Leaf Spring

[cbrown]

I just had a "Hidden Hitch" installed on my 2009 Sienna. The place that installed it suggested that I have a leaf spring installed to stop the sagging and bottoming out. Anyone use these?

[Rust Heap]

There are no leaf springs on your sienna as it has a coil spring suspension in back. To help with the sagging you would need airbags and/or a weight distribution hitch. It really depends on what you are towing with the van to determine if you need any of that stuff anyway.


I'm putting airbags in my '01 today actually. I think there is a post about the airlift 1000 system. It is pretty much what everybody uses.

[Texastrooper]

What are you going to use the hitch for? Bike rack, light utility trailer, boat trailer, travel trailer?

Depending what you use it for different solutions could be offered. E.g. Airlifts and Weight distributing hitch (WDH).
I did install airlifts on my Sienna. I can't use a WDH since my trailer does not allow one.

[cbrown]

I'm towing a 1999 Coleman Sunvalley, with a 12 foot box, unload weight is approx 2000 lbs.

[Rust Heap]

My '98 Coachmen is about 2100# empty and I just use the airbags. From what I've read, at that size many people say you need a weight distribution hitch and many say you don't. It seems like it is a YMMV

[Texastrooper]

I'm towing a 1999 Coleman Sunvalley, with a 12 foot box, unload weight is approx 2000 lbs.

If the trailer does allow to use a WDH I would prefer this. Otherwise use a set of airlifts. But a WDH will be the better solution since it "really" prevents sagging. The airlifts only reduce it a little.
The airlifts will help if you use the van heavily loaded without the trailer. The hitch sits low and you may have "ground" contact without.
But no matter what you do: Remember to change your driving habits a little. All these deep V-shapped entries into gas stations and strip malls: Cross them diagonal. Otherwise you may hear a scratching sound when the hitch tries to scrap of the pavement. But don't worry. The hitch is massive steel.