Another trailer towing question...

Hi everyone,

First time posting here, so bear with me! I’ve been reading through the forums but still would love opinions.

So the question is: does this seem like a bad idea? Details below.

I have a 2011 Tacoma double cab V6 4wd, WITHOUT a towing package (as far as I know... I’m actually not totally sure how to figure out if it has one, but based on the hitch we bought it with and lack of 7 way connector, that’s my assumption. So without the towing packing, manual says it’s rated for towing 3500#). When we purchased the car used a few years ago, it had a class III after market hitch and 4 pin connector installed (hitch max gross trailer weight 5000 lbs, tongue 500 lbs).

We have a chance to take a trip for a month in May and are thinking of borrowing a travel trailer that is 2935# dry and 3750# GVWR (and 350# dry tongue). We’d be traveling 1500-2000 miles with it, some hills. Usually we would not be traveling with it at max cargo capacity (so closer to dry weight).

I’m thinking of asking my brother in law (skilled mechanic) to install a combo transmission and oil cooler (something like this: https://www.etrailer.com/Transmission-Coolers/Derale/D15902.html), and converting to a 7 pin connector. Possibly upgrading to a 130A alternator and a bigger battery? And air springs?

I’d also be borrowing an e2 weight distribution hitch and curt echo brake controller.

I don’t want to overly stress my truck, as it still only has 70k miles on it and I was planning on driving it for awhile longer, but would hate to miss out on an opportunity for a trip either. Thoughts? Bad idea? Other tips or factors I haven’t considered?

Thank you!

 

For a one time trip you are probably ok. You may exceed slightly the published tow weight rating and maybe the GVWR. The tow package doesn’t do anything to beef the truck up. No difference between your truck and a truck with tow package suspension wise. Same springs, same shocks, same brakes, same suspension. Basically what you get with the tow package is 7 pin connector, oil cooler, tranny cooler, 130 amp. alternator, 27 series battery and I think a class 4 hitch. Having a tranny and oil cooler is definitely a good idea and of course you’ll need the 7 pin connector. For one trip you probably don’t need a new alt. or battery. A wdh and the brake controller are needed. Air bags would be nice but not absolutely necessary.
What you should do is borrow the trailer before your trip with your truck. Tow the trailer for 3 or 4 hours in different terrain like city, highway and up and down hills. See what you think. If all is good and you feel comfortable then go for it. I think tow weight wise you will be very close to max, may or may not exceed it by a little. I don’t think it’s the greatest idea but for one time I’d probably do it.
It sounds like you are not an experienced tower. That may be the biggest problem. If you have to stop suddenly or swerve at freeway speeds that’s when everything goes to shit. If you don’t know what you are doing the trailer will take control and cause you to go out of control. Drive slower than normal, leave longer distances between you and the vehicle in front and be extra cautious.

 

This is all great advice, thank you. I think your idea about borrowing it to drive around for a few hours is excellent as well, both in terms of seeing how the truck handles and also giving me some practice towing the trailer. I’ve towed smaller boats many times before but that’s a different ballgame than a travel trailer. I know it’s probably not all ideal but I’m hopeful we can make it work. Thanks again.

 

Another thing if you are still following this thread OP, the stock mirrors on your truck are totally useless for towing a trailer like you plan on. They don’t stick out far enough to see anything behind you. Backing up will be impossible. You will need mirror extenders. Also when you take the trailer out for a trial run try backing it up for a little ways. You might have second thoughts.
I once had to back a trailer down a quarter mile of narrow winding dirt road. That was a bit challenging.