Midsize Truck/ FWC Suspension Upgrades & Maintaining Engine Integrity

[dsm420]

Hi everyone. Firstly I apologize if this post is rather redundant but I was having difficulty sifting through posts finding answers to a few questions I have.
I am looking to hear from others who have a midsize truck/ FWC combo, or others who have experience with a similar setup. I am hoping to purchase a 2017 Fleet FWC for my 2023 OR. I am looking for opinions/comments on the most ideal suspension upgrade for someone who will be offloading there FWC while not in use. Additionally, what should be done to maintain the longevity of the Toyota engine given the payload of the camper.

I currently have plans to install airbags. I am still on the fence on whether I want to install an additional leaf spring. For one, I don't really want to lift my truck, nor take away from the suspension while I don't have weight in the bed. I do plan to offroad with the FWC but nothing more than fire roads in the sierras. I'm curious if there are any other upgrades that are recommended besides the air bags if I were to decide to not install leaf springs.

Secondly, I am quite worried that maxing out the payload of the truck will ultimately ruin the longevity and reliability of the engine. Would appreciate any comments on this. What are some preventable measures I can take to ensure I am maintaining a healthy engine with the given payload?

Looking forward to being active on this forum and thanks in advance for any advice that is posted! Cheers

 

[Starbrightsteve]

Whatever an OR is , I suggest that you don’t drive it like you just stole it.

 

[Vic Harder]

Ditto.. what's an OR? As for how to keep your engine happy (least of my worries on a truck with a payload within limits) I would change the oil & filter more often (heavy use section of your manual), and use synthetic.

 

[Jon R]

“TRD Off Road” is a trim level for Toyota trucks and SUVs. TRD is Toyota racing division. It could be a Tundra or a Tacoma. Since he’s talking mid-size, I assume by “OR” he means a Tacoma with the TRD Off Road trim level. The engine on those is a normally aspirated 3.5 liter V6.

 

[csasper]

I'd recommend the following having lived with the Tacoma/Fleet setup for 4 years.

E-rated tires
Airbags
Leafs
Rear shocks with upgraded damping, Bilstein 5100's or greater to help manage the load

You can spend a lot of money, depends on your budget how much you want to do. Since you're not having the camper on full time, the engine should be fine. Our Fleet lived on our truck full time for 100k miles, no issues with the motor.

FYI, a FWC Fleet will put the Tacoma at or over payload and with gear/people you'll be way over. If you get in an accident, your fault or not, insurance will not cover you.

 

[kmcintyre]

As others stated, the truck needs some upgrades but the one thing that might be difficult is the braking. I had an Eagle on a 1/2 ton truck and was always worried about the braking; I upgraded springs, tires, airbags, etc. but end of the day, the truck did ok (Dakota V8 was so-so, Ram EcoDiesel was great). Luckily I'm a slower driver but some things you can't control; random events that require immediate braking.

 

[rubberlegs]

We drive ours gently on pavement, not in a hurry. Same for poor roads. It’s designed to pull a trailer. But the campers have a lot of aero drag which knocks 25-50% off gas mileage depending on speed and wind. So clearly the engine is working harder. We’re only at 85000 miles so can’t comment on longevity yet. Send a private message and we can chat on the phone about our suspension story, too long to type in.

 

[CPT Davenport]

The majority of folks that keep the camper on full time recommend a new spring pack for the load.

For me and my 1/2 ton Chevy:
SuperSpring overloads (only engage when a load is applied)
Firestone Air Bags
Hellwig Sway bar
Bilstein shocks
Toyo E rated tires
KN Cool Air intake
Aux transmission cooler
Mag Hytec trasmission pan
Mag Hytec rear diff cover
Power stop brakes

Oil change with synthetic every 4-5k

Drive like a little old man I speed limits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My rig has taken us camping all across the country, to MX, all over the Sierras and usually towing a boat!

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

While my Tacoma TRD Off Road 4WD was a 2002, I can tell you that it now has over 225,000 miles, still has the original clutch, brakes and even headlight bulbs. The truck is mechanically stock, never lifted or modified, was never babied, used a lot off road in the Eastern Sierra, Death Valley and Nevada; and has the beauty marks to prove it (pinstriping, a few rocker panel dents). It has only been in the shop for the timing belt/water pump swaps at 100k and 200k (each w/new thermostat, hoses); a couple belts, and one set of spark plugs. They are a good truck.

 

[rando]

......
FYI, a FWC Fleet will put the Tacoma at or over payload and with gear/people you'll be way over. If you get in an accident, your fault or not, insurance will not cover you.

The bolded part is completely untrue, there is no exception to insurance for being over GVWR, just like there is no exception for speeding or being drunk or otherwise at fault (not that being over GVWR makes you at fault).

 

[ski3pin]

<snip>

Drive like a little old man I speed limits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<snip>

Nice to know there's other members of this club around! I suspect this played a role in our old Ranger still running strong with 275,000 miles on the odometer, most of it carrying our ATC Bobcat in rough backcountry.

 

[dsm420]

We drive ours gently on pavement, not in a hurry. Same for poor roads. It’s designed to pull a trailer. But the campers have a lot of aero drag which knocks 25-50% off gas mileage depending on speed and wind. So clearly the engine is working harder. We’re only at 85000 miles so can’t comment on longevity yet. Send a private message and we can chat on the phone about our suspension story, too long to type in.

Thanks for the comment. I will send you a message!

 

[dsm420]

Ditto.. what's an OR? As for how to keep your engine happy (least of my worries on a truck with a payload within limits) I would change the oil & filter more often (heavy use section of your manual), and use synthetic.

Apologies I botched that section. Toyota Tacoma Off Road trim package. Thanks for the comment!

 

[dsm420]

As others stated, the truck needs some upgrades but the one thing that might be difficult is the braking. I had an Eagle on a 1/2 ton truck and was always worried about the braking; I upgraded springs, tires, airbags, etc. but end of the day, the truck did ok (Dakota V8 was so-so, Ram EcoDiesel was great). Luckily I'm a slower driver but some things you can't control; random events that require immediate braking.

Appreciate the comment. I have read of others upgrading their brake system. The upgrade recommendations continue to pile up

 

[Seattle Mitch]

my 2018 fleet was originally on a 2007 base model Tacoma. Now it is on a 2023 Tacoma Trd off-road trim.

I tried the airbags on the old taco truck and never felt very secure with them. They always felt like they were going to bounce right out of proper placement anytime the driving got rough. I changed out to a heavy duty spring pack for the older Tacoma and liked it so much that I installed another one on the 2023 truck.

Currently with a beefed up heavy duty spring pack and Bilstein 5100s riding on BFG K03s and feeling pretty good.

 

[rubberlegs]

Currently with a beefed up heavy duty spring pack and Bilstein 5100s riding on BFG K03s and feeling pretty good.

What spring pack do you have now? Did it lift the rear, or is it roughly the same lift as your empty truck was without your camper?

 

[lostcreek]

My spin is for fewer upgrades (I also have a 1/2T Silverado), that happens to have worked for me. Per CPT Davenport I highly recommend SuperSpring overloads . My Phoenix puts the truck at payload, so E-rated tires make a big diff. for handling and durability. My only other mod was the extra transmission cooler, but in retrospect it wasn't necessary for my situation. For maintainence I use the "heavy use" schedule in Owner's Manual, with good results. Brakes wear a bit faster than otherwise but mechanic keeps on top of that for me; with camper on I stay aware of stopping distances, just a bit longer than when unloaded. Oil changes at least every 5K or sooner. Rotate tires regularly. Every make/model will differ, but staying aware while driving and keeping on top of maintainance go a long way.

 

[Taku]

Had a stock sway bar installed and added a new leaf pack from Boise Spring (they are an FWC dealer so know what it takes). Rest is stock on a 21 Tundra. Drive reasonably sane and take it slow on the rough roads. Easing over rough sections will save a lot of stress on a rig

 

[Seattle Mitch]

What spring pack do you have now? Did it lift the rear, or is it roughly the same lift as your empty truck was without your camper?

I bought a spring pack from Boise spring works. like the guy below said, they are an FWC dealer so they have a great idea about what you need. I got the whole set up for about $450 including shipping from Boise to Tacoma.

 

[Seattle Mitch]

I bought a spring pack from Boise spring works. like the guy below said, they are an FWC dealer so they have a great idea about what you need. I got the whole set up for about $450 including shipping from Boise to Tacoma.

It does lift the rear a bit when the camper is not on the truck.