3rd Gen - towing 6.5' x 12' trailer

[Kung]

So I'm taking a trip from Missouri to Virginia for Christmas; myself and my wife and son will be going. We're trading in our mattress for a better model; and I picked up the trailer for $475 last night - all it needs is a better light set, and maybe tires (haven't inspected them yet).

Brakes are good. Have got the B&M 70264 external tranny cooler, though it's run in series with the radiator right now (after the radiator, not before); and the vehicle has had all regular maintenance, in accordance with the owner's manual. I believe that the tranny flush was done 30K or 40K ago, all fluids are good and have been replaced, etc. Additionally, when the radiator was drained and refilled while installing the 70264, the technician reported that there was no sign of any milkshake.

So, this being the case, aside from possibly separating the radiator and cooler, any thoughts on anything else possibly needing done? I don't have the upgraded brakes yet, but being as we're not going to be hauling butt to get there, and it's only hauling a mattress, I'm not concerned about them right now. (I will be doing the Tacoma LBJ/OTRE upgrade before leaving, however.)

 

[awdjunkies]

Tools/tool box, distilled water/coolant, First Aid Kit, check brakes/tires.


PS: When you say trailer above? which one? there is no picture :shrug: ..

 

[Kung]

Good catch - not quite sure what I was on @ the time I typed that. LOL

Yeah, some basic tools and coolant and the like are definitely on the list. Any particular tools above others? (I've had this for maybe a month and a half; and therefore haven't had a ton of time to work on it, and thus not much time to know what tools to get.) Tires and brakes are good.

 

[LittleCaesar]

What is the weight of the trailer?

Go snap a pic and post.

A brake controller is a good idea but not always necessary.

After your BJs are in, do the Tundra upgrade; it is worth it.

 

[jmt2404]

So I'm taking a trip from Missouri to Virginia for Christmas; myself and my wife and son will be going. We're trading in our mattress for a better model; and I picked up the trailer for $475 last night - all it needs is a better light set, and maybe tires (haven't inspected them yet).

Brakes are good. Have got the B&M 70264 external tranny cooler, though it's run in series with the radiator right now (after the radiator, not before); and the vehicle has had all regular maintenance, in accordance with the owner's manual. I believe that the tranny flush was done 30K or 40K ago, all fluids are good and have been replaced, etc. Additionally, when the radiator was drained and refilled while installing the 70264, the technician reported that there was no sign of any milkshake.

So, this being the case, aside from possibly separating the radiator and cooler, any thoughts on anything else possibly needing done? I don't have the upgraded brakes yet, but being as we're not going to be hauling butt to get there, and it's only hauling a mattress, I'm not concerned about them right now. (I will be doing the Tacoma LBJ/OTRE upgrade before leaving, however.)

A stock runner will make it just fine. I pulled a 6 x 12 with a bunch of stuff on it from east coast (NC) to West coast (WA) with no problems. And that was through CO white out conditions, through passes and everything. Did just fine. That was before the lift, tires and all the other mods.

 

[Kung]

What is the weight of the trailer?

Go snap a pic and post.

A brake controller is a good idea but not always necessary.

After your BJs are in, do the Tundra upgrade; it is worth it.

Y'know, I'm not exactly sure what the exact weight of the trailer is. I'm not worried about whether or not the 4Runner can handle it; the seller had a 2000 Tacoma SR5 4x4 V6, and hauled it all over God's green earth with that, so I figure the 4Runner will do just fine.

I'll be able to do the LBJ/OTRE job before our trip, but the Tundra brake upgrade will have to wait until after Christmas. This being said, whilst the brakes were in great condition upon purchase, I'll have the mechanic look over 'em again when the wheels are off for the LBJ/OTRE job.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[LittleCaesar]

You should be fine then. Have a safe trip.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Good luck with the trip! I think there is a possibility your brakes will warp just due to the prolonged stress of trailering. Not much you can do about it though.

 

[Kung]

Good luck with the trip! I think there is a possibility your brakes will warp just due to the prolonged stress of trailering. Not much you can do about it though.

I'd agree; but this being said, we're only driving 8 to 9 hours a day, taking our time; and in Jan/Feb I'll do the Tundra upgrade, so I'm not too worried about it.