Can anyone help with towing installs

Looking to get a bigger transmission cooler over the stock one or add an extra one with filters just really depends on what I need for towing a travel trailer 3800lbs dry. also looking to add the temp gauge, electronic brake, and a backup camera for the trailer. I’d rather pay someone to do it rather me installing it all since I'm new to this but I also don’t want to take it to Toyota and get charged a arm and a leg. Let me know what brands you guys like for the brake controller, backup camera, temp gauge, and the bigger transmission cooler. Do I need a transmission temp gauge if I add a bigger or secondary cooler? I’m in Southern California near magic mountain. If anyone can help out with install or know of a reasonable shops that won’t charge an arm and a leg let me know. Much appreciated!
know.

 

Try @Superdave1.0

 

That’s right! Thanks for the reminder!

 

I'm in the process of getting ready to tow a similar weight trailer. I just added a Scangauge II for the transmission temps and a Redarc Tow Pro elite trailer brake controller with the vehicle specific wiring harness and switch blank. Everything just plugs in, so those are super easy to install yourself.

 

Tekonsha P3 brake controller is also a popular one. (I have it and like it.)

Another way to go with the transmission cooler is to consider "pinning" it open. That will keep it active so that the temp is cooler when you begin towing up a grade and could keep you cool. I am going to try that next time I tow and monitor temps with my Scan Gauge. Do a search on it. I think monitoring temps even with an aftermarket cooler would make sense.

Our trailer was prewired for a Furrion camera. With that it was 2 min plug and play install. Their system was more expensive than others though.

 

right on! Send me some pictures where you mounted these of you can. Thanks

 

I actually watched a YouTube video on pinning but it wasn’t specific with they pin, size of pin and it was to be left like that when not towing

 

Here's where I mounted the scangauge. I used black double sided tape. The contour of the dash angles the screen up towards you slightly so it's very easy to see.

I still need to install the redarc brake controller.

 

I like that spot. I think mine is a little too visible. I don't need to see the trans temp every second.

 

The dry weight of the trailer is nearly meaningless.

You will be towing the trailer LOADED more than towing the trailer DRY.

Setup for the Max GCWR. Weigh your shit at a CAT scale. Try to stay under 85% of the GCWR.

Brake controller with brakes on the trailer are important and can be a lifesaver.

 

very nice!

 

that’s a great spot!

 

my truck max towing is 6500lb the trailer I’m looking to buy says this on the sticker so not sure if that’s the weight of the trailer

 

There should be another sticker/decal to indicate the Max GVWR of the trailer.

That particular sticker only shows your Max Cargo weight with a reminder about the weight of water.

The GVWR will include the trailer and cargo weights.

 

let me see if I can get that info from the owner

 

If the owner is not helpful, try contacting a dealer or the manufacturer of the trailer.

This information should be on the trailer. Hunt around in the door frame, cabinets, tongue, frame....... Its required by FVMSS.

 

I pinned mine open towing last summer. Takes everything down 10 - 12 degrees (175 - 180). Also left it pinned open when not towing and temp levelled out at 165 - 173. @Dansly56 , I used a drill bit to hold the pin, in. Whatever size will fit.

 

From what I have read, the only downside to leaving it pinned is that the trans takes longer to warm up when it is cold out. That can negatively affect the mpg for a few minutes.

 

When towing season was over I un pinned it. All good.