4105 dry weight camper: safe to tow?

I know it’s over the 50%

is that ok? Anyone with experience towing something like this?

would should I estimate full weight to be?

 

Assuming you are properly equipped (trailer brakes and controller, proper hitch, suspension, tires, etc), your main limitation will be payload, not towing capacity. With a 400 +/- tongue weight, 2 people, and gear you can go over your GVWR pretty easily. Lots of people tow that weight and more. Is it fun? Nope. Can it be done? Yes.

 

Depends on what trim level you have but yes, it is doable. Certain trims can tow up to 6800lbs. I towed a 5500lb tow behind lift with mine and it did better than I thought it would. Good trailer brakes and the proper hitch are the most important things. One of the lifts I rented didn't have working brakes and it was definitely sketchy.

 

This will be my first camper and first truck setup.

what’s the controller? That should come with it right?

So for my truck I was going to get the eibach lift, with add a leaf (or do I need something more like Dakar?) with a c class tire

 

Trd

Here is the details

 

A brake controller is exactly what it sounds like - it controls the trailer's brakes via electric signal. It is specific to your truck and would not be part of the trailer package you're looking to purchase. A good RV/Camper/Trailer dealer should be able to hook you up, but it won't be 'free.'

 

The controller is a trailer brake controller is just that...it controls the brakes on your trailer. It's not an included item, you have to have one installed although (depending on trim level) your truck is pre-wired. Redarc and Tekonsha seem to be the two most popular brands here

 

You need to add the brake controller. I added a red arc tow pro elite which is a nice small install. I tow 4000 lb dry weight but dual axle. It can do it. Yes you need to watch your payload. I did not add a leaf and so far it is ok. I’m thinking of getting hellwig bump stops to help.

 

Mostly even if you have a "tow package" like on my 2020 ORDC that wont include the tow controller. There are many types, but I would HIGHLY recommend a Redarc; VERY plug and play with some very simple no cut, no drill options. They even make the optional trailer brake plugs for the dash as well:




However, if you dont have the factory tow package then a full hitch wiring ect, ect will have to be installed.

 

Don't do it newb.

Apologies but it's Friday and that's my knee jerk reaction. How big is your family / how many people will be traveling with you? What will you be doing? long weekends to the mtns or beach? or cross country 3 week adventure, etc?

 

No, the truck does not come with a brake controller. Search on Tekonsha Prodigy or Red Arc. I have the Tekonsha and it works great but isn't as hidden as the Red Arc.

You'll want probably want (at least) load D tires if you're looking at pulling something that big/heavy. I have standard SL tires for mpg when not towing and a ~2600 lb travel trailer.

 

besides calling me a newb, why not to do it?

it’ll be me and my son

I’m a photographer and looking to travel more so looking for a cheap home base or something to bring with if need be

 

Lee - your truck CAN tow that, but it will probably not be very enjoyable - especially once you throw all your stuff in there, water, etc - and it gets even heavier. It does depend on how far you're going, the terrain (hills, moutain passes, etc) and how many people/stuff you've got loaded in your truck.

The Tacoma is not great at towing in my experience. So while you CAN do it - if this is something you are going to pull often and for long stretches, a bigger truck might be better.

I'd stick to as lightweight of a camper as possible. If you can find something closer to 3000lbs it would be a lot more comfortable for you and the truck. Just my .02

 

thanks!

I’m a wedding photographer and want to travel more and I don’t want to buy a home with the market the way it is and tired of renting.

so maybe this may be a keep it where it is option

 

Because in my opinion (and the majority of people) it's too much camper to tow comfortably and it'll add extra wear and tear to you, the truck and probably in a limited way the camper too.

That's a big b**ch for 2 people.

 

That makes sense!

There are a lot of cool small "lite" trailers that are closer to 3000 lbs, or even some that are hybrid and are even lighter but still enclosed/large and comfortable. I think you will be happier - especially if you are driving a lot.

4100 lbs is a lot for this little truck. (The truck itself only weighs about that much). I know that people do it, but trust me you will not enjoy driving with that big weight behind you - especially if you hit mountains or inclement weather.

 

true. May be a good option to get and keep as a home base then. I really wanted an atlas camper anyways, but they aren’t cheap lol

 

Eh, 'rule of thumb' when towing is to not have a trailer excessively longer than the tow rig (there's a formula out there somewhere, don't remember it though). That trailer is 22' long, being pulled by a Taco with an ~11' wheelbase. Granted, that trailer's wheelbase is probably close to 14' but that's still longer than your truck. I don't tow professionally, so take that with a grain of salt.

No, the trailer is not going to come with the trailer brake controller (that will be installed inside your Tacoma, to do as the name implies - control the brakes on that trailer).

Far as overall weight? If that trailer is 4100lbs dry, figure out the wet weight first (tanks full), then figure out how much all of the crap you're putting in there weighs and add it all up. With you and whatever passenger(s) also riding along, as that weight counts for payload, I doubt you will comfortably be able to handle that combination.

 

A home is an investment. A vehicle, boat, rv, trailer home or airplane is a depreciating asset. If you want to pay the money to be mobile that's one thing but don't think you're going to save a bunch of money with RV living unless your spending nights in the Walmart parking lot and boondocking.

 

thing is I don’t know where I want to call “home” right now and I’m tired of paying rent and wasting money that way. So that was my idea behind an rv as a low maintenance home base