Towing info help!

Hi there!

I have a 1999 Tacoma SR5 - X-cab 4X4 - 2.7 - 4 cylinder - 5 speed manual and I am trying to determine its towing abilities and what I would need to make sure I am towing safely. I am planning on having a real hitch mounted to the frame of the vehicle.

I am interested in buying a travel trailer like the one listed in this link - https://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/5154215246.html

Specs I have for the trailer itself:
Box Length 144 in.
Frame Length 180 in.
Box Width 76 1/2 in. outside
Floor 74 in. x 52 in.
Traveling Height 55 in.
Open Height 118 in.
GVW Rating 2600 lbs.
Hitch Weight 140 lbs.
Axel Weight-empty 1300 lbs. [Is he referring to dry weight of whole trailer - guesses?]
Coupler 2 in. ball
[It DOES have electric brakes, even though it's not mentioned in the ad on-line.]

My engine is in superb condition (brand new factory engine installed at 212K, and new engine only has about 3K on it so far). I would be using this in the mountains in Western Wyoming, on and off-road for camping and hunting.

I have been trying to find the actual owners manual info that would help me with this, so I can make sure I considering everything I need to. My spouse is disabled (which is why I am looking at buying a camper trailer in the first place), and I can't take any chances with the safety of the vehicle.

One final question related to this: would going with a slide-in camper be a better option than towing? I didn't want to go that direction because of difficulty of getting in for my spouse, but they are cheaper and if they would work, I could buy a set of portable stairs for him to use up into the camper possibly.

Any and all input is VERY appreciated! Thanks everyone

 

The thing that tends to bite you in the butt is the weight when all your gear is in just for a weekend it goes up real fast .

I will say it would not be my first choice

Have you ever pulled a trailer before ??

Now your going to need an electric brake control in the truck that is a given.

Maybe some sort of extra springs to help off set the weight of the camper .

Then just how often are you planning to be pulling this around Into the hunting area for the season and pull it out before the snow gets to deep

Pack up and go every weekend ??

I have towed equipment in the area of 2000 pounds I just drive according coming down the hills even if it makes people mad.

It will be a learning experience

I myself would not go the slide in camper

 

Hey Welcome to Tacomaworld. If you havent seen the towing bible, I'd recommend reading it. There is great info there! Copy Pasta from the tow bible thread for your engine below.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

The 2.7L I4 (Standard in all pre-runners and in 4x4 regular and xtra-cab trucks)
150 hp @ 4,800 rpm
177 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Max. Towing capacity 3,500 lbs.
Max. Tongue weight 350 lbs

You should be able to tow the trailer. I have the 3.4L so I cant say how well it will tow, but the fact that the trailer is a pop-up will help alot with wind resistance on the highway. Be sure to keep in mind the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR). This is the maximum weight of both the truck and trailer loaded with gear, fuel, and occupants you can have while being within the safety margin. I believe for your truck it is 7,400lbs but check for yourself to be sure (either on a sticker in the drivers door jamb or in the owners manual under Trailer towing - chapter 3 I think). If your truck weights 3500lbs with a full tank of gas, no gear or equipment (camper shells, bags, frys under the seat, etc.) and you towed at tow capacity (3,500lbs), then you and your spouse, and gear could only weight 400lbs. There isn't too much wiggle room with these trucks.

The trailer you're looking at has a GVWR of 2,600, meaning the trailer alone loaded with gear, propane, batteries, food, water, etc. can only weigh 2600lbs to be towed safely. Im not sure what he is referring to as axle weight. My guess is either dry weight, or [weight of the trailer minus tongue weight]. Ask the seller. There should also be a sticker or placard on the trailer somewhere that has the same information that the doorjamb sticker on your truck has. Check the left side of the trailer somewhere.

When you get the trailer, grease the wheel bearings frequently. Minimum of once a year. Also, a Sway bar may help, but with that trailer, you can go without. Make sure your brakes on the truck are in tip top shape and that your in cab brake controller is mounted correctly and works well. Adjust the brakes on the trailer every so often.

Since your spouse id disabled, I would consider going with a larger rig all together. Of course it depends on the disability and how much she is willing to put up with. If you are both cool with the trailer, then I think it would be a good match to tow with your truck. Not sure if thats a good price though. Perhaps other can comment.