Double check my towing calculations please

OK, so I have a 2016 TRD-Off Road Tacoma that is completely stock.

GVWR: 5600lbs
GCWR: 11280lbs
Trailer Weight rating (TWR): 6500lbs
Payload: 1150lbs
Curb weight (with full tank of gas): 4405lbs

I'm looking at a camping trailer that has the following specs:

Single axel
Dry Weight: 3700lbs
Trailer GVWR: 5290lbs

Let's say I pack 1000lbs of cargo into the trailer making it 4700lbs.
The weight of the passengers and dogs + odds and ends in the Tacoma is: 489lbs.
That leaves me with 661lbs of payload capacity. 1150-489 = 661lbs of payload left.

4700lbs trailer + 4405lbs Tacoma + 489lbs Passengers/Cargo = 9594lbs
The GCWR of the Taco is 11,280lbs.
So I'm below the GCWR.

Trailer + 1000lbs gear = 4700lbs which is 71% of the Tacoma's trailer weight rating (6500lbs). Since it's below the general guidance of 80%, I should be good there too.

Tongue weight = 13% of trailer weight = 611lbs.
I have 661lbs of payload left so 661lbs - 611lbs = 50lbs of payload left over.

To summarize:
My trailer weight is 71% of the TWR of the Tacoma.
My GCWR is 9594lbs which is less than the Tacoma's GVCR of 11,280lbs.
With all cargo + passengers + tongue weight, I have 50lbs of payload left over.

Given these calculations, do you think I would have any problems towing this trailer? (I've had pop-ups, a 5th wheel, and a travel trailer so I do have some experience towing.) I plan to do a lot of camping at high elevations in the western US (7000-11,000ft.) Would that present any problems? Is this too much trailer for my Tacoma?

Just trying to make sure my Tacoma can handle this trailer in the deserts and mountains. Better safe than sorry! I would appreciate any and all input. Thanks!

 

The payload you list is quite a bit higher than most Tacomas have. Is that rating off the door jamb sticker or from Toyota advertising?

The Tacoma will do it but you won’t win any speed records, especially at altitude. You’ll want to beef up the rear suspension with either air bags or a full leaf pack depending on how frequently you tow. I have towed a lot with Tacomas and based on my experience I wouldn’t do it. They are slow without a trailer and terrible when towing. That said, it was never unsafe or unstable, just not what I preferred.

 

You have certainly done your math and you certainly have some travel trailer experience on your side.

Shape: Something to consider is the shape of the camper. A camper that is pretty aerodynamic will tow easier.

Tires/weight: I'd also like to point out that putting 5000 lbs on two tires makes me a little nervous. I actually have a single axle trailer with a dry weight of 3400 and a GVWR of 4380 and I get a little nervous with our load out of 4000 lbs on the two tires. Having said that, tires blow out on tandems too.

WDH/sway: A good WDH with sway control is a must. I purchased a Eaz-Lift R3 and it has been fantastic. It has built in sway control and allow you to be able to back up without disengaging. A single axle will tend to suffer more from sway but I have not experienced any sway with our single axle set up. IMO, this properly set up WDH probably has a lot to do with our lack of sway. FYI, I bought the R3 WDH used on FB for $250 and installed it myself.

 

Did you add the weight of the WDH in there? That’s another 100 lbs or so on the hitch weight. Set your expectations low, some report towing as good, some (me included) not so much.

 

Actually, those numbers look reasonable to me. I'd say you're good.

 

You'll be 100 lbs or so under GVWR and about 1000 lbs under GCWR, so it's OK.

By "OK" it means the truck and trailer will achieve sufficient acceleration to safely merge into highway traffic, etc. as defined by the SAE J2807 standard. The engine will be screaming but that's OK. You can do this every day and still maintain the factory powertrain warranty if you were still within the coverage period.

 

The Payload of 1150lbs is from the sticker on the door jamb.

 

A big thanks to all who replied! Much appreciated!

 

The trailer is a Kimberley Karavan. When towing the trailer height is only 7'5". I'm told there is a sway bar on the axel of the trailer so a sway control hitch is not necessary. BTW, the hitch is an articulating hitch like a "Lock-N-Roll" hitch. The tires are 285/70R17 BFGs.

 

Wow, that's VERY nice. It does have a nice aerodynamic shape so that will help. This is a grade of camper that I didn't even know existed. I have not even heard of Kimberley.... not surprised once I saw the price.

 

Whelp, that one puts my 11 thousand dollar pop-up to shame.

And that's probably the first and only niche trailer that I like.

 

What a trailer! But daaaayum…that payment.

 

Not everyone borrows money..... just saying.

 

$90k once, or $90k broken up…it is still $90k. But it is a great trailer!

 

I suspect an interest calculator would show a difference.