Towing enclosed trailer cross country?

I have been considering an aluminum 5x8 enclosed trailer, as my job has me traveling for long periods of time. Nothing extremely heavy to be hauled, luggage and a couple of Artic coolers. Would you recommend any mods to the truck? 2015 Tacoma TRD sport 4x4

 

Definitely upgraded rear suspension. Stock suspension will sag noticeably with just a canopy on the bed, let alone a trailer. Upgraded brakes is also a bonus.

 

To add to this does your truck have the towing package? Is there a transmission cooler in front of radiator? If so that helps your tranny temps significantly.

 

I already have an ARE fiberglass shell on it.

 

I don’t think it does, is this a terribly complicated install?

 

Upgraded suspension will help a ton with rear sag. Looks like it's already sagging a little bit unless that's just the way your truck is parked. That's a sweet looking canopy though!

 

I'm actually not sure on that. I know people add them but not sure what it requires. I'm sure there's threads on it though on this site.

 

I’m no expert on American topography but much of that trip will be on flat land. Put it in “4” and keep it to 55mph. Load the trailer carefully to keep weight over the axles.

On flat highways with the torque converter locked towing and hauling at max isn’t hard on the motor or tranny. With the upgraded springs in the rear I think you’ll be A-OK

 

Tow it. It can handle it fine.
I towed a car hauler with my 72 mustang from northern Michigan to South Florida. No issues at all and it was at least 6000 pound trailer load. Car 3800 # trailer 1400# spare parts and extra set of wheels 500# and more.
And I tow a 25 foot boat all the time, up to 3-4 hour trips some times and that one is at or over 6500 pounds.
Just make sure the front end is not lifted way up from too much tongue weight, your headlights will not shine on the road at night or worse in night rain. And it may tear your cv boots if it’s a lifted truck, which already has the cv,boots stretched close to the limit.
And the trailer must have brakes, like you said.

 

Welp. Game on. Just purchased a 7x14 Interstate enclosed trailer. It'll be here Tuesday. Replacing my tow plug (since I smashed it off roading) and installing brake controller this weekend. Got extended tow mirrors. A friend is hooking me up with a weight distribution hitch and anti sway setup. Should be good to go when the move happens in 2 months!

 

looks good. i towed a very similar trailer loaded with all of my and my wife's college stuff from Idaho to Alaska. kept it in 4 and went slow. it was heavy but we made it without major incident. this was all on stock 2010 sport 90k miles. didnt pass a fuel station and was glad to have 10 gal spare as we did use that once in between villages. doesnt sound like you will have that issue going through the states tho.

 

There's only 1 long stretch that worries me and it's in Oregon. I'll prolly grab a 5gal can just for backup in case. Definitely plan on staying in 4th/3rd and going slow. 55 max!

 

DONT use “3”. The torque converter will always stay unlocked and you’ll boil your tranny fluid towing. Once you get moving the TC will lock in “4” and it will run cool.

 

I almost guarantee I'll have to drop down to 3 for some of those hill climbs around the country. Not planning on keeping it in 3rd for the trip but the trucks on dog on passes anyway.

 

Fair enough!

 

What tires are you running?

 

I've got E rated Nitto Ridge Grapplers in 255/80/17. I know it's not the ideal setup for towing but it's what I've got. Was planning on airing up the rear to about 44 hot and front 40 hot for the tow. Normally run em about 36/38 hot.

 

Definitely paying attention to this. I hope to pick up one a tad smaller this winter

 

I was really hoping to be able to get by with a 6x12 but I just have too much stuff. Plus I couldn't find a double axle 6x12 locally and a single axle with no trailer brakes is a deal breaker.

 

Not trying to be Ned Nosey but where did you finally decide to land. Not looking for coordinates, but region since you had a thread inquiring. Good luck, sub'd.