Setting up for "new" Vintage Travel trailer

2015 double cab tacoma 4x w/tow package

I got a 1968 15' travel trailer. Having a hard time tracking down the specs, but based on similar trailers of the era I'm guessing its between 2,000-2,500lbs. So Towing would likely be around 2,750 lbs loaded. (never plan to tow any distance with water or waste)

I'm looking at what set up I really need at the hitch.
Seems I at least need a sway control, but should I be looking at a load leveling hitch? Is that going to be overkill? Also considering just the sway control and timbren bumpers.

Thoughts? experiences with any combo there of?

 

Hi, Ken here at vintage-travel-trailer.com, over 150 vintage campers found, sold and refurbished.
Every customer asks about the match between tow vehicle and trailer.

You didn't state the engine in your Tacoma, but it does have a tow package, which increases the weight allowed on the camper, and assuming it is the 3.5L V-6, it is rated to tow 6400# (shown in the March 2016 issue of Trailer Life magazine. The factory package includes drive train enhancements like transmission cooler.

If the 15ft length is only the cabin and not including the tongue, manufacturers would call it an 18ft model. that would be somewhat above your estimate of trailer weight. If the cabin is more like 12 ft, you are probably about 1500#.
Neither needs stabilizing bars in our experience, IF the trailer is loaded properly for towing, meaning more weight toward the front. Bars are more needed on 18 ft cabin and larger, especially with the smaller truck and if the trailer has full bathroom and dual axles..

You haven't mentioned trailer brakes which most vintage campers came with. In our experience the same goes for brakes as for sway bars, Most owners have disconnected the electric brakes on smaller trailers.

Hope this helps.
Ken
www.vintage-travel-trailer.com

 

Thanks for the reply and the insight

- yes i have the 4.0 v6
- the trailer body is 15', title said 15' and I'm new to trailers so I just went with it . I should be saying its an 18' trailer? It does have electric trailer brakes, and is single axle, but it does have a full bathroom (shower and toilet). Right now it only has a black water tank, grey is set up to just drain straight out, but I plan to add a grey water tank at some point.

I'm curious why they would disconnect the trailer brakes? My plan was to get a controller since my truck is on the smaller size.
What would you guess the trailer weight is? I ask because I also need new tires and am looking at my options. I plan to weight the trailer once I find a place to do it.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Your trailer looks like it is 15ft overall, probably about 12.5 long cabin. Most of our projects this size have been about 2500-3000#.
If you want factual weight, look for a "Certified Public Scale". We have a gravel pit/landscape material company in our area (Conifer Colorado) that does it for free.
We only do vintage travel trailers from the 50s-70s, so the brakes are 40-60 years old, and most owners don't trust them and on the smaller trailers like yours, don't feel the need for them.
Hope this helps.
Ken
www.vintage-travel-trailer.com

 

huge help.
Before I tow this thing anywhere my first course of action is to rebuild the drum brakes and repack/replace the bearings. (and put non dry rotted actual trailer tires on)

 

You have a 2015 with a 3.5L engine in it?

 

Good idea. You might want to check the springs, shackles, and U-bolts too.

 

its a 4.0. Great catch, really changes the discussion
(edited above)

Kenny,
How would I test the springs on a trailer? Other than obvious physical damage? New shackles and bushings would likely be cheap guard against slop and sway.