Towing Trail Rig

TundraCrazy01 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 02:45 AM

I'm using my fathers 05 DC 2WD Tundra and I'm going to be pulling a 14 FT triple axle trailer. I'm not sure about the weight of it all but How will the tundra hold up to pulling it around. Its around 4.5K-5K pounds. OD on or off? The trailer has brakes so I'm not to worried about stopping but pulling it I am. What do you all think? Thanks

funfinder4 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 10:18 AM

A 14ft. triple axle trailer!? That trailer would have more length in tires than not! I bet it looks funny.

Anyway, you'll be fine as long as the trailer has electric breaks. Many of us here tow more than that quite often with great results. I've got a 30ft Travel Trailer that's 10ft+ tall and 6,000lbs easy. I can overtake slower traffic with ease.

OD off for me.

TundraCrazy01 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 01:46 AM

Thanks. The trailer don't look funny at all. It levels out very well with my rig on it. Also how much tounge weight should I have. I don't want me truck to look like its gets getting ready to go to the moon. But I dont want to spend any cash eaither. Thanks

tomhole · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 12:02 PM

Is this an enclosed trailer? If it is, hitch weight should be 12-13% of the total trailer weight. So a 5,000 lbs trailer should have a hitch weight of 600-650 lbs. That will make you look like you're going to the moon and you should use a weight distribution hitch. Especially on a 2005.

If it is a boat, you can get away with a lot less hitch weight. 7-8%. The boat is aerodynamic and tends to act as a restoring moment thus preventing sway.

If it is an open trailer with a car on it, that's similar to a boat and you could get away with less hitch weight, maybe 10%. Now you can probably get by without a WDH.

Tom

TundraCrazy01 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2009, 05:23 PM

Its a open flatbed trailer with a 85 pickup on it. I'm not sure about the weight. How would you compare a 05 2wd DC over a 01 AC 4wd?

Only Toyota for me · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TundraCrazy01

Its a open flatbed trailer with a 85 pickup on it. I'm not sure about the weight. How would you compare a 05 2wd DC over a 01 AC 4wd?

The 05 has more power, a 5-speed trans, and i don't know for sure but i think it has a lower speed rear end than the 01. The 01's had 3.90 rear, and the newer ones went to 4.10's which is better for towing.

Not 100% positive on this, but tomhole can chime in and let you know for sure.

TundraCrazy01 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 02:31 PM

The 06 it is. Thanks guys

funfinder4 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomhole

...If it is a boat, you can get away with a lot less hitch weight. 7-8%. The boat is aerodynamic and tends to act as a restoring moment thus preventing sway.

If it is an open trailer with a car on it, that's similar to a boat and you could get away with less hitch weight, maybe 10%. Now you can probably get by without a WDH...

This is a common miss understanding of why boats have less hitch weight and still tow well. It has nothing to do with aerodynamics. It's the percentage of overhang past the trailers axles. The further rear ward you can move a trailers axles the more resistant to sway it will become.

tomhole · #9 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 06:23 AM

Good point. Can I get partial credit?