How do I eliminate squat

wellsy · 03-08-2021, 04:51 PM

My truck doesn't squat much and I still have great great steering control. What can I do mechanically to help in getting my truck to level? Looks to be about 2 inches of squat, I have an equalizer WDH. I'm perfect on trailer hitch weight. Maybe stronger leaf springs?

walaby · 03-08-2021, 05:01 PM

So, we don't know what you have.. 5er? Travel trailer?

Don't know what you mean by "not much".

Need more info for anyone to give you any sort of comment.

Mike

BrandonSmith · 03-08-2021, 05:15 PM

Weight distributing hitch if you're talking about a bumper pull. Airbags if you're talking 5th wheel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrVjS4BhQZI

SmittyCorp · 03-08-2021, 05:24 PM

I don't understand the issue. If you don't have much squat, then there is no need to raise the rear back to level.

If you do have too much squat, then you need less weight in the rear. This can be accomplished with less stuff in the bed of the truck, a bigger truck, lighter tongue weight trailer, or more weight distribution out of your hitch. You could also add airbags or bigger springs, but you'll likely anger the weight police....

NMWildcat · 03-08-2021, 05:52 PM

Airbags will work no matter what you have. Airlift 5000 is a good one.

wellsy · 03-08-2021, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walaby

So, we don't know what you have.. 5er? Travel trailer?

Don't know what you mean by "not much".

Need more info for anyone to give you any sort of comment.

Mike

Sorry, travel trailer, not over the hitch weight, the Truck is a Tacoma. Not much is maybe 2 inches. Not enough to affect the steering.

wellsy · 03-08-2021, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrandonSmith

Weight distributing hitch if you're talking about a bumper pull. Airbags if you're talking 5th wheel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrVjS4BhQZI

I have an equalizer WDH. Not much squat means about 2 inches if I were to guess,

rsdata · 03-08-2021, 06:48 PM

Quote:

I have an equalizer WDH. Not much squat means about 2 inches if I were to guess,

Ae you loading the WDH correctly?

there are many youtube videos showing how to properly setup a WDH... like this one... or search for another

https://youtu.be/bO7ifIZ6FK4

wellsy · 03-08-2021, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsdata

Ae you loading the WDH correctly?

there are many youtube videos showing how to properly setup a WDH... like this one... or search for another

https://youtu.be/bO7ifIZ6FK4

WDH is set up correctly.

D W · 03-08-2021, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wellsy

WDH is set up correctly.

Have you scaled the rig empty, and the rig with trailer? That is the only way you'll know if you're transferring enough weight to the front.

Two inches may not seem a lot, but remember what Mr. Newton said, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." In other words, 2" of sag on the rear axle will affect the front axle and/or suspension. It will also move your rig's center of gravity rearward.

**bikendan** · 03-08-2021, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wellsy

I have an equalizer WDH. Not much squat means about 2 inches if I were to guess,

I installed SumoSprings on my F150, for the little squat I had.

wellsy · 03-08-2021, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

I installed SumoSprings on my F150, for the little squat I had.

Those springs helped? I have measured the tongue weight and it's less than 14% of the trailer weight. I have only my wife and I and 125 lbs of tools and chocks and stuff in the truck bed up close to the cab. Fairly easy to install?

wellsy · 03-08-2021, 10:47 PM

There are several types of Sumo Springs, can you suggest what type for the 1/2 ton Tacoma?

**bikendan** · 03-09-2021, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wellsy

There are several types of Sumo Springs, can you suggest what type for the 1/2 ton Tacoma?

Since I had little squat, I went with the 1000lbs blue ones. Took about 30 minutes to install both.
I have no idea which ones to recommend for a Tacoma. Suggest you call them, that's what I did.

Theo · 03-09-2021, 12:14 PM

In reading through your "I need help to figure out if I can tow safely" thread posts, a number of members voiced concern over the meager (1000#) payload rating of your Tacoma and the ~750# tongue weight of your Apex Nano 213 RDS. That's before the additional weight of your hitch, and any other cargo/occupants in the truck.

Is it any wonder why your truck is squatting?

Remember, if you add some mechanical means to prevent squatting, the weight of those parts must be subtracted from your payload capability...putting you further in the hole.

jimmarako · 03-09-2021, 12:38 PM

So I'm a little confused. You say the WDH is all set up correctly, that your weights, etc.... are good, and the steering feels right. So why all the trouble to raise the rear end? Unless you travel a lot at night when your headlights might be off, whats it matter if the rear end squats? You add weight the rear end will drop. I'm guessing for "looks"? Which is fine, but I personally wouldn't put in the time/money/effort unless there was an issue.

Jim M.

rsdata · 03-09-2021, 01:10 PM

Quote:

meager (1000#) payload rating of your Tacoma and the ~750# tongue weight of your Apex Nano 213 RDS. That's before the additional weight of your hitch, and any other cargo/occupants in the truck.

Is it no wonder why your truck is squatting?

YOUR DRY spec weight is 3806# without propane tanks and battery. Probably closer to 4,000# with these items and minimal cargo and 14% gives me 560# tongue weight. You posted earlier 300# passengers and 200# of cargo. So your marginally over your payload... as was pointed out earlier.

a WDH hitch will not buy you any additional truck payload... neither will airbags...

airbags will help with leveling the truck though... and the Airlift 5000 is a good choice. I had a garage install mine ( on a Dodge Maxi Van ( extended van 3500... plenty of payload but the overhang past the rear wheels gave me squat) with manual air lines brought to the hitch area and they charged me $100.

One additional point from post #16 of your previous posted question "I need help to figure out if I can tow safely"... that shows P rated tires, on your stock Tacoma which will introduce some squat as they are soft tires.

I personally would upgrade to LT rated tires with more sidewall plies. THis will give you less squat because the tires will handle higher pressure and have much less side-to-side squirm and truck lean especially on turns. This tire setup is also safer as it will reduce the tendency for the trailer to fishtail.

Good luck, and drive slowly and safely until you get all of this figured out.

Cabinfever97 · 03-09-2021, 01:19 PM

Rear squat is not the concern. Front lift is. If the front of the truck has not risen more than 1 inch there is nothing to be concerned about. The rear squat is just a look issue. If you raise the rear of the truck 2 inches, will the TT be level or high at the hitch. TT high in the front has its own issues.

raysen · 03-09-2021, 01:37 PM

Agree with Wildcat

PenJoe · 03-09-2021, 01:50 PM

We have had Firestone Ride-Rites on 4 TVs and the Sunseeker. Most of our hauling was with a cargo trailer and no WDH. The minor squat was eliminated running about 40 lbs in the bags. They also help with sway. Unloaded, we keep the pressure at 10 lbs for normal ride.

The first time we used these was on the recommendation of a dealer. We put an 8.5' Lance camper on a 2001 Ram 1500 quad cab. The air bags leveled the load and gave better handling.

Also note, these bags are rugged. The last set was on for 8 years without a problem. The truck was broadsided striking the corner of the cab with the brunt of the impact to the box just ahead of the rear tire. The axle was forced back displacing the wheel near the rear bumper. The air bag was stretched, but did not rupture.

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