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First figure out big/small a trailer you want. How many people will be traveling in your rig?
My wife and I, retirees, enjoyed many trips in a 17' Casita, coast to coast, beyond both borders. Some folks feel deprived in anything less than a 32' monster. This will bear on what tow vehicle will work for you.
We towed the Casita with a Nissan Xterra and it did an excellent job.
I second the recommendation for a transmission cooler with any size tow vehicle.
Your responses have boosted my confidence with the truck I have and pointed some things out I didn't even consider.
It seems 6,800 pounds is the max for towing with this Tundra so I'll start looking for a trailer about 1,500lbs less than that. I plan on doing research on installing trailer brakes, transmission cooler and air bags for the rear suspension.
25ft was the goal. I've seen some "ultra light" types and will look into those some more.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Natman.us
Your responses have boosted my confidence with the truck I have and pointed some things out I didn't even consider.
It seems 6,800 pounds is the max for towing with this Tundra so I'll start looking for a trailer about 1,500lbs less than that. I plan on doing research on installing trailer brakes, transmission cooler and air bags for the rear suspension.
25ft was the goal. I've seen some "ultra light" types and will look into those some more.
Thanks again for your input.
Consider a 5th wheel for more stability, ease of handling. I have a friend with a 17' 5th wheel, and he can get into some very SMALL back country campgrounds. (And make U-turns on small country roads).
Consider a 5th wheel for more stability, ease of handling. I have a friend with a 17' 5th wheel, and he can get into some very SMALL back country campgrounds. (And make U-turns on small country roads).
I wouldn't even think about towing a 5th wheel with a half ton, especially not with a Toyota, which has a minimal payload capacity compared to American half tons. A three quarter ton can tow a small 5th wheel, while a one ton dually is the choice for larger 5th wheels. Pin weights on a 5th wheel are much heavier than tongue weights of a similar sized travel trailer.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlaskaErik
I wouldn't even think about towing a 5th wheel with a half ton, especially not with a Toyota, which has a minimal payload capacity compared to American half tons. A three quarter ton can tow a small 5th wheel, while a one ton dually is the choice for larger 5th wheels. Pin weights on a 5th wheel are much heavier than tongue weights of a similar sized travel trailer.
as per my discussion.. I was referencing LIGHT 5th wheels. 17' 5th wheel,
This 5r ^^^ is under 3,000# and has a <500# tongue weight DIRECTLY over the axle, not 5' BEHIND the axle. (as is a bumper pull TT). This owner has 250k miles 10+ yrs (mostly backroad) pulling this (Light) 5r behind a 1/2T .
As a commercial driver... I see far more Toy's upside down from towing accidents than any other brand. I am sure it is 'operator error' / higher statistical frequency of Toys on the road. (but also a Toy does not give you much margin for error.)
don't get hurt.
don't hurt others
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Definitely use sway bars and some really stout shocks (Bilstein HD or equivalent).
If you are over 3500#, use a full floating axle vehicle (3/4T+),
if over 5,000# a dually
I daily tow to 30,000 GCVW in Mtns with a dually 4x4 (cab and Chassis)
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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BTW:
here is a 1/2T site (Which I don't advocate, but it IS what you have for a tow vehicle, and is successfully used by many... just be safe). My Dad would ONLY buy 1/2 tons (cuz he traveled a LOT of road miles (5 western states as a sales territory)). I would not have a 1/2 ton, due to the loads I expect my trucks to handle.
I don't recall the specific name of my friend's 5r make, but it was one of the PNW (Oregon) manufacturers that sold out in the 2008 crisis. It was very nice / popular in PNW due to high ground clearance. (forest road camping / forest service lakes / undeveloped campgrounds. )
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