Towing cargo trailer conversion… safe?

Hi all,
I am looking for some (semi) professional advice as to whether or not my current hair-brained idea is a good one. I am a seasonal worker (forest service, stream restoration, river guide, etc) and am at the point where I would like too have a reliable, cozy, but still mobile roof over my head. Building out a cargo trailer seems like a great option but I want to be sure it is safe for me to tow before I dive in.

I have a 2003 tacoma. It has a hitch welded to the frame and is wired for brakes and lights. I read through the towing bible (thanks maverick491!) and it seems like the biggest concern is braking capacity. Would trailer brakes solve that issue? Are there other things I should be keeping in mind?

I have been looking at 6x10 or 6x12 cargo trailers and think I could keep the trailer weight to 3000 lbs with a build-out. Is that too much for my truck's 3500 towing capacity?

For more context: I only expect to move this trailer a couple times a year (300-600 miles or so) so I am more concerned about safety than wear on the truck (I think).

Any advicewould be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

If its a class 3 (3500lbs 300 tongue or class 4. It should be no issues. Of course some optioned Tacomas are better than others. Gen 1 or 2? What hitch? Engine? Manual or auto? Hills? Hot area? Trailer brake wired in on truck?

6x10 or 6x12 is perfect. Dual axle with brakes would be prefered. Single with no brakes is doable but can get spooky. I dont know if 6x10 cold option surge brakes but they are sinple and excellent

 

Thanks! It’s a 1st gen, 6 cylinder. Manual transmission. It is not wired for trailer brakes. Not sure about the hitch, from looking at it I think it’s welded to the rear part of the frame.

I’ve seen some posts about putting after market brakes on a trailer, is that what you mean by surge brakes?

 

There are electric brakes that you need a controller and a 7 wire plug fto use And surge type. The surge are my favorite but useually on only tow dollies and boat trailers. They have a hydrolic master cylendar that automatically compresses when your vehivle is stopping.work awsome but a drawback is you can't back up (without pinning the neck)

 

If the dry weight of the trailer is 3000lbs you are going to be close to or exceeding the 3500 lb limit when the trailer is loaded up. make sure the trailer dry weight isn’t more than 3000 lbs so you hopefully won’t exceed max tow weight.
Yes you want brakes. Towing it is one thing but stopping it is the major concern. Be sure your suspension is in good shape and your shocks are in good shape. If you have 75000 or more miles on the shocks, replace them.

 

Pretty sure the 1st gen v6s are rated for 5000 towing.

Agreed on making sure it has brakes, much safer that way.

 

I have a fully built 6x12 dual axle cargo trailer conversion with electric brakes, with Andersen WD hitch, plus good E-rated trailer tires. Towing is completely safe. However I can't go up even moderately steep hills. It stalls out between 10 to 12 degrees of slope. Someone with a real truck has to pull me up in those cases.