Hey everyone! I just picked up a 2004 LC and was wondering if I need to do anything for the suspension if I want to put a Roofnest Falcon XL on the roof using load bars. I am not doing a full overland build yet, so it will be stock (bumpers, etc) and just adding some camping gear and the family. It will not exceed the GVWR, but I noticed the rear sagging a bit when I put about 300lbs of stuff in the back.
Suspension upgrade just for RTT?
- Thread starter AndyMac
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Do you have to? No. Will it drive better if you do? Yes. My LX is on OME 865's handled pretty sloppy with the RTT and OEM shocks (not ahc) until I added extended sway bar links and Tough Dog adjustable shocks. Also look to refresh front end components as the weight up high will exacerbate slop ime.
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Ah, ok. So I was thinking at a minimum upgrading the springs to OME Medium and staying with the OEM shocks, but sounds like you had to make a few more adjustments so it might be ok to leave it all alone and test it. I am not planning on any crazy overlanding, just the occasional "off the beaten path" campsite. I am just trying to not over think putting a RTT on.
I also forgot that the LX as slightly narrower rear sway bar, that may have made it worse on my truck. I'd throw it on, see how it feels, make adjustments from there.
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Is your tent going to be on full time? I kept my normal springs and shocks and added Airlift1000 bags at the back. I have stock bumpers and frequently take the rear row in and out of the truck. When ever I load up for camping -- 4 aboard, 100 kg RRT, and about 100 kg+ of other camping kit -- i just inflate the bags to about 25 psi. At that pressure I'm level to my empty ride height. Unloaded, I run seven to 10 psi just to keep the bag and lines from getting pinched. Has worked a charm for four years.
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I plan on keeping the tent on for most of the camping season here which is March-September. It's not my full time daily driver so I can get away with leaving it on the LC. I have a family of five so I leave one of the rear seats in all the time and remove the other side most of the time. That's a great idea about the air bags. Seems like a pretty easy install. Thanks!
Sway bars do nothing to suspension height or load carrying ability. They only act on the suspension when there is body lean.
For sure, but I would file body lean in the load carrying ability category. Weight up high = more body lean when turning. Stiffer sway bar would compensate for more lean with extra roll resistance = safer ability to carry the tent.
I've got my ARB RTT perched on top of mine...stock suspension but new OEM shocks and 275 70 18's and I can't say I notice much difference loaded or unloaded. Granted I don't whip her around like a 17 year old in a lowered Civic, but I can't say she feels extra tippy or anything FWIW
Load bars?
I wouldn't use the existing crossbars. Get you some 8020, yakima, or thule bars to mount that to.
How many miles on your rig? I'm at 203k on my 2001 and the rear sags noticeably when we load up for a trip. (family of 5 also) I plan on eventually going with the OME 1.5" medium lift.
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Ditch the RTT and get a pop-up tent and you won't go back... the gas savings will pay for the Gazelle in no time.
Nice tent, but I think serves a very different use than an rtt. For me at least