Any worthy upgrades for towing a travel trailer?

Hey guys! I’ve never been much of a forum poster. I have a 2013 bone stock Tacoma TRD sport with the tow package. Just picked up a Passport 219BH travel trailer and the dry weight is 4600. I probably looked at every thread on here which is actually funny. A lot of people who seemed like they don’t tow saying “don’t do it, you’ll explode” kinda talk. I tow a dump trailer for work about once a week and I know what the Tacoma is safety ok to do. I will say I was shocked at how well the WDH works and how it towed the trailer this weekend. Went about 100 miles on some hilly terrain and it handled it like a beast. Again, stock truck! Just curious if there’s any upgrade out there to help with towing at all as we plan to use it a lot next year. I’ve been reading about the airbags to keep the rear end a bit higher. Thanks for any advice! Maybe I’ll post a bit more now ha!

 

I added another trans cooler and air bags ( in addition to my lift). Both made a big difference on my 2010 trd sport dclb.

 

Timbren SES bump stops in the rear made a difference for me !

 

after 4 years and most of the USA east of the big muddy, towing a 4400 dry Travel trailer. I bought a Yukon XL for towing. Drive my beloved Taco daily , but use the big truck for towing. She did it, but labored too much for me to bear. She is north of 200K now, and want her to live forever...

 

KDMax tune,

 

You're pushing the limits and will need to pack carefully so you don't overload the truck. Around 4500-5000 lbs total is as much as I'd feel comfortable with behind a Tacoma. You're going to be 5000-5500 loaded. PULLING the weight isn't the problem. Its the limited payload on Tacoma's. Once loaded your trailer + WDH will place about 750-800 lbs on the trucks suspension.

I don't know what truck you have, but the lighter the truck, the more usable payload you have. A 4X4 DC is heavier and will have 1000-1200 lbs payload. If this is what you have that doesn't leave much room for passengers and cargo in the truck. A 4X2 and/or Access cab is lighter and will have 200ish lbs more payload and give you a little more room to work with.

 

sumosprings

 

Or the Roadmaster Active suspension.

Leaf Spring Suspension Solutions | Made in the USA | Roadmaster – Roadmaster Active Suspension

 

If you are thinking about a topper, consider a high rise. I picked up 2.5 mpg after adding my ARE Mx when towing my trailer on interstates. Obviously not worth it if not buying a topper.

 

Hi all. I checked out the roadmaster active suspension. Put in my specs…2015 Tacoma 2WD.
They showed their product but states it only fits vehicles with axel above the springs. Anyone have a set of these on a prerunner 2WD? Thanks in advance and happy thanksgiving to all!

 

Take a look at Hellwig helper springs.

https://www.hellwigproducts.com/product-list/helper-springs/

Looks like EZ 990 would fit your rig (scroll down till you find the right fit).

I’ve had the helpers on mine for the past two years and they’ve done the job with no issues. Save you some money as well.

 

Thanks Jim! I’ll give them a look.

 

Airbags with self leveling kit.

 

+2.5mpg is huge!!!
What was impact of topper on mpg when not towing.

I'm currently getting 12-15mpg, average 14mpg towing a small fiberglass (approx 3000#) trailer when towing at 65'ish. I get 24'ish at same basic speed not towing.

p.s. for OP... I put airbags on this Tacoma... I had sumo springs on my 2015 when towing... I like both... the sumo springs are maintenance free... also tranny cooler on both.

 

Is an engine tune worth the money and does it help much on power/torque? Thanks..... (I'm towing a 3K pound Opus OP4)

 

Yes. Better torque at lower rpms. I tow a Grand Design 17MKE at 5100 lbs. KDMax Pro tune.

 

What's been your experience towing that size trailer with KDMax Pro? I'm looking at trailers in the same range and wondering if the tune makes it manageable...

 

Manageable is relative. I am comfortable towing it, take my time and have reasonable expectations. Some people think a giant marshmallow is too heavy to tow. It does rev to 5000 up hills and works the engine, but it just goes and does what you ask. The extra HP makes a difference over stock and the low end torque launching helps too. The smother shifting not so much since I use S mode. On flats I am just under 3k rpm in 4th going 65 mph. Seems to be a sweet spot. Mileage sucks - 10 mpg but any truck towing anything gets 10 mpg. Diesels get 11 - whoa! Have gone up long passes and steep hills with no issues. I have a much larger transmission cooler I added. Also Roadmaster Active Suspension for the weight and drives better just with normal driving.