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Just joined to learn more about towing with my Tundra

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by mgmoreau, Mar 2, 2019.

  1. Mar 2, 2019 at 3:30 PM
    #1
    mgmoreau

    mgmoreau [OP] New Member

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    Marc
    2008 Tundra SR5 TRD 5.7Lt
    Hi,

    I have a 2008 Tundra SR5 TRD 5.7L. I just ordered an aluminum enclosed car hauler that I am picking up in one month. I have been reading this forum to see what other guys have done to their Tundra's to set them up to tow safely. I just ordered a pair of the Toyota OEM tow mirrors from a dealer in Miami on eBay. I am debating if I need to get a weight distribution hitch. The trailer will be approximately 3000 lbs dry weight and my two classic Datsuns weight about 2300 lbs each. Also the trailer will have 5200 lb torsion spread axles with 4 electric brakes. My truck is prewired and has the tow package. I have a 117,000 on the truck. Are there any mechanical things I should do before I tow this trailer home 600 miles?

    Thanks,
    Marc
     
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    #1
  2. Mar 2, 2019 at 3:34 PM
    #2
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Welcome from Colorado
     
  3. Mar 2, 2019 at 3:36 PM
    #3
    Pinay

    Pinay New Member

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    Mahal kita Kuya
    :wave: Hiya and welcome from SoCalif!!!
     
    040Tundra likes this.
  4. Mar 2, 2019 at 3:36 PM
    #4
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Welcome from NY.

    YES!! On the weight distribution hitch.
     
    Steve89gt and Pinay like this.
  5. Mar 2, 2019 at 3:45 PM
    #5
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Welcome from CO. @ColoradoTJ is our resident towing expert.
     
  6. Mar 2, 2019 at 3:47 PM
    #6
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Welcome
     
  7. Mar 2, 2019 at 3:54 PM
    #7
    Larmand

    Larmand SSEM #6

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    Welcome to the party!!
     
  8. Mar 2, 2019 at 4:03 PM
    #8
    mgmoreau

    mgmoreau [OP] New Member

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    2008 Tundra SR5 TRD 5.7Lt
    Thanks guys! From Rhode Island
     
  9. Mar 2, 2019 at 4:32 PM
    #9
    stuckinohio

    stuckinohio MGM Crue

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    oHIo
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    If you are hauling (2) Datsuns in an enclosed trailer, a weight distribution hitch and brake controller are needed. (not familiar if 2nd gens have brake controller)
    If possible, take time ahead of your journey to load balance trailer and ensure you get the right assist springs.
    Dont forget to setup and test the brake controller boost and gain when loaded.
    A tongue weight scale can help tremendously in ensuring your setup is correct. A trailer retailer can also help recommend the correct setup, just keep in mind they want to make money.
    While towing, keep the truck in 4S, it will rev higher and use more gas, but it keeps the torque converter locked up reducing trans temps.

    From a maintenance stand point:
    Has the truck ever had transmission serviced? Maybe recommend a drain and refill prior to trip.
    When was last diff fluid change? 30K+ Maybe recommend a drain and refill prior to trip
    Check tires and tire pressure.
    Check brakes and pads on both truck and trailer.
    On the trip, take your time, don't rush, leave plenty of braking distance.
    When planning your route, consider rush-hours if you pass through cities, adjusting departure time to miss peak traffic times can help tremendously on long trips.
    Good luck!:thumbsup:
     
    040Tundra and Eric104 like this.
  10. Mar 2, 2019 at 4:40 PM
    #10
    Yotatundraaah

    Yotatundraaah My tundra stays hungrry

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    Welcome
     
    Pinay likes this.
  11. Mar 2, 2019 at 4:59 PM
    #11
    Adriver71x

    Adriver71x New Member

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    Tow Mirrors
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  12. Mar 2, 2019 at 5:10 PM
    #12
    mgmoreau

    mgmoreau [OP] New Member

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    Marc
    2008 Tundra SR5 TRD 5.7Lt
    Hey Stuckinohio,

    Thanks for all this great feedback!

    I will only be towing one car at a time. I live in RI and picking up the trailer in Woodburn IN. It is a brand new aluminum trailer. I am towing it home empty so will only be pulling the 3000# dry weight trailer. I do plan to get a brake controller.

    Yes I had the transmission drained and refilled about 5000 miles back. I will have the diff fluid changed. I bought the truck used and it had 91,000 miles when I bought if from a Toyota dealer. It was a one owner truck.

    I appreciate all the information.

    Here are pictures of the my 2 Datsuns


    Mike Young Version of 1600 @ Misselwood Concours.jpg
    IMG_0418.jpg
     
    BestGen, Steve89gt, OR18TRD and 6 others like this.
  13. Mar 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM
    #13
    Fishman57

    Fishman57 New Member

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    Welcome from SE PA!
    Beautiful cars!
     
  14. Mar 2, 2019 at 5:17 PM
    #14
    flying dave

    flying dave New Member

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    Wow. Love both of those cars. Very, very nice.
     
  15. Mar 2, 2019 at 5:24 PM
    #15
    mgmoreau

    mgmoreau [OP] New Member

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    Thanks Fishman
     
  16. Mar 2, 2019 at 5:24 PM
    #16
    mgmoreau

    mgmoreau [OP] New Member

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    Thanks flying Dave
     
  17. Mar 2, 2019 at 6:18 PM
    #17
    Prostar 190

    Prostar 190 SSEM #9 I would rather be water skiing

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  18. Mar 2, 2019 at 6:22 PM
    #18
    Alloutdrs1

    Alloutdrs1 New Member

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    Andrew
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    3k dry weight on the trailer will be a breeze for the truck, I also tow my show truck on my trailer which is about 7500lbs and I haven't had a need for a WDH with that setup but I'm pulling on an open trailer. You will have to see how your enclosed trailer handles and make a decision from there. These trucks pull very well and are very stable at speed while towing. As others said make sure fluids are up to date with there service intervals, other then that just enjoy the truck.
     
  19. Mar 2, 2019 at 6:40 PM
    #19
    mgmoreau

    mgmoreau [OP] New Member

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    Thanks Andrew.
     
  20. Mar 2, 2019 at 6:42 PM
    #20
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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  21. Mar 2, 2019 at 6:44 PM
    #21
    NCTundra18

    NCTundra18 New Member

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    Welcome from NC.
     
  22. Mar 2, 2019 at 6:45 PM
    #22
    Alloutdrs1

    Alloutdrs1 New Member

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    No problem, you will enjoy this truck for towing. I know mine is the best truck I've had for towing so far, its very sure footed and pulls with ease. Tow mirrors was a good decision on your part since going with an enclosed trailer.
     
  23. Mar 2, 2019 at 7:01 PM
    #23
    CAM1794

    CAM1794 New Member

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  24. Mar 2, 2019 at 8:46 PM
    #24
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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  25. Mar 2, 2019 at 8:52 PM
    #25
    mgmoreau

    mgmoreau [OP] New Member

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    Marc
    2008 Tundra SR5 TRD 5.7Lt
    Thanks guys.
     
  26. Mar 2, 2019 at 9:04 PM
    #26
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    Welcome from Sin City!
     
  27. Mar 2, 2019 at 9:20 PM
    #27
    Aron9000

    Aron9000 New Member

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    I'd say pop the wheels off and have a look at the brakes. Completely flush the brake fluid if you do change pads/rotors. These trucks should have zero slop in the pedal and stop very quickly and controlled if you mash the pedal all the way. The brakes really did impress me on this truck, it stops more like a normal 3300lb Camry than a truck. Drive some older Dodge Cummins trucks that can pull some serious loads, the brakes on those trucks suck compared to our Tundras.
     
  28. Mar 3, 2019 at 6:58 AM
    #28
    mgmoreau

    mgmoreau [OP] New Member

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    2008 Tundra SR5 TRD 5.7Lt
    Thanks for the advice Aaron, I will follow up on this.
     

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