Towing with a 3rd gen

This is actually my favorite part when rereading the post (it's been a while since I was in this thread): god forbid you have a little extra capacity. Has anyone really ever had an issue with having too much tow vehicle? That's like the number one piece of advice is tow beneath your vehicle's limits.

I mean, right, no one would buy an F350 to tow a 3000 lb camper, but that's not what we're talking about here. (And even if they did, there's no downside as far as performance goes).

 

I tow with mine frequently and have no complaints. Totally stock setup except for brake controller.

 

I've been contemplating selling our Class C motorhome and getting a camper for a couple years and I'm pretty sure now this is our last year with the motorhome. Don't plan on selling the Tacoma but I do think I'll be be forced to push it's limits a bit. Can't really find what we want in the 3500lb range where I'd like to be. Looking more like a dry weight of 4300lb camper so we're not so cramped and could fit an extra person on occasion. I've done alot of towing but not someone that mods their vehicles. Other than a weight distribution hitch and brake controller I'm not sure what would make towing a little easier. I know about loading the RV properly and would only carry a couple gallons of water to cut down on the weight. Maybe four 500 mile round trips a summer and not towed on the regular. Selling my paid off Tacoma is not an option. Anyone tow a similar sized RV that could recommend something suspension or otherwise that they have experience with.

 

transmission cooler, Roadmaster active suspension is a huge help, aftermarket tune helps for sure (I have the Yotawerx one) dual axle trailer helps stability. Mine is about 4900 lbs. under weight limit on both axles and under max combined weight rating. Grand Design 17MKE.
We buy food on the way or near the campsite to save weight. Minor water in tanks for bathroom stops on the way if needed. Avoid get there itis. Keep it at 65 or less. Expect 10 mpg tops unless on the flats. Pin your thermostat open during the summer and while towing. Unpin in the winter in cold areas.

 

Our camper is 3800# dry. It’s only 7’ wide instead of 7 1/2 or 8’ which causes less drag and I didn’t need mirror extensions. I weighed it with it fully loaded (not water tank) with all our gear including the bicycles on the front A-frame of the camper. We were well within the max towing rate but we were at max axle weight. 1000 mile road trip average gas mileage was about 10.5. It’s not a Cummins or a Power Stroke but it will do the job, you just need to be patient and let it rev in S4.

 

It gets this load frequently but it’s just short trips

 

I've seen that model RV online but never saw pics of the slide not extended. Can you pull the murphy bed down with the slide in? Does it come standard with a slide topper?

 

You cannot put the bed down without extending the slide. Has not been a big deal for us. You could sleep in the recliners for sure. No slide topper. We use ours in the winter for ski trips and it would trap snow and ice. Have not seen a need for a topper. I just get on top and make sure it’s clear before retracting. camper has the BEST layout for sure. Has more counter space than much larger units. And is a big 17 with the slide out. Lots of space.

 

Ours doesn’t have the murphy bed it’s the queen as they call it. Instead of the slide being a table we chose the one with the couch. It has two bunks for grandkids to sleep in. We’ve been happy with it.

 

Yes I liked the pics online. Looked a little more high end than most others.

 

I like the tacoma for around town stuff...way easier to park than a full size. I use it for light truck stuff...towing the jet ski or the boat, hauling less than 1000lbs or so. I have an older 3/4 ton GM for when I need a real truck....it spends most of it's time sitting...I might drive it a few times a month.

Nothing is gonna check all the boxes. Just get 2 trucks.

 

We do have two

 

Hers is basically a garage queen LOL

 

You're going to need something to fix the rear end squat with a trailer (and tongue weight) that size. You're ass is going to be hanging low and headlights pointed at the sky.. for your use/frequency I would recommend ride-rite airbags (manually fill the handful of times a year rather than installing on-board air.)

Another option is a progressive add-a-leaf (I'd recommend something like the headstrong 3 leaf). Note that you're unloaded ride is going to be STIFF with this setup but it'd cure your towing problems.

You don't mention where in the country you're covering those 500 mile trips.. flat ground you'll be fine. If you're going up and over mountains with that weight trailer (~4800lbs loaded) your truck is NOT going to have a easy life.

 

If you can’t feel the trailer, you bought too much truck. Perspective.

 

Can anyone tell me where the factory external Trans cooler is located on my 23 ORSB 6A? I do have the factory tow-package and it is listed but it is not in front of the truck as normal externals are.

 

There isn't a factory external cooler per-se; the trans cooler is in the radiator.

 

I’m an engineer. I believe in maximizing return on investment, not wasting money.

 

~2900lbs dry. About 3500lbs loaded with our gear. No liquids in tanks
Reese WDH with a brake controller
Tows fine, love it. Furthest trip was about 6hrs away. Multiple fuel stops though and kinda hated me on a steep-ish grade but other than that, it tows well. ECT and S4 engaged always