Suspension setup for jack off canopy

[Andy87]

Hey guys,

Just after some opinions/advice. I have a 2016 4x4 Sr dual cab with a jack off canopy on the back. I am looking to upgrade the suspension as the canopy is quite heavy loaded up with all my tools. 550kg to be exact. Spoke with a few of the local suspension guys who suggest 500kg (or there about) rear springs. The problem with this is when I jack the canopy off for going up the beach it will be sitting high in the rear. Another suggestion is lighter springs (300kg) with air bags. Another again is to fix canopy on for good and go heavy springs.

So I see my 2 options as:

1: 300kg springs with air bags for work, deflate airbags and remove canopy for play
2: 500kg springs with canopy fixed permanently.

Bearing in mind when we go away we also to a camper trailer which all up weighs around a tonne, but weight will be reduced in the canopy.

I hope this all makes sense and my apologies if this has been covered in a different thread, I did search and not find anything. This is my first post as well so feel free to correct me if I have gone about this the wrong way.

Thanks guys
Andy.

[Viper82]

I have a jack off canopy and I reckon mine comes in about 650kg loaded. I had 380kg leaves installed first which ended up flat with the weight then had an extra leaf installed which brought it upto 500kg. I have driven around with the canopy off and it was a harsh ride but tyres where at 40psi also.

Its always going to be hard to have load carrying and when empty a soft ride. I reckon it will still ride stiff even with the 300kg springs empty. Mine sits pretty much level and once I get a bull bar hoping it tilts nose down a little loaded.

[Andy87]

Cheers mate. Not so much worried with stiff ride. More worries the rear end will sit high with no weight on the back. Does yours do this 500kg springs?

[Viper82]

It comes back up about 100mm when the box comes off. I don't think it looks to high. I think it sits too flat with the weight on atm thats why i am saving for a bullbar.