Tacoma Towing

[oldstick]

I am going on record in favor of the Tacoma owners with air bags. I have a 2007 Tacoma Sport short bed, 2WD.

There is some sag in the rear springs when I hitch up my TM 3023 (with normal camping cargo load in the bed) but nothing extreme in my opinion. I believe that air bags could indeed help level out the front to rear angle without exceeding the maximum load on the rear axle.

Damage mentioned previously is typically to the rear suspension when someone way overloads the rear axle load rating of their vehicle, using helper springs or airbags. Those under the false impression that the airbags are "relieving" the load on the axle and springs.

But in the case of the second generation Tacoma, I think the axle rating is plenty sufficient but they may also have a history of weak/sagging rear springs, so if that is the case, helper airbags or springs to level out the truck will not hurt anything.

I have been towing my 3023 with a stock 2007 Tacoma Sport shortbed and have not experienced any problems. There may be a slight bit of rear sag in the truck if heavily loaded, so that is why I am also considering airbags if we decide to carry this kind of load frequently.

The trade off with a WDH seems like way too much extra hitch weight and hassle for the benefit provided on our Tacoma. I would think the same might be true for most other half ton trucks (pulling a TM) as well.

[Padgett]

Maybe should mention that a shortbed is going to work better than a long bed with more rear overhang. I find a major correlation of the rear-axle to ball distance divided into the wheelbase. If 3 or better then people seem to have fewer issues than less than 3.

[jswinner]

Benjburton:

Here is a table of actual tongue weights http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...9&postcount=79 Some of these are pretty shocking.

[Padgett]

Those are all over the place and mostly estimated. My measured tongue weight (2720SL) has been between 460 (when purchased) and 435 (current: after solar and GC2s added behind axle) lbs.

[benjburton]

What's more shocking to me is that none of the axle weights are under 3500 pounds. Aren't the axles on these trailers rated at only 3500 lbs?

[Padgett]

Depends. Generally those with 5 bolt wheels are 3500 lb rated. 6 bolt wheels are more.

One reason I try to travel with empty tanks.

[pmhellings]

The 450 - ish tongue weight is no big deal. Certainly doesn't exceed the Tacomas rear axle weight abilities. The overall weight is more worrisome. Anyone using Load Range C tires is on borrowed time, in my opinion. Our TM's are definitely on the edge of what you would want on a single axle. Keeping a wary eye on the tires is a must. On a somewhat positive note, with their low profile and center of gravity, even a blowout would be more an inconvenience than a disaster.

Paul

[Padgett]

A better source of information is the weight sticker that was on the sink door in mine, this provides the weights TM measured on my 2720SL "as built" which includes options. The base weight was 3243 lbs and the base weight on the axle is less 435 lbs (tongue) plus 33 lbs (solar panels), 120 - 35 lbs (GC2s less original grp 25), 50 lbs (generator), 10 lbs (jack), 20 lbs (1 full propane tank) or 3,006 lbs base. Plus lightweight chair and storage items leaves only about 400 lbs to the axle rating. This is why I try to travel with empty tanks and do not use a WDH.