Advice on sagging rear when towing

[Lee T4R]

I did some research but could not find much for the 2010 4runner on this. Last week I towed 3 quads with my SR5. The weight was within the limits of the 5000 lbs capacity and it towed just fine but I had some sag in the rear, enough to make it look like I had my high beams on. (yes, I was getting flashed by on coming vehicles). I looked at air bag suspension like Air Lift but they don't have anything for the 2010. Any recommendations? Its a SR5 4WD. I am not looking to spend alot, just to get rid of the sag. Thanks!

 

[maine runner]

Lee -

When it comes to towing, there are two components that are important. The first is the trailer weight when loaded and the second is the tongue weight.

While the total trailer weight may be within the limit, if the tongue weight is very high, it will cause the rear to sag. I would review your trailer setup.

A class III ball mount will have a max tongue rating of 500 lbs (10% of 5k tow rating).

The ideal tongue weight is 5-7% of the trailer total weight.

See Link to measuring tongue weight with a bathroom scale

You should get a weight of the loaded trailer and a loaded weight of the truck (including people, gear and fuel) and the trailer tongue weight before you spend a dime on bags.

 

[Deep_palancar]

About $80

I did some research but could not find much for the 2010 4runner on this. Last week I towed 3 quads with my SR5. The weight was within the limits of the 5000 lbs capacity and it towed just fine but I had some sag in the rear, enough to make it look like I had my high beams on. (yes, I was getting flashed by on coming vehicles). I looked at air bag suspension like Air Lift but they don't have anything for the 2010. Any recommendations? Its a SR5 4WD. I am not looking to spend alot, just to get rid of the sag. Thanks!

AirLift 60809 fits the '10 (as well as earlier 4R and FJs) I have the 60809 on my '07 FJ and just put the same diameter but taller ones on my new 4Runner.

I think they were about $75 through Amazon. (even less with Bing $Back)

 

[x67934]

Timbren Bump Stops

Vehicle Suspension Kits - Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems

I have used these on my last two vehicles, they are great for towing and tighten up body roll.

I use this vendor:
Timbren Load Boosters, Suspension Kits, Bump Stops, Timbrens - Truckspring.com

 

[Titanpat57]

I got the Air lift 60809 also...just haven't gotten them in yet. I'm off this week coming up so I'm hoping to do the install with pics.

Have any tips Deep_palancar??

It says in the instructions to take the spring out..did you have to go through that? Any tricks would be helpful..I'll document mine next week.

Here's where I got them:


Toyota 4Runner Air Bag Helper Spring Kit 2003-2009 - "Air Lift 1000" Suspension by Air Lift

 

[Lee T4R]

You guys are the best! Thanks for the advice. I got some info from Titanpat57 as well.

Maine, thanks for the component info, I knew about the tongue weight, I just never knew how to figure it out. So I just try not to load too much in the front of the trailer....lol.

 

[ladywolf]

have you thought about a weight distribution hitch?

 

[Titanpat57]

The problem seems to be it sags with a few hundred pounds.....I can't imagine how it would be with gear and 500 lbs...yikes!!

We all want to tow safe obviously...but this sag issue never came up with the CX9 fully loaded....and for all intents and purposes was a car...I expected a little more on a body on frame vehicle.

Looks like Toyota saved a couple of bucks on crappy springs too!

 

[Lee T4R]

Ladywolf - I never thought of that option but will look into it......thx!

I agree with Pat, my trailer isn't really that heavy tongue wise, I barely loaded the cargo space in the 4runner and I only filled 2 jugs (vs 4) of gas on the gas can holder (it sits in front right behind the utility box) and the utility box only had our riding boots in it, so the springs are pretty wimpy.

 

[Lee T4R]

Hey Deep Palancar, how did you get the air bag in the coil and how does it fit? there is a large cone shape object that is in the middle of the coil.

Edit: Nevermind, I read the instructions and you are suppose to cut the jounce bumper down.

 

[Lee T4R]

And here is a pic of the sagging, not much but enough to cause the headlights to go too high on low beam.

 

[maine runner]

Lee -

I forgot to mention one additional thing.

It is important for the trailer to be level when hooked up. It appears, from the photo that your tongue is a bit high (this increases the tongue weight). If you run a carpenters 4ft level on the end of the tongue while hooked up, you can see.

If it is too high or low, you should purchase a different mount with the necessary drop or rise.

To figure out the proper height, set the trailer (unhooked) level and measure from the coupler to the ground. Hook up the trailer and re-measure.

Example:

coupler to ground is 24" to be level. Hooked up, the coupler is 26". You need to drop +2 inches.

 

[bug1964]

I've towed two quads on a 5x13 foot trailer and had no problems what so ever.

 

[fxoffroad]

does the 4Runner come standard with a wiring harness? like for a jet ski or uhaul trailer?

 

[Lee T4R]

Yes, it has both a flat 4 and a round 7. Pic included.

 

[ladywolf]

does the 4Runner come standard with a wiring harness? like for a jet ski or uhaul trailer?

i know my limited did. look under the bumper in the back. if yours has the tow package then it should have the wiring. it will be about 1/3 of the way in from the l/h side under the bumper, you should see 2 connector ports...one for the 7 way and another for the 4 way flat.

 

[fxoffroad]

great... thanks. i couldn't find that on the spec list @ toyota.com

i know my limited did. look under the bumper in the back. if yours has the tow package then it should have the wiring. it will be about 1/3 of the way in from the l/h side under the bumper, you should see 2 connector ports...one for the 7 way and another for the 4 way flat.

 

[Lee T4R]

I've towed two quads on a 5x13 foot trailer and had no problems what so ever.

Nice, I think the Trail has a better suspension system vs the SR5, you know the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and all. I thought I read somewhere it had self leveling too.

 

[mikeync]

one other thing to note. I would call up moving companies around my house and see who has a certified scale at site. I would then load up the vehicle as normal and go over there. Same number of people in the vehicle etc

You want to weigh the 4Runner itself with the trailer on -- needs to be within the limit for the GVWR

Rear axels of the 4Runner - limit for that as well

4Runner and Trailer combined -- within the GCWR

weight distribution hitch helps and to make sure you are in compliance with laws about brake controller (not sure if you have one or not so just mentioning it)

Pictures look really cool - jealous

 

[IceCold81]

Hey X, the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System you mentioned, have you been pretty satisfied with it's performance?

I'm looking around now because I've read a number of accounts where Airbags end up rubbing holes through, and I'm trying to find an option that MAY help prevent any significant sag in the rear when the times comes we feel like towing a trailer/camper.

Just came across this product, so trying to get a feel for it.

Vehicle Suspension Kits - Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems

I have used these on my last two vehicles, they are great for towing and tighten up body roll.

I use this vendor:
Timbren Load Boosters, Suspension Kits, Bump Stops, Timbrens - Truckspring.com

.