The Tacoma Towing Bible

I probably should have worded my post differently. I'm not that much of a noob to think that type of hitch will "magically upgrade your engine's HP, braking power, tires, or traction." But thank's for the info anyways.

 

Ok. I'm not sure what you mean then. A WD hitch simply applies pressure to make the hitch raise up, trailer tilt back, etc so the rear of the truck doesn't squat so much. Helps prevent the rear suspension from bottoming out, and makes the load more balanced for better handling. That in no way increases payload or towing capacity.

 

+1

I see way to many people on the RV.NET forums trying to increase towing and payload capacity as well and there is just no way to do it. The numbers are based on the overall capability of the truck from handling to equipment limits. The only thing additional equipment may do is help you handle the load better when you're at max but you still have the same max as it was delivered from the factory.

 

Thanks, these last two posts did answer my question. Also how do I prevent my current trailer (which is a pop-up or folding trailer) from swaying back and fourth like a dogs tail from time to time while I'm driving on the hwy.?

 

You can get a sway control from any RV place or most places that sell hitches. It is a simple friction bar that bolts to the tongue of the trailer and then connects to your hitch. You have to get a different bar that slides onto your receiver.

We had one when we pulled our pop-up. They work great. The nice thing about a pop-up is you can pull them just about as fast as you feel comfortable. Without the sway action going on, you'll feel a lot more comfortable..

 

Proper loading for one. Make sure at least 60% of the weight you load in the trailer is in front of the axles. Also since you have a PU then you will not need a WD hitch unless of course it has a very very heavy tongue weight. A WD hitch can actually lighten the tongue too much and can introduce sway into the mix. At least 12% of the overall trailer weight should be on the tongue ultimately. Also be sure your ball height is correct. Trailer should sit level or slightly down at the tongue. If it has an upward angle at the tongue then that can introduce sway as well.

As posted above as well a friction sway bar can be purchased for your needs and does NOT require a WD hitch in order to use.

 

I assume that the sway bar can be used w/ a heaver trailer? I plan on selling my pop-up after my pu is paid off sometime in the next month or so. We are planning on buying a 29' travel trailer to replace it. A family of five is getting a bit tight for our size of pop-up.

 

Yes a standard friction sway can be used with a heavier trailer. However if going heavier I would highly recomend the Reese Dual Cam weight distribution hitch with the built in sway bars. Much better than just friction sway.... although that's all I use with my trailer and have never had any issues.

 

I remember reading somewhere in these forums about a electric brake controller that some of you recommended. I can't seem to find it. I'm planning on towing a 2009 Layton travel trailer (GVWR 5,600) and need a electric brake controller.

 

Just a heads up, I don't know if anybody has mentioned this; The factory Tacoma hitch tube is wider than most because of the bracket welded on that bolts to the bottom of the bumper, so keep this in mind if you buy a locking hitch pin. I had to return the first one I bought because it was too short.

 

Tekonsha Prodigy.. bar far the most recomended.
http://www.tekonsha.com/product/details.asp?ProdID=90195&cat=1435

 

Got another question for ya'll. Oh, BTW thanks for all the reply's for all my posts guys.
Check out this pic for what I'm wanting to know. BTW I got this from my owner's manual. As you can tell I can't spell w/ out spell check. I meant to write "Surely".

 

It is saying your combined vehicle and trailer weight should not exceed that weight.

 

Correct... for example... once I load up my truck with people and a tiny amount of gear I'm pretty close to the GVWR of 5400# so even though I have a tow capacity of 6500# as spec'd the numbers won't add up because 6500+5400 is over the 11100 by 800#. Those numbers in the book are based on an empty truck and a driver weighing about 150#.

Ultimately your trailer that you want shouldn't weigh more than about 5500# TOPS!!! if you plan on carrying any people in your truck with you. Most of your gear should also be carried in the trailer to be on the safe side and to keep from exceeding your GVWR of your truck.

 

I am new to this site and have been looking into towing a new travel trailer. First thing I seen on this site was the bible. One thing that isn't clear to me is...... Does the length of the trailer affect my capacity? Reason I am asking is that I found a Lance TT 2281 at dealership dry was 4009lbs. tongue 370. Wet im looking at 4400lbs tongue at 470ish. Exterior length of the trailer is 27'. Would I have a problem with a 05 Taco Prerunner w/ tow package?

Anyone???

 

I think you'll be good. That's about what I'm at with mine. Just make sure you get a WD hitch, a trailer brake controller, and some tow mirrors. Tow in "4" so you don't kill your tranny. To give you an idea, I get about 10-12 mpg at about 60-65mph. The length of the trailer doesn't matter, its the weight you're worried about. My truck sags a little with the trailer attached, but not as bad as w/o the WD hitch. Haven't decided yet on rear air bags to level it out.

 

The WD hitches are adjustable too. Didn't notice you had the 6" lift. I had my brake control and WD put on where I bought the trailer. They took care of all that. Don't know if you're buying new. just F.Y.I.

 

yes I will be purchasing brand spanking new. They would be giving me the whole tow package all goodies included. I guess my only concern was if its worth it to get the larger trailer 27ft 4000lbs or just stick to 23ft which is 200lbs lighter. Will it affect the truck that much?

 

I asked before if a 27' trailer with 4400lb wet weight would be ok to tow behind my 4dr dbl cab V6 Prerunner w/tow package. I got the response YES! Wouldnt be an issue..... I then went on reading other posts and they say once the truck has bigger tires or lift it changes towing. I have 6" suspension lift, and 35" tires! I plan on getting re-geared to tow. Would that fix any problem that the posts were referring to and what should gear ratios be?

 

I've wanted to lift my truck but I won't because of the trailer I tow. My wet weight is about 5000# and 26' long. The problem is that when you change the suspension then you change tow ratings as well IF the suspension is "weaker" thank the OEM. Many times with larger lifts the suspension is softer to allow for more articulation so you drop a big heavy weight on the tail and you're gonna squat big time. Most of us that are towing heavy weights are putting AAL's or airbags in to compensate for squat. Not easily done with a large lift.

One other thing to consider.. a large lift causes your center of gravity to go up making the truck a little less stable. If you're pulling that heavy of a weight IMO you're going to have bigger handling issues. I personally wouldn't do it.