Gen 3 Towing Thread

Travel trailer dry weights are measured when they leave the factory. Then they go to the dealer who adds batteries, propane, some appliances, and whatever else. This is why dry weights rarely add up with what you drive away with.

 

These are some big trailers. What do you use for mirror extensions?

 

Wish I took a photo, but I towed 5,100 lbs on the weekend. (a 2,000lb trailer with my Saab on it which weighs about 3,100lbs.) I wouldn't want to do it every day, but the truck did it no problem. Hill assist on the manual transmission holds a trailer too which was a pleasant surprise!

 

I used a pair of these. They did very well - easy to clip on and didn't vibrate much on the road. I could just see past the 96" wide trailer so something a bit longer might be better.

http://www.amazon.com/Fit-System-38..._1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1456759283&sr=1-1

 

Thanks for the updates, guys. Very informative. Lots of people pulling way bigger trailers than I would ever pull with a Tacoma but good to know you guys are enjoying towing with your new Tacomas.

 

How easy is "easy".... Did you try it on the highway?

2nd gen here, and I can't pull 28' pontoon (probably 4,500-5,000 lbs) while maintaining 70. Have to stay at 55-60 otherwise it'll downshift to 3rd and run it up to 5,000 RPM

 

Did you notice any problems with jerking or slipping around turns?

 

Any one know if the ProEFX folding mirrors will fit the 3rd gen trucks?

 

Nope. It did fine with turns, even fairly sharp ones to get to the dump station. No slipping while backing either. If your front tire are slipping/jerking during turns it's an indication that you are too light on the front end. If that's the case it's dangerous to drive as it will be too easy to lose control.

 

Dude, you have zero visibility with your mirrors.

 

I could actually see ok on the interstate but turns not so much. I will be doing something about that before the next pull.

 

Quick question for those of you with far more experience that I have. At what point do you want brakes on the trailer and a brake controller on the Tacoma? Here's the trailer I bought for hauling our two Honda Ranchers (575 pounds each). Should I worry with that load?



Here's a pic with them loaded.

 

I've pulled that boat with a 2nd Gen AC, and a 2nd Gen DCSB. All 3 were fine - no issues around town, 60-65 on the highway. I don't go 70 when I'm pulling the boat.

 

I wouldn't think you would need breaks or a controller, but then again when I pull something I tend to drive slow and easy. I wouldn't drive 80 mph because obviously it's not going stop as well. Keep it slow and steady you'll be fine.

 

Manual says 1k pounds I believe. Really up to you. I say at least go ahead and invest in the controller as they can be purchased faily cheap. If your current trailer doesn't have breaks no big deal at the moment for that load. I pull a hard sided pop up camper. Dry weight is around 2200lbs. I made sure it had breaks and they have come in handy for sure. Came up to a stopped car on a bridge one night.....happy I had breaks then.

 

As @OffsetPlayer2 said, your owners manual states this on page 171:



and this on page 174:



You can choose to follow Toyota's advice or not. If you are in a situation where an accident occurs and braking could have made a difference then you are likely on thin ice if you exceeded the limit. That's my 2 cents.

 

Lots of states require trailer brakes over a certain weight as well. Most common seems to be 2000lbs, but some set the limit lower.

Edit: I looked again, and it seems like most states start requiring trailer brakes at 3,000 lbs.

 

You're fine without brakes. Just remember that you're being a rockstar with no trailer brakes and drive a little more cautiously.

 

Yep my state requires it at 2k I believe. Could be 3 but I think it's 2. Toyota says 1k which is a little on the light side. If you are questioning it, go ahead and get the controller installed and at the bare minimum, consider breaks on the next trailer you purchase. I made it a requirement. Not because of any laws or anything, but I know how other drivers love to cut people off then slam on breaks for no reason. Trailer breaks make a huge difference. Your trucks breaks will thank you later. I had upgraded breaks and drilled and slotted rotors on my last truck. I'll be sure to upgrade these as well once other options are available.

EDIT: pretty sure I've been using the wrong brakes in my responses but whatever. You guys get what I'm taking about.