The Tacoma Towing Bible

I started looking at getting a smaller camper to tow with the truck last year and I actually have the funds to really start looking now. I looked through my manual and I saw something interesting. Sorry if this was asked already, I didn't read through all 93 pages of the thread. The owners manual said anything over 1,000 lbs needs a trailer brake. That seems a bit excessive, I hope thats just something someone put in the manual and isnt tacoma specific. I feel like it would be hard to find something like a used popup that might weigh 1800-2000 lbs and that would have a trailer brake, especially shopping the used market like i am.

 

Yes, you need a trailer brake controller for any camper you get, except a very light weight tear drop.

 

Interesting, I have yet to find a pop up camper with trailer brakes. I've seen some newer ones that came with them, but they were on the heavier side at nearly 3,000 lbs.

 

I know they come both ways. I don't have one but I do have brakes on my trailers. I want to hear what others have to say about this.

 

1k lbs? That’s a tough limit to meet. Most 5x8 or less utility trailers have that capacity but do not have integrated brakes.

 

I might have misread it but i am 99% sure thats what it said. This is for the second gen tacos.

 

If that’s the case, then it comes down to informed decision or disobedience.

 

I'm pretty sure trailers over 3000# weight rating require brakes. Thats why you see lots of utility trailers rated at 2990 lbs. I don't belive there is a requirement by tow vehicle wrt brakes. Just a GVWR and tow rating. I could be wrong.

 

Weights change legally from state to state as to what weights you can tow without trailer brakes. For me personally I wouldn't go over 1k without trailer brakes, at least with the Tacoma. The brakes are fine for just the truck but I wouldn't push them with a bigger load behind it.

 

Most popups should have brakes except maybe the very small ones or very old ones. For sure get one with brakes. I've pulled 3 different trailers all with brakes and still had some close calls going downhill in traffic. The brakes in Tacomas are not that good to begin with.

 

That's the issue I'm running into, the ones in my price range are older used models.

i did find that excerpt from the manual too.

 

Get on one of the 2Lo modules, will save your clutch. Has on mine.

 

Oh the sag, hitched up my Intech Chase yesterday with a few bicycles in the truck bed, trailer is about 1300# with a tongue weight of about 250#. Lost about 2.5 inches just hooking it up. Experienced some bucking over bumps.
I searched the thread and didn't see a lot about Ride Rite air bags. I have used them on previous trucks with the Daystar cradle and they worked quite well.
Anyone out there using air bags?

 

I removed my overload, did an AAL, and added bags with cradles. Rides like a dump truck in back with no load, but I never have to worry about sag. Even with tractor loaded. Probably didn't need AAL also, lol. Stiff ride in back don't bother me too much. Came from bigger trucks, I was used to it.

 

I tow a 19ft 3,000lb trailer with my 2016 4x4 Sport. Have a weight distribution hitch. First trip was okay; but definitely light on the front. Installed air bags and onboard compressor before next trip. Night and day difference in handling. Set the bags to 60psi and the truck stays level and handles very well.

 

Your truck should be leveled with the trailer and no gear with the WDH. The bags should only carry the load in the bed. Hit up a cat scale and weigh with the trailer and without.

 

Awesome writeup. Thanks

 

Very helpful post. Thank you

 

Getting ready to review this thread in detail.

 

I imagine you and many others!

The guy that started this post did a great job teaching and communicating. Looks like he hasn't been around for a couple of years now but he left behind an impressive towing legacy. Where ever you might be these days OP, thank you for sharing your lifes experience.