Horse trailer towing

I've just bought a new horse trailer and am about to pull it for the first time with my Tacoma. (2003 4x4 xtr cab 2.7liter 4cylinder). Have brand new brake assist and Class C receiver hitch. The trailer is a 2008 one-horse aluminum. Only weights 1760lbs empty. With horse, I will be pulling (mostly highway miles and one level surfaces...not in mountains or even many hills) 2860lbs. Truck is rated to pull 3500lbs.

I think I'm ok to do this, but have had so many friends tell me to buy a BIGGER truck. I don't want to sacrifice mileage, just so I can pull a trailer once a week! Also, my great little truck is paid for.

Question: Would you all agree that towing this trailer, with a live load of about 1100lbs, is safe?

Question: I read in another posting that I should keep the truck in 4-wheel drive while towing? Is that empty or with the load?

Question: What's this about letting some of the air out of my tires? Did I also read that?

I appreciate ALL wise advice. Many thanks for reading and responding!

pc

 

Do not tow in 4x4 or air down your tires. Just tow in 4x2 w/ regular tire pressure.

 

Keep tires to mfg specs. You only air down for sand.
Tow in 2wd unless in snow, mud, gravel, rain.
Truck will pull fine. You just have to take it easy.
Hope you have the inertia activated brake controller. Time based ones are crap.
Do you have the auto trans cooler and upgraded fan clutch?
Make sure you have the brake-away system for the trailer and that the 12v from the truck is charging it.

Take it easy, you'll do fine. Just don't expect good mileage while towing.

 

Also, be aware that the shitfing weight of the horses will influence trailer sway and braking. You'll definetly feel them back there.

 

Can't see that info from my phone, so I covered all the bases