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The Tacoma Towing Bible

Discussion in 'Towing' started by maverick491, Nov 18, 2007.

  1. Jun 14, 2021 at 11:43 AM
    #1861
    danteisme

    danteisme Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  2. Jun 14, 2021 at 11:45 AM
    #1862
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Well-Known Member

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    Yes, you need a trailer brake controller for any camper you get, except a very light weight tear drop.
     
  3. Jun 14, 2021 at 11:47 AM
    #1863
    danteisme

    danteisme Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    onesojourner likes this.
  4. Jun 14, 2021 at 12:36 PM
    #1864
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  5. Jun 14, 2021 at 12:38 PM
    #1865
    RushT

    RushT Amateur Everythingist

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    1k lbs? That’s a tough limit to meet. Most 5x8 or less utility trailers have that capacity but do not have integrated brakes.
     
  6. Jun 14, 2021 at 12:42 PM
    #1866
    danteisme

    danteisme Well-Known Member

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    I might have misread it but i am 99% sure thats what it said. This is for the second gen tacos.
     
  7. Jun 14, 2021 at 12:44 PM
    #1867
    RushT

    RushT Amateur Everythingist

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    If that’s the case, then it comes down to informed decision or disobedience. :)
     
    danteisme likes this.
  8. Jun 14, 2021 at 3:23 PM
    #1868
    KeithB

    KeithB Well-Known Member

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    Wheels and Tires: 17x8" Ultra Goliath wheels with P285/70R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3/W tires, Suspension: Fox coilovers set at 2", TC UCA's, 1.5" lift 3 leaf pack with overload left in Other: TRD SS exhaust, Pioneer AVIC 4100 H/U with Android Auto (awesomeness), sat radio bluetooth, Accessories: Toyota roof rack, black Toyota running board steps, cargo divider, weathertech floor liners, Literider roll up soft tonneau, thule bars over tonneau, USB ports front and rear, seat heaters, birddawg mirror riser Cosmetic: window tint, grillcraft black mesh upper/lower grill, vinyl armrest in doors, Clazzio black seat covers with blue stitch, Redline steering wheel wrap Lighting: fogs only mod, back up lights, amber interior accent lighting, amber 10" LED light bar in hood scoop, 33" LED bar behind the lower grill, amber lamin-x on fog lights, Tacomabeast headlights and matching tails.
    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.
     
  9. Jun 14, 2021 at 3:32 PM
    #1869
    bryflies

    bryflies Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    Mike O likes this.
  10. Jun 14, 2021 at 8:47 PM
    #1870
    HB Taco

    HB Taco Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2021
    wdb likes this.
  11. Jun 15, 2021 at 5:24 AM
    #1871
    danteisme

    danteisme Well-Known Member

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    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.

    [​IMG]
     
  12. Jun 16, 2021 at 12:55 PM
    #1872
    Zacowacko

    Zacowacko Well-Known Member

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    SW, OK
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    TRD Pro Susp., Icon AAL, Bags w/cradles, US OR Bumper w/Smitty, 2Lo Mod
    Get on one of the 2Lo modules, will save your clutch. Has on mine.
     
  13. Jun 19, 2021 at 3:09 AM
    #1873
    Josh41

    Josh41 Well-Known Member

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    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?
     
  14. Jun 19, 2021 at 7:47 AM
    #1874
    Zacowacko

    Zacowacko Well-Known Member

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    SW, OK
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    TRD Pro Susp., Icon AAL, Bags w/cradles, US OR Bumper w/Smitty, 2Lo Mod
    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.
     
    Josh41[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Jun 30, 2021 at 1:56 PM
    #1875
    Pongo

    Pongo Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  16. Jun 30, 2021 at 1:59 PM
    #1876
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    Pongo[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Jul 4, 2021 at 7:52 AM
    #1877
    Jamie B

    Jamie B Member

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    NW BC coast
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    led lights, to brake controller, remote start
    Awesome writeup. Thanks
     
  18. Jul 8, 2021 at 11:26 AM
    #1878
    sventi

    sventi Active Member

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    Very helpful post. Thank you
     
  19. Jul 15, 2021 at 12:38 PM
    #1879
    Old Marine Cal

    Old Marine Cal Well-Known Member

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    Getting ready to review this thread in detail.
     
  20. Jul 16, 2021 at 4:48 AM
    #1880
    saf023

    saf023 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     

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