Towing Feedback Before we head out with Camper

Purchased 1st Tacoma new in 2007 for my son - thought we would get it back "eventually" but he is still driving it almost 200,000 mi later - So we purchased our own 2018 last year and LOVE it - our intention being to use for getting back into RV'g and researched to find that we should keep it light - so we found a camper per advise/shopping/research/RV shows etc etc to keep dry weight under 5500 since tow capacity is around 6800. We have not used for camping trip yet, but did bring it home on major hwy about 180 with no issue last week (sporatic tach up around hills couple of times we are in metro ATL) - The "issues" we had were not pulling - but dealing with adjustment of the hitch height - had to get several pieces of advice and get a friend to help solve the problem suggesting flip of the tow bar and slot - so we went to Pep Boys and they had tools to take off and adjust - it "seems" higher now so hoping we can move the camper today to another storage facility (local) - BUT -- looking for other feedback of any other Tacoma RV'ers out there for any other tips/advice/feedback - We were excited to hear that Toyota had increased the tow capacity from older models and didn't think we would have any issue purchasing a light weight camper - but reading some info from others saying "buy another truck" and we waited a long time to have sll these pieces fit - or so we thought - feeling discouraged and nervous about something that should be an exciting new chapter - RVers 20 years ago with much heavier camper - but had Ram and GMC and Silverado's back then

 

Welcome. Finding the right tow bar will certainly help level the camper - mine sits level with a 2" rise.

Certain weight distribution hitches have adjustable height, so look into that if you dont already have a WDH system. Those really help keep the trailer under control under crosswinds.

I have a lot of gadgets on the camper that certainly help with camping and towing, so far my favorite is the wireless rear view camera. That helps a ton, especially with the smallish mirrors that the truck has.

Oh, and just for fun: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SRTW6J4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

My last camper was 5600 lbs dry and I pulled it with my ‘13 Offroad on 33’s but the truck had 4.30 gears. I used a Reese “strait line” kit with dual cam sway control and the weight distribution hitch. Still sagged the truck down on Dakar leaves about 2”. I was using a Prodigy P3 brake controller. Could it do it? Yes. Did I wish I’d have gotten a lighter camper every single time I pulled it? Yep. I wound up trading it for a E3 Evolution offroad popup that weighs about half as much and I’m a lot happier with this setup. From now on I don’t think I’ll ever go over 1/2 the tow rating with dry weight. Also, I put air bags on my new truck and love the adjustability for sag.

Good luck with everything. Welcome to TW.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

I am pretty sure we do have wdh - they (pep boys) flipped it over and put it on the 2nd hole adjustment and it raised it up quite a bit - have not hooked up yet to move it (taking from one storage to covered storage tomorrow) the camper came with that as well as the sway bars and equalizer

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Airbags, stay out of D, take it easy and don't be in a hurry.

Go to the bathroom before your first downhill on a winding road.
Our brakes did not last, dealer said they use softer pads so the test drive is smoother - replacements made the world of difference.

 

Thanks for your reply ! And yes, the camper came with an adjustable WD hitch/sway bars/equalizer - but NOT the one you noted as to ok for reverse I was freaking out bringing it home to remind my husband not to back up with that on (or unlocked) -- and yes my son LOVES his 2007 Tacoma - maybe I will at least get "some" equity back one day if he "ever" decides to sell - HA HA doubt it - it rides like new and he takes very good care of it