Towing gone wrong

Ok guys. This is my problem. I just purchased a enclosed trailer. It's 6 by 12. It weighs 3100 lbs, when loaded about 4400lbs. Now everyone tells me that my truck can pull it with no problems. I made sure that 60% of weight is in front of the trailers axle. 07 trd quad cab. Sure it's got plenty of power to pull this thing. But when I drive it, the rear spring bottom out at every little bump on the road. It throws my truck around and I feel unsafe driving over 65mph. Considering I'm gonna drive around with this thing behind me 1200 miles a month I have concerns. Would bulkier rear springs help? Does the trd off road package come with a tranny cooler? And if I got less than 500lbs on my hitch why does my truck act that way? Give me some input guys before this taco is wrecked.

 

I would look into the TSB thats out for the rear leaf springs, it will make them stiffer and less prone to bottoming out. Also the tranny cooler is part of the towing package option.

Rear Spring TSB info:http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/at...68-2011-tacoma-tsb-print-out-t-sb-0359-10.pdf

 

As said I would look into the spring tsb. A trailer stabalizing bar would help some too. Also you shouldn't be going over 65 with a trailer 1200 miles or not. At those speeds a decent sized trailer like yours will throw your truck around.

 

What is the tongue weight?

 

So what does tab stand for?

 

Technical Service Bulletin. You have a 2007 so you most likely won't be covered. A lot of us were having problems with the truck bottoming out under a load so there's a service bulletin out that diagnoses the problem and the fix is a replacement leaf pack with an extra leaf in it. It's covered under your 3 yr 36k mile warranty. I think you're SOL for that but you could look into air bags, an add-a-leaf or a replacement leaf pack.

If it still acts up, you might want to consider sway control. If I were towing that heavy that frequently, you should have at least gotten the tow package and probably a full sized truck. The tow package for the Tacoma is an option and does not just come on the TRD Off Road. It includes a class 4 receiver, tranny cooler, wiring for the trailer and a heavier alternator (might have a supplimental engine cooler also, I don't remember, Toyota.com would tell you).

 

My trailer weighs 2710 and SP4012 stump grinder weighs 1550 so weight is similar as well as the problem. Firestone ride rite airbags solved the problem for me and I highly recommend them. I'm sorry, but the TSB for the spring pack is pretty much worthless. All that allowed me to do was haul 4 people in the truck and not hit the bump stops . For doing any real towing or hauling a complete aftermarket spring pack like the Dakar or airbags is the only way to go. I went with the bags so I don't have a rough ride when I'm not towing or hauling.

 

As much as I love Toyota Trucks, if I was towing 4500 lbs often, I would not use a Tacoma as a tow vehicle. I know its rated for 6500 lbs, The TSB may have helped, as well as other things you could add but its not my first choice for a tow vehicle unless its a lighter load. I was with a buddy who had the same truck and trailer, and with a couple of bikes and gear the gas mileage sucked, about 10-11 mpg. on a flat road trip.

 

My two cents, I say you should look into a sway bar set up and an aftermarket replacement leaf pack with higher spring rate. The sway bar would be your first upgrade that should keep your trailer more stable making your truck more stable. If it is still an issue I say go with the after market leaf pack. I also might would run a helper for your factory leaf maybe an AAL or an active suspesion setup.

 

Sounds like the OP doesn't have a tow package equipped Tacoma so it's not even rated that high...

 

You want around 10% of trailer weight on tongue. Add Timbrens to rear. Maybe a cheap swaybar and you'll be fine.

 

+1

Unfortunately, I would be looking for a new tow vehicle. If not then get some airbags.

 

Agreed... Love Tacoma's, but I dont tow that often. If I were towing 1200 miles a month, it would be in a Tundra or a Silverado.

 

I've had Toyotas for over a decade and have 2 now. Last summer I towed a m/c trailer with 2 harleys on it, from WA to CO, with the FJCruiser. Just over 2,000 lbs total. Basically the same V6 engine as the Tacoma.

I would never do it again unless I had to. Simply not enough towing power to make it enjoyable. Given a choice I would always pull with a V8. Mileage won't be much different either. With the FJ, I was getting around 10-12 when pulling at freeway speeds.

 

why shouldnt you go over 65???

i dont see a reason why you cant go over 65, i pull a trailer at least twice a month and i go about 75. my step dad pulls a 42foot toy hauler with a 12foot flat bed behind that. with rhinos quads and what not going over 65.


and i think your fine with your tacoma pulling 4500lbs.. but if you had something bigger it would be easier and you would get better mpg probably.

 

THAT is intriguing....

Has anyone actually put one on and can give a review?

How much does one cost? Where to get?

 

My dad has both items I posted on his 2010 Silverado and he said he can't even tell he is towing our 24' camper with pop outs. He even put on a brake commander and the camper does some of the braking for him. We have gotten up to 70+mph with the camper and I have never felt uncomfortable.

OP if your trailer has brakes I would suggest a brake commander that will save your trucks brakes and depending on how good they are might even help stop the truck better than without the trailer.

 

idk in other states, but 55 mph is the max in CA when towing. Not to mention trailer tires not recommended to go over 65. Also, there is a HUGE gas mileage difference in driving 55 vs 65+

 

4,500 lbs behind a Tacoma, that trailer had better have brakes! If not, I pitty the person who needs to stop short in front of you!

 

If you are going to commit to using the tacoma:
Weight distribution hitch.
Brake controller.
Aux trans cooler and towing clutch fan.
Sway controlller.
LT rated tires.
Timbrens, air bags or OME springs(heavy)

I have towed to the max with the timbrens, LT tires, u-haul(with surge brakes). I couldn't go over 55 without some nasty sway. I would recommend new springs and the other gear I listed. The timbrens make for a rougher ride.