Deciding to build before or after towing boat

[kabish]

First post! I've used this forum a lot over the last couple months to come up with all the armor and suspension for my 2002 4Runner Sport. I've been on many forums for my many interests and this is by far one of the best!

One thing that has been in my way of pulling the trigger is the fact that I have to drag a boat from Seattle to Minnesota (1400 miles) to our lake cabin this summer, then back without the boat (another 1400 miles). Boat and trailer weigh approx 3800# (Dry). 4Runner towing capacity is 5K. The first time I hooked up the boat, it sagged quite a bit and the trailer isn't level.

I'm planning on an OME 3" lift with heavy coils (891) and 60028 rear shocks. 883 coils in the front. I'll have about 515 pounds of armor to install once I get back from the trip; sliders, skids, front and rear bumpers.

My hesitation is the warning not to run with these springs without the additional weight installed all the time. I've thought about installing the OME suspension, skids, and sliders for the trip there and back. That would add a couple hundred pounds. I just hate to add the weight of the bumpers for the 2800 mile trip. Though I also don't want to be bouncing all over the freeway on the way back, either.

Or do I just leave it stock until I get back?

BTW: I am leaving on the street tires until I get back.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

[TCMach]

I wouldnt worry about it. It may ride a little stiff until you put weight on it since they were meant for a heavier load but nothing that is going to be dangerous.

 

[shootmymime]

Why not install air bags for towing?

 

[Rocky5000100]

You could install a weight distribution hitch. When properly adjusted, it reduces sag, and can make it completely level. They're much better than air bags.
http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/weight-distribution-hitches-vs-airbags/


But to answer your question, I would just install the suspension parts you want to buy.

 

[shadow247]

Why not install air bags for towing?

Do this! The Airlift kit is like 90 bucks on Amazon if you search around a bit. It takes all of 30 minutes to install.

I used some of my foil backed sound deadener around the air line on the passenger side near the exhaust, just in case.

Use a hacksaw to cut the rubber bump stop, I tried a sawzall, and it just beat me to death. It worked, but I think a hacksaw would have made the job a little easier.

 

[shadow247]

You could install a weight distribution hitch. When properly adjusted, it reduces sag, and can make it completely level. They're much better than air bags.
http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/weight-distribution-hitches-vs-airbags/


But to answer your question, I would just install the suspension parts you bought.

Why not run both airbags and a WDH?


My dad ran airbags and a weight distributor hitch on his Chevy 2500 before he upgraded to his 5th wheel hauler. It rode very nice, could hardly tell there was a trailer back there most of the time.

 

[kabish]

thanks guys! Since this is the only time I'm going to tow this boat, I'll just install the OME lift kit and ride a bit stiff until I get the armor installed.

Much Appreciated!