Towing/travel trailer/casita?

Alright guys, im currently saving up to take an extended trip across the U.S. next summer. I have been going back and fourth debating if I should upgrade to a tundra from my 2011 Toyota Tacoma Trd sport dbl cab w/tow package. I absolutely love my truck but after countless hrs of research I understand it's not the greatest tow vehicle. But I still think it's capable for what I will be using it for. I'm not looking for a huge trailer, Just need something with a bed/bath/shower/dinette small/kitchen.(under 3500lb fully loaded). Been thinking about a casita/scamp or something similar.(any sort of pop up is out of the question). Any other suitable suggestions? I do plan of going through some steep inclines/mountainous areas. My question is: what will I need to do to equip/setup my truck to tow the kinda trailer I'm look for? It's bone stock right now with 50,000 miles. Also what kind of maintence should I be doing w/that mileage to get it ready?

 

Also what do you "estimate" that it will cost to set it up?

 

The 17' Casita is a great little trailer (2,185 lbs dry) as well as Olivers and Scamps. They all hold their value and are VERY easy to tow. There are a few used ones but I would look for something 5 years or less.

Standard Tacoma Tow package is all you need.

Casita is the best of both worlds...Oliver is an upscale "egg" camper. PEople may say not to use overdrive to keep the transmission cool in the hills. but those trailers are light. They cannot leak as there are no structural roof seams and are aerodynamic.

 

Change the diff oil to synthetic and don't drive with the transmission in overdrive for extended periods of time (you'll overheat the gear) Maybe nice rear leaf pack, too. That's about all I can give ya. Good luck!

 

Casita's are great if you aren't over 6ft. One of our Baja Crew has one and tows it with a 1st gen Taco 3.4 auto with no issues. Also some of the R-pods and such are pretty light. I've been looking for a smaller trailer and there are a lot of them out there under 3k#. If you want a double axle rig the little Winnie from Winnebago is actually a real nice set up but comes in mostly garish colors.

 

Thanks for the replys guys, so I should possibly update my rear leaf springs? I looked at some old man emu's. Do I need to upgrade the shocks as well? And I just recently changed the rear diff fluid. My trucks only 2wd. What other preventative maintenance do you guys recommend?

 

New shocks wouldn't hurt. A hellwig rear swaybar would be nice, too.

 

You think I need that along with a w/d hitch?

 

I have also been looking at this complete kit! Opinions? http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-9449752-old-man-emu-complete-kit-for-05-14-tacoma.html

Or should I not bother with a full kit?

 

I love my Casita.

 

Look at Escape brand trailer too. I know a lot of people who sold Casitas and Scamps to get one. Mine sleeps 4, shower, toilet, forced air heat, AC, stove and microwave. 3600 lbs loaded with a full tank of fresh water.
33600

 

My suggestion is that you add a w/d hitch and nothing else. A stock unit with the tow package and a w/d hitch should work just fine with the tongue weight and load of that estimated size. Suggest that you add sway control to the w/d hitch.

 

If you are towing make sure you get some good brake controller

 

I tow 3500 with my Tacoma all winter long into the mountains with a snowmobile trailer. I don't have a weight distributing hitch but my trailer is really well balanced with the sleds in there. You won't be passing anyone on the hills but it really isn't bad for towing.

 

I don't use a WD hitch or sway control and have no problems at 3,600 lbs. YMMV. be sure you have proper tongue weight.

I would also recommend a brake controller if you're pulling something that heavy. If you have the tow package installation is very easy.

 

Yup brake controller designed for truck was one of the first purchases. Use it with every trailer you tow.

 

How is power in the gen 2 when towing? I tow mine with a gen 1 and think the gen 3 might not handle it as well as gen 2.

 

What is the interior height of the Escape? My only issue with the Casita is I'm 6'2" and it is a bit short inside. Nice looking driveway!

 

6'2" interior height.

http://escapetrailer.com/

 

I tow a 18' all over the place with mine no WD hitch and no sway bar. It is a duel axle that does make a difference. I live in the Mt's of Maine and pretty much where ever I go is up except the coast and my V6 6spd pulls it fine. Any thing over 1000# needs breaks.