2018 SR5 Towing trip

Hello everyone,
I am planning a cross country trip this summer (2020) and I want to tow a trailer. Max weight of the trailer is 4,300 lbs. I need your help and tips as this will be my first long haul. I have broken down most of our towing days to be around 500 miles. I would like to know if I am getting into unforeseen problems. I have read about trans coolers and temp ranges. I would like to have this thread just to consolidate all of this information. I am starting from Ohio and plan to visit Zion, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Sequoia, Yosemite, and Big Sur. Some people here have said they have had no issues towing with the Taco and others have had a length of concerns. Please guide a newbie, any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.

I plan to tow a Coachmen Apex Nano 19bhs if that helps.

 

Bring lots of gas money.....

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/towing.34/

Check out the towing section. LOTS of good info over there and an entire "what do you tow" thread. There is a 3rd gen specific thread that may be of use to you as well.

 

4,300lbs should be doable with no problems. I recommend you tow that in S5 and drive at 55mph, but no faster than 65mph. Make sure you trailer is loaded properly with about 10-15% tongue weight which is atleast 430lbs for a trailer weighing 4300lbs.

 

Take your time and you will be fine... stock. Also you will get around 12 mpg so be prepared to almost double your fuel stops.
Oh, check tire pressures on both truck and trailer and set them right. One thing I do when towing long distance is, when I stop for fuel or food, I place the palm of my hand on a rear truck tire and also a trailer tire, especially in high ambient temps. You should be able to leave your hand there unless you are... delicate. If it is too hot to keep your hand on the tire then you have a problem with something, probably too low tire pressure.
Have fun and enjoy.

 

Frontal area of trailer is also a large component.
There's no way of knowing until you try, but every inch your trailer is over the cab, power, driveability, and MPGs will suffer very bigley.
I'm sure it's doable, as mentioned; plan on extra time and fuel. Make it fun, don't get in a hurry