Tow vehicles - Event Date: 28 Sep 2017

Originally posted by Woody.1 Hey gang, First post here - we just bought a 179 and I’ll be towing it with 2013 4x4 Tacoma double cab with tow package. I’m having dealer add the WDH. My question is should I get air bag suspension for the Tacoma? I’ve been searching in the forum, but haven’t come across any mention of using them. Will have a couple of bikes and probably a cooler in truck bed. No serious weight. Thanks, Woody

+1 to what TT said. I have put some serious loads in our previous Tacomas and they've handled it very well (well over the 300-400 lbs of an R-pod). However, if you're going to use a WDH, that transfers a significant portion of the load to the front wheels. A recent vintage of Tacoma (like yours) with a tow package should handle "up to" 6500 lbs. A long-winded way of saying that I don't believe that you will need the air bags. Save the air bag money on some nice fru-fru for your R-pod.

Thanks for the advice gang.

Originally posted by DavMar Take a look at Sumo SuperSrings which replace your stock springs rubber stops. https://www.supersprings.com/products/sumosprings/ I have them installed on my Tacoma run them with a WDH and am happy with the results. I also load my bed of the truck with coolers, storage chest and such. Never had any problem with overheating with running in the mountains that some with older trucks have experienced. If by chance you do look into added radiator or transmission cooler.

Hey Dave,
Which model of sumosprings are you using?  I'm planning on installing some this spring, and appreciate any feedback you've got.

will look into these.

Originally posted by GlueGuy Super springs or Sumo springs are no different in their dynamics than air bags. You would still have better vehicle/trailer dynamics with a WDH instead of any of those.

I will have to respectfully disagree with your conclusion in that there is a difference between SumoSprings and airbag suspension systems. SumoSprings are a “passive” system where air bags are “active” suspension system. In all airbags you have compressed air inside which uses some type of bladder system. They work great as long as they are always maintained, correct pressure and such, and never have a puncture. Where as SumoSprings are made out of a type of foam which requires no maintenance and no worries about leaking from punctures. Unlike airbags SumoSprings, which replace your leaf springs rubber bump stops, only exert full compression under heavy load. The SumoSprings are used to help stabilize and support your load which can only help not hinder when using a WDH. In no way have I found them negatively effecting the suspension stabilization but only improving it which is what your after by also using a WDH. If you believe something like SumoSprings or airbag suspension systems don’t work when you use a WDH. Then I suggest that after you do a long haul with your camper reach under your rear wheel fender opening and grab your shock and I’ll bet you’ll find it quite warm to say the least. Its why many people upgrade their shocks or suspension systems using products like SumoSprings or airbags with or without WDH when they are pulling a trailer or hauling heavy loads. If you still don’t think either suspension systems work then I ask you why do you think tractor trailer trucks use airbag systems? If that doesn’t convince you well to each their own more power to you brother.