Load distribution or air bags?

[Rainy Day FZJ]

I purchased a 3700 lb toy hauler with a 490 lb tonge weight and need to level out the load. My rig 95 FZJ has 285/75 MTR's and the standard OME 2.5 lift. The front coils are HD and the rears are mediums. I have used the search and it seems to be a money issue for deciding between the 2. I understand the old mans position on the load leveling bars, and are willing to use them. So should I buy the bars or the bags, really money is not the big factor, making the rig easier to drive is. Safety may be a factor with the bars yet I need to distrubute some of that weight back on to the trailer and the front tires of the tow rig. Now that I read my post would maybe the HD springs for the rear do the ticket?

I also have a question about mirror extensions. Can I just cut out a bracket to extend the mirror? like unbolt the mirror from the pivot and insert a plate bracket that bolts it down. I don't like the slide on style that flaps in the breeze.

I am taking a trip in a few weeks so I have some issues sort out, Oregon dunes bound, 400 ex honda quad and all.

 

[cruiserdan]

Do you have 863's in the rear? It sounds like maybe not. I would recommend 863 springs in the rear. 864's would be too heavy.

 

[Rainy Day FZJ]

I really don't know exact part numbers on the springs. I bought them as a kit from man it ain't free before I found this forum. It must have the 860's. I don't think that the other coils will do the job, it rides a little firm in the rear to begin with, I was pretty set on the bags or the bars. I have the tires aired up to 60 psi with that much weight and that helped with the squirmeyness.

 

[MTNRAT]

Try adjusting the weight so there is only about 100 lbs of tongue weight. I pull a 3500lb boat with the 6" slee springs and it pulls beautifully with one hand care free driving. OTOH how is the castor? That really seems to affect pullability. (new word!) ).
Cheers,
Sean

 

[Brentbba]

Well, I'd be happy to sell you a used weight distribution set-up. Make check payable to Troop 774 - It will look tax deductible that way. Shipping will not be cheap as the damn thing is very heavy in it's own right. I'd used the system on a similar weight trailer and my '94. Worked fine.

I've since installed OME medium front and rear 860/861 I think. I also installed the Airlift air bags at the same time as the springs. Can't really tell you whether the springs or bags or combo of both did the trick, but I like it better than the weight distribution set-up.

IMHO - do the Airlift airbags. I've experienced both and much prefer the airbags to level the ride. If you go this route, install/have them installed with SEPARATE valves for each side. Suggestion from ScottM I believe (maybe others as well). Keeps the air from shifting side to side cornering. You can always air down the bags when you are not towing and you'll have the same ride you currently have.

Only one dumb arse's opinion, but I've used both and I don't think any others here have. Several have used the airbags. Airbags are much cheaper as well. Around $70-80 for the kit if you install yourself or add 1-2 hours shop labor (took about 1 hour to install at shop that did it for me). Weight distribution system the troop paid for ran just over $400 as I recall for hitch and set-up to the trailer.

PM me if you want and I can provide a telephone if you'd like to discuss further. Good luck!

 

[Rainy Day FZJ]

It is good to hear from someone who has done both. I have been leaning twards the bags due to the money and the farely easy install ( me ). Can some one point me twards a place to purchase the bags? I don't think that camping world or the RV place would give me the best deal, I looked at slee's site and he did not have them on there, do they?

 

[Scamper]

I'll second Brent's opinion, thought I have not used a WD setup on my truck.

BTW...Toyota specifically suggests you NOT use a WD hitch on these rigs. Take that as you will, but there it be.

IMO, if you only need the additional lift once in a while to tow, then the bags are the best way to go (vs respringing). You can basically "dial in" your preferred firmness by adjusting the air pressure (within limits of course). Then again, I'm still running stock springs, so take that for what it's worth.

I got mine from JC Whittney for $69. Can't get much cheaper I suspect. Easy 1-2 hour DIY job. I did the single valve install, but may switch it over to two-valve just to see what all the fuss over that is all about.

 

[Brentbba]

Rainy - I think Airlifts'site has a store locator, or just search on the net. From what I recall, all the dealers had pricing right around $70 for the basic kit to fit the cruiser. This is the basic bags, no onboard air compressor setup. That's another couple hundred. If you've got an air compressor at home, checking the pressure and adjusting isn't much of a bother.