Towing Travel Trailer 1st Time

Any input will be appreciated. I have a 2018 TRD Off Road all stock and I’m going to be towing a travel trailer for the first time with it. 3000k dry weight, is there anything I need to make sure I do to make it as smooth as possible I already have a brake controller. I’ve regularly towed my 18foot inflatable boat but that’s maybe only 1.5k

 

Leave yourself lots of distance for braking. If you anticipate a stop, start slowing down even if you don't. Give yourself at least twice the amount of space you normally do. Practice on a less traveled road to get a feel. Take wide turns. Lane changes should be done well ahead of time so you don't have to force your way over. Use middle or right lane. If you need to pass move back over as soon as you can so you don't obstruct traffic. If you are going up a hill, downshift before the tranny normally would on its own, it will help with temperature. Make sure you have a way to monitor tranny temps....Scangauge or ultragauge etc.. Expect to feel the trailer push you at times, its fine, but take your time, especially if it is windy.
Biggest suggestion is to drive defensively. You have a lot of weight behind you.
Hopefully you have a WDH and antisway bar-makes a huge difference when windy or tractor trailers pass you .

 

The above... and look to keep your speed to 65 or less. Better mileage and more importantly, a lot less likely to sway. Also, if you see the yellow sign for a curve with a suggested speed, try to get a lot closer to it than you would if not towing.

I found that if your towing you will rarely get hassled/raged for poking along at 60-65 in the slow lane.

Make sure to check your tongue weight, as if it is too light it can cause a lot of sway.

 

You’re going to need some rear spring help. Airbags, AALs or Sumos. You are going to be sagging bad, headlights to the clouds. If you have a weight distribution hitch WDH you may be able to work it out. Ive run Airlifts on multiple trucks, but on my latest, ‘18 I have Wheelers 1.5 AALs.

 

Just tow it. Probably 4000lbs total loaded, well within your tow weight capacity. Tow it around over a weekend then decide if you need some extras like WDH, air bags etc. Good information given above but you may not have to do anything to your truck other than the brake controller. And as said drive cautiously, slow down, and keep extra space between you and the car in front.