Gen 3 Towing Thread

I would like to comment on this, I am not a 3rd gen owner, but I am a 2nd gen owner, 2013 SBDC. Fantastic right up BTW @TacoJonn, spot on...anyway, I tow a 244BH KZ Sportsmen, w/weight DB, dry 4400lb, loaded with gear 5500lb. My truck still sagged even with the WDB set up, what I did to correct this was I added 2000lb helper springs and Timbren bump stops, this helped tremendously maybe someday I will add air bags instead, but for now it works, I don't have a picture of the set up, sorry. I average about 10-12mpg, and always drive in 4th. It's not the best truck to tow with, but it gets the job done.

I did tow this camper 3 times with the stock suspension and it weakened the rear springs.

 

Question...What is CAI?

 

I believe cold air intake.

 

It probably would have been better if it was level.

 

Yes sir cold Air, we weren't towing anything just hauling Butt. I have a friend with a house on the mountain...........btw if anyone makes that trip from south or central Tx do not take hwy285 the semis coming from the fracking oil fields have destroyed that road.

 

oh yeah...duuuuu...I just installed a Volant with ram air scoop and a flow master exhaust....sorry...brain fart...

 

I didn't even know my Tacoma can tow something as big as that. I wonder how much the rent was. I'd like to try going on a trip with that one day.

 

That depends on how many days you want to rent: http://www.woodyrvrentals.com/
There are other rental companies out there. Most (maybe all) rent trailers that they don't own. In other words, they have trailers on their lot that belong to people who bought them and use them occasionally and rent them out to pay the loan off and have a place to store them.

 

This a 6x12 U-Haul trailer. Fully loaded with 2 adults and some stuff on the cargo bed. I didn't weight it but it was my first time towing. Drove from El Centro, CA to Santa Clarita, CA. it took about 4.5 hours with the traffic in the LA area. going 65 and 80mph when the road is wide and clear with other motorists. I had the ECT button on and have no idea on what gear it stayed the whole time. I got 13.8MPG and I had no trouble keeping up the speed or passing when I want to. I'm just probably the one who is scared to pass people or go faster because it was my first time towing. The elevations probably go as high as 3,000ft but very gradually. The winds were at around 5-7MPH according to weather forecast. Overall, it was a very good experience. The U-Haul had its own brake too so that helped a lot. My fuel tank warning just lit up as soon as I arrived. 264 miles.



I did not move but was helping a friend out. We only payed $70+ for the trailer instead of getting another U-Haul truck for the 2nd trip which could cost another $400. She saved a lot... ...But I got a rock chip on my windshield after a heavily lifted chevy truck was speeding by. That will cost me $500 deductible if i file an insurance claim..

 

Cool!.. thanks.. starts as low as $150/day or $1000 a week... I would have to have a brake controller ready though. didn't buy that yet.

 

You must have backed up to the trailer to take those pictures. If you have read on this site the 3rd gen cant even pull a lawnmower.

On a serious note Im glad to see people towing with these. Im towing a 18ft pontoon around this summer and a few cars here and there.

 

Well, I guess it can pull more than a lawnmower unless it's one like this:

 

Here's what I did for the controller. Easy peasy.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brake-controller-installation.408651/#post-11495576

 

Islander RV Resort - Lake Havasu, AZ

5,100 lbs, 24' JC Tri-Toon. Easy...

 

does anyone have any experience towing with the 2nd gen and now is towing with the 3rd gen?
Notice any difference?
if so what?

 

Nope. 4th gear was it. I suppose 5th could be used on a long downhill unless you needed engine braking.

 

OP saw you response to my post and I read your write up. This particular trailer is a Micro Light with a dry weight if 3900#s. With the WDH I had no sag on the test fit. I figure loaded with no water in the tanks I should be well under the 5000#s your looking for. Wish me luck; I pick her tomorrow and then straight to the camp ground for a one night test run. I will give up date after our trip.

 

There's a guy on here who has pictures of what happens to transmission gears when you tow in OD. Definitely something to avoid, especially when close to max tow weights. Only time I'd even consider towing in an OD gear would be on a decline to help with mileage.

 

Do you by chance have a picture of how you mounted it? I just bought the same controller. How hard is it to pop out that kick panel?

 

He said he had a trailer brake controller installed.