How do I increase towing performance?

Hey guys, new to TW.
I just got a job as a field engineer with a lot of travel. On average pulling my travel trailer every 10 days for anywhere between 200 and 600 miles. So my question is how do I increase towing performance on Tacoma (2017 DCSB v6)?

I'm looking at getting a 5,000lb travel trailer (dry weight) to be comfortable in so maybe about 5500-5700 lbs loaded up with everything I plan on bringing. I already plan on regearing to 5.29s and getting some power back from the big tires and lift and additional weight I've added to the truck. Some of the mods I've been looking at are: sumo springs, tranny cooler, WDH, upgraded leafpack/add a leaf, trailer brake controller, Magnuson s/c, & upgraded rear shocks.

I don't really care about cost I just want to make it comfortable to tow the trailer I'll probably be living out of for the next 5-10 years. I've read some of the towing threads already but I'm just not sure if this will be enough to reduce the burden of that trailer on my truck. I've towed 4,000 lbs in the past and it was pretty comfortable going 55-60mph, so if I could make this handle like my stock Tacoma pulling that 4,000 lb trailer I'd be pretty happy.

Thanks in advance for any advice y'all have.

 

For the cost of 5.29s, a supercharger, upgraded leafs, a trailer brake controller and shocks you could get a truck built to pull more than what you are looking at. I'll sell you a '79 Chevy C3500 dually w/ 454 c.i.d. + auto for $25k cash (GVWR is 10,000lbs , Max towing with bumper is 10,000lbs, Max 5th wheel towing is 14,000lbs Max payload is 5150lbs).

I think you have all of the upgrades covered but I would seriously re-consider the cost of parts and labor. Can you do a roofing job with a tac hammer? Yes but it would suck and there are other, purpose built hammers to roof with. Similarly, you are looking to pull at or over what the taco is rated for when you could get something designed to pull heavy without all the expensive upgrades.

 

These trucks aren't really designed to be full-time tow-rigs, but if it's not tuned, I would start there and see if that gets you enough performance boost by itself.

 

Step 1: sell Taco
Step 2: buy a diesel full sized truck
Step 3: tow as much as you want

 

Yeah, I mean I know it's not the most practical solution but I just really like my Tacoma. It has a lot of sentimental value as well so I would rather not trade it in if possible. I got it new and want to drive it until the wheels fall off.

 

Hate to say, but you need a bigger truck. You are going to kill yours full-timing it in a trailer that size.

The difference between dry weight and empty travel weight on my pop-up is 800 pounds. Dealer installed appliances like the house battery, propane cylinders, A/C, grill, and water heater are not part of the dry weight. Neither are mattresses, linens, kitchen items, or movable furniture. Anything that wasn't bolted down on the factory floor before the trailer got its certificate isn't dry weight. Most people underestimate the fact that they can easily pack in more than 1000 pounds before the tanks even see their first drop of water.

Sorry man. I think you need to go truck shopping.

 

Fixed that for you. Diesel isn't worth the maintenance headache that going "green" has imposed on them.

I do agree that a 5K trailer is a lot to ask of a Taco, though.

 

Don't trade it. Just get a smaller trailer. Comfort is overrated. OR look at a really lightweight trailer setup like those from Escape. They are not cheap, but they are more space for less weight.

 

Yeah I still haven't picked a trailer yet. I'm still looking at what my options are. I want to stay light and only bring what I need for the gym or work. I think worst case scenario I get something that's 5k lbs but if I can find something lighter around 4 that would be ideal.

 

Look at a smaller trailer. I have a Little Guy Max that I lived out of during the week for about 5 years. Dry weight is 3150# - the Tacoma handles it fine.

Think about it - do you really need that big of a trailer, or is more of a want. Smaller trailers fit a lot more places than big ones, and are significantly easier to tow.

 

To not kill your truck and have a miserable time driving you shouldn't realistically be looking at anything close to 5K dry. Everyone thinks they are only going to bring a couple hundred pounds, but as soon as the battery, propane, dishes, bedding, clothes, and other crap is on there it's an easy 500-700 pounds.

You should also shoot for something under 20 feet if you can. Look at the Escape ones here https://escapetrailer.com/

I'd recommend the 17A if you don't need a bathroom, and the 17B if you do. Plenty of space as long as you don't need luxury.

 

If I could add one thing - luxury is heavy.

 

A smaller trailer would be cheaper.

 

Tbh my biggest issue has been figuring out how to fit this automatic litterbox for the cats. It's pretty tall and fat. If I could find a way to fit that on there and have a bed big enough for me I'd be happy.

 

You want a bigger truck with more torque if you will be pulling more than 2-3k constantly if you have to do alot of highway towing. around town you will be fine.

 

Maybe I'll feel the same when I get to be your age, too.

 

If y'all will permit me one more plug for the Max...

There is an owner's community, similar to but not nearly as large as TW. I have made several upgrades/changes to my Max from people's ideas, and I have shared ideas others have liked. Maybe not a big deal, but I find exchanging ideas and hearing about other's issues very helpful, as most (all??) RV dealership's mechanics/repair leaves a lot to be desired....

 

This would be as big as I'd do on a Taco, but not on mine. I'd go smaller because of my weak payload. https://escapetrailer.com/escape-19-specs/