Woman on a mission

Dang I'm going to start prefacing by saying I'm a woman, y'all get real helpful real fast

 

I hate to be the naysayer here, but I think people are overlooking some important aspects here. This is a 5 lug with a 2.4L, which never came with a tow package. Just slapping a class III hitch on it does not a tow package make.
The cooling system is undersized, including radiator and crankcase capacity. The brakes are not sized for towing, and the suspension is probably original SUA, which is not going to like the tongue weight of a 1600 lb single axle trailer.
That being said, if your brakes are in good shape and you can keep from roasting the clutch on hills, it'll probably be fine for short distance towing. A full tune up/radiator flush would be a good idea before you go pick up your trailer.

 

Wait a minute. Does SUA make a difference? I regularly tow 4K with mine and when I lowered I swapped SUA. Have I messed up?

 

No, I don't think spring location by itself makes a difference, but I'm pretty sure that 5 lugs didn't have an overload in their leaf pack. They're just not meant for that kind of weight.

 

Ten four just never considered that possibility before. Been googling since you posted that...

 

the 2.7 was 4wd or PreRunner, 6-lug only. the 2.4 was used in 2wd reg/ext cab. The 3.4 was available in either.

yep

^

 

Let us know what you find out, i'd be curious to see if there's a difference. FWIW, most if not all full size trucks, especially 3/4 ton and up, are SOA.

 

According to Toyota DIY:
Model : DLX
Frame : RZN150
Made : NUMMI
Engine : 2RZFE 2400cc
W Type Transmission

 

You probably should have left the SUA comment out; SUA is less prone to axle wrap than SOA, that's good for towing and drag racing. The 2.4L with their smaller tires also have an effectively lower gear ratio to compensate for their lack of torque compared to the 2.7L.

No, SUA is actually better when you consider the light spring ratio found in our trucks.

Most are SOA for clearance reasons, the thickness of the individual springs, and their springs are designed to negative arch.

 

Whether or not SUA is better for towing is not really my point, rather that the leaf springs on a stock 5 lug that are nearing 20 years old are going to be overloaded with the tongue weight of a 1600 lb (unloaded) trailer.
Good points though.

 

Just answering the questions that were asked, but I agree a new leaf pack should be considered and/or a set of air bags.

 

That's a good idea, air bags would definitely help take the strain off the other suspension components for towing and hauling.

 

OP, is it in your budget at all to sell the truck and consider something more suitable for towing? It may be a good investment with how frequently you plan on using this trailer.

 

Canned Ham :} You know they are making them again as retros nice

Cypher

 

As much as I say 'Tacoma's are NOT for towing' she may be slide by with this.
Pull it and see.....but not from the bumper. that'll tell you nothing.
You can prob find a second hand hitch. They bolt right on.....then again, EBAY is prob. only 100 bux for 1.

 

Does the camper have brakes in the axle? Is the connector a flat 4 way or round 7way? If so you'd want to get a brake controller as well.

 

@Athella. Welcome to TW! I dig the old school ham can camper. It looks like the guys here were able to answer your questions. Your question also helped me out as I was ready to buy a trailer hitch for my truck as well. One of the other people posted the Draw Tite 75078 which is on my wish list. Please come back, post on how your trailer hitch installation went, and how your truck handles when towing your new camper trailer.

 

Looks like you already have some good answers..
One thing I'd add about the trailer, if you can get it to a weigh station, you can know exactly how much it weighs..
Not sure if you know for certain, just scanned the thread.

 

I would be concerned about the work that engine will be put through just because of the air drag. Towing even every other weekend is going to take a toll on your truck, will it work, sure. Will you start to need to put some money into your truck, I am willing to bet so. As some one else mentioned, maybe time to start considering a different rig to pull that bad boy. Especially once you start loading up the trailer with your supplies.