Tow Capacity Scenario

Hi All,

Looking for some outside/experienced perspective.

Vehicle is 01 V6 prerunner tacoma, tow capacity of 5k.

Wife and I are looking at two used trailers to get started.

Both are small pop ups. Trailer A, is a chalet ltw is axle weight approx 1100 and trailer B, a chalet arrowhead is axle weight Apprx 2500. The B one is 2-3ft longer.

Trailer B is 3 hours away from home, 1k cheaper then trailer A. Trailer A is 1 hour away.

Based on research, both are well under the capacity of my little Toyota to pull. I also had a leaf spring added back in the "dual sport on a hitch carrier" days, so I should have some extra clearance on tongue weight.

Does apprx 1000 pounds of axle weight make a big enough difference to prioritize the slightly smaller trailer? I lean towards wanting the lighter, closer, trailer A as I have no experience pulling, with my vehicle or any. I might rather have an lighter/easier go on the first trailer. It would be at least 1-2 years before we need to upgrade, if we stick with it. We are in SoCal, and some of our desired trailer destinations are up a few pretty big inclines.

Just looking for some outside perspective here.

Additionally, would you reccomend a brake controller at these loads? Is this mandatory?

I have been reading through the towing bible.

Thanks!

 

1,400 will make a BIG difference.
That said, you are going to notice both trailers are behind you.
The 3.4 is a GREAT engine, But a towing engine it is NOT.

In your situation, it won't really make a difference.
You're going to be working the engine pretty good with both trailers.
The engine WILL take it.

If you have an Automatic transmission, make sure to use lower gears. Over Drive should be Off.
Let the engine do the work, not the transmission.

 

Thanks for your response.

Couple follow up questions. Is OD the same thing as ECT?
Are transmission coolers and brake controllers mandatory? If we go for the heavier, 3 hour away trailer, I'd want to have those installed before we do the drive if so.

 

Turn ECT On.
Best I remember, On my 1999, the OD button was on the shifter. Little button yo pushed in.

Mandatory? No.

With the 1,100 lbs trailer, you will be just fine.
With the 2,400 lbs trailer, it isn't needed. But would help if you ever need to stop quick. Even more so in wet or slick conditions.
A good rule of thumb is, If the trailer is equipped, you probably need to use them.

 

Yeap. It's on the shifter.
Just as I remembered.

 

I think the RedArc trailer controllers are pretty commonly used in newer Tacomas. Not sure about ‘01.

I would suggest that you might want to grease the wheel bearings before taking a trip towing a trailer with unknown maintenance history.

 

Forgive me if this is an ignorant question, but do you mean the wheel bearings on the trailer or ones on my vehicle?

 

Thank you! OD off, ECT on while towing. Thank you!

 

As far as OD being off. You can use your judgement.
There are times you can use OD. But what you don't want is the transmission shifting gears a lot.
Without getting too technical, in 4th gear (OD) the transmission will lock and unlock the torque converter.
You don't want this to happen a lot. Constant shifting of gears and lock/unlocking of the transmission creates heat.
Heat is what kill the transmission.

All said, Your truck will fine.
Just use your judgement.
Towing is like anything else, you "learn it".

You'll be fine. Have fun on the trip.
Don't worry too much about it.

 

I mean on the trailer. It is more of a concern for boat trailers where they get submerged, but I’ve seen them go bad enough times to be extra cautious.

It’d also be a good idea to make sure you have a good spare and the tools required to change wheels on the side of the road.

 

Go with the larger trailer. You have plenty of power for the 2500 lb trailer. You will be much happier with more room in a larger trailer. The larger trailer is 1400 lbs heavier, it is more than twice the weight of the other trailer. It must be better built , larger and more amenities. You’ll appreciate the bigger better trailer.
Go check out both trailers (do it soon as they may sell quickly). Tell each of the sellers you want tow the trailer for a few miles to see how your truck handles it. I don’t see why they would object. Then you can decide if towing is much different between them. Bigger is better in boats and trailers, I know from experience.
I have a 2009 with the 4.0 engine (I know it different from your engine) I tow a 3500lb boat/trailer. It tows no problem. Just go check them out, tow them and make your decision.