Travel trailer towing question.

I agree but think 4000 lbs gross would still be OK. I bought the Tacoma last year before we decided to go RVing. This first 200+ mile trip will be the deciding factor. If I come back with white knuckles then I'll go back to a full size truck. I can buy a Silverado 1500 with tow package and everything else we want or a RAM 1500 with similar options in the mid-30's and have a towing capacity of10K+lbs on either. I do not like the Tundra so that's out. The two things that the latter bring are V8 torque for hills and heavier tow vehicles to stabilize the trailer. Once we get out of Texas and into real mountains the Tacoma will be in 3rd gear most of the time going up hills. The real thrill would be going downhill with a trailer that weighs 1000 lbs more than the truck. I'd probably have to feather the trailer brakes to keep things from getting out of hand. My biggest challenge will be convincing the wife that I need to sell our 6 month old truck. I really do like it but I think I'd be better off with something bigger now that our plans have changed. My 20/20 hindsight is really good .

 

I've never understood why all these travel trailers have such crazy paint jobs and graphics.

 

You can order a Lance without the graphics.

 

Here's my trailer. Dual axle but similar weight (3400 dry).
I have a P3 brake controller I just need to wire but have found so far on 4 trips that the brakes on trailer (electric) and Taco brakes are more than effective for this set up.

I also currently have no weight distribution hitch but would reccommend it mostly just for less walrussing and momentum loss when you hit bumpy sections (comfy). I've found alot online for 250-350 on average- next seasons purchase budget ☺

Pin connection @ rear is 7 pin, 1 pin for elec brakes and 1 pin for charging on board batteries.

I find 90-95 km/h a nice comfy cruise speed for her. Averaged about 16 L / 100 km for 300 km trips (1 way). Sometimes 15 with little wind and chill mode activated

 

Nice setup. Pretty country up there also.

 

Your set up is very close to mine same weight you will love it pulls like a dream. Happy camping

 

Check out ProEFX mirrors. Rob here on the forum was instrumental in design and manufacture. I absolutel love mine. Last time I talked to him they were working on the Gen 3 truck version. When they get them done that is the way to go.

 

I just traded my '16 Taco for a Tundra because it cannot cut 3400lbs here in Colorado at elevation. Not bashing the Taco, it is not the towing platform one would think. The downfall of the taco is the 600lb tongue weight. Depending on you camper you can reach that when you toss in a bag of chips in the camper.
A weight disto hitch for your towing capacity is key. You can tow 6-6500 lbs, do not get a 1000lb WDH thinking its better, it's not. Research, research, research. A few hundred buck before you leave is better than an accident any day.

 

Nice. I have a feeling most people wouldn't be caught dead driving a car around with one of those paint schemes and I certainly wouldn't put those graphics on their house. It's just strange it's the standard when it comes to homes that drive around.

 

What do you mean the down fall is the tongue weight? The rule of thumb generally is 10 % of trailer weight. Which is in line with the 6000lb tow capicity no? What would be a better spec?

Also how would a lesser capicity WDH (ie 6000 lb) be better than say a 10 000 lb when the concept is the same- and load leveling is adjustable by the amount of rings you set up for?
Leveling the load by putting it under tension and transfering some of the load across the frame would be the same regardless if you got the 6000lb or the 10 000 lb wouldnt it?
Not trying to jack the thread or troll just curious.
Btw I agree the Taco is a bit of a slug and fuel pig if major elevation changes are common a long the route.

 

Thanks. Looking forward to exploring more of it now.
Funny story my neighbour's (older couple) were talking to me about the trailer etc when I brought it home and they recalled some of the sites they had been to in their time and they busted out this 100 line plaque they made with all thr sites and national parks they had stayed at over the years. East coast to west. And into the US.
My heroes ! And they were 70++ yrs old !!

 

Tow 22' (24.5 overall ) 4500 lbs empty .
Mines a 2nd gen, '13. Looking to upgrade to a 3rd gen '17.
Current Taco has 3" Toy tech lift, 285 tires, air lift air bags to level out with trailer on, Equalizer Anti sway bars/weight distribution hitch , & Prodigy brake control. Power is so so , over 10k plus elevation have never overheated, just kinda slow, utilize transmission down hill . Full size truck would be ideal, would go for a F150 3.5 echo boost but like size for every day driving of Tacoma, as well we off-road ability is important & the Tacoma does very well off road.