Camper

So I have a 2021 TRD Pro. What size camper can I safely tow? Don't need specifics. Just generally can I tow an average 30 foot camper without issues?

 

Weight determines what you can tow, not length.

With that said, Tundras don't do well with super long campers (over 30 feet) because they are heavy.

 

@mountainpete is correct.

Generally, you need to look at trailers under 22 feet to have a chance of staying under payload on a Tundra.

Ignore the tow rating on every half ton pickup. It's a marketing ploy an you will never get a travel trailer that maxes the tow rating without going way over a half ton's payload capacity.

 

check out the towing and hauling forum here for more information. Pay attention to the "stickies" at the top. What you seek can be found there.

 

What is the tongue weight of that camper? What does your door jamb sticker say? Mine says cargo and occupants is not to exceed 1270lb. That means that all the weight of everyone is in the truck, the gear is in the bed, a full tank of gas, and the trailer’s tongue weight can’t exceed 1270 lb. My neighbor has a double cab, and his says 1300lb. I bet yours is a bit less than mine because the Pro has a few factory options mine doesn’t (skid plate, exhaust, rear sway bar).

My gross weight rating (GVWR) is 7200 lb (this is on the other door jamb sticker), which is great, but my truck’s curb weight is 5930. These trucks are fat, heavy pigs.

All this to say, I don’t think there’s any way for you to tow a 30’ camper and not be over your door jamb payload rating. People have trouble staying within their ratings with 20-24 footers, depending on how they tow (dry or full, what gear is placed where, etc…).

 

Thanks for the advice. Never hauled a camper. Looks like about 20-24 foot camper. I'll be checking the weight and figure it out.

 

Those would be the biggest, and lots of those will be too heavy to stay under your payload rating once you have family, gear, propane, and batteries. Weight, and specifically the ACTUAL tongue weight, not the advertised/dry tongue weight, are going to be what you need to compare to your payload rating in your truck's door jamb.

Good hunting, and be sure to come back with pics of whatever you wind up deciding to tow!

 

It can be done. I've been searching & looking hi and low for a Toy Hauler that the Tundra can pull. Found the Salem (Wildwood) FSX 270RTKX. She's 32 feet long, but only 6177lbs. dry. Add on 460lbs. for water, plus 600lbs. for gear/food/bedding, plus 1400lb for 2 Harley's (not big baggers) puts me right at about 8700lbs. give or take a dog or two. I combined that with an E2 WDH and this thing pulls like a dream. From what I had read on these forums I expected to blow up or fishtail out of control on the way home but I was surprised it wasn't even close to "iffy". My wife even noticed, this trailer pulls better than our old Wolf Pup 16pf TT did! (picture in my sig)

 

What's your loaded tongue weight?

 

Haven't had a chance to get to a scale yet, but that's the only downfall. Dry tongue weight is 1051, a bit heavy, but with the WDH it didn't squat or bottom out at all.

 

Given that my truck stock had less than 1300 lbs of payload, a trailer that heavy would make me uncomfortable.

 

I totally understand that, and I understand it's a risk. I take that same risk every day when I ride my motorcycle to and from work, it's dangerous out there. It really changes your perspective on "safety" overall.

Bring on the weight-police to tell me I'm F'd

 

Does the TRD Pro have a softer suspension setup than stock truck thereby reducing the towing capacity? I believe this is true for the Ram Power Wagon.

And I appreciate the advice I get from this forum on topics where I'm weak (and there are many). It's not always perfect but you guys are a huge recourse - thanks!

 

I have a 30’ travel trailer 6700 lbs, probably closer to 7500 lbs when loaded and have no problem. Pulled it all over PA up and down our hills and the tundra handles it with ease. Thought about getting a trans cooler but after running diagnostics I have only seen my trans temp getting up to 235 while running the tow/haul. The trucks a beast!

 

Same here. 32 feet is a big trailer for the Tundra in Colorado. I think it would be sketchy in the mountains. Even a relatively flat tow like I25 in Wyoming would be sketchy with the semis and wind. Getting passed by a semi going 85 could start some wagging.

To each his own. Way too much trailer for me.

 

I think this is the perfect size for the Tundra. Big enough that you don't have to size up when you realize your trailer is too small for your needs. And small enough that you can fit into state and national park sites not intended for the big rigs.

 

When you load up the bikes, you may find that reduces the tongue weight?

 

It likely will. You want the tongue weight to be between 12-15% of total trailer weight, otherwise the trailer will want to sway at speeds over 35mph. Minimum tongue weight for your setup should be 1000lb or more. That leaves 270# for occupants, fuel and gear in the truck. I like to run closer to 15% tongue weight as it creates a more stable towing experience.