Adjustable air helper kits / Air springs advice on Fortuner please.

[ockert]

I have just bought a new Fortuner which I use to tow an Xplorer off-road caravan which is quite heavy on the towbar. I want to install air springs to re-adjust the level of the Fortuner's rear side when I have the Xplorer hooked up. (I also had these on my Pajero which I have traded in for the Fortuner.) The Fortuner uses coil springs for the rear suspension.

My question now is which type of adjustable air helper kit should I install. I received two quotes from two different suppliers which are almost the same price. The one is for the air bags which fits inside the coil springs of the Fortuner (similar to Firestone's "Coil-Rite" kit). The other quote is where the air bags fits outside/seperate of the Fortuner's coil springs (similar to Firestone's "Ride-Rite" kit.) The last type is similar to that which is normally used on vehicles with leaf springs and apparantly are more heavy duty. See https://www.firestoneip.com/ride-rite/

I would appreciate any suggestions or advice.

Thanks
Ockert

[Wave]

When I bought my Fortuner it already had the helper bags installed inside the coils, it made a huge difference when towing our Gypsey Regal at the time.

I would happily go for them again on stock suspension.

Now that I have EFS suspension there is no need for the bags, I never use them.

[Ricof4e]

I have just bought a new Fortuner which I use to tow an Xplorer off-road caravan which is quite heavy on the towbar. I want to install air springs to re-adjust the level of the Fortuner's rear side when I have the Xplorer hooked up. (I also had these on my Pajero which I have traded in for the Fortuner.) The Fortuner uses coil springs for the rear suspension.

My question now is which type of adjustable air helper kit should I install. I received two quotes from two different suppliers which are almost the same price. The one is for the air bags which fits inside the coil springs of the Fortuner (similar to Firestone's "Coil-Rite" kit). The other quote is where the air bags fits outside/seperate of the Fortuner's coil springs (similar to Firestone's "Ride-Rite" kit.) The last type is similar to that which is normally used on vehicles with leaf springs and apparantly are more heavy duty. See https://www.firestoneip.com/ride-rite/

I would appreciate any suggestions or advice.

Thanks
Ockert

What is the maximum weight allowable on the towball of the new fortuner - for sake of interest?

[Wave]

If I recall the towbar is rated @ 2500kgs and the max towable weight is 3000kgs.

[Ricof4e]

If I recall the towbar is rated @ 2500kgs and the max towable weight is 3000kgs.

I was referring to the maximum allowable weight on the towball - which I think is 260kg.

[Wave]

South African law is 100kgs MAX

[Paul#25]

South African law is 100kgs MAX

Even with a big helium balloon tied to the front of my Xplorer caravan I'd be unable to get down to 100kg vertical weigh at the hitch.

[KurtG]

South African law is 100kgs MAX

Even with a big helium balloon tied to the front of my Xplorer caravan I'd be unable to get down to 100kg vertical weigh at the hitch.

Then you need to get off the tow hitch, fatty


__________________
Flex is overrated

[Paul#25]

I need to sit in the back of the Xplorer while Susan drives the whole rig. I'll add weight aft of the caravan axle.

[Mad Manny]

I can't help the OP with his choice between the two air suspension options.

All I can say is, I like simple, I'd just go with progressive coils.

[Ricof4e]

Forgot about progressive coils.. Good idea Manny.

Ockert just make sure it is rated properly and expect some differences in the drive - most time it is minimal.