Suspension upgrades for a '13 Tacoma and Fleet FWC

[sciradio]

I have a '13 TRD offroad that is soon to be getting a brand new four wheel camper Fleet. Intending to live and tour around in this truck for 6 months or longer, meaning the camper will be on the truck full time. The fwc dealer suggested Firestone Ride-Rite Airbags or alternatively a full Old Man Emu suspension system (includes springs and struts, rear shocks and leaf springs) as well as SPC adjustable upper control arms for better alignment specs.

I'm leaning towards the OME set up. But beyond that I have no idea? Will this accommodate a front bumper/winch if I decide to get one down the road?

Anyone have any experience here? Words of wisdom? Thanks

 

[DVexile]

Overall FWC dealer's advice not bad.

You definitely need leaf springs. All Pro Expedition, OME Dakar with the add a leaf or get a custom pack made by Deaver. Now once you do that you will probably have a rough ride when the camper is off of the truck but given your application I think that's the best option.

OME is a inexpensive way to upgrade the suspension if going with the standard Nitrochargers + Dakar. I'd look into the JBA UCA as an alternative to the SPC. More durable, easier to service and replace parts. Rather than being adjustable it has a "baked in" increase in caster to allow for good alignment with a 2-3" of lift.

You will, however, find a number of people find the OME Nitrocharger route to merely be a gateway drug to a more capable suspension like Icon, King or Fox. Nothing wrong with OME in my opinion, but research to make sure you experience the pain of purchase and install only once .

Front bumper winch is primarily going to set what springs you use on your coil overs. Not sure there is a good intermediate solution there as you'd ideally pick your springs based on whether you have the winch or not.

On the subject of bumper and winch a FWC Fleet with you and some camping gear already has you well over GVWR for a Tacoma. I'd leave the extra weight of the bumper and winch off myself if you are already bogged down with a FWC. Which isn't to say plenty of people don't do it anyway!

 

[cchoc]

I have a Taco with an Eagle, ARB front with winch and Aluminess rear. I did an OME suspension with heavy springs front and back and an extra leaf in back. I started with just air bags before I did the suspension and still use them to level the truck. I'm sure I am overweight but the truck braking seems fine and the ride is good as well. I leave my camper on full time.

 

[NikonRon]

I'm in the same boat as Charlie, except I'm running Icon coilovers up front, works good for me, no problems. Ron

 

[roadready]

I have a 2008 Tacoma and a Fleet. Went with OME and love it.

 

[100acrehuphalump]

I have a 2012 F150 and 2015 Hawk. I used procomp add a leafs and firestone Ride Rights. I'm glad I had the redundancy of both. I was at the headwater of the green river in Wyoming when one of my airbags blew due to the bottom bolt falling out and it rubbed against my tire until it wore a hole in it. The leaf springs held it up until I got into Jackson Hole to get the airbag replaced.