HDJ79R RV

G'day AJ
The cruiser springs if they have done a lot of work could need upgrading, do you use weight distribution bars? On tray backs I've owned I always have, to put some weight back on the steer.

A J
May help if we can have some more info on your setup.
Do you have an Aluminium tray or standard Toyota supplied tray?
Is your canopy a simple one like mine, pipe & canvas, or is it a 300kg custom jobbie?
My unit used to sag with original tojo suspension system, but am consistently heavy with tools & equipment for trade.
Fitted airbags and improved it considerably.
Then removed original system and fitted Ironman 2" "constant load" lift kit, and now find it sitting and performing very well in all situations, both towing and offroad.
Airbags are now running at 15-20 PSI compared to 45 PSI on original system.
Hope that is of some help to your situation.
Cheers
Flighty

I have a allo tray with a mfi canopy carrying 1 tonne, towing van 2t loaded, air bags with pedders heavy weight suspension. Adjust the sitting with the air bags & take out the chook bounce with v5 hayman reece weight hitch, Unfortunately toyota leave out a leaf for a softer ride, why when we by the utes to carry weight??

Mate

Unfortunately the OEM springs are rubbish (in my opinion). We had the same problem and the only solution I was happy with was after market springs/shocks.

Like you I'm not a fan of airbags, too many stories of lighter vehicles coming to grief.
Different story if they are inside a coil spring, but I reckon they have the potential to put too much load where it's not really intended with a leaf sprung vehicle (my opinion only and notwithstanding the fact that's where the bump stops occasionally work).

I had a Sax set-up installed which so far we're happy with, but there are quite a few options to choose from.

Hi AJ,

Trying to compensate for ball weight with heavier springs, air bags, bags inside coils all result in one thing, too much weight over the back axle UNLESS you use a weight distrubution system.

The goal is to spread the weight throughout the outfit thereby maximising stability.
This is the very reason the rest of us use a WDS.


My advice is get a good Weight Distribution System and then see what is happening before you put heavier springs to compensate for the van draw bar weight.

The Eazy Lift brand is gaining favour as they are greasable whereas the Hayman Reese are a dry pivot causing wear and have to be rebuilt from time to time. I have seen some badly worn HR too. This is my experience with them.

Hope this helps,
Cheers, Bruce.

I had Firestone air bags on OEM and started on 25 to 30 psi. then slowly increased to 50 psi to achieve level ride height and the ride would loosen you fillings.
Fitted Sax to the rear and 150 kg Dobinson coils on the front (winch steel bullbar and dual batteries) and Koni's all round.
I to could not be happier transformed the vehicle.

A whole lot of good advice so far.

For your tray sitting on an angle just check - measure you chassis from the ground and check your tray from the ground that the difference is comparable. Just so you know it is not just a bent tray.

As a owner of the V8 utes I found my rear suspension was sagging after 1 year. I replaced it with a full set front and back including shockies from local manufacturer and supplier in W.A. - West Coast Suspensions. Much cheaper than some high profile brands and now after 5 years it is still great. No affiliation just a happy customer. Full set was about $2000.

Real shame that such a high profile manufacturer of the 'toughest' utes and there are some things that just don't make the grade. I think toyota is slipping a bit. They still charge the top dollar.

Cheers

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