Making my Taco tow-worthy

I have a '06 double cab 4x4 without the tow package. It has 185k miles on it. I just bought a travel trailer that weighs 3500# dry. So far I have installed the 7 prong plug and a brake controller. Bought a weight distribution hitch. Now I have some people telling me to simply add a leaf and a transmission cooler and others saying I should have all the shocks new, some telling me I should add airbags. I read somewhere on this site that there are additional shocks that I can add that will only act when there is excessive weight on the existing shocks and won't affect the ride when there is no weight....I read somewhere here that I may want to get a larger alternator and battery? Is this really necessary? I have a great Honda generator. What would be the best route? And can anyone direct me to websites to purchase what you suggest?

Thank you so much in advance. I'm just a girl who wants to camp on the beach.

Kindly,
Juliette

 

If automatic transmission, the added transmission cooler is a MUST. If manual, you're ok.

IMHO, those that recommended air bags gave you good advice. I really like mine and the trip I took last week through a mountain pass with an 18' tandem trailer grossing 4-5000lbs was quite enjoyable with them. I wouldn't replace your shocks unless there is other reason to do so, as in lack of damping or leakage. With air bags, there is no reason for an add-a-leaf.

I wouldn't worry about upgrading to a group 27 battery (the larger one) until such time as a battery replacement is needed, and unless you're trying to run your fridge on 12v while driving, I wouldn't be concerned about the alternator either.

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you. I will get the tranny cooler because I have an automatic transmission. The shocks do need to be replaced (I'm at 185k and they've never been done) and I will try the airbags. I don't want to change the ride that much while not hauling. Any ideas about how much airbags, tranny cooler, and new rear shocks will run me?

 

I added airbags to my 2015 for about $300 from etrailer and I handled the install myself. I also had a B&M plate tranny cooler installed on the family 4runner (prior tow vehicle) that I bought on Amazon for about $75.

 

Definitely get a tranny cooler! With a trailer that heavy tow in Drive, not Overdrive as most Toy trannys have a weak OD gear. Make sure your hitch is rated for the weight, Factory tow comes with a class IV hitch, I believe the Port installed hitch is a Class III. Weight dist hitch is also a good idea.

 

^^this

Everyone here is spot on. Get the tranny cooler and airbags, then go out and tow! Oh yeah, and 185k on those shocks means they're done. I did't get 50k on mine...

Happy haulin!!!

 

The firestone air bag kit number for your truck is 2407 - A quick google search showed $319 USD for the kit, at SD trucksprings - you can look around and probably find a better deal too.

I'd expect about $100 for a transmission cooler kit, and $3-400 for decent shocks (bilstein 5100s are TW favourites) or look in the classifieds for a set of take-off TRD bilstein shocks from a new truck (from people upgrading their suspension for off-road use), I bought a set a few years ago with a hundred miles on them for pretty reasonable.

Ballpark anyway. Any labour for installation would be over and above.

 

What engine? V6 or 4 cylinder?

 

Thank you LandPhil for the airbag #s and info on the shocks. It's greatly appreciated as I had no idea where to start. Koditten, I have a V6. I'm going to search around online and place my orders. Hope to have my truck up and hauling my *ss to the beach in the next 10 days or so...now's the time, it's like 100*F here today. Thanks everyone!

 

Hope someone with airbags will post and give you their pressures for both loaded and non-towing.

 

How does this look?:
http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-Toyo...34117505&sr=8-1&keywords=bilstein+5100+tacoma
and
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/firestone-2407-ride-rite-air-bag-kit-toyota-tacoma-4wd-2005-2014
with
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...e=60&Ne=1+2+3+13+1147708&searchTerm=130-70264

Good to go?

 

edm3rd,
I hope so too. I'm such a newbie but hope to get some real time towing under my belt. Looking to tow to Key West this winter. From NY. Yikes!

 

Order the 5100's from downsouthmotorsports if you want to save some cash. I got mine from them for less. Other than that, looks good. I'm planning on adding air to my truck down the road and a custom oil cooler with fan. Then again, I'm familiar with AN line assembly and have the tools for it.

 

Air bag pressures are more "driver preference". What one person likes may not be what another likes. You will have to experiment with pressures to find what works best for you.

 

Air pressure in the bags when towing depends on tongue weight. As a general rule, measure the ride height of the rear of your Taco unladen, then hook up to the trailer and add enough air to bring you back to the unladen ride height or thereabouts. In my case, I need about 60psi in my Air Ride kit when towing the family camper because it has a really heavy tongue. I've read that others sometimes run 30-40psi for their specific applications.

When unloaded, I don't need any air in the bags. Manufacturer specifies that at least 5psi must be kept in the bags at all times, so I run with that.

 

When figuring out pressure to use in air bag suspension, measure hitch receiver height on truck when unloaded.

Then with loaded truck, bring up air pressure in air bags until hitch height is back to unloaded level.

I use 19 psi when pulling light 1300 pound trailer and misc crap in the bed.

Used like 45 psi when hauling a motorcycle on hitch hauler.

On empty truck I keep it at 5 psi.

DO NOT use an air compressor to inflate! Use bike pump or you might blow them up since air volumes are low.

BB