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Advice on towing

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Nadalee7, Aug 5, 2009.

  1. Aug 5, 2009 at 12:27 PM
    #1
    Nadalee7

    Nadalee7 [OP] New Member

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    I have a 03 Tacoma 4x4 V6 extended cab with tow package. What is the largest "dry weight" on travel trailer I should be looking at? Without adding anything to the truck.
    Is a 3980lb UVW 23.5 ft Forest River Surveyor too big?
     
  2. Aug 5, 2009 at 12:32 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Welcome to TW! To get an accurate answer, your going to have to know the exact weight of the tralor "Wey" with all cargo you will be carrying.
     
  3. Aug 5, 2009 at 1:37 PM
    #3
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    What's the tow rating for the 03 tacoma w/ tow package?

    I think it's only 5,000lbs.

    Get the trailer weighed....and don't exceed 5,000lbs.
     
  4. Aug 5, 2009 at 1:46 PM
    #4
    NAAC3TACO

    NAAC3TACO Middle aged member

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    A trailer that big may control the truck more than truck controls the trailer, especially at freeway speed. As you go around a corner, the truck may start to sway. This is very dangerous. I would suggest a smaller, lighter trailer or a bigger truck. I used to have a 1998 Jeep Cheokee with a 4.0 six cylinder. It had plenty of power to tow with, but if I wasn't very careful with my speed around corners, it was scary how much it moved around. I replaced that Jeep with a 1995 Chevy K1500 to tow with and never had an issue. A second gen Tacoma would probably tow much better. JMO.
     
  5. Aug 5, 2009 at 2:58 PM
    #5
    gus54

    gus54 Well-Known Member

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    Our new '09 SR5 with tow package is supposed to be rated at 6500#. We looked at some Travel Trailers and it was recommended to stay at least 1K below that rating with the dry trailer weight. I would guess it would be the same for you - stay at least 1K beneath to allow for stuff. But they also said they figure in wind resistance and it seems that a 26' -28' weighing about 5K or a little more would be about max.
     
  6. Aug 5, 2009 at 3:11 PM
    #6
    Incognito

    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    Welcome to TW!
     
  7. Aug 6, 2009 at 5:31 AM
    #7
    Nadalee7

    Nadalee7 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate it. Can someone give me a dry weight number to be looking at? example: 3000 lbs etc.
     
  8. Aug 7, 2009 at 5:11 AM
    #8
    maverick491

    maverick491 Towing Guru

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    You are not looking at dry weight. You need to be looking at GVWR. Which you will find on a sticker inside on of the kitchen cabinet doors in the rigs you are looking at. Dry weights in brochures do not tak into account any installed options, water, propane, and any of your camping gear, and you would be surprised how quickly all of that adds up.

    example: Dry weight on my trailer is 3125. Wet and loaded it's 3750, but that is just with food, cloths and gear for me, the wife and one dog. It will jump exponentially if you have kids with all the crap that they require.

    If you want an arbitrary number then no more than 3500lbs max dry weight, but I urge you to actually read the weight stickers of the units you are looking at.
     
  9. Aug 7, 2009 at 4:50 PM
    #9
    Isthatahemi

    Isthatahemi Well-Known Member

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    Find a trailer with a GVW of 5000# or less. That way when it's loaded, you know you're safe. Best to keep the trailer not maxed out, as the load in your truck and trailer together must be within your GCWR (gross combined weight rating). My experience is that most trucks are capable of 100% of their rating, but it will be working it.
     
  10. Aug 20, 2009 at 5:45 AM
    #10
    Nadalee7

    Nadalee7 [OP] New Member

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  11. Aug 20, 2009 at 6:32 PM
    #11
    MJonaGS32

    MJonaGS32 MJ on a GS

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    Looks good! Anymore pics of it? How does your taco pulling it?
     

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