Planning my "first tow"

Hi, All,

I just joined this forum yesterday at a coworker's suggestion. I'm impressed already; tons of really good info!

I'm the happy owner of a 2008 Tacoma PreRunner equipped with what Toyota calls the "sport package."

My wife & I are planning a 2-3 week trip from the Sacramento area to various locations in AZ, including the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

I've already read lots of interesting pre-tow info on this forum and am looking for recommendations regarding "gotta haves" for outfitting this truck for such a trek. We don't yet have a trailer; looking into the purchase of one 19'-23' in length.

From what I've read thus far, a brake controller is a must. Other things such as load distribution hitch & sway control system are recommended.

Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to the site, there are plenty here that will answer these questions in their entirety.

 

X5000000

and welcome to TW

 

Do you have the OEM towing package? Do you have an auto or manual?

Are you buying a used or new travel trailer?
If you are buying a used travel trailer, I would inspect the trailer axles - including bearings (may need to repack them w/grease), axle brakes, etc.

Make sure you have a spare tire for the trailer

A trailer 'break-away' kit. If the trailer comes disconnected from your truck, the break-away kit will also disconnect & apply the brakes to stop the trailer.

You might want to look into some additional (or bigger) mirrors.

 

Welcome to TW

Be sure to check out the Towing Bible from Adam...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/towing/4031-tacoma-towing-bible.html

 

Thanks all for the quick replies!

Answers to your questions:

- My truck does not have the tow package.
- The tranny is auto.
- I've not yet had a TSB done.
- We've not decided whether to purchase a new or used trailer. As with most
things, cost will be a factor. Good point 'bout checking the axles/bearings.
- Also, good point 'bout the break-away kit. This is the first I've seen a
reference to that.

Cheers,

 

Most rv's these days come with a break away switch.

I'd be most careful if you don't have the factory tow package. At the least you should add a transmission oil cooler. The standard package includes an engine oil cooler and I think that should be added also. You will be towing over some high terrain, keeping all the vital fluids cool is very important.

I think you should talk with your dealer about what towing an rv beyond the rated capacity of your Tacoma would do to your warrantee.

For a travel trailer, I can't imagine not having a weight distribution hitch and a sway control of some kind. I would agree that a good brake controller is an absolute must. I have both a WDH and a friction sway control with my 4,000 pound GVWR high wall pop up and I've towed without either or both and they each make a great difference in towing stability.

I'd move cautiously about putting a big travel trailer on the Tacoma without the factory tow package.