Off-road package (& aftermarket rear air) or AVS/Air? I want to lift, tow & have 35”s

I’ve searched through this forum but having a hard time finding a good answer. And I realize a lot of the early posts came out when companies were still pushing out new products. Thanks in advance for any insight.

I don’t care what model I get (so far looking at the Hybrid Limited & Hybrid Platinum). I will be towing 7k-9k lbs around twice a month and realize I will need some way to level out the back during those times. I would like to lift it and eventually have 35” tires.

My question is, do I buy the AVS/rear air package as OEM (and just add a lift to that) or should I get the TRD Off-road package (I like that MTM views and the wheels) and add rear airbags later? I realize either way I’ll need to add some sort of lift to squeeze 35’s under there.

 

3/4 ton truck.

 

We are doing something similar. Not exactly the same but our tires are 34”.

We did an RC level to even out the truck with the TRD OR suspension.

Then we put Timbren SES bumpstops in. I expect that the truck will sit level with our 4500 trailer onboard. We also use a weight distribution hitch.

Or we should get an F550??

 

Thanks. I’d be interested to hear how it looks once you tow the trailer. Sounds like a nice solution.

 

Don't get a F550, this is the smallest truck we have at work. It's a 2019 F550 6.7L Diesel and it burns a lot of oil, AC stops working every summer, front end goes out of alignment regularly etc etc.

 

This is what I would do in that situation…
-Buy whatever trim level you want in hybrid with TRD Off-Road package.
-Instead of 35” tires go 295/70R18. That’s basically a 34.4” and doesn’t rub stock (with a tiny bit of wheel well felt tucking)
-Level front
-Get a basic manual pump air bag kits.

My thinking is, if you are towing that much a couple times a month get the extra power in the hybrid. I’ve used manual air bag kits on trucks before and they are shockingly good and easy for occasional use. Get the TRD off-road for all the off road goodies and better daily ride. I don’t care what anyone says the TRD Off-Road suspension is absolutely a better ride than standard or AVS.

I went with 295/70R18 and you literally can’t tell the difference to a 35” side by side but the 35x12.5 need a lift to not rub or be too close for suspension not to travel properly because of the extra width. Sure a lift looks better and gives you more clearance, but I didn’t want to give up even more MPG and spend thousands on lift when I couldn’t find any real world justification.

 

Question for anyone who has the Advanced Package. appreciate your input.

Is the Advanced Package worth the $1645 they are charging? I don’t tow or haul much if any. I really don’t need the air bag option. Mostly a pavement guy. Family trips, bikes, skiing, weekend chores, etc…

I’m think of trading in my 23 Limited Hybrid CM 5.5 for a 23 platinum Hybrid CM 6.5 with Advanced Package.

Only reason I’m thinking of trading in is for the extra space in the bed, which would be nice, but not sure I want that long.. of a truck.

The Platinum upgrades are nice but my Limited is well equipped.