Towing with 3rd Gen Tacoma

Do you have the tow package? If you do then you have a transmission cooler. Or are you thinking about adding a second one?

 

I have a 2018 TRD OR with about 15,000 miles on it right now.
Has anybody towed about 4500lbs on a stock suspension for about 20 hours?
Reason why im asking is cause im taking a trip to Colorado from Memphis. It's about 1,000 miles.
I would like to know if the stock suspension can handle the drive or should i make some upgrades to my truck.

 

Did you have to un hitch the camper to get those numbers ? I have read on some posts you have to get weighted with camper hitched then un hitch and weight truck separate ..

 

Great info. Big reason I changed from 4runner to my 18 tacoma was for future trailer.
Question- Im in Central CA and one of the bigger/challenging roads is the I5 going over the Grapevine, with very steep grade. How does the Tacoma with 3-4000# trailer do over big grades?

 

Suspension should have no problems. As long as you have the tow package and a a proper weight distributing hitch. Keep your Transsmission in S4 and don't drive faster than 65mph. Keep your truck as light as possible, put all gear in the trailer and distribute the weight as evenly as possible with about 10-15% tongue weight. Use stock tires if you have them still and try not use AC too much if you can help it, (reduces engine load and improves MPGs).

 

No airbags added and using the weight distribution hitch helps a bunch with no sag

 

Am I correct to understand that the 3rd Gen Tacomas don't have a brake controller as part of the tow package?

I'm looking at trading in my 2006 Jeep Commander in a few months for a Tacoma, should I plan on pulling my existing brake controller out and reinstalling in the Tacoma, or would it be better to just get a new

 

The brake controller wiring is there. The plug for it is hiding behind a wire bundle in the left kick panel. You will need a connector wire from that to your controller.

 

Looking for experience with helper springs on a 3rd gen sport suspension?
I’ve looked at Super Springs, Helwig and SDTruck.
I use my truck as a truck, have a ARE metal contractor cap and bed storage system, I tow my 10 utility trailer pretty regularly and want to help my lil red TRD. I’m done with the 2” squat. I’ve researched the airbag, full suspension and leaf pack route. Someone sell me on why I shouldn’t just do a full length American made helper spring.

Thanks in advance

 

Towed this home over the weekend. Advertised 2500lbs dry. Towed like shit, but it was the one of the windiest days we have had in a long time. 7.7 mpg.

Hopefully my experience will improve with better weather.

 

Have you considered Sumo springs?

 

Good pick !

 

This was our first camp trip this last weekend. 2017 TRD4x4 towing a 2019 Rockwood GeoPro 19fbs. The TV has airbags and a Equalizer WD hitch. TT weights 3,100 dry. It towed awesome. We are taking it to VA and NC in June for almost a week.

 

Hey All...
Had to get new tires for my Tacoma and what a difference it made in towing my trailer. I had stock tires(P245) originally which wore out around 44,00miles and did some timely research for light tires and went with Back Country HTs(LT245) from Les Schwab. The towing is much smoother and less sway. However I was hoping the mpg would be a little better but still only getting 12-14 MPG around So Cal. I am really enjoying using my travel trailer especially going to the beach areas over here. I plan on for longer trips going into next year and looking forward to them.

 

I towed my 2,800 lb, 18' car hauler from MA to PA and back. It had a 2,200lb car in it along with a bunch of parts in the trailer and bed. No sway with a WD hitch and it got 11-13 mpg. '17 TRD Sport with stock suspension and tires

 

LT tires are much heavier. Therefore same or worse MPG.

 

Put in S5 and tow at 55mph with a WDH and sway control.

 

Two test weekend campouts in the books, ready for the next big trip.

I'm very happy with how the 3rd gen tows, it pulls along fine in 4th with ECT at 95 km/h @22L/100km (~10.6mpg), and climbs well in 3rd gear if necessary. Coolant and ATF stay very steady at 90C (194F). Trailer feels solid with an equalizer and friction sway bar on.



OEM tires are pretty squishy, I pump them up to 45psi but there is only so much a p-series can do. Next set of BFG E will fix that. Airbags are on the list as well just to make it a bit more comfortable..

 

Meanwhile in Europe...

 

Late to the party here, but wouldn't you have to add your tongue weight to the 4541 lbs to get your trailer weight? That's if somehow they are measuring the 'under the wheel' weights.