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TRD Pro towing travel trailer

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by Tdalk458, Nov 24, 2020.

  1. Nov 24, 2020 at 10:16 AM
    #1
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    I apologize if this post is redundant as I know there has been a lot of talk about the TRD Pro’s towing ability. I didn’t see a post specifically related to my situation however. I have a 2021 Pro coming in soon but I am a little concerned about towing. I don’t plan to tow often but we may be getting a travel trailer which I would use for hunting once/year and camping maybe 4-5 times/year at most. Living in OR, I would definitely be going up some pretty good grades. Especially when hunting as we climb about 3000’ on graveled forest roads. I would stick to the 25-30’ range which should be around 6000-7500 gross weight. I have heard a lot of people talking about issues with sag with the Fox suspension, trans cooler issues, etc. I have no problem getting air bags or shackles if needed. Just wondering what your thoughts are on my particular situation and if anyone has some experience with the Pro towing this much weight. I test drove one yesterday and loved it! Felt like it had plenty of power and that wouldn’t be an issue. Thanks!
     
  2. Nov 24, 2020 at 10:28 AM
    #2
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    In my opinion, it's less about the sag - every truck sags when towing heavy. The concern is the Pro is leveled from the factory so there's no rake to take up the sag. You'll be nose high, which can make for poor steering, in addition to blinding others on the road if you can't adjust your headlights enough.
     
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  3. Nov 24, 2020 at 10:39 AM
    #3
    Doctor Flex

    Doctor Flex Just browsing...

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    I do not have a pro, but have seen and read enough about the pro suspension. 3 ideas as a summary. 1. Shackles. 2. Airbags 3. weight distribution hitch.
     
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  4. Nov 24, 2020 at 11:10 AM
    #4
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    Toyota recommends a weight distributing hitch if towing over 5000 lbs, regardless of which trim you have.
     
  5. Nov 24, 2020 at 11:21 AM
    #5
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I use a heavy duty one on my non-pro, for a 3500lb trailer.

    The only time I would even think about not using it, is if it was just moving from home to storage location or to the RV shop etc. They are easy to hook up and make a world of difference.
     
  6. Nov 24, 2020 at 11:25 AM
    #6
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks all! Yes, I forgot to mention I would definitely use a weight distributing hitch. I would also go through the truck scales on the first trip just to get an idea of the weight and make sure I’m within the specs.
     
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  7. Nov 24, 2020 at 2:00 PM
    #7
    Green Thunder

    Green Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

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    My travel trailer is just under 4,000lbs, but the pin weight is about 650-700 when I'm loaded up with all my gear. Such is life with a single axle, but I digress. I highly recommend a WDH. A trailer the size you're looking at will have a pin weight about the same as mine (if properly loaded). If I hook up my trailer without the WDH, the truck is almost on the rear bump stops (even before I load gear into the bed). In my situation, I have about a 1" negative rake when fully loaded and the WHD working its magic. That's trailer, gear in bed, four people and a dog in the cab.

    Airbags can help too, but for some reason I want to say they're counterproductive to a WDH...like they take some of the load off so it reduces the downforce pushed to the front of the truck.

    As for a transmission cooler...I've run my setup in 90 degree weather over steep mountain passes and never had any cooling problems. I watch the transmission temps on a Scangauge II unit. One of our fellow Tundra members (in WA...I forget who it is) overheated his tranny while in 4WD while going up a forest service road at slow speeds. So it can happen, especially if you're not moving a lot of air. If I was in your situation (towing heavy and slow) I'd strongly consider a tranny cooler.
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2020
  8. Nov 24, 2020 at 2:08 PM
    #8
    Samoan Thor

    Samoan Thor God is technically an alien

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    Would it make more sense to load weight in the trailer evenly, instead of putting whatever items in the truck? Because add all the passengers plus weight plus tongue weight that diminishes payload quickly, I’m asking because I have no experience but thought that made sense.
     
  9. Nov 24, 2020 at 3:31 PM
    #9
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks, I really appreciate this info! This might be a dumb question but I'm not sure how the pin weight comes into play. I've always thought the equation is curb weight + max payload + trailer gross weight = gross combined. Does pin weight need to be added into the equation or is it included in trailer gross weight?
     
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  10. Nov 24, 2020 at 3:52 PM
    #10
    Doctor Flex

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    Pin weight factors into payload capacity. It is downward weight on the truck, just like an ice chest or passenger. The above equation is correct, and you subtract pin weight from payload to figure out residual payload for gear and bodies (passengers).

    Edit: And do remember, that any and all add ons and aftermarket things reduce your payload. Side steps, bed liners, console safe, heavier floor mats, bed mat, etc. With the Tundra, it is very easy to reach payload especially with 600-700 lbs hitch weight.
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2020
  11. Nov 24, 2020 at 5:46 PM
    #11
    degs

    degs New Member

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    YES. Exactly.
     
  12. Nov 24, 2020 at 5:46 PM
    #12
    Y0TA PR0

    Y0TA PR0 Dirt biking & fishing

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    I have shackles and timbrens and wdh on my pro. Load her up and pin her :D
    Toyota :muscleflexing:
    A43F5B05-9DCF-44DE-9BB7-8A79EE9B109D.jpg
     
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  13. Nov 24, 2020 at 6:25 PM
    #13
    TrenThom86

    TrenThom86 New Member

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    Before and after airbags on my 2021 pro. It pulled it just fine without the bags but it did sag a good but. I wanted to be able to level it back out. 30’ trailer. 6000 lbs.

    66A0903A-1BDF-487C-9022-20682E1A2F90.jpg

    Edit: power is definitely there. This truck tows way better than my 2012 ram 1500 which had the 5.7 Hemi.
     
  14. Nov 24, 2020 at 6:31 PM
    #14
    szabo101

    szabo101 New Member

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    Don't have a Pro, love the Pro, and if I was only planning on keeping my truck two years, I would buy a Pro for the high resale. You can certainly tow with a PRO, it's just not ideal with that suspension. I would feel a lot more comfortable with the terrain you are talking about if my back end was aired up to make sure my hitch would not rub. 2Yne0ArJR4mEe+byX2arpA.jpg

    The creature comforts of my Platinum and its ability to to tow are what got me. I tow a Lance 2375 (about 6500-6,800) lbs when loaded. With the WDH my truck sits pretty level(see pic). Took it to the scales immediately and the numbers are below. I had about 300lbs of tools in the bed (won't be there when I tow but I'll add two small dogs that weigh 45 lbs combined). My wife and I were in the vehicle with full tank of gas. I was 120lbs over on payload, but after removing tools and adding dogs, I'll be about 125 under payload. I also have 120lbs in my steps, and also spray in bedliner and TRD rear sway bar. I had the vehicle weighed a few months earlier with the same setup (minus tools) and you can see those numbers below as well. You can see weight on front axle stayed about the same after the trailer was hooked up and stance stayed level without air bags.fullsizeoutput_90b.jpg

    fullsizeoutput_909.jpg
     
  15. Nov 24, 2020 at 6:55 PM
    #15
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    I really appreciate all the help! I actually made a spreadsheet so I can plug numbers in for different scenarios (I know, I know, I'm a nerd)! Happy to share it if anyone wants it. Shoot me an email at td4585@gmail.com.

    I'll probably have just about the same set-up as TrenThom so it looks like I'll be getting bags in addition to the WDH. I'll have to play it by ear regarding the tranny cooler/monitor. I don't think I need to worry about that during hunting season since it's pretty damn cold that time of year. For summer camping, maybe.
     
  16. Nov 24, 2020 at 7:02 PM
    #16
    TrenThom86

    TrenThom86 New Member

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    Think about getting the cradles too. That way you won’t lose any movement of your rear suspension whenever you aren’t towing or if your truck is in a lift it won’t stretch out your bags.

    37D84212-65B2-423F-A558-A17FC192D2F2.jpg
     
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  17. Nov 24, 2020 at 7:02 PM
    #17
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    Shackles are for lifting, they don’t do anything for towing. If you’re loaded up the spring still just sags down. Tundra springs are kinda soft so they just bottom out quickly

    the pro isn’t that much worse for towing than a normal tundra. The standard tundra levels out very fast with a load, throw on some airbags with cradles if you’re loading down. That will keep you leveled out
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2020
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  18. Nov 24, 2020 at 7:40 PM
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    Green Thunder

    Green Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

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    You've got the general feel for it. To expand on Dr Flex's post...

    Truck GVWR - Basically the total weight on the truck's wheels. It includes people, gear and the pin weight of the trailer. Besides the GVWR, you also need to watch the max weight on each axle and the tires. I actually take my truck to a scale with a full gas tank to really know what capacity is left on the truck. The Tundra's GVWR is pretty weak, but each axle is decent.

    Trailers have a GVWR too...That's the axle(s) plus the pin weight when loaded on the jack. When hooked up the pin weight transfers to the truck's GVWR for weight calculations. You generally just need to watch the axle weights.

    GCWR - The Gross Combined weight rating is the truck + trailer in total.

    Exceeding the GVWR (within reason) generally increases wear and tear on the vehicle. Exceeding the GCWR is where safety comes into question as you're going to push your brakes beyond their design limits.

    You're asking all the right questions...
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2020
  19. Nov 25, 2020 at 4:46 AM
    #19
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    A bit pedantic but the GVWR itself is actually on par with the competitors. It's just that the Tundra is much heavier than the F150 and Sierra/ Silverado, giving it a lower payload.
     
  20. Nov 25, 2020 at 10:09 PM
    #20
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    I’ve been looking at the Timbrens since they are much easier to install, pretty much maintenance free and don’t require air. It looks like they are similar to air bags except no air, of course, to adjust them.

    Going off what TrenThom said above, my only concern would be movement limitation in the rear suspension. I don’t really plan to do any off-roading but I don’t feel it makes sense to have truck with an off-road suspension then put a limit on it.

    Pro-Blanco, you have any thoughts on that?

    Also, is it standard practice to install them on the front and rear?

    Thanks guys!
     
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  21. Nov 25, 2020 at 10:23 PM
    #21
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    I recently added sumo springs. I like them, the ride isn’t much worse unloaded but it def helps with the travel trailer hooked up
     
  22. Nov 26, 2020 at 10:57 AM
    #22
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    Which ones do you have?
     
  23. Nov 26, 2020 at 11:02 AM
    #23
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    i did the lightest duty ones. My trailer is only about 500lb tongue, but i fill my bed with bikes/firewood
     
  24. Nov 26, 2020 at 4:55 PM
    #24
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    You have any issues with suspension limitation when not loaded? I know the Sumo's are softer that Timbrens.
     
  25. Nov 27, 2020 at 6:01 AM
    #25
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    Its just a little rougher on big quick hits. Its not as good as airbags/cradles, but for the price it works really well

    i also run +1 shackles, which keeps some gap between the sumo and the frame when unloaded. If i were stock height, they may be constantly touching the frame...

    shackles help ride quality anyways so I recommend both
     
  26. Nov 27, 2020 at 8:03 PM
    #26
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    Before I start scouring the owner’s manual, just wondering if you have guys have seen anything about air bags, sumo’s, timbrens, shackles, etc. voiding any warranties?
     
  27. Nov 27, 2020 at 9:17 PM
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    skylinekin

    skylinekin New Member

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    Magnuson-Moss warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void or deny coverage under the warranty for using aftermarket parts.

    Now, if they can prove the failure was due to the aftermarket part specifically that might get more complicated but I wouldn’t worry much for simple bolt on items.
     
  28. Dec 28, 2020 at 10:45 AM
    #28
    Mass_Sequoia

    Mass_Sequoia New Member

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    Thanks for asking this question - I was going to ask the exact same question regarding my 2019 TRD Pro. Specifically, I'm interested in buying an Airstream Basecamp 20X. It's about 3400 dry, 4300 max loaded. The tongue weight is estimated to be in the 500-600 lb range. The tongue weight is high relative to the weight of the trailer because it's a single axle.

    Looking on the Basecamp 20X website - with full propane it's supposedly 535 hitch weight.. which is not too bad, but would still be getting close to payload capacity with passengers in the Tundra on a family road trip. ( https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/basecamp/specifications/?floorplans=20-x )

    Based on my research to date, the WDH and a suspension mod such as the Roadmaster Active Suspension would be my priority (would prefer to have a static system I don't need to change at all than a constantly adjusted system like airbags). Would the knowledgeable towing veterans weigh in here - would the WDH and RAS be sufficient mods for a more safe towing experience?

    I'm familiar with utility trailers, but I have no experience at all with travel trailers.
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2020
  29. Dec 28, 2020 at 10:49 AM
    #29
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    @Mass_Tundra my trailer is exactly that same weight, single axle.

    After a few tows, I’m starting to think that a WDH is almost overkill for a trailer this light. For a tacoma yeah, but the tundra seems fine without
     
  30. Jun 30, 2021 at 9:51 PM
    #30
    Tdalk458

    Tdalk458 [OP] New Member

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    Hey guys, hope you all are well!

    I haven’t been on for some time but wanted to update on my travel trailer situation.

    I have been very curious about testing the tow capacity first hand so my friend’s dad let me hook his trailer up and tow it around a bit.

    Trailer specs:
    Dry weight- 6250 lbs
    Max loaded weight- 8100
    Hitch dry weight- 775
    Length- 28’-8”

    I knew this trailer was a little big going into it but I wanted to just about max it out to know the limits. I am not sure of the exact weight at the time since I don’t know what cargo was in the trailer.

    I towed up and down hills, up a gravel driveway and on flat areas. Despite the maxed out suspension squat, it felt pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised as I wasn’t expecting too much. Down hill was no problem with the trailer brakes but on some of the steep inclines, it definitely struggled some. Now we did not have a weight distributing hitch on as he pulls with a Chevy 3500 Durmax but I would definitely use one if I buy a trailer and the trailer would be lighter as well. I’m thinking 6500-7000 max loaded.

    I did also notice a slight burning sort of smell when we pulled back into the driveway and got out. Definitely not brakes. I’m wondering if it was the transmission fluid? Never got any warnings or anything.

    I would take my trailer elk hunting every year and would be pulling up and down some pretty knarly inclines on forest service roads. That’s why I wanted to go up and down the gravel driveway.

    Anyway, just wanted to get your guys’ thoughts. Ive attached some photos (hopefully I did it correctly!). Thanks much!

    0DF55F03-4381-44C2-9709-564EC838E0BD.jpg
    8667EAD4-1920-4C0A-B7B4-3EA97EB6DF2E.jpg
     
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