Help with Understanding Towing Ability

Hello everyone. I have a 2016 v6 double cab, 4wd, with the towing package (also have a shell on it). We currently tow a 2018 Rpod 176, my truck tows this no problem, but are looking to upgrade to something slightly larger (mainly some sitting area and a dry bath, not wet bath).

I have tried figuring this out, but can't make sense of all the different weights and ultimately what I can tow; and have tried reading other questions like this on the forums, but just can't figure it out.

We are looking at a couple different trailers. Is my truck able to tow these safely? Or is it pushing the limits a bit?

Imagine AIM 16BL
Hitch
406
UVW
3,976
GVWR
5,495
Length
19' 11"
Height
10' 11"
https://www.granddesignrv.com/travel-trailers/imagine-aim/16bl

Rpod 193
https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/r-pod/RP-193/8169
HITCH WEIGHT
431 lb.
UVW
4,169 lb.
CCC
1,132 lb.

 

Add 1000 lbs to the UVW weight which is an estimate of total weight when the trailer is loaded (equipment, water, propane, etc etc.). So with both trailers you’ll be around 5000 lbs., within factory specs but it’ll be a heavy load for a Taco. You’ll be slow on grades, hills, mountains. Also the big flat sides of those size trailers act like a sail. When it’s windy and the wind hits you from the side it’ll blow you around. May have problems staying in your lane. Head winds will also slow you way down. The driving experience will be stressful, tiring and not comfortable.
I tell people with Tacos planning to tow larger heavy trailers and before spending $30,000+, to rent a trailer that is close in size and weight. Take it for a couple day trip where you experience long grades, hills , mountain's, city driving and if possible winds.
See what you think and then make your decisions. For me if I'm pulling a 5000+ lb trailer I want a bigger, more capable more powerful truck. Yes you can pull it with your taco but it definitely isn’t the optimal tow solution.

 

I'm with this guy ^^^^^^^

It will pull it.
But you and the truck both won't like it.

 

The weight is not as big of a deal as the frontal area of the trailer. Even if the trailers were identical weight, the rpod will be a much easier tow.

 

Take it from the payload perspective first. To be safe, you should have a minimum of 10-11% of the gross trailer weight on the tongue. So if you look at the Rpod, let’s say you use half the cargo capacity of the trailer, +/- 550lbs, that brings you to 4700. 10% = 470. My truck has a payload of 940. So
940 - 470 = 470
I weigh 180
My wife weighs 135
Weight distribution hitch 110
Dog 60
Tonneau cover 30
= 515
So I couldn’t carrying minimum supplies.
This is my little trailer and I’m about 40 pounds under payload when camping. Truck handles it great and it’s a pleasant experience. I wouldn’t want to be much heavier but from seeing what other folks are pulling in campgrounds I can tell you that there are TON of people pulling trailers with Tacomas that put their trucks over payload. So long story short, the towing capacity is more of a sales gimmick. It can do it but basically it has to be you alone in the truck naked with zero accessories on the truck having a miserable experience.

 

As an example, I tow this but have full armor and steel front/rear bumpers so a lot of extra truck weight, and yes the trailer acts and feels like a parachute, and I average 5-6 MPG (take extra fuel lol): https://coachmenrv.com/travel-trailers/freedom-express-select/17BLSE/7543

 

Thanks everyone. I was talking with a friend too and he was saying about the same you all are. I would rather be safe with my family in the truck towing. Sounds like back to the drawing board (or a new truck).