Seeking towing advice.

I tow a 3,500 travel trailer, in the mountains,often with my Tacoma. I have towed from Phoenix to Seattle, returning cia Idaho and Montana. The truck is capable of towing 3,000# through the mountains, but needs trailer brakes IMHO

 

and this right here is one of the factors out of our control. While not towing a trailer, the other day I had an honest conversation with myself (yeah, weird I know). I don't drive fast anymore (I do about 5-10 mph over, but that's "slow" where I drive), and leave what I feel is safe following distance. I was wondering why I get cutoff all the time (I know it's not just me, people are assholes), and the conclusion I came up with? Since I am leaving a safe gap, it's welcoming to others. I would think same goes for trailering, people are going to see that gap and take it. So people can say "just leave a safe following distance" and while that is a fantastic plan, someone is going to shoot the gap and close it tighter than before.
prepare for the worst.

 

I got my instruction in the need for some trailer brake assist in 1972. (Yes, I’m a geezer). Towing a small pop up (no idea how much it weighed) behind a Chev Nova and absolutely no problem between Ottawa and Nova Scotia until I attempted to slow down on a steep downhill on the Cabot Trail. I found that the little camper was pushing and my car brakes would not slow us down. My good luck that there was little traffic and the downhill ended in a shallow curve to the right and a slight incline. I believe that’s how you get ‘experience’ if all goes well .

Towed lots of stuff since but never without knowing what everything weighed

 

See if you can put in a Jake out of a c15 cat in the truck. That will solve all your issues.

 

So how does U-Haul rent a 6' x 12' enclosed cargo trailer without brakes to anyone? Isn't that about the size OP was looking at? The U-Haul has dual axles and a GVWR if 4400 lbs. I see those all the time going over the Cascade mountain passes.

 

U-Haul trailers are equipped with a self contained surge brake system, it is hydraulic so the tow vehicle doesn't need a brake controller.

 

According to the owners manual (page 171), the maximum unbraked trailer weight is 1000lbs. So Toyota has determined that the brakes on the truck can safely handle 1000lbs but above that, the trailer needs to be able to brake itself to be safe.






Edited screen shot to included * explanation.

 

You mean to say "Yes, add an electric brake controller"?

 

He didn't say he was hauling a trailer from U-Haul.

 

I'm going to catch flack for this but if it were me I wouldn't be remotely worried. Out in Utah (extremely hilly) it's over 3500 you need brakes. I have towed 5k in my Tacoma without brakes and it stopped better than my old f350 with trailer brakes. Just don't drive like an idiot and it will be no problem. Adding a brake controller for a 7pin and then upgrading your trailer, you're looking at 1.5k+ for something you won't do very often? Not worth it imo.

 

Exactly - I suppose I meant to say in full: I wouldn't tow that without brakes

 

The person I quoted asked the question, I was answering him.

 

Then something was grossly wrong with your F350/trailer setup.

 

I am guessing the trailer does have brakes!!

For the cost of a brake control a plug and wiring kinda dumb to not use them.

Here in the PA over 3000 pounds GVW brakes are mandatory !! No idea about your location.

Here now and then The DOT cops will pull pick ups and trailers in for weighing and inspection.

 

Just old vacuum booster brakes in a diesel with no abs. Nothing broken, just not good to begin with. Tacomas have excellent breaks and stop a load fine, although I wouldn't want to do it very often. But one trip? Pfft.

 

I think dot like picking off pickups with trailers all the time. Easy target.

 

Different areas I am sure it plays out different.

Many times it started checking for dyed fuel.

 

They love scrapers in my area.

 

Just what year Ford ?? I have the vacuum pump piggy backed .

Plus a exhaust brake on my 7.3 it stops Good.

 

I just love these conversations about towing capacity of Tacoma's!