Need advice to eliminate the squat when towing!

[Mtnbikes]

I have tried the Timbren bump stops. They actually work pretty well for towing, but they make the day to day drive harsher. You could also go with stiffer/beefier coils, which honestly might be your best bet. This is one of the reasons I have not yet pulled the trigger on the new Tacoma. Waiting to gather more data on owners’ towing experience.

I have to say I have absolutely no complaints outside of the sag with how this Tacoma performs. It tows really well. The tow/haul mode works well along with the brake controller. The engine and transmission also work really well. Once I solve the sag issue the truck will be dialed in and perfect for my needs.

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[mikeymtbs]

I had the Firestone Coil-Rite airbags on my 2019 4Runner and they were fantastic. I did the install and it was really a pretty simple install, just took some patience and a couple of hours. Etrailer says the coil rites don’t fit the new tacos, but I dont’t know why that would be the case. They aren’t expensive, so I will likely take a chance and order a set.

I plan to do the same on my Taco. I have the OE springs and Westcott spacers for a slight lift and to see if that helps, which it doesn’t. I have the AllDog’s rear springs ready to install and I think I’ll install airbags at the same time.

Agree completely about the trucks performance towing.

My teardrop and MTB setup.

 

[carguy4471]

Love seeing some fellow MTBers! I'm pretty new to it, just started last year so I'm mostly just trying not to stroke out when I ride but I'm hooked and riding a few times a week now.

Back on the topic, I've never heard anyone regret air bags. You can eliminate all of the sag AND keep a pretty plush ride. This is impossible with bump stops or increased rate springs. You will stiffen the ride with these options, that doesn't make them bad options by any stretch but I don't like the loss of ride quality myself.

I've installed hundreds of sets of airlift bags. Their bolt in brackets fit perfectly every time. Ensure you have no leaks after install with a quick soap spray down (follow the instructions), and keep 5psi in them at all times all you'll never have an issue. The bags are nearly bomb proof. They hold up in the MN road crud so that says something. Their compressors are nice if you want to drop the extra $$. Setting the pressure remote is handy but setting it manual is also super easy and only needs to be done when you hook up or unhook. I've only seen a couple of their compressors go out in the MN weather over the course of 5-7 years.

I'm sure there are other good brands but Airlift has always held up and on the very few occasions I needed to warranty something they were great about it. We used a lot of Rough Country and although very economical it was mostly sub par product (although carried a good warranty). I'm not endorsed by airlift in any way, I've just installed a TON of their bags and compressors and it IS what I'll be installing in mine.

Either of these Tacos with the teardrops would be well served by a set of bags. Your bum and tooth fillings would also enjoy them.

I threw a picture of my Tacoma in for fun with my MTB. My Tacoma has since gotten 285/70R17 Open Country tires and some tint, as well as a new Kuat Piston bike rack (amazing!). I use a weight distribution hitch for towing my camper but I will be adding airlift bags here soon to supplement.

 

[Mtnbikes]

Ha! Carguy…we must be neighbors. Are you at Lebanon? Here is my setup on the back of my Bean. I don’t have my bike on my current trip. I definitely will be installing air bags when I get back.

 

[mikeymtbs]

Holly Springs area… you? I spend a lot of time up in N GA and Western NC. Tons of great MTB around here. I’m just ready for the rain to go away!

 

[carguy4471]

I do bike Lebannon but that photo was at Memorial in Red WIng. Leb is still pretty techy for me but I do like it.

I was at an independent shop that did a ton of lifts and wheels/tires, etc but am now at the largest Toyota dealership in the state. So if I can be a resource in any way I am always keen to help.

Also, if you ever want to go slow and hit the trail I'm always keen for a ride!

 

[mikeymtbs]

Ha. Sorry guys, there is a Lebanon here, too. I thought that comment was directed at me here in GA. Carry on…

 

[Mtnbikes]

I do bike Lebannon but that photo was at Memorial in Red WIng. Leb is still pretty techy for me but I do like it.

I was at an independent shop that did a ton of lifts and wheels/tires, etc but am now at the largest Toyota dealership in the state. So if I can be a resource in any way I am always keen to help.

Also, if you ever want to go slow and hit the trail I'm always keen for a ride!

Yes, I used to race mountain bikes, so I’m very familiar with Memorial Park when it used to be part of the venue. I’m always up for a ride. I’m from the Stillwater area, so we could meet up somewhere in the TC.

Where do you recommend I go for a professional install of the airbags? I probably would go with an onboard compressor too to make life easier.

 

[Gurvy522]

I have tried the Timbren bump stops. They actually work pretty well for towing, but they make the day to day drive harsher. You could also go with stiffer/beefier coils, which honestly might be your best bet. This is one of the reasons I have not yet pulled the trigger on the new Tacoma. Waiting to gather more data on owners’ towing experience.

I can relate to this as well, I scooped up the Timbrens (SES) last year before the Sumos were even available. My trailer is about 4300# and runs just shy of a 500# TW. In addition to the Timbrens, I also used a WDH. Sag is pretty much eliminated, the truck sits level, even with an extra 300-400# of gear in the bed.

The ride has been really shitty on certain roads, in particular - older concrete highways with large expansion joints. I vigorously remember I-76 just west of Denver being exceptionally harsh, and certain parts of I-80 in Nebraska. I've heard there are some similar, really crappy roads, in Montana.


Maybe my WDH needs a bit of adjustment, but I think any solid jounce bumper replacement is going to ride rougher, especially on certain roads. I am probably going to try the blue Sumos prior to going to bags, as I've heard they're a bit more progressive and softer than the Timbrens, however, I don't think it'll fully alleviate the problem.

Basically, if you're on a bouncy road, the Timbrens will "bounce" on the axle, even if they make contact when resting... causing the terrible ride myself and others have reported - some coin this term "porpoising".

A potential fix could be adding spacers to the the Timbrens, but then you're further limiting the range of motion for the suspension. This is in contrast to bags, which are always in "contact", and are fully progressive.



Was also considering trying a Shocker Hitch, but bags seems like the best choice - just don't know how they'd hold up off-road. I was actually more interested in the Firestone bags than the AirLift ones. But they effectively give you an unlimited range of flexibility - allowing you to adjust to whatever your load is - unlike a replacement spring or jounce bumper.

 

[carguy4471]

Yes, I used to race mountain bikes, so I’m very familiar with Memorial Park when it used to be part of the venue. I’m always up for a ride. I’m from the Stillwater area, so we could meet up somewhere in the TC.

Where do you recommend I go for a professional install of the airbags? I probably would go with an onboard compressor too to make life easier.

I'm just down in Hastings so not far away at all. If you used to race it would probably be painful to ride at my pace, lol.

If you'd like to have them done here we could do them at the dealership, we aren't far from you at all. I have some amazing techs here that do some seriously quality work. If you'd rather go with an independent shop I can recommend one of those as well.

 

[Mswierse]

I have tried the Timbren bump stops. They actually work pretty well for towing, but they make the day to day drive harsher. You could also go with stiffer/beefier coils, which honestly might be your best bet. This is one of the reasons I have not yet pulled the trigger on the new Tacoma. Waiting to gather more data on owners’ towing experience.

I've used Timbrens on two different vehicles and they worked great without changing day to day driving at all. The ones that I had didn't make contact until the suspension settled a little bit.

This sag when towing is not nearly as noticeable on a TRD Sport. I've towed about 4200lbs of shingles on a 1700 lb trailer and it was pretty dang impressive. I also have towed about 44500 lbs on a trailer without brakes in the rain... do not recommend lol.

This morning I towed my 7.5x16 enclosed trailer and that was great! I've been very impressed with the towing for a small truck.

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