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Getting specific with towing

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Mytacoma01, Apr 19, 2017.

  1. Apr 19, 2017 at 4:48 AM
    #1
    Mytacoma01

    Mytacoma01 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Bob
    Hendersonville NC
    Vehicle:
    2014 charcoal gray SR5 double cab.
    I have a gen. 1 tacoma v6 with a class 3 hitch wired for trailer lights and that's it. I pulled a pop up that weighs 1600 lbs with my present set up for several years, and aside from a one time brake rotor replacement, I had no problems. I am about to upgrade to a new pop up camper and all in all it looks like I'll be traveling with between 2500 and 3000 lbs. exactly what would I need to add to my towing package to tow this weight safely. I read the towing bible and I'm a bit overwhelmed with the amount of info and the special conditions and would like it simplified if possible.
     
  2. Apr 21, 2017 at 12:15 PM
    #2
    Muldoon

    Muldoon Well-Known Member

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    Robert
    Northeast Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2009 4x4 ACLB TRD-OR 4.0, Green
    5100s, Wheelers AAL, Leer 100R
    I tow about that weight pretty regularly with my second gen. In addition to the factory tow package (Class IV hitch, oil cooler, transmission cooler, larger alternator) I installed an UltraGauge (similar to the Scan Gauge but cheaper) to monitor my transmission temp. I'm sure glad I have the ability to read the trans temp with the gauge, because even with the factory cooler, I notice the fluid temp rises quite a bit sometimes, mainly when climbing grades. Knowing the temperature, and what causes it to rise and fall, really helps to adjust your driving habits. With that weight I find I can drive in D on flatland, and its a good idea to shift down to 4th for hills to keep the temps down. I keep the temp below 200.
     
  3. Apr 22, 2017 at 8:33 AM
    #3
    Mytacoma01

    Mytacoma01 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Bob
    Hendersonville NC
    Vehicle:
    2014 charcoal gray SR5 double cab.
    Thanks for your info. I've decided to add an additional cooler, I ordered the one from the Tacoma bible today. In the forum, there's an install thread that covers the cooler installation itself perfectly, but I'm not clear on the hose connection. I'm a pretty good shade tree mechanic but I'd like more specific info on the routing of the hoses to boost confidence level, if ya know what I mean. Any input on that with pics preferably, I'm a visual kinda guy, would be huge. Thanks again. :)
     
  4. Apr 22, 2017 at 5:15 PM
    #4
    monkeyface

    monkeyface Douchebag, or just douche if we're friends

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    3000lbs, sure would be good to have trailer brakes and a brake controller.
     
  5. Apr 22, 2017 at 8:32 PM
    #5
    Muldoon

    Muldoon Well-Known Member

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    Robert
    Northeast Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2009 4x4 ACLB TRD-OR 4.0, Green
    5100s, Wheelers AAL, Leer 100R
  6. Apr 25, 2017 at 3:52 AM
    #6
    Mytacoma01

    Mytacoma01 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #117114
    Messages:
    82
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    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Hendersonville NC
    Vehicle:
    2014 charcoal gray SR5 double cab.
    Yep, added the trailer brake system yesterday and as for cooler system that looks like what I need. Thank you both for your advice on those issues. My next focus is on my rear suspension. The hitch weight on the new camper is coming in at 407lbs. With the propane tank and battery I'm probly close to the max 500 lb. rating. Wondering if the add a leaf would be the way to go to beef up that suspension a bit or are there other proven options.
     
  7. Apr 25, 2017 at 4:31 PM
    #7
    Muldoon

    Muldoon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Robert
    Northeast Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2009 4x4 ACLB TRD-OR 4.0, Green
    5100s, Wheelers AAL, Leer 100R
    Add a leaf is an option, but it seems a lot of folks prefer air bags, with the Firestone Ride Rite system being a popular one. I am currently on the stock TSB springs and they're doing the job but want to go one of these routes soon myself. The air bags advantages are that you can adjust the PSI to fit whatever your load is or how you want the ride quality. Disadvantages seem to be that they can potentially be punctured if you go offroading, and they cost more than the add a leaf. Some people see the add a leaf as more of a band aid, so would rather just replace the whole spring pack than go that route, or don't like that they are not adjustable so when there is no load, raise the rear of the truck a bit. Myself, based on my research I think I may go the add a leaf route though, because of the cost, and because I don't want to mess around with adjusting PSI in the bags or anything. Ive always got a Leer shell on the truck along with various other things in the bed, so my truck sags a bit even when not towing, so the added help from the additional leaf may be just what I'm looking for.

    For your situation it sounds like the air bags could serve you well. Hopefully someone with firsthand experience with both will chime in, or search the forums for add a leaf vs air bags or something.
     
  8. Apr 25, 2017 at 5:01 PM
    #8
    Muldoon

    Muldoon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Robert
    Northeast Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2009 4x4 ACLB TRD-OR 4.0, Green
    5100s, Wheelers AAL, Leer 100R
    That link to the diagram I posted earlier was for a 2nd gen btw. It may be worth finding a service manual for the 1st gens to pull a diagram from. I just did a quick search and seems a lot of links for the 1st gen FSM are dead ends these days, but i'm sure theres one out there, maybe you'll have better luck.
     
  9. May 7, 2017 at 1:54 PM
    #9
    Mytacoma01

    Mytacoma01 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    82
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    Male
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    Bob
    Hendersonville NC
    Vehicle:
    2014 charcoal gray SR5 double cab.
    Well I ended up installing the 2.5" add a leaf, off of eBay, ($55 free shipping) and the job went well, with the help of my young strong backed son in law. :) It ended up lifting th rear end up about 2 to 3 inches and that's ok. I was kicking around the idea of lifting it a bit anyway so they gave me kinda the best of both worlds so, looks like I more or less tripped and fell right in the middle of it. Better to be luck than good anyway right. It did stiffen the rear end up a bit but nothing intolerable besides, its ok with me if my truck is more stout than smooth. It'll be all good when I hook my camper up and my truck find it more level. I haven't towed the camper with it yet but I have high hopes. We also installed the transmission oil cooler that is recommended in the towing bible. That went smooth as well so, now I have the peace of mind that I need to pull my new, much heavier camper. Thanks to all those who weighed in on my towing anxiety and helped me gain my afore mentioned peace of mind.
     
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