Gen 3 Towing Thread

I tow maybe once a month or so. I also run full synthetic and replace every 5k miles. I kept oil the same. It did just fine a couple weeks ago pulling it up to the desert at 95 degrees and through some big passes.

 

Sorry if this has been answered before, but I was surprised last minute with a teardrop rental (nuCamp t@g) to spend the next week camping in Utah and Colorado. I have a 2018 OR with towing package and manual tranny. I’ve never towed anything before, my question is, do I need a brake controller for this trip? I’m reading this teardrop is about 1000 (but perhaps 1300 with all the bells and whistles) lbs with electric brakes. Not sure if I’ll be able to snag some kind of a wireless break controller beforehand since I’m supposed to leave in a few hours on this voyage. Any help or tips is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

 

With as little weight as it is you may not need it. Maybe some of those downhills I would recommend to help stop easier. Getting one installed is not a bad idea.

 

New excavator.

 

I thought all 3G's were pre-wired for a 7-pin and a brake controller even if the factory tow package was not installed.

Anyway, in this 2G thread, OP has a pic where the 4 and 7 pin connectors are pre-wired in but not connected because the truck doesn't have the Class IV hitch and rear bumper with 4 and 7-pin outlet. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/factory-7pin-trailer-harness-installation.390335/

 

Installed brake controller but it never registered as having anything connected. Worked out fine, but would’ve been nice to have especially over the summits.

 

Towing our wake boat, approx weight 3300 lbs... With the lift and bigger tires she SCREAMED the whole way home down the highway.

 

I have a brake controller and it does not show anything unless you press the brake pedal.

 

This showed a specific indication (per the manual) on the display that it didn’t register as having anything connected.

 

Yikes, that's a big girl. I assume 19 foot body and 25 foot total length? At 4500 pounds dry, you will soon be pushing the 6400-6800 max tow weight of the truck when loading water, food, gear, and bikes.

I suggest looking into a custom toy hauler from Dune Sport before anything. They are usually cheaper than pre-made small toy haulers depending on what options you want.

 

Did my first tow of any length with our casita. We went about 400 miles each way with about 300 each way on the interstate between Utah and Idaho. I went between 70-73 mph and on that we averaged between 14-16 mpg. Going from Boise to Donnelly through the mountain roads going much slower we averaged about 16 on the way up and about 18.5 on the way back. I can get more accurate mileage a bit later after I do all of the calculations. It towed really well with just an anti-sway bar and brake controller.

 

I just bought a used 2012 Casita SD and am about to start doing some camping. Did you feel like you needed a weight distribution hitch at all or was anti-sway enough? Which brake controller did you end up using?

 

I’ve always had 3/4 ton trucks. I towed with until my Tacoma. My Tacoma felt like it struggled with my quads and side by side behind me on my 16’ trailer. It’s #3800 loaded.
I just bought an Anderson weight distribution hitch and put a set of timbrens’ in the rear.
Single two best things automotive related I have ever spent money on.
It was a whole different truck. I cannot understate how dramatic the difference was. Seemed like even the motor didn’t struggle as much, I know a hitch has nothing to do with engine performance but the damn truck just moved the load so much easier and handled it so much better.
The Anderson isn’t cheap but I couldn’t give it a higher recommendation. It “locks” the trailer in with its tension system, it makes the truck and trailer feel like one unit. Plus the ball moves with the trailer coupler instead of the coupler rotating on top the ball, seems like this really stopped that feeling of the trailer “ pushing” the back end of my Tacoma around turns.
Worth checking out

 

We have a 16' Casita and are happy with just a simple sway bar and Firestone Ride-Rite air bags on the Tacoma.

Imo the airbags are a more useful addition for the $$ as you can use them when you have a heavy load, are using a trailer that doesn't have the weight dist system.

I towed the camper on several trips to the beach before installing the air bags and the truck performed fine (it just sagged in the rear.)

And congrats on your purchase! These are great campers. Are you 16' or 17' (not that the difference would change my recommendation above.)

I'm guessing TacomaTJ04 does have a better ride when towing the camper with his weight dist system (than me with the airbags alone.) If money isn't an issue then that may be your most comfortable option.

 

Thanks! It's a 17' and I'm pretty excited about it because they're not all that easy to find where I'm at (South Eastern Georgia). The previous owner had the weight distribution welded to the frame but didn't provide the rest of the kit so it looks like i'm stuck using the same brand/model he had if I want to use one. I'll take a look at the airbag option if you have found it helps.

 

Do you use a weight distribution hitch as well or just the air bags?

 

Your trailer doesn't have brakes.

 

Having a brake controller doesn't mean the trailer has brakes.

I was quoting someone else anyway

 

Dude I was NOT talking to you! I told @Tacoma816 HIS trailer didn't have brakes.

 

Only let skinny chicks in the cab, way easier on braking.