Trailer towing

Hi all. I've been towing a small boat as well as a smallish flatdeck with my 2011 Tacoma Dual Cab 4x4 with no issues. However, I just bought a travel trailer with a GVWR of 4800 lbs. so I'll be installing an oil/transmission cooler on it. I see that some people are suggesting the high output alternator as well. I'm just wondering why because I'm new at this. Thanks in advance.

 

4 banger or V6? How often and how far you hauling that rig? Aerodynamic or a wind bucker? Makes difference.

 

Check this thread out. It will answer all of your questions

 

Assuming you have the V6 4800 lbs. is right at the practical limits of a Tacoma. I'm guessing that trailer is 3500ish dry. If I were you, I'd pack light and try to keep the weight under 4500 lbs. You'll need a brake controller for the trailer brakes too. The heavy-duty alternator is needed because you're also charging the battery in the trailer as you drive.

The thing that is the real limiting factor with towing is your payload. There is a sticker on the driver's door jamb with a statement that
reads, "The weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXXX lbs". Each truck is somewhat different, you'll just have to check yours. Mine is 1200 lbs. But some trucks are under 1000 lbs, some closer to 1500. But 1100-1200 is pretty typical for a 4X4 DC.

You should figure about 13% of the loaded trailer weight as tongue weight. So, if loaded to 4800 lbs. you'll have 625 lbs. on the hitch. The rest is what you have for passengers and cargo in the truck. With my truck that leaves me 575 lbs. My wife and I combined weigh 360, so I'd only have about 215 lbs. for other gear in my truck. Which is cutting it pretty close. You'll just have to do the math on your truck.

My travel trailer is almost identical in size 3425 dry and 4750 GVWR. I can pull it with my Tacoma, but it sure is a lot easier with my F150.

 

If your truck has the tow package, it already has an oil and transmission cooler.
See link below for what to look for
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/passenger-side-blinker-problems.735173/#post-26176678

 

I believe it’s because once hooked up, the truck’s alternator will charge the trailer’s battery. If you have the towing option, that should be sufficient.

 

I would worry less about the alternator and more about the ability to cool the transmission fluid.

 

Look into a weight distribution hitch like "EZHitch" Makes lots of difference.

 

I used an EZHitch weight distribution hitch and it worked great for me!

 

4800 lbs is no problem with an intelligent driver. The biggest issue will be the lame stock Tacoma brakes.

 

V6 DC.

V6 DC 4.0L. Plenty of info coming in. Thanks Salty.

 

Agreed. I intend to set up solar for the trailer electrical. Thx.

 

Thanks Tn.

 

Thanks Marshall. Great info and yes, we're running pretty parallel.

 

Thanks AJ. That's a ton of great info!