Help with towing a travel trailer

Hey all. I am looking for some advice about towing a travel trailer with my 06 TRD 4WD Tacoma. It’s a 20 ft camper, 2016 Riverside Retro 177SE. Empty weight is about 3100lbs. Are there any modifications I need to do to my truck to be able to tow this trailer? I have a factory installed hitch already.

Thanks for the help and advice!

 

What's the tongue weight of the TT?

 

weight distribution hitch and likely airbags out back and trailer brakes at a minimum.

While the weight isnt really a concern... its the "moving weight" as i like to call it that can be a problem. That is, a big sail like a 20ft travel trailer is hard to push through the wind as well as gets blown around and will blow around a light truck quite easily.

 

I tried to tow a single axle ATV trailer (no brakes) with 1400# of ATV's and I did not like the feel. Stopping was an issue and it did not feel good. A 20' trailer is as long as your truck and it may "push" you even though it does have brakes. I think the Tacoma is too small for that trailer. IMO

 

I am unfamiliar with “air bags outback” could you elaborate? Thanks!

 

hitch weight is 380#

 

Here's some links:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-kind-of-camper-do-you-have.87823/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

WDH and electronic brake controller installed. Mirror extensions. That should do it

 

I would at minimum make sure it has brakes and that your truck has a brake controller. Then add a weight distribution hitch, sway control system, or air bags as you feel needed. And maybe tow mirrors.

 

You'll be fine. assuming brakes work fine. And a WDH will be a huge help. Airbags aren't necessary but it'll help make your truck level. Read through the Towing bible that was posted by @Drainbung. Also, keep it in 4th gear remember it's not a race.

 

Read the towing thread and just for info your mileage will drop to 8-12 based on flat/hills/winds/speed.
If you have factory tow package add trailer brake controller.

 

towed a 24 ft 3800lbs TT with my 06 around the Eastern US. Air lift bags out back, trailer brake controller (plugs right in if you have towing pak) Mirrors. Never had a problem, cept 8 mpg. Oh, and you can't pass much either..

 

I have a 7x14 enclosed cargo trailer, typically tow with 15 F150 but when I bought the 07 Tacoma V6 I wanted to have it ready as backup so I installed a brake controller.
Trailer is 2700 empty, did a test run with Taco and it seemed fine. Doesn't speed up as fast as 365 HP F150 and doesn't stop as fast as much newer truck with 4 wheel disk and factory brake controller.

 

The Taco stops better hooked to the TT, more brakes, more tires....

 

Too much trailer, not enough truck. If you've never towed before, might not be an issue, as you will figure it out as you go, hopefully, painlessly.
Brake controller, suspension mods, WDH, tow mirrors etc, can't make up for a vehicle rated to tow X, but not truly engineered to do so.