Camping trailer and lift question

Hi there,

My wife and i are looking at purchasing a camping trailer i.e. Jayco Feather. We are still looking at all the options but i would like some feedback from field. I have a 2006 DC TRD Sport so i am reading it is rated for 6000 lbs. I also understand it can take approx. 1200 lbs cargo payload (including hitch weight).

Normally trailers are not hauled wet (maybe just propane) so i've been looking at the dry weight. That said, from any of your experiences what is the sweet spot i.e. largest trailer i can pull comfortably without being thrown around like a rag doll. Should i refrain from anything over 5000 lbs? I am also planning on investing in a weight distributing reciever from what im told is awesome to tow with.

The other thing, is i'm planning on purchasing a Toytec Ultimate Lift kit down the road with UCA's. Will i have any issues hualing a trailer of this kind? I understand i would probably use a reciever with a 3" drop but I would also be using a wieght distributing hitch.

Any assitance feedback would be much appreciated considering i am looking at spending approximately $20k and i want to do it right the first time.

Nick...

 

I currently have a Jayco 213 at about 4500lbs dry; I would not go any larger. I have a WD hitch and sway bars and pulled it half way across Canada last summer no problem. (Hard on gas) I did change all the diffs; Transfer case; and Transmission fluid on return! I am also looking at getting a Toytec Ultimate lift in the spring, but currently can't answer your question. I would like to know also.

 

The tow capacity should be 6500lbs. on your truck. My TT loaded weighs about 5000lbs. I'm guessing your looking at a 26 ft trailer or so? I would try to keep the weight a little below the maximum. I have a WD hitch and it tows fine. A little squirrely when big trucks fly by. I'm getting about 10mpg towing at about 65mph (tow in "4" auto). The WD hitches are adjustable so I don't think you would have a problem, but I would check where you buy your trailer to be sure.

 

Nice trailer - is that the one with the hardtop pushout queen bed at the back?

 

I'm sorry, you're right... it is 6500 lbs. Yes, I am looking at a 24 - 26 ft trailer. Not sure to by used or buy new... There isn't too much for sale at the moment used or maybe i'm not looking in the right places.

What do you use for a brake controller? I hear the Prodigy (i think) is pretty good.

 

pm sent.

 

The weight distribution I use has an height adjustable hitch. It looks just like this http://www.etrailer.com/p-3210/Weight-Distributing-Shank-10.html So you can be lifted and still use WD.

 

Also, you may want to check with Mario (mpleitez) ... He's got a sweet setup with airbags...

 

dam thats a nice camper.. dint think Tacoma could haul something that big ..

 

mpleitez has gearing I'm sure.

 

4.56 and lockers

 

My brake controller is Tekonsha, but I hear Prodigy is good. Check RVTraderonline.com It will give you a good idea of what used trailers are going for and you may even find one to buy.

 

I will tell you rt now that IMO with a V6 anything over 4500lbs is a lot. Hell when you get to 5 or 6000lbs it is work when your pulling with a full size. If you can find a lite at or under 4500 you will be a happy camper no pun intended. Ive had 1 v6 before this and 6 full size trucks and have always pulled larger trailers. I traded the V6 in after 6 months cuz it towed my coachman lite 25ft like crap, the midsize trucks are not as wide which makes a diff. I am currently in the market for a new camper myself and you are rt it is hard to find anything used for a descent price which is mind boggling with how the economy is rt now. Good luck to you

 

I think a solid wall pop trailer would tow nicely. Just for the fact of way less wind resistance. 70 mph and no headwind makes a rather noticeable mpg difference than 70 mph w/ a head wind.

Something like this would be great. I just wish they had a toyhauler version.

 

bro has this one. not light at 3000lbs. one size smaller saves 600lbs. they run on 30" tires. lots of ground clearance.

 

^^I wonder how efficient the A/C is in soft popup.

 

he is getting an AC. he needs to buy another 2000 watt generator to run them together for the 4000 watts. i stood in a demo in tuscon, AC on. it works excellent! on the flip side, the heater ROCKS! it was 20 degrees outside in the tuscon desert. waking up was brutal, but the heater warmed the tiny enclosure quick. i thought of buying one, but they just seem very heavy. my bro tows with a duramax.

 

Do you know how much he paid? I recently saw one for 10k.

 

Nice tow i was just wondering where you got the mirror extensions i have a 25ft camper and am looking for a pair

-Thanks