Gen 3 Towing Thread

I just add some clip on's. Got them from etrailer.

 

For towing maybe once a month Im thinking those might be just fine. The Trail Ridge seem nice, but if im not towing they look like they stick out pretty far and if doing any wheeling might be catching every branch I pass by.

But Ive heard some say that the strap on ones can collapse and vibrate a lot.

Im wondering if a camera might just be the ticket and put a connection near the 8 pin connector. The joying can take like 3 video inputs.

 

I’m right at 5,600lb, maybe 50lb over. With a full tank of gas.
Taco has done well towing it 6k miles this year. No issues. Redarc pro brake controller and Anderson WDH for the win.

The Apex has been great no big issues and we’ve been traveling in it since last TG.

 

I’ve used these mirrors and they’ve been on my truck for 7k miles this year. No issues.

$14 CIPA 11950 Clip-On Towing Mirror,Black & Silver, 15.75"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00029WRKA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I installed this camera to the license plate on the TT. Removed the license plate bulb and attached the positive and negative wires directly to the 501 bulb and pushed the bulb back into the housing. The camera works when side lights are on. Best $100 spent.

Wireless Backup Camera 5" for Truck: Easy Setup HD 1080P Rear View Camera for Car - Stable Signal Clear Night Vision 2 Channels for Pickup SUV - DoHonest V25

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FLZ1HSQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

I just ordered the furrion rear camera for the back of our trailer. Hoping that it helps out and no need for the mirror extensions.

 

Towed great. 5k lbs. Straight as an arrow. 14mpg.

 

The cameras are great for the wide angle view directly behind you however I find the mirror extenders allow you to see a longer distance back and clearer too.

 

Anyone mess with their tailgate? My trailer has an electric tongue lift and it hits the tailgate. Ive seen just a few metal vented ones for 5th wheels that would work, but I may buy a stock tailgate from a wrecker and cut the top out down to the latch. Then sturdy it up by welding in some bracing and pretty it up by either adding some billet covers for any holes or 3d printed stuff.

Id go without the tailgate but need the extra support for carrying dirtbikes in the back.

 

I understand people with this problem either install an extender for the hitch shank or rotate the tongue jack 90’ so it doesn’t interfere with the tailgate.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d5S4u0bikvI

 

I use

Dometic DM-2912 Milenco Grand Aero3 Towing Mirror (Twin Pack)

these and they work really well for me. I mount them to the bottom side of the mirror too, so "upside down" from what they show in pictures.

Luckily my tailgate just clears the jack on my TT, but that is an interesting idea to turn it sideways either way.

 

Sounds normal. I drive package cars and those are heavy vehicles and I can feel cargo and wind affect the stability of those vehicles too.

 

that looks awesome. I didn't realize it could pull that large of a camper. thinking winds etc would be an issue. I have a 2020 OR LB too. do you think the longer wheelbase helps?

 

I haven’t had much experience with single axle towing apart from a U-box and tbh towing that was a worse experience than anything I’ve had with my 4,700lb trailer.

Changing shocks is not that bad, if you’ve done brake pads and other minor repairs you should be fine. The worst part is removing the spring from the strut. Apparently with the taco there’s a way to remove the spring without using a spring clamp. I’m sure someone has done a YouTube video on the install.

Does your Limited have the front spoiler under the bumper? Some taco models do some don’t. I installed one on mine for the potential mpg and stability. I can’t say if it’s made much difference but it can’t hurt and I seem to get better mpg than most peeps. Todays drive was 315 miles from Seattle to Spokane and I averaged 12.5mpg

 

Definitely, the longer wheelbase helps.

A correctly set up WDH and sway control makes a huge difference too. I honestly don’t notice semis coming past at 80mph, however when it’s not set up right semis will push and pull me.

Wind is only an issue when it’s coming head on, mpg stinks!

 

As long as you are in no kind of hurry the Tacoma isn't terrible. Slow, underpowered and terrible gas mileage but not unsafe if done right.

 

My drive from Seattle to Spokane, 315 miles today averaged 12.5mpg at the speed limit or above.
Over the last 6,000 miles I averaged right around 11.5mpg and that included lots of mtn passes, highest being Wolf Creek, CO

 

I’ll have to look into. I’m getting some service done this week for New Mexico but will be heading to a nearby lake state park this weekend, that’s under two hours in varying road types so it’ll give a decent gauge. I’ll see if the new adjustments make a difference.

I get concerned when trucks come by because of the single axle but they do push a bit having that second axle must make a big difference. I just like the extra room I give when bigger vehicles come by. I can tell you that pulling without a WDH, I could feel every bump and shift in wind. The trailer would just sway nearly the entire time.

My limited has the front spoiler. From what I’ve heard, it is a 1-2 mpg difference. My average mpg with normal driving is 18/19 city and upwards of 22/23 highway. Most towing it’s down to low teens, with headwind, it’s 6-8. I did want to put my tonneau back on and see if I noticed any differences also.

are you working remote on the road or what?

 

I agree here. My jerking sensation appears to be wind related but it’s not violent, just unnerving with limited towing time. I don’t feel unsafe just uncomfortable. The truck can do it, in a slower manner. I try to keep 55-60 regardless. Haven’t had anyone road rage to date, I stick to the far right lane and let others go by. Even pull over if there’s chance to let others get on. I will note that driving at night, it can feel the sensation of vwhicles going by getting worse due to limited visibility. I recently bought a furrion rear camera for behind the trailer to help see more and gauge what’s coming behind.

 

What sway control are you using?

I have a soft tonneau on. I’d like a Bestop topper but it’s extra weight and money.

I wish we were “working from home” just spending lots of money whilst trying to find a new place to live… currently in Spokane, Liberty Lake.

Trying to decide if we should head north of the border… if not then Bend, OR will be then next location to check out.

Where in NM are you based?

 

I’m using the Fastway e2 600/6,000 trunnion fiction control (2 point sway bars). Was very highly rated and pretty affordable. Made my equalizer. Since this trailer is much smaller than I wanted/needed, I kept it in a Smaller budget and I can certainly feel everything moving as one. I couldn’t get a bigger truck so had to get something that works with Tacoma for now.

I’ve got the OEM factory hard tonneau cover. It weights about 50 lbs, folds into three pieces, and usually it’s in but with the trailer been taking it off for weight. Need to try it back.

I’m not in NM, I’m in Fort Worth Texas. I have a trip to NM for the hot air balloon fest.
Good luck on traveling to find a new spot, seems very expensive lol.