Getting Correct Setup for Towing

Looking at getting a TT and have several questions respect to truck setup.
Have a 2018 TRD OR DCLB with tow package.
Going to be on the heavy end - trailer GVWR max is 6k. So less than that but not too much.

1. Already have the brake controller - Tekonsha Prodigy P2 used it last summer to pull a rental trailer - Nash 18. Worked great.
2. But, truck was sagging so looking at fixing that.
   1. Stiffer springs? Headstrong Offroad said Dakar HD
   2. Since that will lift the rear end they recommended 5100's up front to even it out, and a Taco shim.
3. WD Hitch - Equalizer 10k/1k.
4. Firestone airbags
5. Daystar cradles for the airbags
6. Extra transmission oil cooler
7. Scangauge to monitor temps.

This setup will also give me about 2" lift which would be good on light off road and deep snow duty.

Thanks for the comments/suggestions, WTH, etc.

Paul

 

Tundra

 

I tow a camper that's 4100lbs dry with the Equalizer WDH and Tekonsha brake controller. One thing to watch out for is the GVWR. With two 6volt golf cart batteries, 2 full propane tanks, food & beer, and some gear I'm another 500lbs in the camper. As for the truck I have 2 people plus 100+ lbs of dog, then typically a row of firewood loaded at the front of the bed. I'm pretty damn close to the GVWR. Towing in good weather conditions is no big deal, it's when there's a lot of rain, wind, traffic and semi's. I typically tow throughout PA wilds, so there's some grade. On a few occasions by the time I got to the campground I'd be totally burned out from towing, and wouldn't feel like doing anything. Been contemplating a Tundra, but really don't want to use it as a daily driver...

 

All the the things you’ve done to your truck or want to do is good but you will be pulling a lot of weight for your truck. You’ll be close to or exceeding 6000 lbs. and we don’t know how close to (or over) gvwr you’ll be. All the driving, braking, and suspension dynamics change . I can tell you driving in wind, rain, driving up and down grades, driving in heavy traffic, having to stop or slow down quickly is all going to be challenging and not fun. As the above said you may be totally burned out by the time you reach your destination.
I know it’s too late but you’d be better off with a lighter trailer or a bigger truck.

 

Not to late. Just looking at the total costs before buying. Like landscaping changes to park it on the side of my house, wider fence gates, insurance,truck upgrades,etc. Like to know the whole cost up front.

 

Appears you haven’t bought the trailer yet. Tacoma’s are awesome trucks and are good tow vehicles but can be problematic when you approach max tow weight and GVWR. Perhaps you should look around for a lighter trailer. A thousand pounds lighter would make a huge difference.

 

I would get a lighter trailer. A good WD hitch with sway control I would recommend. Air bags and Stiffer springs are not necessary. If you have the tow package then you also will not really need an extra transmission cooler. Just make sure you load your trailer with proper tongue weight of 10-15% of total trailer weight. Also remember that any cargo and passengers in the truck will reduce the same amount of weight in your trailer.