Heavier springs for towing and winch bumper but no lift?

[JeepN3RD2]

So I am not really "wanting" a lift for my 2022 Gladiator Rubicon, the current tire size is fine with me and I realize that puts me into the minority. What I am using my rig for is to pull my 2021 Aliner Scout camper (weighs approx 2000-2500 with generator installed, tool rack on back, etc) and looking at small sailboat (Catalina 22, 2500ish weight, 3000ish with trailer etc.)

I have added the RSI Smartcap [165 pounds] on the back, will add my starlink to the roof along with a couple of solar panels (and/or a hardshell roof top tent [250 pounds] with those on top of that) and I have installed the DECK system [200 pounds] in the bed.

So that is 600-700+ pounds of Decked / Topper / Camper/ misc tools and stuff plus say 300 or so on the tongue. I would say budget I have put 1000 pounds on the rear out of my 1200ish payload.

Upfront, will be removing the OEM plastic bumper and replacing with aftermarket steel bumper with winch. [Call it an extra 100-150 pounds up front]

I am seeing "heavy duty" springs as part of the various lifts, AEV, etc. The one that looks the most interesting is Clayton 1.5" Ride Right. Does anyone have other suggestions for near stock but built to handle the extra weight from towing and this gear?

It looks like I have used up my 1200 pounds of payload (1164) before I get in the truck, my wife, and nephew. I realize lots of others exceed payload on a regular basis.

After reading a bit more I am now leaning towards the Timbren Suspension Enhancement System (instead of airbags) to help with any sag when the trailers are being towed.

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[Mr._Bill]

If it came with a factory installed Tow Package, you should be okay with the factory installed springs for the weight you are dealing with. Any changes to the suspension will affect the factory designated towing and payload capacity.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

If worried about "sag" while towing - air bags.

 

[1stXMan]

I've been in the same boat for a couple years. Don't really want a lift, but it seems the only way to get the ultimate solution.

I tried in coil bags (Firestone) and one started leaking after only a month so I gave up.

Timber Grove Enterprises has the best air bag system I've seen, but it will affect articulation off road. Most of his customers aren't concerned with articulation so maybe it would work for you. Having a Rubicon myself, I didn't want to lose any capability.

Sumo springs has an insert that wedges inside your coils. I haven't tried it, but it seems like a possible alternative to leaky air bags. Just not sure how it works in the real world. This option is popular in the RV market.

I have resigned myself to getting the AEV lift with HD coils. It's a moderate 2.5 lift and with 37s it will look pretty uniform and factory-ish. I'm just biding my time and saving pennies so the wife doesn't need to see the credit card bill.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The air bags have been under my truck for over a year. They are still at the same 6 psi I put in them after towing this September, and before that, they were still at that number from the year before. No leaks.

Most people have no issues with air bags.
As far as interfering with articulation - you run the minimum pressure and they compress like any other, perhaps resisting the spring being compressed from compressing a bit, but won't stop the other side from dropping.
There's probably guys here who run air bags and still do some off-roading.

When I put all the extra weight on the front of my truck, I opted for Synergy springs - dual-rate, handle the road well, guaranteed not to bow on the front springs and they come in several "lifts".
I opted for those as they handle the weight of a 300 pound snow plow sticking out up front in the winter, but don't change the height drastically in the summer, and ride like a dream.

If the cap and other stuff will be there full-time, weight-carrying springs like that may be the answer, without lifting.

 

[1stXMan]

The air bags have been under my truck for over a year. They are still at the same 6 psi I put in them after towing this September, and before that, they were still at that number from the year before. No leaks.

Most people have no issues with air bags.
As far as interfering with articulation - you run the minimum pressure and they compress like any other, perhaps resisting the spring being compressed from compressing a bit, but won't stop the other side from dropping.
There's probably guys here who run air bags and still do some off-roading.

When I put all the extra weight on the front of my truck, I opted for Synergy springs - dual-rate, handle the road well, guaranteed not to bow on the front springs and they come in several "lifts".
I opted for those as they handle the weight of a 300 pound snow plow sticking out up front in the winter, but don't change the height drastically in the summer, and ride like a dream.

If the cap and other stuff will be there full-time, weight-carrying springs like that may be the answer, without lifting.

Which bags did you go with? I went Firestone thinking they might be better than the Air lifts, but I see very few complaints from Air lift users. I think the Air lifts may be more pliable than the Firestones.

They were a bit of a pain to install under my shade tree so I haven't taken the time to pull the defective bag to see what failed. I suspect it's a leak at the bag stem because the Firestone bags are a little stiff and I might have smashed the stem articulating.

 

[Texops]

I use air-lift bags just to help out on my Rubicon and tow 5000# camper it does really well factory springs, and 1.5” spacer in front for winch and bumper weight.

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