05 Tacoma and travel trailer

[hillbillym16]

I'm new to travel trailers and want to be safe, so... I have found a used 2002 Sunline T-2553 travel trailer that the wife and I both like. RV dealer says I can tow this safely. I called the travel trailer manufacturer and they said it would be no problem and well within limits. I'm looking for some more opinions that are unbiased. Sunlines aren't the lightest trailers but only a couple hunded heavier. The trailer comes with a weight distribution hitch (unknown make) which I'll probably replace with a Reese or Equalizer (don't know which is best). The spec's are:

Truck.

2005 Tacoma double cab, TRD Sport, with tow package
GCVWR 11,100
curb weight 3,845
GVWR 5,350
Max tongue load is 650#
options are color keyed running boards, homelink mirror and bed mat
(I est. 100 pounds in options)
Wife and I together weigh 295#

Trailer

GVWR 7,000
UVW 4,666 (with all options, 4340# without options)
hitch weight 515 without options
length 25' 11" ball to bumper (not incl. bumper spare tire mount)

I'd GUESS options to add 80 pounds to tongue weight. We're looking to camp for 3 days to a week. I'd GUESS we would only carry a maximum 1000# in clothes, food, etc. probably a 200# 4KW generator also (in the bed of the truck). I've heard that for a week of camping, 1000# is a lot.

I don't think we'd be over any limits except the tongue weight which I understand to be somewhat negotiable with the WD hitch. BUT, that's just what I think and I've never done heavy trailering before. Who do you think, am I over, too close, reasonable, whatever.

Also, for a travel trailer, this one or similar, which is best to use; the Reese Dual Cam or the Equalizer?

Thanks in advance,

Rick

[sprj8008]

I'd be careful towing this with a tundra. A v6 is going to be taxed with this weight over any distance. If you go this direction, be VERY careful. I'm sure it can be done. Consider trading in your truck every 80000 miles too.

Jason

[RockyMtnRay]

Originally Posted by hillbillym16

I'm new to travel trailers and want to be safe, so... I have found a used 2002 Sunline T-2553 travel trailer that the wife and I both like. RV dealer says I can tow this safely. I called the travel trailer manufacturer and they said it would be no problem and well within limits. I'm looking for some more opinions that are unbiased. Sunlines aren't the lightest trailers but only a couple hunded heavier. The trailer comes with a weight distribution hitch (unknown make) which I'll probably replace with a Reese or Equalizer (don't know which is best). The spec's are:

Truck.

2005 Tacoma double cab, TRD Sport, with tow package
GCVWR 11,100
curb weight 3,845
GVWR 5,350
Max tongue load is 650#
options are color keyed running boards, homelink mirror and bed mat
(I est. 100 pounds in options)
Wife and I together weigh 295#

Trailer

GVWR 7,000
UVW 4,666 (with all options, 4340# without options)
hitch weight 515 without options
length 25' 11" ball to bumper (not incl. bumper spare tire mount)

I'd GUESS options to add 80 pounds to tongue weight. We're looking to camp for 3 days to a week. I'd GUESS we would only carry a maximum 1000# in clothes, food, etc. probably a 200# 4KW generator also (in the bed of the truck). I've heard that for a week of camping, 1000# is a lot.

I don't think we'd be over any limits except the tongue weight which I understand to be somewhat negotiable with the WD hitch. BUT, that's just what I think and I've never done heavy trailering before. Who do you think, am I over, too close, reasonable, whatever.

Also, for a travel trailer, this one or similar, which is best to use; the Reese Dual Cam or the Equalizer?

Thanks in advance,

Rick

The weight numbers seem to add up to being less than all the applicable limits (though rather close to a few) so I don't see any glaring safety problems.

A 25 foot trailer is going to need very good sway control so I'd recommend the Reese Dual Cam for the simple reason that a cam type WDH generates a recentering force whenever truck and trailer aren't aligned whereas a friction hitch like the Equ-l-izer simply resists sway onset (it also resists return to alignment).

I think you'll do fine power-wise as long as you tow on low elevation/fairly flat roads. You may find yourself wishing for more torque if you do much towing with this rig in the Appalachians; you will find yourself wanting more torque if you ever take a trip "out West" and try to tow over the high passes of the Rockies and Sierra Nevada.

[hillbillym16]

Thanks for the replies.

Yeah, I think it's do-able although if I was going to pull the trailer a lot, I'm sure it wouldn't be ideal for power or longevity of the truck.

The way I was seeing the trailer would be used is going to racing or other events. A couple times a year in Atlanta which is only 50 miles or so (and flat land). Maybe go to another race or two a year. Maybe a couple mini vacations a year, it would substitute for a hotel room. Mostly flat, only occasional hilly stuff. I seriously doubt anything as far as out west.

I'm still looking, no decisions yet. Hoping to find that perfect combination of high quality and light weight.

Thanks,
Rick