I'm towing an
Escape 19 with my 06 Tacoma. I bought it with towing in mind -- V6, Auto, factory tow package. We towed the
Escape home from Canada in July without a WD hitch or any spring mods, and experienced a very rough ride when we encountered bad pavement (Portland and Seattle's pavement seems to be disintegrating). I found out about the wimpy leaf spring set-up on Tacomas when we got home and got a WD hitch and Air-Ride springs to compensate. The shop recommended I tow with about 10 lbs. of pressure.
We just returned from a trip where we again encountered some really bad pavement. The ride was better, but still not what I'd call satisfactory. On good pavement, the rig tows very smoothly. The suspension isn't bottoming out any more on bad bumps, but the bounce on a bad bump (or bumps) is still quite harsh. I'm looking for recommendations on how to further improve the ride.
Some possibilities I've considered:
1. Increase the Air Ride's pressure. 10 lbs. for towing seemed low to me. If so, how much? Or, would this just make the ride more harsh?
2. Upgrade the stock shocks. The truck has 72k miles on it, but the shocks seem fine, especially when not towing. I know I wouldn't want much firmer shocks. Any particular brands/types recommended?
3. Maybe try towing without the WD hitch, just running up the pressure in the Air Rides. However, I really do like the added firmness and "connectedness" that the WD hitch gives when I'm towing, and would only consider giving it up as a last resort. We came home through some strong, gusty cross winds yesterday and the rig tracked beautifully. We didn't realize how windy it was until we got out for a break.
I'm open to any and all suggestions with this problem. This is our first trailer, so I'm hoping there are some wise heads out there with sage advice. Thanks in advance -
Bruce