Safe camper towing weight.

Tongue weight capacity is dictated by the hitch so suspension mods aren't going to do anything to help there. A new leaf pack doesn't really increase the payload capacity either, it just improves the trucks ride when loaded up.

 

If you're 4810 dry you have to be more than 5100 loaded don't you? I scaled mine at 3200 "dry" and 3800 loaded and we're light packers. Remember the dry weight doesn't include many things on the trailer eg: propane tanks.

 

We just sold our Starcraft Ar-One 14RB (2,400 lbs, 16.5' total length) a few months ago, I don't think I'll go back to one of those wind-resistant campers if I get another. Truck really struggled on inclines, didn't have any issues with stability since we had a WD hitch and anti-sway bars. Strongly considering an A-liner or Casita/Scamp down the road when we have the itch to get another.

 

We don't get loaded till after we get there with food etc. Never carry water, the only thing in the camper is clothes, propane x 2, chairs, toolbox, levelers and fishing poles. Battery of course so it may be a little more but not much. We only carry enough for 4 people and don't over do it. I'll get a weight next time I'm near a scale, been wanting to do that anyway. Tanks get dumped when we leave the campground.

 

If you grocery shop after then I could see it but all my friends who we camp with are always shocked at what they scale at. We're the lightest packers of the group and regularly have 400-600 pounds of weight above "dry." Most of the others are usually in the 500-900lb range. For us that does include groceries, 1 propane tank and battery, chairs, malamine dishware, clothes and trailer tools like hookups, drill, levelers etc.

 

I'm all about some paper plates. Hell with all that washing. lol

 

less to break in transit too.

 

I hear that, we usually have some paper too but we regularly do spaghetti one night and I don't like that kind of stuff on paper. If it's burgers and dogs, oh yea, paper all the way.

 

I'm sure if it could be broke I'd break it.

 

Well, I guess I need to correct myself. I'm all about that uppity plastic plates that you throw away. I mean I am in a camper so gotta treat yourself somehow.

 

Lastly, if I could do away with one line in the TacomaWorld towing threads it would be "...you can't even feel it back there" while the dude is towing a 5k lb trailer. I feel very safe and in control towing my trailer but I absolutely feel it back there. Our trucks are light in the ass end and narrow... they are long which is nice but any size trailer will be felt.

I can forget it's back there on our couple hundred mile trips after you get use to the extra swaying, bobbing and jostle but I'll be reminded eventually lol.

 

Thanks @stickyTaco So does this mean I have to subtract the weight of my bedrack & RTT, from the weight i'm able to put on my hitch carrier (pictured), or is that hitch weight calculated w/o factorin how the rest of the truck is loaded?

 

Hitch weight is only at the ball.

However, the other stuff you mentioned does need to be factored into the combined truck and trailer GVWR which is what would get most people towing in a Tacoma.

 

This is the best breakdown for weights and how they're factored:

 

Yeah, you definitely know it's back there. First time you haul that weight it can be a little nerve racking. You get used to it though and I'm comfortable with it now. I guess I'm used to driving a International with a ambulance box on it that sways around when the wind gusts hit it so that helps.

 

Yea I was going to say it's not as bad as a water tender but it's definitely there.

 

I have a 3rd Gen DCSB with the V6 tow package, I’m in the same boat I’m planning on getting a camper that is 4100 dry. Everything I’m reading says to beef up the rear suspension to help with the ride and keeping the trailer more level. What do you guys recommend? I have seen people say they only did the Dakar add a leaf. Wondering if that is enough or is more needed.

 

I feel it when I have more than one passenger in my truck! So yeah, I'm with you on getting rid of that line. There is no trailer you won't feel back there.

Unless it's one of these

 

Add a leaf would help. But if you only seldom tow, and don't offroad too hardcore, I always suggest air bags. Reasonably priced, and have a big range of weight capacity without negatively impacting your trucks ride (empty or loaded). Personally, I do not run air bags, as I ALWAYS have a lot of weight in my truck, and tow regularly, so went with an entire aftermarket leafpack.

 

I never felt this behind the truck....definitely heard it though