what size camper do you pull with your Tacoma???

I have a small pop up camper a 2010 model I think...wanting to upgrade to a bigger camper. What length / weight camper can or do you tow with your Tacoma??? Pics of camper hooked to the Tacoma or camping would be GREAT!!! I appreciate your time--Thanks!!!

just don't want to buy a bigger truck just to pull a bigger camper!!!

 

surely someone is pulling a camper bigger than a pop-up~~~pic's please and how it pulls with your Taco~~Thanks!!!

 

never pulled a camper, but here is my taco pulling my friends 19' center console. no issues.
not the fastest in the fleet, but when his powerstroke is having its time of the month, i get the call.

 

I pulled a friends 18x8 cargo trailer with his construction tools. No idea on weight but it did sag the rear pretty low. I tow a pop up regularly and added air bags.

 

What airbags did you go with? I'm looking at adding some as well.

 

I upgraded the popup a few years ago, and limited myself to the 3500# Highlander capacity. I got a Shamrock 183. Towed it this summer with the Tacoma, and it was a breeze. I have a brake controller and the equalizer weight distribution hitch. No sag in the back at all. Smooth ride. I was in Michigan, so not a lot of hills.

I'm not sure what it would be like to pull a 5000# trailer, but at 3400# dry and loaded with gear for a week with the family, I only knew it was there on the start and stop.

 

I tow my Winnebago Minne. It's 19 ft and weighs 3300 lbs dry. I have the firestone air bags and use an equalizer WDH. Tacoma pulls it fine. Haven't pulled it up any steep grades yet.

 

That thing is cool as heck. I may have to look at something along those lines.

 

It's a great little camper. Plenty of room for the wife, kid and dog.

 

I went with Firestone. JC Whitney had a discount but wouldn't work online. I called and they honored it so free shipping and 267.xx delivered. I'm very happy with no drill easy install.

 

If you are looking for a larger camper but are concerned about weight, look into a company called Livin Lite
http://livinlite.com/

My 10 footer weighs 800lbs dry. The frames, floors & walls are all aluminum. After my first season with it, I couldn't be happier.

 

great idea's here!!! Thanks !!! I appreciate it!!

rainmaker luv your camper / taco combo!! that's about the size we need!!!

My pop up is nice...but after a day on the road the last thing you want to do it set it up...;(....I know I am getting old..LOL

 

I agree.....set up is a pain. My 97 Coleman....

 

How does it pull up grades? Im looking at that exact rpod

 

16' Nash. Pulls great. I have an add a leaf currently. Ordering All Pro Expedition leafs next month.

 

Don't have a great shot handy, but this pic was from earlier in the year when I was picking up the camper from storage. 2004 Starcraft hybrid trailer - similar to a travel trailer but the beds fold out (one in front, one on the side) with canvas over the bunks similar to a pop-up.

Officially 19' but closer to 21' overall. Weighs 2800 dry, 3500 loaded. Haven't towed it too far but so far the Tacoma has pulled it like a champ, including up some pretty good grades. I added airbags and it has made all the difference in the world.

 

Love my little popup. It's an a-frame style so it only takes about 30 seconds to set it up. Once up, hooks up are a breeze if you use them.

 

That's a neat a-frame pop up camper. I looked at one before buying the Minnie Winnebago. I bet it tows great.

 

I'm looking at this little thing

http://www.golittleguy.com/model?id=48&model=6x10-Silver-Shadow



It is 6 ft tall and only 1200lbs loaded. I do not have the tow package. I'm thinking my truck/transmission won't even know it is back there having an AAL only.

My question for you trailer pullers, should I install a trans cooler? Should I add airbags for such a low tear drop shaped 1200lb trailer?

 

Generally speaking you probably don't need a trans cooler for that trailer, but if it were me I'd install one anyway (a couple hundred bucks to prolong the life of the transmission is a good trade-off).

Airbags will depend on tongue weight. Most of the weight of the trailer appears to be forward of the axle which will result in a higher tongue weight, especially if you load other items atop the mesh area at the front of the tongue. Your AAL may be enough, though. I'd give it a shot and see.

Good luck!