Towing with 2017 Sport

After much reading, I assume the attached pictures means I have a tow package? I tried the toyota owners site, can't get it to show specs. Very annoying.

I'm possibly moving across the US, and receiving a large relocation fund. I'm thinking of buying a trailer, and only bringing my necessities.

Any tips on what I should and shouldn't get, and do? Yes, I've never towed before, lol.

I think I read that tacoma doesn't install a controller for trailer brakes? Can anyone shed light on what I need?

 

Looks like my 2016 with oem tow package. Trans cooler, 4 and 7 pin harness connector, and a hitch down under. If you are going far I’d stick on the lighter side... 3,000 lbs or so. Use the engine mgmt button and I just throw the trans into sport so I can keep it in 4th gear max. It’ll do great just make sure you have good tires and brakes.

 

After even a light trailer, I was expecting it to hit around 4k pounds. Safe guns and ammo taking up a majority of that weight LOL, followed by boxes of clothes and beyond. Plus likely around 400 in the bed (my overlanding setup, winch, etc.)

Yea, also a bit worried for traveling across a majority of the states with a heavy load.

 

Check out page 16 of this PDF for towing and payload specs.

http://www.tfltruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2016-toyota-Tacoma-Technical-specs.pdf

 

Sooo, definitely look into something to gauge the tongue weight. Haven't looked yet, but had that in mind as the time grows close

 

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

You don't need to read all 97 pages, but it gives you a good idea of how to start and what equipment you'll need.

A summary for you from my experience:
- Tekonsha P3 brake controller, it's plug and play with the added Tacoma cable (purchased separately)
- A weight-distribution hitch (WDH) with sway control - this will make towing a lot less stressful
- SumoSprings - these, along with the WDH, keeps the truck nice and level when towing
- ETC button and S4 (or 5 if you're really light - manual says can tow in S5, but that would be for a 1000lb utility trailer, in my opinion)
- Optional: KDMAX Tune - there's a whole thread with a ton of people who tow with the tune and love it (myself included)
- Take your time, it isn't a race - this truck CAN tow, but don't expect to win any land-speed records. Take your time, know your limits, and keep the shiny side up

 

Thank you! Looks like all of the main answers I was looking for. II knew about the Sport 4, but adding ETC.
Care to explain the SumoSprings?