3000mi trip in my 13' DCSB Sport

Hey everybody, need some help from the pro's.
In about a month I'm making a drive from VA to CA (for my 4th time back and forth) and I wanted to get some helpful suggestions. My first 3 trips were in my 02' Highlander Limited V6 w/ Tow Package. Each time (and including this time) I pulled a little trailer with about 3000lbs along. My highlander had no issues but I traded that car in for my 2013 V6 2WD DCSB TRD Sport "without tow package". I did have a factory hitch installed, but that's it as far as any upgrades.
I guess what I'm most concerned about is how will my new Tacoma handle the trip compared to my old Highlander which had the tow package. I'm installing a

$52 Hayden 679 Universal 11” Rapid-Cool Add-On Transmission Cooler to Enhance Cooling (not for direct replacement of the factory unit)

Hayden 679 Tranny Cooler tomorrow, but besides that and my factory installed hitch (No Tow Package), I'm sittin STOCK. Anybody able to throw me a quick bone on anything I really "should" install to to prepare my Taco for my trip if it's really any issue at all? I'm not able to get into anything too pricey, but any little upgrade/mod ideas like the tranny cooler for example would be helpful. I was thinking maybe a power steering cooler or even possibly an engine oil cooler or would any of these would really be necessary for my trip (I don't plan on making this trip again, lol).

Worst case scenario, if its a much better alternative, I can take the wife's new 2012 Limited 4WD V6 Highlander which "does" have the tow package (and hitch), and we would would just ship my truck instead of her car. My last Tacoma was a 98 SCSB 4cyl. I loved that truck but its long gone. I know this ones much more capable, but I've barely got 5000 mile on it, so I haven't put it through any abuse yet to get a feel for what she can handle and how well.

I appreciate any help you guys can give me. I've been searching the forums and finding plenty of upgrades that are nice to have, but haven't found much on "must haves" for long trips. Which is what's been leading me to wonder if I really need anything at all.

Thanks for the help TW.

 

3000lbs is nothing. i pull 3200+- all the time with my bumper ball, no tranny cooler and my truck is fine.

your over reacting

 

This summer i'll be moving from San Antonio to Anchorage. I'm debating renting a small Uhaul trailer and towing it the 4,200 miles to move some of my own stuff. I have the towing package installed though. Just not sure I want to tow a trailer that far, for that many days. Gonna make the drive more of a PITA.

 

Lol! Thanks Rick. That's exactly what I was hoping to hear. I tend to let my OCD get the best of me. More so, just don't want to negatively affect the life of my brand new baby.

 

619, IIRC the towing package includes a class IV receiver hitch with the trailer wiring, transmission cooler, engine oil cooler, 130 amp alternator and a heavy duty battery. This kicks the tow capacity up to 6,500 pounds. Without it our Tacomas are rated at 3,300-3,500 (I think). If you want to add something more than the transmission cooler, I'd go with the engine oil cooler.

If you're concerned, why not tow the trailer with the wife's vehicle and not worry about modding the Taco?

 

Your truck is rated at like 3500lbs. The tranny cooler is really all I'd worry about, and then only because you're going cross country and bound to hit some mountains. You're not going to damage anything as long as you aren't going balls to the wall.

The best part of the tow package is the tranny cooler and 7pin wiring with brake controller hook up...you're getting the cooler, and I assume you'll have lights...

 

Oops sorry! I mean Thanks Rick!

 

Thanks Island & Opponent, exactly the reassurance I think I was looking for. I try to take care of all of my toys, I just didn't want to inadvertently jack anything up due to overworking her. It's starting to look like my load is gonna be more under the 3000 range so all in all I think I'm good. I'll put the

$52 Hayden 679 Universal 11” Rapid-Cool Add-On Transmission Cooler to Enhance Cooling (not for direct replacement of the factory unit)

Hayden 679 in here the next day or two and call it a day. Possibly the engine cooler if its just as easy, ill have to search some forum posts. Anyone know which Engine Oil Cooler most of the V6 guys are recommending? And which PowerSteering Cooler too?