Gen 3 Towing Thread

only 1k seems crazy low... I have an unloaded trailer that weighs in at 900lbs... That's unbelievable... I've pulled 4k at least without brakes and it's not bad. My rule of thumb is any time you're towing more than your vehicle weight a brake controller is nice to have... I've only ever been concerned (with large diesels) when towing much more than the weight of the vehicle. Just be cognizant of your speed and stopping distance.

 

I'm not sure which model Tacoma's come wired for a controller (all towing packaged equipped?) but I used this wireless controller in our Subaru with a pop-up. Since it is wireless (no wiring on the tow vehicle at all), I simply plugged it into a DC (cig lighter) in the cab of the new Tacoma and pulled home a Rockwood 2104S after installing the wireless receiver on the trailer. The trailer is 21' long, weighs 4136 unloaded with a tongue weight of 536 lbs w/two lp bottles but nothing loaded behind the trailer axes. For that size trailer this is pretty heavy tongue weight as there is a 'murphy bed' in the front of trailer.

Without a weight distribution hitch on the trailer it pulled fine (power wise) coming home from the camper dealer. But as we had not loaded with any weight behind the trailer axles the combo was a little out of balance with respect to weight in front of the trailer axles vs. behind. Adding fresh water would have put weight behind the trailer axles and likely made it more stable in the wind.

As it was, it was a occasionally a little squirrely (see Arkansas dictionary) in steady 20-30 mph wind and higher gusts, especially when bigger rigs would pass. I'm having a weight distribution hitch added to the trailer tomorrow. I'll try to post some pictures in a couple of days. Hoping for level, but suspect that the suspension of the 4x4 TRD off-road may be a little on the soft side the first couple of inches for that 'softer ride'.

We'll see........

 

I roll pretty careful. Most of my hauls are pretty short. From the house to a local MX or ATV riding area. I can certainly feel the extra weight back there so I add more room between me and everything else.

I might have to go pickup some stuff in North Carolina so I was more thinking about the longer trip. Texas to NC and back isn't a short haul. Lots can happen.

I'm pretty sure I can still add brakes to my trailer. Gonna call the dealer I bought it from later this week and check on price. If anyone is interested, the Diamond C 2PSA I have is really sweet. 12'x7' with dual bi-fold ramps.

 

Holy balls. And by that I ask how yall sit in the seat with balls that size, to tow that thing with a taco. Maybe I've been spoiled with my last 2 trucks being an F350 7.3 diesel and a ram 3500 drw.

Maybe this truck just needs to impress me even more than it has.

That's awesome guys

 

Manual states anything over 1k needs the controller.

 

1000 pounds is 25% of the weight of the Tacoma. On something like an full size you could get away with it since they have payload capacities much higher than that, but mid sizes would be a bad idea.

It would be safer to do it based on payload capacity instead of the vehicle weight. One issue people aren't thinking about is how trailers will try to swap with the front end under heavy braking or if you aren't completely straight, like if braking in a corner. Having brakes helps prevent this.

 

You definitely need a WDH.

 

Dang man that does not look good. A WDH is a must like mr. Torgue said, i would have tried to move the tractor back more on the trailer if i could. Way too much tongue weight. How much do you think that ways? Gotta be anywhere from 7k to 10k pounds.

 

That is easily over 8000 lbs. And the tongue weight has to be close to 1000 lbs. Don't think a WDH would help at all. That is over the top towing for a Taco.

 

WDH and air bags would be a must for that sort of load. Looks like it's even squishing the tires down a bit in the back.

 

Not doing it would be a must in my book. That's likely over 10000lbs all told. Way over the capacity of both the truck and the hitch.
I used to tow similar sized tractors around for my job (rental place), and we always used 2500HD or 3500 duallies for them. We wouldn't let anyone with a half ton pull them.

 

This doesn't seem too smart.

 

It pulled great and stopped pretty good even though the trailer doesn't have brakes, only got 3 MPG though.

Spoiler

Just kidding, not my truck/trailer or tractor.
My cousin took this picture in Charlottesville Va today and sent it to me.
No idea how far they towed it, what the MPG was or if the trailer had brakes.

 

Dang man!!! I hope you don't have to stop suddenly. All that weight, a really light truck, and drum style rear brakes......Looks like a recipe for disaster to me. I pull lots of heavy loads including tractors and heavy ag equipment but I do so with F-250 and F -350 Fords with big disc brakes with lots of stopping power. I love my Tacos but that's not what they were designed for doing. I hope you are just pulling our leg!!! Lol

 

How far did you have to pull that Deere? If less than 15 miles, I think I would have just trimmed the tractor to its destination.

 

Looks like a bigger truck is a must. That has bad situation written all over it

 

Yeah, I assumed it was under the towing weight limit with bad weight distribution and too much tongue weight but looking it over again it definitely seems to be well above 8k pounds.

 

I have them on my 2014 and checked with the Toyota Parts counter that 2014 OEM mirrors fit the 2016. I'm assuming they will fit my new 2016 sport when it arrives at the dealer any day now. Only issue is the BSM will not work.

 

I use my truck all the time to drag tow-in's into the shop if they have tow hooks or a way to hook up without damaging bumper. This truck was loaded and on the overload springs