So, I bought my first travel trailer and...... questions...

FWIW, for heavy loads... Should tow in 4th gear. 4th is the only gear that uses only 1 planetary gear set in the trans. All other gears (1,2,3,5,6) transmit power through multiple gear sets to get the gearing. Thus 4th is as close to "direct" drive as possible. Thus less heat created in the trans.

 

And is stated as much in the manual.

 

I installed my P3 in the same spot, but didn't use the mounting bracket, I just removed the coin cup thing and wedged it in and used some metal fishing leader to lock it down behind the plastic facing using the original mounting screws. It sits a little more back into the dash and is somehow very level (a requirement of the controller).

I tow a 2020 NuCamp T@B 400 BDL (dry weight 2953, around 3500 when stuffed full for a long weekend) here in Vermont and can say my 2017 DCSB TRD Sport hates any little hill, let alone the mountains I drive through all day every day. Gas mileage is for sh** and I'm usually going about 60 with the engine screaming on the hills. That said, I can get into just about any campsite and am usually averaging about 13mpg towing, which is about what I'd get in a tundra anyway.

 

All in all, OP, if you stick with the Mini Lite, I think you'll not look forward to the drives, but the actual camping and functionality of the RV will be very enjoyable all around. Forest Rivers are top notch in the RV world.

It might be wise to get a Scan gauge 2 to monitor tranny temps, though I have one and even in Texas heat I have never gotten tranny temps over 202 while towing.
***I pin the thermostat open from June to September here in South TX, towing or not.

Congrats on the purchase and enjoy the RV life!

 

Victory 4x4 vendor here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKMJdwJWggI

 

My truck struggles to pull a 12 foot U-Haul lightly loaded from Raleigh to Charlotte. As has been said, it will do it , but not well at all.

Picked the trailer up in Raleigh. 21.3 MPG going, 11.3 comming back with it. 3rd and 4th gear the whole way. ETC on.

G.

 

This is the video that actually sealed the deal in my mind about buying my Geopro. He's perfectly honest about the truck and its capabilities which I really like. Very nice looking Tacoma too!
I thought if I towed 1000lbs less than the Victory Tacoma, I would sport better drivability and fuel economy than they did - turns out it was exactly the same!
Same RPM's, same fuel economy, over 1000lbs less. Thats' when I became fully aware that the wind resistance, not the weight, is the main reason why travel trailers are not a good fit with the Tacoma.

 

The thing that kills all hope of towing being manageable?

Passing a semi-trailer on a 2 lane road when he's going 75 no matter how slow you're going. It feels like you're going to get sucked back along with him.

 

Don’t mean to sound dumb, but how did you get the cubby hole box out of the compartment?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-remove-cubby-hole-to-the-left-of-steering-wheel.532917/

Scroll down to post #6. Take your time and pop out the piece then unscrew the small screws to release the cubby.

 

just to touch back on this part of the equation too, I believe the hitch itself is considered part of the vehicle GVWR. As mentioned it’s job is to move weight from the rear of the truck to the front. If sway control isn’t built in to your WDH you’ll want to add that as well. I have a bolt on curt sway control for my pop-up and it really helps.

And yes, with the WDH, people, dogs, and tongue weight you’ll definitely be pushing the Tacoma’s GVWR. It’s one of the things that concerns me towing with my Tacoma and honestly has me looking at a Rangers or a 1/2 ton. I’m right at the GVWR limit with my family loaded up and ready to go; a single AAL and new shocks helped the load handling tremendously.

 

Pop-ups are best route to go. They have collapsible roof, you can get ac in it, toilet and even a 3 way fridge. Small enough to maneuver around, light weight, less air drag, you can get an outside shower hook-up ,weight is low enough to get around and keep up with traffic .had 1 in the past with my 99 and was great. You can use your slide outs and enjoy the outdoors instead of being cooped up with no real air circulation. I think I would have asked them if i could hook it up and run down the road to test it out before i put my signature in the box. In any event it's your decision and you will have to live with it and that means either good or bad.good luck

 

Thanks for the link, Phich. Looks easy enough for a semi do it all kinda guy like me.

thanks Skierd, I’ll keep s in mind

 

If I was still a young man, probably single, I agree. I would have a pop up. But we’re in our 70’s now so a full bed, couch, bathroom.... you get the idea. Especially easier on my wife, who has some hip issues.

 

The biggest reason for the low GVWR is the soft springs. If you add a leaf or two you can put a lot more weight in your truck. It adds more lateral rigidity as well which makes towing more stable. I have two extra leafs per side on mine and it has made a huge difference in towing. Mind you, my tacoma is a work truck and the stiff ride when empty is accepted. I have been towing with this truck for years with loads well exceeding the max and tongue loads as much as 1200 lbs without squatting. You aren't going to convince me my truck is going to break in half... I've been doing it for too long.

 

You'll be fine, you are aware of the numbers, you sound like you will be cautious while driving it, truck will do it with ECT and 4th.
Would it be easier and more comfy in a 5.7 Tundra? Sure! Could you pass cars on your way and pack another 1000lbs worth of beer and stuff into a 40ft trailer? Probably..

But this is TW - load up, get out there, and see you at the lake..

 

I’m right there with you on the soft rear springs. With the single AAL I have and 5100’s bumps that used to threaten to shake the truck apart are handled with much more composure. I’ve had 1000+ pounds in the bed numerous times before and after and it’s a night and day difference.

 

We’re leaving Monday to pick up the trailer. The drive (no trailer) could be done in a long day of driving, but coming home, we plan to take 3 days, thus 2 nights in the new trailer and not pushing the drive too far. Our longest day will be about 320 miles.

I’ll see how she handles on this trip and gives some consideration to adding additional springs.

thanks for the heads up.

 

Already bought the trailer so yo can go new truck shopping. Anything more than a short haul you’re not going to be happy. Start looking at Tundras.

 

So if I only add one leaf per side, would I still benefit from additional carrying capacity without stiffening the ride too much? I don’t carry much in the truck on a daily basis other than maybe a stock up trip to Costco now and then or the occasional trip to the dump so we don’t want to change the ride too drastically.