Newbe Towing

Sorry if this is repeat topic but I have been searching the interwebs and I am a bit computer illiterate!

Currently I have a 2014 Tacoma DBL V6 SR5 6' bed w/leer cap and have tow package from dealer. Its not TRD like most topics I've read seem to have. As I recently got a job offer out west, I am looking to move my life from NY to Seattle. My friend has a enclosed double axle 7x16' trailer for sale that I have been thinking about but am unsure of the tacos ability to tow. I am a carpenter and mt biker. The trailer would be hauling mostly tools, few bicycles and maybe just a few household items. And in the truck I would have a passenger, dog up front with me and in the bed would be clothes and maybe few small items. I wouldn't be towing with trailer besides this one trip. Assuming the trailer weighs around 2200lbs empty and then loaded with my schwagg might bring it up to 5000lbs. And once i am out there i figure i would look to use trailer as tool storage or sell. Not hauling it around town at all. I haven't seen much info for towing trailer loaded plus truck loaded.

So my question's are is the trailer too big? Combined weight of truck and trailer loaded be too much for the truck? Should I purchase smaller enclosed trailer (6x12 single axle) for the haul?

Thanks for input in advance, as for letters like GVWR, GCWR, axle weight are not comprehending in my brain and just kind of need simple answers.

 

V6 double cab long bed with stock tow package is rated at 6200lb. Good luck towing it's going to be about 9GPM.

 

Sounds like a lot to me but the article below says it would do it.

http://www.davisenterprise.com/business/auto/towing-with-the-toyota-tacoma/

 

Much appreciated! With big trailer I'd assume on getting a weight distributing hitch. And do I need brake controller? Would that be easily installed?

 

Does the trailer have electric brakes? If so you could get a controller but I have no idea how easy/hard its to install. I bet somewhere one TW there is a write up.

As long as you balance the trailer out I don't see a need for the weight distribution hitch.

 

Unless the trailer has surge brakes, you'll need a brake controller. I, personally, would put a weight distributing hitch on it to help level it and get some weight onto the front axle - especially driving cross country with it. If you have the tow package, there should be a connector buried up on the left of the driver's side dash for the controller. If you're serious about getting a trailer, I'd get the controller and see if you could hook up the trailer to get a feel on how your truck would pull it.

 

"Balancing" the weight in the trailer really how to manipulate how much weight is on you hitch. Normal rule of thumb is 10% of trailer weight on the hitch. Thats a starting point, move it a bit more or less, but not far. Not enough weight on hitch you'll get trailer sway. Too much, you'll drag your hitch, take weight off truck front tires, make steering unsafe. Get a good receiver hitch, don't use bumper. Have a good brake controller installed. And this time of year, diffinetly keep weather in mind.