The Tacoma Towing Bible

Could you be lucky enough to find the factory Toyota hitch in a salvage yard somewhere? If you go to one in your area they often have a network that shows them what is available at other yards.

 

Hi, I have an '07 4cyl auto Tacoma I'm setting up for towing a 17' RV that weighs 2425 lbs. As far as the rear spring retrofit goes, I'm out of warranty but I'm gonna try to get Toyota to do it for free. If not there is an alternative mentioned on the first page of this thread that says: These devices replace the bump stops, and sort of act like an additional overload spring when under load, and do nothing when not under load. The link doesn't work. Does anyone know where to get these bumps stops? Also I'd appreciate any input to what I'm attempting.

Thanks Bruce

 

If you can't get the rear TSB you should see if there's a local shop that builds leaf springs. I had one near me do that, and I can load 1,000lbs in the bed without it sagging now! They even arched them so when I get a fiberglass shell and steel bumper it'll sit level.

Or rebuild leafs yourself with parts from a junkyard. There's a thread about that hear somewhere too.

 

Thanks for your answer piercedtiger, I'm thinking of going the airbag route now. I may just set everything up and see how it goes before I do anything at all

 

elcomic,

go for it man! I got airbags on mine and is like night and day difference! I just moved cross-country and towed about 4k pounds. The whole rig did well and the drive was very comfortable.

Here is a pic I took during my move from GA to WA:

 

How big is your trailer? Looks like it's right about the size i'm thinking of getting

 

Nick! Wassup?

My trailer is a 7x14 from bigtex. Tows nicely.

 

Fantastic! I am planning on a 14' but am not sure on 6 or 7 wide. Mostly just for fourwheelers and building materials. I think the 6' will be nicer for the tight roads around here.

 

If you can, try to borrow a 7 wide and see how you manage around your tight roads. Post a pic when you get it. I was able to put two motorcycles side by side and still had room to put 4 bikes between the two moto's.


Good luck.

 

I'll be lookin out for your truck around jblm

 

I just installed a after market version of the manufacturer towing package.

B&M Super trans cooler
Prodigy 2 brake controller
Draw-Tite-75236 hitch class 3/4

$296 Air Lift 59561 Ride Control Rear Air Suspension Spring Kit

Air Lift 59561
plus all the wire kits.

I did skip on the engine oil cooler, the alternator and the battery. This setup works like a dream. I never put the vehicle in D but only in 4 while hauling my brand new Tracer Air 240 which comes in at 4700 lbs loaded. Total weight of both vehicled are just under 10K lbs loaded and all tanks filled up.

 

Thanks for the info. I was wondering about your highway mileage and your speed. I am a about to tow a U-haul car hauler with a 1985 Isuzu Trooper on it. Trooper & trailer will be around 5500lbs. I am going from Birmingham to Cambria, Ca. Thanks

 

I use approximately 3 to 4 gal pr. 50 miles of driving and the speed is around 55 to 60 mph. Im worried about the torque converter if I put the tacoma in "D" instead of 4. By driving in 4 only, then the engine will help you brake and the RPM never go over 2500 to 3000.

 

Just wondering if I am going to have any issues with installing my brake controller as per the instructions on page 1 ( thanks!!) where my truck has no towing fuses etc in the fuse box in the engine. Will the blue wire work ok that I am tapping into in the harness?? Thanks.

 

hi ive been wondering if i would be able to tow my 96 camaro with a steel open trailer with my 06 trd tacoma 6cyl 6speed without being overweight.. max towing says 6500, and i know the car weighs roughly 3500lbs. i know a aluminum trailer would be ideal but i cant afford one of those at this moment in time. any ideas??

 

You'll be over weight at that point. Not that it can't be done, but be aware of that. The aluminum U-Haul trailers are 2,000lbs so I would imagine steel would be heavier.

Mind you, I hauled a 1950's (I think) full sized Ford Custom truck with mine on an aluminum trailer for 100 miles. Just had to downshift more to slow down on hills, accelerate slower, leave more room for braking, and drive slower.

 

nevermind i figured it out. i ve found steel open trailers unloaded that weight 1800lbs. that ll deff get me down the road. and you cant tell me that a uhaul open aluminum trailer weighs 2000. no way.

 

Well, that'll definitely help you. And you're right, per their site it's 2,210lbs empty.

So that's a savings of 410 lbs for you. The shear weight of their auto transport is why I had to tell them I was towing a ford fiesta.

http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/EquipmentDetail.aspx?model=AT

 

yeah and im lookin for a permanant trailer to haul my race car to the track. no to rent but thats nice they put the capacity there.

 

uhaul sucks ass.

might be time for a Tundra bro