearby truck stop. It’s about $15. Put the tow vehicle on the first pad, trailer axle on the second. You’ll get actual weights for the truck, trailer (with some of that carried by the truck), and the full combined weight.

Chances are, you’ll be shocked at the real numbers once you see them. Most people are. You'll be in a much better position to decide how to move forward.

 

[Mtnbikes]

Reading through the thread, I’m surprised there’s not more discussion about actual weight—which is really the foundation of the whole issue. With the limitations of our Wrangler, our other overlander, we’ve made it a point to weigh our entire overland kit before trips. Most folks have no real idea what they’re hauling around.

For reference: a TRD Off-Road Premium (non-hybrid) has a payload capacity of around 1,550 lbs and a max tow rating of 6,400 lbs. The Bean trailer’s GVWR is 3,500 lbs, which puts tongue weight somewhere in the 225–300 lb range under normal conditions. But if you're not paying attention and front-load the trailer, it’s easy to push tongue weight past 500 lbs. Now toss 200 lbs of gear in the bed and two 200-lb adults in the cab—you’re suddenly at 1,100 lbs. That’s nearly three-quarters of your payload, and yeah, you’re going to have squat.

Before spending money on aftermarket solutions, I highly recommend two steps:

1. Buy a tongue weight scale ($100–250). You may be surprised how fast that number climbs.
2. Go weigh your setup—fully loaded and ready to roll—at a nearby truck stop. It’s about $15. Put the tow vehicle on the first pad, trailer axle on the second. You’ll get actual weights for the truck, trailer (with some of that carried by the truck), and the full combined weight.

Chances are, you’ll be shocked at the real numbers once you see them. Most people are. You'll be in a much better position to decide how to move forward.

I understand what you’re saying and I don’t disagree. I’ve towed many campers in my day using 3/4 ton to midsize PU trucks. I’m definitely not past my pay load capacity. I previously towed with my Ford Ranger Lariat with the Tremor package. I did not have the squat I’m experiencing now in my Tacoma with similar payload capacity. The differnce is the Fords have heavy duty leaf springs and a stiffer shock system (Fox) versus coil springs.

 

[Muckle]

This is why a lot of people run cradles. If I get around to doing bags, I will probably run the Daystar Cradles as well.

Watched a YouTube video on this. So it appears to replace the lower bracket/mount of the air bag? Any downsides to running these with air bags?

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