Hi Don,

Back from 2 week vacation. Here is the report as promised.

The Load Hogs performed very well and I am quite happy with them.

Sean Sargent Toyota removed the Road Masters, and then installed the LOAD HOGs.
They installed the springs on the minimum load setting (lock nuts just onto the end of the U bolts). On this setting, the new helper springs (LOAD HOGs) provided a bit better (a seat of the pants assessment) load carrying capacity to the Road Masters, but the ride was slightly harsher. Both I and my wife noticed that difference. That's the con to this system.

The pros are:

• There is no bracketry to interfere with the frame.
• There is greater adjustability to the system
• They seem to handle heavy loads better
• They’re super easy to install (had the other system not been there, I could have installed my self).

After arriving in Kimberley, I tightened the lock nuts up about 5mm more to further firm up the suspension. I didn't really notice much of a difference from this. I had hit the scales as we left town for our trip and noted that I was just over the GVWR on the truck, but the axle weights were still OK, as was the GCVW. I was very close on the front axle so from then on, I tried to load the truck heavier to the back of the box, and even tried to put more weight into the trailer each time we reloaded.

The big thing is that though the truck was heavily loaded, it seemed to handle the weight well. That was what I was trying to achieve. I wanted to be able to carry the weight safely and feel comfortable about doing so. We dropped the trailer off in Abbotsford and then drove to Ucluelet on the west coast, and back. During that time, the truck handled fine and my wife made no comment about the change in ride quality. This truck certainly handled the twisty Island roads better than the Nissan Titan that we sold last fall.

Final assessment

Road Masters are well suited to improving the ride of the Tacoma, and handling moderate loads better than the stock set-up, but need to have the bracketry issue rectified before I would recommend them to anyone.

LOAD HOGs are better suited to handling heavier loads (like trailer hauling), but result in a slightly harsher ride.

Thanks Don for your assistance. I now feel that I have a suspension set up that will work for me and this truck.

There is someone else in our office who recently purchased a Tacoma. I have already mentioned the LOAD HOGs to them.

James (Grande Prairie, Alberta)

The LOADHOGs that we put on our 2004 Dodge Caravan work great!

We use to have a different type of helping springs however they were always squeaking and kind of slapping when we didn’t have a lot of weight in the van. We carry five people a dog and lots of supplies when we go on trips. The van no longer bounces and hits in the back end. Also, we don’t get flashed by oncoming drivers with their lights anymore since we are sitting level and not pointing our headlights in their eyes.

Thanks. Jody Heemeryck / Edmonton

I haul a lot of things with my old 91 Chev ½ ton. Trailers, snowmobiles and firewood.

I was reluctant to try these LOAD HOGS since there are so many “gimmick” products on the market. Wow! They work Great.

What originally convinced me to buy them was the 90 money back guarantee AND the lifetime warranty. Any company this confidant in their product’s quality and abilities was worth a try.

Andre (Edmonton, Alberta)

Good Communication. Excellent Heavy Duty Helper Spring. Thanks.
Buyer: nice-toys4u ( 94 )
18-Jul-08 20:22

Easy to install just like the ad said.Great communication. would buy again
Buyer: greenfunny1 ( 237 )
25-Jun-08 09:16

Don is an effective communicator and very helpful with any inquiries
Buyer: ravcando ( 16 )
08-Feb-08 16:3

Dear conghold,

they work great thanks!
kennyrallen4

item and user details: item title, LOADHOG Helper Springs.

I’ve got a 2001 Chev ASTRO van. These are famous for soft suspensions. I use my van for my sales/delivery vehicle as well as the family hauler for holidays.

Before I had the Loadhogs installed my van in the spring of ’08 the van would often ride down low on the rubber stoppers.. Especially when towing our holiday trailer.

After the Loadhogs were put on the van rode better even when unloaded. I didn’t have the soft feeling when cornering. When towing the holiday trailer the van rode level.

Great item. I recommend them.

L. Bilodeau
Edmonton, Alberta

All testimonials are authentic and on file.