How to eliminate rear sagging when towing?

Newtyp · 11-21-2006, 10:46 PM

Hello everyone,

I have been searching the “search” section on towing and have come up with a great deal of info on the FJ’s capabilities. However nothing directly about improving the existing sagging rear. So after a couple of PM’s, all quality hints and information I hope you all can further help me out for my preparation for 2007.

As mentioned earlier I have been searching this site recently trying to find a reasonable and cost effective method to stabilizing the rear ride height of my FJ when towing. I tow a Haulmark single axle 7 x 13 trailer (completely loaded averaging 3500lbs) for our kart racing team. The FJ tows the trailer, brakes and cruises on the highway at 65mph with no problems, but being a single axle trailer (more over hang towards the front part of the trailer and note, no over loaded weight on the tongue weight), the rear still squats quite low, as does the front of the trailer. (I have seen some pictures on the forum with boats and trailers with similar problems, but no mention of resolving the problem.)

As a result recently I have bought and tried the adjustable ball mount by master lock for the hitch, which improves the level of the trailer (trailer problem resolved) however this still leaves the FJ still in a squat position also blinding people in front with the lights aimed a bit higher. I was told a weight distribution kit would help a bit but not sure if this is a recommended option.

Being that I live in Northern NJ and primarily do not have the availability to off-road or need to dramatically lift the vehicle and in return tow this trailer very frequently especially as we plan to run national events for 2007 season what solutions do you recommend? Considering this problem what is a good balanced setup with overall ride and drivability with and without the trailer?

- Stiffer springs? Which kind? Any good recommendations?
- And if stiffer rear springs are recommended will they work with stock OEM shocks/struts or something else?
- What about timbren.com Vehicle Suspension Kits / Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems and the TORSEQ bump stop like kit.
- Air bag suspension? Though I assume costly, lengthy installation time and problematic.

Again any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ken

FJAggie07 · 11-21-2006, 11:03 PM

Easiest way, stiffer rear springs, yes they can be used with stock rear shocks. OME is the stiffest, but i dont know if they sell a stock height spring.

fjtribe · 11-21-2006, 11:16 PM

From my overall experience, air bags are great in relation to this problem. The cheap ease fast fix is the common weight distributing hitch. With this, you can lift the rear wheels off of the ground. If you have a friend with a large camper, you can probably just borrow his and try it to see how it works for you. They do work quite well. The reason that the suspension is a little softer is to give you a good ride and handling quality fot the other 95% of the time that you aren't in towing mode. The weight dist hitch solves both problems at one time.

sbechtold · 11-21-2006, 11:38 PM

I installed the Airlift coil spring airbags on my 4Runner to address rear suspension sagging when I towed my boat. They were easy to install, very reliable, performed great and reasonably priced. They were on my 4Runner for about 65k miles and I never had any issues with them.

**chrisngrod** · 11-22-2006, 04:50 AM

Weight distributing hitch. Or balance out your trailer better.

Kzoocruiser · 11-22-2006, 05:31 AM

Quote:

chrisngrod previously said:

Weight distributing hitch. Or balance out your trailer better.

In regards to the latter; I've found that a dual axle set-up even on smaller trailers (preferrably aluminum) seems more stable and versatile.
"Weight Distributing Hitch's will improve your trailer sway, weight distribution, and lower stress for trailer safety."

Ospreyguy · 11-22-2006, 05:50 AM

I think the hitch is your best option as it won't affect your ride quality with the limited off roading you do.

ZFJCruiser · 11-22-2006, 07:49 PM

Am planning to tow my Corvette race car with my FJ. A tandem trailer well balanced load, air bags, & weight distribution hitch & stablizer bar should take care of sagging. My old Toyota 4 Runner really sagged in the rear, hope my FJ will not suffer the same...

2007 FJ Cruiser 4x4
2004 LeMans Z06

"When you are up to your ass in aligators, it is hard to remember the main objective is to drain the swamp".

BigBadFJ · 11-22-2006, 11:01 PM

Equalizer hitch....1st option
Air bags inside the rear coils....2nd option

Both...3rd option

**chrisngrod** · 11-23-2006, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Kzoocruiser previously said:

In regards to the latter; I've found that a dual axle set-up even on smaller trailers (preferrably aluminum) seems more stable and versatile.
"Weight Distributing Hitch's will improve your trailer sway, weight distribution, and lower stress for trailer safety."

If that is an option for this person I'd definately go for it.