Old Guy, New to TW

Hey folks, Im new to this forum, and have questions on my leaf springs and buying and towing a tent trailer

 

Welcome to TW

 

Thanks JaCado, that vid is pretty damn funny !

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks 6 gearT444E

 

you’re welcome, what specific questions do you have on leaf springs? There is also a section dedicated to towing you can check out, lots of good info in there

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/towing.34/

 

On my 05 I see it has 3 leafs and a short overload ?, I wondered if this was considered a 4 leaf, trying to figure our what I'll ned to tow a pop up trailer, and if it will, I think what I'm looking at weighs about 3700 lbs. I dont want to make a mistake

 

See attached for the TSB regarding leaf springs. If you have 3 and an overload (4 leafs total) you have the TSB springs which are the latest and greatest from toyota. If you are going to be towing, I'd suggest at a minimum getting an AAL or possibly an entire new leaf pack. The stock springs are severely lacking in my opinion, especially for towing anything significant.

 

Well thanks for the file, Toyota has replaced the rear leafs and bump stops, but nothing on the fronts, I replaced the rear shocks. Some specs say max towing is 3500lb, other articles say 6500lbs if your vehicle has a tow package, factory installed hitch and trans cooler with extra cooling for engine cooling, mine has all these. The trailer I'm considering is a Rockwood ESP model 2280BHESP, Unloaded Weight is 2559lb, Hitch is 338lb, Cargo Cap is 1279lb, combined weight then would be 3838lb
here is the rear spring set up as of today

 

I was able to find these specs based on my VIN

Towing Capacities for 2005 Tacoma Pre Runner


Without towing package 1587 kg (3500 lb.) With towing package 2948 kg (6500 lb.) ∗: Trailer weight + cargo weight

 

The towing package gives you two things you want for towing any weight over a distance. One is the transmission oil cooler and the second is prewiring for a brake controller. For your tent camper I'd recommend both.

 

As another old guy with a 2005 Prerunner, these are my thoughts. This year truck is getting old. 05-06 Tacomas have a small, but higher than normal number of head gasket failures. If you're going to tow with it, the higher engine temps could increase that possibility. Driving over hills with the truck fully loaded sends the engine temp over 200°. Can't imagine another thousand pounds.
The springs are covered by a Toyota factory recall. If you haven't already had them replaced, contact a Toyota dealer. Tacomas are great trucks but towing is not their strong suit.

 

Thanks for your input, I have had the rear springs replaced about a year ago, I'm the 2nd owner of this truck, gentleman before me didn't tow, when I bought it milage was 53K, it just turned to 91K. with that said, my max distance to towing a trailer would be just under 300 miles on way, I'm an ex mechanic, and an ex owner/operator & retired from Caterpillar , always keep my vehicles in very good shape, so the blown head gasket thing is of great value to know, for that I thank You for that tip