The Tacoma Towing Bible

Saw this and it's a great way to visualize it and this is exactly what I experienced when my trailer wasn't loaded properly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jk9H5AB4lM

 

yeah, that 10-15% tongue weight figure isn't arbitrary, its physics.

 

I wanted to thank the people who gave me advise about modifying my 2007 to pull my horse trailer. I solved the problem by buying a 2017 with a Tow package! (happy camper)! ;-)

 

The link is dead in the 6th paragraph of section #5. What are the devices that replace the bump stops? I do not know what this is referring to. Thanks.

 

Tibren bumpstops = Larger bumpstops
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/timbren-industries-bump-stop-install-pic-heavy.454663/

 

Is there a way to tell from your VIN if you have a towing package from the factory? I'm presuming I do as I have factory hitch, 7 pin, and previous owner installed a brake controller.

 

One thing that is true on the 2004 Tacoma is that if you have the tow package, the neck of the radiator fan is green, mine is orange (no tow package).
You may need to wipe it off first.

 

That's an awesome demonstration!!

 

just looked. the shaft/neck holding my radiator fan is.... PINK ?? Mine definitely has factory tow. 2008 4x4 TRD OffRoad.

 

I think mine is too. And also a 08 with tow package.

 

Same

 

what is that company that makes those crazy strong tow rope knots that replace a metal ring?
they are green, i want to say gators or something

 

bubba rope gator jaws. http://bubbarope.com. Just used mine a couple of weekends ago - AWESOME!

 

thanks! i knew it was something gator.

 

Any way to install the oem 7 pin on gen2 without factory tow package or is the 4 pin the only option we have

 

I don't know personally if your truck has the factory wiring, but you can definitely install a 7 pin. If the wiring isn't there, you just have to add it. Should just have to run the battery and brake wire. The 7th is a reverse wire, which you probably won't need. Hopefully someone else will have better/more knowledge to help also.

 

if the car doesn't have the factory wiring, to run a 7-blade, you'll need a isolation relay on the battery wire so it only comes on when your truck is running, you'll need the standard taillight/turnsignal/brake converter box (trailers have combined brake+turn lights like old american cars), and you'll need the wires for the trailer brake controller brought up to the drivers area (ground, battery +, stoplight from the switch on your brake pedal, and the brake wire back to the trailer connector).

this kit, http://www.etrailer.com/p-etbc7.html plus a 4-pin taillight controller kit http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...Tacoma/2005/118496.html?vehicleid=20051176462 (that one is plug and play on a tacoma).

 

This bible comes in handy. Especially for new 4 banger Taco owners like myself that want to occasionally tow their boat to the lake.