Tacoma and new TT

[rigger4343]

Hey Everyone.

I have a 14' Tacoma Double Cab with a factory tow package rated at 6500 pounds.

Tomorrow I am bringing home a new Jay Flight 174BH with a gross weight of about 3500 pounds.

I have friction style anti sway bar that I am going to put on it.

My question is if you guys think I may need to consider a WD hitch? I know the Tacoma is a softly suspended truck but I was thinking it will be just fine. Plan is to get the camper home and get it loaded, then see how it all sits.

Anyone have any thoughts on the subject? A lot of our adventures are about a 5 hour run up the interstate.

Thanks ahead of time!!

[GarlicDude]

I also have a Tacoma 2012 with a tow package and tow a Jay Feather 7
RBM 3975 GVWR.

I added a ScanGuage to monitor the automatic transmission temperature. After seeing the numbers on the ScanGuage I put a larger transmission oil cooler in.

I also added a set of Timbrens to the rear suspension and am using an Anderson WD hitch.

Just finished a 3700 mile trip to Yellowstone and South Dakota and back home to Calif. Truck performed well in the mountains even with the altitude. I very seldom dropped below 50 MPH even on long grades, I could have pushed it harder, but I have time and want the truck to last.

https://www.scangauge.com/

Home - Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/...ng-bible.4031/

My install is post #76 in this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/....352071/page-4

I think you will do just fine.

Best,
Steve

[Murff]

You would be best to have a WDH.

Murff

[ttavasc]

I agree with Murff - I think you would do best with a WDH. I would recommend the Andersen No-Sway WDH - light-weight at only 60lbs, excellent sway control and quiet. My 195RB isn't much bigger than your 174BH and I also debated whether or not I needed WDH but glad I went with it.

[rigger4343]

Im no stranger to pulling trailers but I do have to say I have never messed with a WD hitch.

I noticed some HD hitches are set up for a certain weight. How close does the weight really have to be to the actual weight on the hitch? I know the closer the better but it seems like there is a good bit of adjustment in a WD hitch. Can it be a plus or minus a certain amount and then just adjust to get it right?

[Rustic Eagle]

rigger4343,

Welcome to JOF

Originally Posted by rigger4343

snip...... I know the Tacoma is a softly suspended truck but I was thinking it will be just fine. Plan is to get the camper home and get it loaded, then see how it all sits.....snip

I've found that "softly suspended" TV's often benefit utilizing a properly sized/adjusted WDH because of the weight loss effect on a TV's front suspension when placing a TT's loaded tongue weight on the hitch ball.

Eliminate the guesswork and take your loaded (full fuel, passengers, cargo, etc.) TV/TT combo to a CAT scale and weigh it........, TV only and TV/TT hitched (since you don't have a WDH a 3rd pass isn't required). The CAT results will give you all the data (axle weights, tongue weight, etc.) you need to evaluate your WDH consideration.

When utilizing a WDH and visiting a CAT scale the following JOF 'how-to' link may be helpful:

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...v-tt-3871.html

Bob

[rigger4343]

Well I brought home the new camper. I know the trailer is light at the moment but once hooked up, it only dropped the back of the truck 1 1/2" and did not pick up the front at all. The Tacoma pulled it home with no issues.
I did weld up my hitch for the anti sway bar and set that up. Took it for a test pull and I do have to say it felt better behind the truck. (Not that it felt bad before that.)
Once I get the trailer loaded, I will have to do some measurements again and see how it sits.

[Murff]

Originally Posted by rigger4343

Well I brought home the new camper. I know the trailer is light at the moment but once hooked up, it only dropped the back of the truck 1 1/2" and did not pick up the front at all. The Tacoma pulled it home with no issues.
I did weld up my hitch for the anti sway bar and set that up. Took it for a test pull and I do have to say it felt better behind the truck. (Not that it felt bad before that.)
Once I get the trailer loaded, I will have to do some measurements again and see how it sits.

Excellent decision.

Nice looking combo!

Murff

[jloco]

Looks great!