First time RV Tower

Hello TW!! I'm looking for a lil help or opinions with using my Taco as my TV. I currently have a 2013 DCLB TRD with the factory tow package. I have been looking at the " Forrest River R-Pod" The dry weight is 2535lbs with the dry hitch weight of 257lbs. Will I encounter any issues with towing this trailer. I know the manual says the Taco will tow up to 6500lbs, but I'm just trying to be on the safe side! I don't want to strain or lessen the life of my truck.

 

At first glance, it looks like it's well within the limits. But, I don't know the maximum tongue weight for the Tacoma. But 10% of the trailer weight is pretty good. You do want some tongue weight.

What's it really weigh? Often times the weight of an RV is estimated. You can take it to a scale and have it weighed. You should load it up w/ the max load you ever expect to take and have it weighed. I prefer to stay under 20% of max allowable. If you're over that and you plan to tow often and or far then you might consider moving up in truck. Do you have an equalizer hitch? Get one. Especially with the low tongue weight. They're expensive but they work. I recommend Equalizer brand. I haven't used any others but this one worked perfectly with my toy hauler. I tried it ONCE w/o it and had quite a thrilling sway event. The brakes would be my biggest concern. The truck is built solid and the engine and tranny can handle it with pretty much ease. I think the brakes are the real limiting factor with towing with a Tacoma. It's overall size would be next. If you have the long bed It should tow better. You may also consider add a leaves or airbags if your tongue weight squats the bed to much. Adding all your gear to the bed and throwing three other people in the truck doesn't help either. This is where your 20% starts keeping you out of trouble.

 

I think I can pretty much help ease your mind. I've owned and towed an RPod 175 for the last 4 years. I towed the first 2 years with a 2006 Prerunner 4.0 DC w/tow package. It did a great job, and I towed all the mountain passes of Washington state. I would always tow in tow/haul mode and the Tacoma would usually tow in 4th, only dropping to 3rd on tough stretches. Towing mileage pulling the RPod was 10.0 to 13.1, with most of the time being in the 11.5 to 12 mpg range--all hand figured. My Pod weighs in at 3400 lbs loaded and with pretty full holding tanks.

I was gonna replace our Tacoma with a newer one, but got a great deal on a 4.6 Tundra. I still visit here some, as there's lots I miss about the Tacoma. Give a yell if you have any other questions.

 

Thanks for the info. Did your Prerunner tow it with no problems? Also, are you happy with the trailer?

 

Thanks for all the great info. When it's comes to air bags or leaves, which would you recommend?

 

It did very well towing the RPod, and Washington has some pretty challenging areas to tow a TT. I never towed, though, above 65 mph. The RPod is my 5th TT (all between 16 and 22 feet long). The Pod's build quality is second to an Arctic Fox of the trailers I've owned. As I stated, we like the RPod, but they are not for everyone.

JT is correct on advising that you beef up the rear of the Taco, as they are pretty lightly sprung in the rear unless you have had the 4-leaf TSB done. I used a WDH, which took care of the problem for me. Loaded correctly with proper tire pressure, I've never felt the need for sway control, and I've towed in 40+ mph cross winds.

P/S If the Pod you're looking at has a made down 3/4 queen bed, they come with a really crappy mattress. Of course, unless they've changed suppliers since we bought ours. Also, make sure any Pod you buy has axle risers, as they sit too low and drag easily without these.