Gen 3 Towing Thread

I've posted this elsewhere, but it should be here.

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 6spd MT pulling a ToyotaMR2 3.5"Turbo/Intercooled 5spd MT Sandrail. Both have sweet leather TRD shift knobs.

That is all.

 

2017 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 6spd MT Access Cab

Just got back yesterday 1300 miles towing my 2014 Forest River 22bp travel trailer. Dry weight 3500lbs and tongue weight 438lbs.

Had a lot of 22mph head and cross winds. Drove from Dallas to Santa Fe NM so lots of open plains.. Usually only tow it 6 hours.

I decided to install a Curt Sway Bar before I went and I'm glad I did. I couldn't believe the difference it made! It was amazing. I don't have a WDH.

The worst gas mileage I got was 7.5. Best was 11.9. I probably averaged 9 the whole trip. Did okay. Most of the trip was in 20mph winds. It did best when I kept it around 3K RPM. When the winds died I could keep it in 6th gear at around 65mph.

There were a few other people at the RV park that had Tundras and were pulling about 5K trailers. They said they averaged around 9-10mpg. Thought about moving up to a Tundra, but really don't think it's necessary.

 

How did you get uhaul to rent you that trailer? I thought they don't rent unless towing vehicle is x3 the weight of the towed cargo.

 

It’s not 3x

From the U-Haul site

• Must weigh at least 3,500 lbs. (curb weight), and must equal or exceed 80% of the combined weight of the trailer (2,210 lbs.) and the vehicle being towed (up to 5,290 lbs.).

https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/Auto-Transport-Rental/AT/

 

I don't remember what the limitation was when I rented a dolly from them once but I knew it wouldn't fly if I told them what I was actually doing (going 600 miles in my 22RE powered '93 pickup pulling a '75 Electra 225) so I said I'd be dragging a hollowed out CRX shell. Done and done. Dumbest tow situation I've ever undertaken, but I kept to county roads across the square states and probably didn't get over 45 mph the whole time.

 

Walked in told them what I was towing asked if i wanted a dolly or trailer. I wanted trailer for the long haul plus the Rav is 4wd. I was under my weight limits. they allow to tacomas as long as your meet the weight requirements. No sag whats so ever to. and i was right about at 5800lbs

 

are there any weight distribution hitches that are easy to install and remove to U-Haul trailers?

 

not that i know of Uhaul doesnt allow them on their trailers .

 

The shift sense pro does the shifting for me so that is the benefit. I do like the automatic nature and the programmable shift settings. I use it when not towing as well. I really love the air bags, use then for towing and hauling, the ability to tune them for each load is awesome. I don’t have much bounce at all after the air bags. I do have to be mindful of the way I load the gear in the trailer and truck as it does, or can, make the trailer wag and I don’t have a equalizing hitch. I wouldn’t think shocks would make a huge difference. I would consider replacing the super spring with the air bags. Since those springs are progressive they will allow more bounce so as to retain the ride quality when unloaded as well.

 

Purchased truck in middle of Sep. Road trip time at the end of Sep. DC > GA > TX > AZ > CA > DC. Took i95 > i85 > i20 > i40 > i5 out to California. I80 all the way back to DC. Entire trip was around 7500 miles. Trailer probably weighed an even 2k lbs. No issues. Averaged 16mpg roughly, Going 65-70. Had 45 gal of gas in the nose of the trailer, a bit tongue heavy I'd say. I've done a few cross country trips. It was a pleasure to drive. Had my first 5k service before my first payment.

 

After watching the famous video going around proving how a WDH is better for weight distribution/anti sway than bags for towing I chose a WDH. Bags are obviously great for payload but that pretty much where most the benefit stops. I can see using bags in conjunction with a WDH to gain some extra level with weaker stock springs. With that said, I pick up my Coachmen Freedom Express (4000# dry) in a few days. If I feel the WDH needs a little extra help with my stock springs I'm 95% certain I will go with Sumosprings over bags for a variety of reasons.

 

Which video? Got a link for the curious?

 

I have a WDH on my Summerland (about 3800-4000lbs loaded) with my stock springs and found that there were no issues. Should I be worried?

 

I hope this is the right thread for my question if not I apologise.Here goes anyone know who makes a black locking hitch pin that fits the factory hitch on a 2017 Tacoma OR DCSB every one I have tried is not long enough to engage the lock.

 

Probably no need for worry but assuming your WDH is setup correctly, on a flat surface with the trailer unhooked measure from your wheel wells to the ground on the front and back. Hook your trailer up and the WDH then measure again. Your measurements should be no more than a 1/2" or less difference from the measurement without the trailer. If it is more than that then Id weigh the tongue on your wet and loaded trailer and see where you are for TW. You can also move gear around in the trailer and in the bed of your truck and see if that helps. If that doesnt help either to get within your fender measurements then Id consider bags or sumosprings in conjunction with your WDH to help take up the slack on your stock springs. Some will say to change out the rear suspension leaf pak which is also good advice but its spendier and might possibly change the ride without a load.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZu39pQ8Gg

 

while i haven't found a black one, i will say that i had to get the longer pin for mine. i can't remember the length but its for class v hitches i believe, instead of class IV

 

You too? I think I found one on etrailer.com. Have not ordered it yet. Their customer service is so good though, I’m going to call them and ask them to verify it before I buy.

 

Latest towing adventures... 650 miles round trip through Texas hill country. Hauled up a pair of 4x4 blinds and returned with a mesquite tree, 800 lbs of pecans, and a full 120 qt cooler.

Stock DCSB OR with sumo springs... S4 ECT averaging 11 mpg or so @ 70 mpg.

 

Thanks!
Makes perfect sense, but cool to see it demonstrated.