Getting truck ready to tow for the first time (2k+ mile trip)

Hi folks,

I'll be moving to Alaska in about a month. GF and I will be driving from WA up through Canada in separate vehicles. I plan to tow an enclosed cargo trailer with my 2020 TRD Pro.

This will be my first time towing anything in any vehicle, and the Taco's first time towing, too. In fact, she's still new, with only 2.6k miles on the odometer. Note she'll probably get up to 3.2k+ by the time we leave, as I need to drive to the other side of the state to pick up a trailer (if I go with the one I'm looking at).

My question: do you recommend any particular prep (service, parts, etc.) to tow? Or, for that matter, for such a long trip in general? I was thinking about an oil change even though it was a little early, plus obviously picking up a hitch.

If any of you are trailer experts or have advice on a trailer, please feel free to visit this related thread as I'd welcome your feedback: Enclosed cargo trailer recommendation for WA to AK moving trip | Tacoma World

Thanks in advance!

 

Bring plenty of water,food, piss bottles etc. No man. Just fuel up. Check psi, and go dude. Like nicky cage

 

Both threads are quite helpful.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gen-3-towing-thread.413026/

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

I tow semi-regularly. These two threads are good advice. Don't use over drive, stick to 4th gear in sport mode.

 

Oh this is great, will dive into reading this, thanks so much!

 

The first one will give you some ideas and experiences of towing with a 3rd gen Tacoma. The second link is great info, especially from post 5 onward.

 

they just have an old jug and they... put their bird in it, have a pee, cap it off, and once it's full they just drill the f***in' thing out on the highway!

 

I just use a catheter soni never have to pull over. Bag gets full, it gets dumped at 90km

 

Last year i towed a 10x12' uhaul trailer that contained a 1 bedroom apartment and a 1 car garage amount of stuff from Tennessee to California no problem. Did it middle of June last year. All i did was pin the transmission thermostat wide open and it was fine temp wise

 

“Way of the road bubs”

 

How heavy is the trailer? Does it have brakes? Do you have a brake controller? Because of the small gas tanks on these trucks, I like to carry a 5 gallon jerry can full of gas.

 

Since you have a new truck you ought not need to do much to it, but you'll be a ways off from help on the Alcan I am guessing.

I towed a 3500 lb 6x10 from WA to ME this past Oct and I thought it was prudent to have engine belts, grease gun (for trailer wheel bearings), spare thermostat, spare radiator hoses, tire repair kit, air compressor, extra oil/coolant/brake fluid. Your trailer may not come with a spare tire so just be mindful of that.

I didn't need to use any of it except the wheel bearing grease (trailer mfg recommendations) and air compressor.

I used an OBD scanner to monitor my transmission temps which was really helpful.

Good luck!

 

I'd do one more check of fluids. Your truck is new but as you know most rear differential oil levels have been found to be on the low side, it's easy as pie to remove the upper/filler plug and check level. Your rear diff will be working hard. If you so feel inclined you could replace it with synthetic gear oil .

 

I would find a local scale, and measure various axle weights, so you know you have it loaded properly.
Since you're new to towing and buying new, drive the camper around town to not only test,, but to get used to the setup.
Sounds fun, good luck!

 

X2 what @'14RC said
Good tire repair kit and 12V compressor.
Hand pump
Jumper box

 

Times have changed on the ALCAN, I have made that trip a few times.. First time was in 2005 Moved from JBER to Quantico MCB, Ram 2500 5.9, Was towing a 24ft double axle trailer.. truck had bed fuel tank that held 100 gallons.. Trailer way way over packed.. had two extra trailer tires, two truck tire spares, tool kit and about every extra part i thought could break.. Had my son, dog and shotgun in the cab.. back then it was no issue going through Canada with guns with PCS orders.. paid my 25 bucks at the border.. Greatest trip of my life.. Anchorage to Stafford Va. in 5 days.. Roll the clock ahead 2016... Now my son (same) was stationed at JBER.. I flew up and we drove Down to Peterson AFB for his PCS.. just me him his dog and his Subaru Forester... I was amazed at how much the services along the route had changed.. not to mention how good the roads were compared to our first trip...

OP: You shouldn't have any issues.. Weather should be good, but it could be shit as well.. should have good gas stations about every 200-300 miles along the more remote parts... you will encounter some extreme mountains. Don't get complacent, there could be 20 wild buffalo in the middle of the road right around that next bend.. Enjoy the trip...When this COVID shit is over i might take my Taco up for a few weeks during the summer... Love them Halibut..


Second choice could be the ferry system... My oldest son and his wife did that.. had a great time.. Not sure of the price for two vehicles and a trailer..

 

Make sure you have a spare for the trailer and a lug wrench that works on it. A patch kit is probably a good idea too just in case.

 

You mean the better 1/2 of the state. LOL. I can show you my towing setup if you end up getting the trailer in Spokane. I pull a 5100 lb travel trailer.

 

I recommend an extra 10-15 gals of fuel. Your MPG will be down towing and during the winter months, not all stations are opened. Been along the Alcan 3 times, first in 1983 and the road has improved greatly. Back in June 2014, I had to use my spare 10 gals as one of the fuel stops along the way hadn’t opened yet and I didn’t fill up at a half at the last one.

 

The one I have my eye on is 940 lbs unloaded. I am not sure about the brakes - the ad doesn't call it out, so I'm assuming not. But here is the specific one I'm looking at in case someone knows otherwise: 2021 Mirage XPRES 5x8 Cargo Trailer | Spokane North Trailers in Spokane Wa | Bear Track and Sure Trac Open Flatbed Utility Trailer Dealer and Enclosed Trailers in Spokane

I definitely plan on bringing extra gas. I have a 3gal Rotopax mounted in the truck bed, and have another 5gal metal jerry can I'll throw in the trailer, but thinking I'll probably even get another 5gal just in case. Not to mention some for my GF's Jeep.

 

Thanks for the reply, great advice. I've had an air compressor on my shopping backlog, sounds like I should prioritize it. Time to dive into air compressor threads...

The one I have picked out doesn't come with a spare tire. I'm thinking I should either choose a new one that comes with a spare or buy a cheap spare and tire mount.