Camping trailer

My wife and I are looking into buying our first camping trailer within the next few weeks. In the past, Unfortunately my towing experience is minimal. I have towed a few boats with no bad experiences, but I understand that a trailer is much different.

I’ve been doing my research and have some understanding, but I do have some questions. First off, I own a 2015 prerunner that is a V6 and 2 wheel drive, so I can tow up to 6500 pounds. We are looking for a trailer that is 16-18 feet long (only 2 of us for now) and only weighing around 3500 lb. I have a standard ball hitch that can pull up to 6,000lb. From what I’ve read, I should get sway bars for sure. What else should I be purchasing so that I’m good to go in regards to towing the trailer? I am not looking to purchase things that are cheap, but I also don’t need the best considering the weight I’m towing.

Any tips and links to other threads would be fantastic. Thank you!

 

Well it sounds like you need a Keystone Springdale Mini. 17 ft 3200 lbs I believe and will match your truck.
It has a shower and little bath. Bluetooth stereo, fridge stove place for tv and a queen size bed.

Mine 2017

 

That’s the perfect size! I was looking into a camper shell last year. Do you have sway bars or anything for safety? Also, if you don’t mind me asking, what was the sticker price compared to the out the door price? The wife wants a shower and a toilet, so I guess I can compromise considering I only tent camp.

 

Theres a big thread on campers. Be worth checking it out.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-kind-of-camper-do-you-have.87823/

 

PM'd ya!

 

You most likely CANNOT tow a 6000 lb trailer. Even though the truck is rated to PULL 6500 lbs, towing 6500 lbs isn't the same. In the real world about 4500 lbs is a realistic limit. And even then you need to make wise choices. I think you'll be fine staying with something in the 3500 lb class.

Pay attention to "dry weight" and GVWR. Dry weight is how much the trailer weighs empty. If you buy a 3500 lb "dry weight" trailer it can easily be 4500-5000 with propane, water, food, clothes, bedding, cooking utensil's etc. added. GVWR is the max your trailer should weigh when loaded. Some guys buy a truck rated for 6500 lbs and buy a 6500 lb dry weight trailer then find they struggle to pull it.

Pay attention to payload. You have a sticker on the drivers door jamb. Payload varies depending on the individual truck, most Tacoma's are around 1200 lbs. Figure 13% of actual trailer weight as tongue weight. A 3500 lb trailer may be 4500 loaded. 13% of that is 585 lbs. That would only leave about 615 lbs in most Tacoma's to account for passengers and cargo inside the truck.

I weigh 220, my wife 140. In my truck, pulling a 4500 lb trailer I'd only have 255 lbs of available payload for cargo in the truck. I could do it, but would have to pack carefully to stay within weight. I'd probably have to leave the generator and firewood at home. That is why you can't really tow a 6500 lb trailer. The truck will PULL the 6500 lbs, but your suspension can't handle the tongue weight.

 

I appreciate all of your advice! I was aware of the dry weight information, but not so much on the payload or tongue weight. The tongue weight, I haven't been able to understand. But i'll look it up. Thankfully, we aren;t looking for something that is huge. We are definitely keeping it around 3500.

 

This is the best. Weight distribution and sway control all in one. You're welcome.
https://www.equalizerhitch.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrLGooZHp6QIVhJyzCh2QswxoEAAYASAAEgJYF_D_BwE

 

The guys are right, be safe and make sure your truck is ready. I have a factory tow package and upgraded my suspension to compensate for the shell, gear and tongue weight.
I towed my trailer from Southern California to Lacey, Wa over 1000 miles with no issues.

2015 DCSB 4x4 TRD OR, 2 1/2 " lift, Bilstein 5100's OME 885X's and OME Dakar CS047R Leaf Packs and OME CB drop kit. BMC,Pinch welds, 17" Icon Alpha Wheels BFG KO2's 285/70/17's Snugtop with pet screens, front slider drop down window. LED interior and map lights, WeatherTech mats.

 

Teardrops are cute.....

Not sure how practical for the cost

https://escapod.us/trailers/topo-series/

 

That is a trailer that we considered. But then the wife decided she wanted a bathroom with a shower. We did find a teardrop with a toilet and a shower in one, but it was 20k. Pretty cool though.

 

I would consider an airstream basecamp x. We are new to the camping world but love our basecamp. Pricey yes but it can really get around. It is lifted and has a great departure angle. I have an equalizer 6k hitch and it pulls like a dream. I would rec pulling only in fourth. Trans pan temps climb quickly in 5th with any hills. It has a wet bath and a pass thru for the shower, it has a combined black and gray water tank and when boondocking you become acutely aware of every flush! Don’t forget the peripherals you may need; screen house, generators, grill, fire pit etc... it is amazing to have the ability to go when you want and camp where you want anytime.

 

SO it seems like with the type of truck I have and the GW of the trailer that I want, I will need to get add-a leaf springs installed, the equalizer DWH (in my case, the one that only goes up to 6,000 and is $200 cheaper), a brake controller, and some towing mirrors. The wife isn't going to like that bill!

 

Nice! We have good jobs, but that might be an investment when we retire. I'm a 30 year old teacher so I have some time to go. We want something that we can have some kids comfortably packed away in. Very cool an unique design you have!

 

Has she ever spent time in a trailer or that size for any duration of time? It might be worth the cost of renting or borrowing one for a weekend to see if it’s really something you both like.

 

This is solid advice....rent one to get a feel for what you actually want/need. Me and the lady settled on a pop up tent trailer for the low cost and had all the room and accoutrements we needed.

 

We went camping for 5 days on the beach in a tent. But we used her sisters RV to shower and sometimes cook. My parents went through multiple trailers as I was growing up. As for her, not really. We agreed that we enjoy tent camping the most, but she wants the comfort of a toilet and a shower.

 

Here's some great reading to get you comfortable with understanding the tongue weight, payload, towing capacity etc.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

I really appreciate this! I've read through about a quarter or more of the camping thread, so now I have another thread to read. Thank you

 

Don't forget a brake controller. All you really need are a brake controller and WDH. Things you may want if you tow a lot or are towing in the mountains are a larger aux transmission cooler (if you have an automatic transmission) and an upgraded leaf pack. I'd also recommend something to monitor your transmission temp if you have an automatic.

I tow a trailer that is 5,500lbs loaded. The truck can do it if you're not afraid to make it work and pack accordingly. When you have a trailer, you need to pack your gear it the trailer and not your truck and remember that where you put the gear will impact the weight distribution in your trailer and the tongue weight.