Towing, Suspension Sag, Gearing

[killy]

crazy how close 9th and 10th are

 

[willboy]

Great thread. I’m towing a Kimberley Karavan (@5,500 lbs). I have a 2” sag which isn’t an issue when we’re on the road. However, we pull the camper over some pretty tough 4x4 roads to get to our backcountry camping spots. I have airbags on my Tacoma and I’m thinking they are probably the best option for the GX.

My most immediate issue is that the hangers for the chains are way too small. Attaching the chains and breakaway brake is like solving a puzzle. Has anyone found a good solution? Perhaps a shackle?

 

[Cablebandit]

Would something lIke this work? I've had to use these on tight access vehicles in the past.

 

[willboy]

Would something lIke this work? I've had to use these on tight access vehicles in the past.

View attachment 4870

I’ve tried a few of these but I haven’t found one that works yet. My chains are pretty thick.

 

[GX550Key]

Does the adaptive cruise work in tow haul mode?

 

[HB822]

This took care of my 2.5 inch sag. Only need to put 10 psi in these which rides nice. it also lifts the rear 3 inches at the push of a button.View attachment 4491

are you using an onboard air system? if so, im curious to where you put it.

 

[Jrox]

This took care of my 2.5 inch sag. Only need to put 10 psi in these which rides nice. it also lifts the rear 3 inches at the push of a button.View attachment 4491

That’s exactly what I would do, decent set of rear air bags!

 

[nopantz]

I’ve tried a few of these but I haven’t found one that works yet. My chains are pretty thick.

I added these to make it easier to chain up. Highly recommended.

 

[BENDOU]

This took care of my 2.5 inch sag. Only need to put 10 psi in these which rides nice. it also lifts the rear 3 inches at the push of a button.View attachment 4491

Love your solution here. Have a couple of questions. Does the Firestone (blue) airbag support weight or just expands against the spring coils effectively increasing the spring rate? Is the Airlift bag the one that allows you to take care of the 2.5 " sag? Or is it both bags? TIA!

 

[Corry]

I added these to make it easier to chain up. Highly recommended.View attachment 5060

We'd struggle to be able to use this set up in Aus as we need to use rated equipment when towing, and for safety, I'd like to know that if something happens, the chains will do there job catching the trailer and not break away.
Those 'S' hooks are not load rated, I've bent them when using them on a boat winch, similar to those 'quicklinks', they have no rating and are just bent up mild steel. I wouldn't be trusting either of them in an emergency.
I'm curious to know if there would be enough room to fit hammerlocks, some people are moving towards fitted hooks, but I'm not keen on having something that is hanging and swaying around permanently, but hammerlocks may fit in and make it easier to put a shackle on.

 

[willboy]

We'd struggle to be able to use this set up in Aus as we need to use rated equipment when towing, and for safety, I'd like to know that if something happens, the chains will do there job catching the trailer and not break away.
Those 'S' hooks are not load rated, I've bent them when using them on a boat winch, similar to those 'quicklinks', they have no rating and are just bent up mild steel. I wouldn't be trusting either of them in an emergency.
I'm curious to know if there would be enough room to fit hammerlocks, some people are moving towards fitted hooks, but I'm not keen on having something that is hanging and swaying around permanently, but hammerlocks may fit in and make it easier to put a shackle on.

That’s an interesting solution. Keep me informed if you find out they work. Part of my issue is I’m towing a Kimberley Karavan and the chains need to loop through the vehicle attachment. The holes in the hitch are barely large enough to accommodate the chain. However, I like that method because it’s really strong and I can easily adjust the length and sag of the chains.

 

[stovetop73]

This took care of my 2.5 inch sag. Only need to put 10 psi in these which rides nice. it also lifts the rear 3 inches at the push of a button.View attachment 4491

you installed 2, different air bag systems?

 

[Gerasem]

Parts I used. I cut 3 tapered donuts off the taper damper from inside the coil spring which worked out perfect. My GX550 was bottoming out the bump stops when I hit dips on some roads even though I have an Andeson weight distribution hitch. I did not use the side backet on the Tundra Airlift kit. The axle is the same on the 2022 thru 2024 TRD Tundra but the frame shock holder is welded on the frame in a different spot. The bump stop is the same bolt pattern and the Tundra axle to frame is 8 inches vs Gx550 6.25 inches. Coil spring is taller on the Tundra. Side bracket is not needed IMHO as the steel plates are very thick and strong. Ride appears to me like stock with zero air pressure.

https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Su...Cruiser/2017/F4164.html?VehicleID=20171014419

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Thank you for all the info! Just like BENDOU, I searched online but could not find the package specifically for GX. A couple of follow-up questions:

1. Any concerns with invalidating car's warranty?
2. How long should it take for the mechanical shop to install and also remove? I am asking about the removal in case I need to take the car to the dealer and would consider removing it for the warranty concern.

I don't have the knowledge on how to install myself, and would like your opinion on the time it should take them so they don't screw me over with the price of labor.