Tacoma haul a slide-in camper?

[upflying]

I posted the following questions over in the Tacoma forum and I was referred here for answers.

I am contemplating the purchase of a new 2011 Tacoma. Couple of questions before I complete a purchase.
1. I plan to haul a small, pop-up, slide-in camper..about a 1,000 lbs. Is the composite bed on the Tacoma approved for slide in camper use? The camper I have is designed for small trucks and won't fit on full-size pickups.
2. I notice Torklift is a company that makes frame mounted camper tie-downs for the Tacoma. The website information states the mounts will only fit 4X4 Tacoma's. Can these be adapted to fit a 2WD Tacoma and if not is there another source for 2WD Tacoma camper tie-downs?
3. I would like to buy a double cab, long bed. Is there a payload difference or advantage between the various packages such as base, Pre-Runner, SR5 and TRD? Which package rides or drives smoother or quieter? I am not interested in 4X4.
5. Is there an aftermarket source of overload springs and or airbags to increase the load capacity? I understand "thou shalt not" exceed manufacturers GVWR regardless of what the overload springs/bags do to increase load capacity. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks in advance for noobie advice.

 

[cnynrat]

Firestone makes airbags that can be retrofitted to many trucks to help with heavy loads. I have a set in my F350 that I use to carry a camper. I got the on board compressor with gauges and controls in the cab which is quite convenient. I'd suggest you give Firestone a call to confirm they will fit on a Taco.

I also have a set of frame mount tie downs from Torklift. Very happy with those, but I'd imagine they may get in the way depending on what type of trails you want to do. They are pretty low and wide. Great product for stability with a big camper though. Don't know if they have a model for the Taco - give them a call, they are very helpful.

 

[slooowr6]

Is the 1000lbs with all the water, propane and etc? I've ATC Bobcat pop up camper it weights around 900lbs loaded. The truck bed is fine with that much weight. I add these to the Tacoma to handle the weight, Load rang D tires, Bilstein 5100 shocks, add-a-leaf, Firestone air bags. I remember the regular cab Tacoma has the highest load capacity. Double Cab, long bed 4x4 has the lowest capacity.