What do I need to tow this travel trailer besides a hitch ball?

Interesting. Shame they removed it.

 

I agree with that thought. Big fan of having a simple gauge than adding a computer to relay the signal to a screen.

 

Any idea where that brake controller pigtail is on a First Gen?

 

Older post but my trailer is very similar in weight to what the OP @cwilbeck wants. Use a WDH with sway control. I got mine for $265 and it is easy to install and set up. I had a 2 inch drop until I used it. With it, my drop was 3/4 inch. You do not use the trucks trailer break control with a WDH.

 

You don't hook up the trailer brakes when you use a WDH?

I do.

 

It may vary from hitch to hitch. Mine says do not use the vehicles brake/gain control.

 

What? That makes no sense. How are you controlling the trailer brakes?

 

I'll dig up the sheet and post it at some point. Its a Camco setup as well so its made by the RV industry.

 

Your hitch installation instructions are saying this?

How are your trailer brakes activated?

 

Yeah, I think I'd always use them.

I don't see how the WDH plays into stopping the trailer on the highway

 

Please do post it because WDH makes gain settings of the brake controller more important as it adds weight to the trailer axles.

When you tow now are you just turning your gain down to zero and then connecting the wiring for lights? Or are you connecting via 4 pin instead of 7?

 

Wouldn't a 7 pin still be required to charge the batteries when running down the road?

 

Yes, and that charging ensures the battery can run and hold electric brakes if the emergency brakeaway cable is pulled (if equipped).

 

I should also add that if the trailer has surge brakes (like on a boat where the electric brakes would short out) and a specially compatible WDH (there are some out there) then yes, gain wouldn't matter. The in-truck brake controller won't do anything for surge brakes.

 

Welcome to the towable RV world! Where you're sure to get as many confounding answers as possible! >.<

In all seriousness, use a WDH and a Brake Controller.

Since you have the onboard brake controller in a 2020 year model it should have the latest firmware. Tundra brake controllers were sketchy for a while but they seem to have the issue fixed. I have a 2018 Tundra 5.7 Double Cab and the onboard brake controller has worked flawlessly since day 1, but I had the dealership update the firmware before I'd drive it off the lot. Did my research beforehand and saw that Toyota had issued a tech bulletin about the brake controller issues and the service dept took care of the update.

I tow a Winnebago Micro Minnie with a loaded weight of around 4200lbs, including gear with fresh water tank filled. Dry weight is 3750.
I use this WDH:

$390 Husky Liners 32216 Center Line TS with Spring Bars - 400 lb. to 600 lb. Tongue Weight Capacity (2-5/16" Ball) For Trailer

https://www.amazon.com/Husky-32216-Center-Line-Spring/dp/B00W919GNK

Technically I don't need it but I wouldn't tow without it. The built-in sway control makes it worth it IMNSHO. I towed the camper about 7 miles to wash it and didn't use the WDH and I could tell a difference. The trailer is super-stable using the WDH. Another time we were on the Gulf Coast towing from Alabama to Panama City FL and hit a really violent patch of thunderstorms along I-10 just east of Pensacola. We were crossing one of the long bay bridges and the wind gusts from the south were probably breaking 50mph. The sway control of the WDH saved us, I have no doubt.