09 taco non tow package

I have a 09 access cab tacoma with 4.0, auto, 3.73 gears, added a tranny cooler and 285/35/16 tires.
It does not have a tow package. I will be towing my camper that is 2750lbs dry so say 3500 with every thing.
what concerns should i have

Woody

 

Your max tow weight without the tow package is 3500 lbs. You are likely going to exceed that weight.

 

A couple of things. The weight tolerances for your situation are pretty tight so if you haven't done so yet, weigh your truck, empty, so that you know your truck 's current curb weight and how much payload (weight of cargo, passengers, and tongue weight) you can load up without exceeding Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Know also the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for your vehicle as specified by Toyota. Then calculate the actual combined weight and hope it comes in at or under the GCWR, whatever that is. Plug in the actual numbers you have and work toward getting at or below GCWR for your truck. Also when you weigh the combined truck and trailer, watch not to exceed front and rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings for your truck.

Example: if the GCWR for your vehicle was stated as 9500 lbs you'd be good using this example
GVWR (5500) + Trailer Weight (2750) + Truck Payload (1000) [725 for cargo and passengers + 275 for tongue weight] = GCW (9250)

The other thing is tongue weight. Max tongue weight for your vehicle is 350 lbs. Minimum TW, 10% of the loaded trailer weight, max TW, 15% of loaded trailer weigh.

 

If the trailer does NOT have trailer brakes. Hook to it and tow it.
Toyota says anything over 3,000 lbs needs anti-sway controllers and trailer brakes.
If your trailer doesn't have it, it doesn't have it. Nothing you can do but tow it.

If it has trailer brakes, you "should" get a trailer brake controller installed on your truck.

FWIW, almost not trailer with a 3,500 lb axle is going to have brakes.
And almost no one I know, ever puts brakes on them. So can you guess what most guys do?

I'm not telling you to be "unsafe". Make the call yourself. It's on you.

Also, 4th gear is your friend. Tow in it.

 

thanks for the info, i have trailer brakes and a wd hitch