Questions about 2007 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 4.0 Towing Package

About two years ago, I bought 2007 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 4.0 double cab, without the tow package, not thinking that I would need it some day. Well, I just bought a 1993 Layton Travel Trailer (weighs 4,000 lbs.) with a battery and electric brakes (has 6 pin connector), and the owner gave me "free", a heavy metal ball joint connection, 2 weight-distribution lever spring bars, plus a sway control system bar to keep the trailer from swaying. I am in the process of adding a tow package, and I bought a class 3 receiver, 7 pin connection harness with wiring, and a combination oil/tranny cooler. My mechanic is doing the work for me but, I have several questions/worries. First, will my engine and tranny be okay with what I bought? Second, will I need to upgrade the trucks brakes? Upgrade to what? Third, will I need to buy any additional suspension shocks and/or springs to handle the extra weight? Finally, will I need a heavy duty battery, and 30 Amp Alternator? Will the higher 30 Amp alternator mess up any of my electrical systems? Please e-mail me the answers to my questions and thank you for any help/advise. madga0822@yahoo.com.

 

The only thing would change are the rear leaf springs. I would install an Add-a-leaf. 1.5 or 2 inch.

Battery - engine - trans - alternator should be ok. If you are really anal about having everything perfect, then you could change the battery & alternator. But, I feel your stock should be fine.

 

I wouldn't go with a 30amp alternator unless you plan on using it on a go kart. You would want to upgrade to a 130 amp alternator. I don't see with towing a trailer that the stock alternator would be taxed too hard. I don't know how much of a current draw trailer brakes are but I assume it couldn't be too extreme.

Are you installing a trailer brake controller as well?

 

If you haven't done the Spring TSB, do it. You might have a bottoming out problem, the TSB will fix it. Engine and Tranny will have no problems with the weight, but if towing up a lot of hills.. the tranny might have a problem with the Temperatures (staying in out of Torque Converter Clutch mode, it keeps the ATF circulating in the torque converter and generates the greatest amount of heat), so adding a Tranny cooler is worth the money unless you tow on flat ground. You battery is a group 27 battery (do they have anything else?), plenty big enough.

A bigger alternator is for charging the truck's battery as well as the trailer's. Some RV'ers run their Fridge on 12v while going down the road, and this could be a considerable load on the Trucks Charging system.. don't run the fridge on 12v while towing, problem solved. Also, if installing an aftermarket 7 way plug, you will also need to install a BRAKE controller (YOU WILL NEED IT) and run the appropriate wires back to the 7way plug. Happy Camping!

-Sam