Is this camper to much for a tacoma

Me and my fiance are looking at a camper because now we have a baby and would like a/c for hot summer days. I'm trying to talk her into a pop up because it doesn't have the wind resistance and they are lighter but she wants this 21 foot travel trailer that weighs 3,624 lb empty. The dealer said most people add 800 lb of stuff in them to go camping. I would also be adding a WD hitch and trailer brake for the truck. The travel trailer is about the same price as the pop up i was looking at. We normally camp every other weekend and do anywhere from a 1 1/2 to 4 hour drive to camp sites and would like to go on a long trip once a year. I don't think a tacoma can handle it but would like to know peoples input.

 

I bet it would do just fine. I pull my #4500 truck + #1500 trailer all over. Does just fine.

 

Take a look into a scamp 16ft. You are looking at well under 2k lbs dry and they hold their value forever. I have a 13' I pull around with my 2.7 liter with no problems.

 

Na that thing will be fine!

 

You'll be fine. Just make sure to read the towing bible sticky

FWIW we tow a 15ft toy hauler that's 5200lb loaded. Went from DFW Texas to Moab and back without issue. I wouldn't tow heavier though

 

Sounds like you've got your eye on the pop up. But check the specs in your owners manual - even loaded with gear this thing's well within the factory spece'd range - assuming you've got the V6 not the 4 cyl.

 

That's exactly what I'm towing with my Tacoma. I have the towing package and a V6. No problems to report after 8 trips.

BUT--I think 800 lbs of camping crap is way too conservative. I have a 135 lb generator to power the AC.

Add in all the baby things and....

You'll still be fine. Buy it.

 

I have a 23 foot Nash that weights in at 6000 with all are gear, WD hitch and sway control bar and truck does just fine.

 

Do you have a scan gauge to monitor the transmission temp?

 

Yes I do.

 

Have you ever considered riding in style in an Airstream?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2011/03/matthew-hofmann-airstream-remodel.html

 

You are set on a pop-up, that's a good idea. But it sounds like the misses is set on a hardsided trailer whiches better for camping year round.
Look at Hi-lo Towlite trailers, company started in 1957 to 2010. Even if the company is no longer producing trailers. Parts are easier to come by plus the appliances are standard on all travel trailers. I have a 2006 22ft towlite and it tows great at 3800lbs. Look at 2001 to 2010 years because that's they went to alumium framing. My trailer was 26,000 new, I picked it up for 10K being used. I would never buy new because you take a hard hit the first few years plus I do all the repairs/modifications myself.
Pictures of my rig are in my gallery

 

Dear Lord!! I wonder what that weighs? Stylish, though.

 

I have a 22' International that grosses at 5000. Tows great.

 

I looked at them a little but we agreed on buying new just because campers are made so crappy now days and if there's a problem the first few trips, it will be under warranty. That's what was nice about this camper too, it comes with a 2 year warranty while most come with one. But since every one said I should be ok, were going to go look at it again today to see about buying it. Thanks for all the responses.

 

It will do it but you certainly won't have problems remembering that the trailer is behind you.

 

So I bought the camper today and will be picking it up next Saturday. So now does it really matter what kind weight distribution hitch to buy or are some made more for small trucks

 

etrailer has excellent info on WD hitches.

http://www.etrailer.com/tv-weight_distribution_faq.aspx

I just purchased this WD hitch to be used with my new car hauler trailer:

http://www.etrailer.com/p-RP66153.html

 

I pull a 29 foot, 4300 (dry) trailer. You will be fine with this.

 

First of all, dry weight is a load of crap on travel trailers. You should have weighed it because that weight is without options. My 07 Scamp 16 is supposed to be 1800 or so pounds but it scales at 2200 with the battery, propane tank, and options like air conditioner (unloaded mind you). Same thing with others I have owned, R-visions, trail lites....

Second, travel trailers are the most difficult to tow because theyre so top heavy, tall, and usually sit on small wheels and tires. Wind wont treat you nicely, neither will hills. Completely different haul compared to a low slung sports car on a flat bed trailer is what im trying to say.

Third, the guys on this forum will say a Tacoma can tow anything easily, you would have been better served to check out an RV forum, where members with every sort of truck post. I think I bought my 06 Tacoma right before the Duramax and Cummins engine options were available.

Some of these guys are going 10-20 mph up hills, thats not the definition of towing "easily" or "fine". Personally, I dont like to drive with my ass clenched while im towing but to each their own.