First time towing advice

F

Foobar

New member
Hi folks,

I'm getting ready for a camping trip and am renting a travel trailer. I've never towed anything before so any advice or suggestions are much appreciated. Here's a page with the trailer specs: North Trail Focus Edition FX18 | Palmetto RVPalmetto RV

It's 3931 lbs. dry with 344 lbs. hitch weight. I'll be picking it up on the way so dry weight could be pretty close, depending on whether we fill the water tanks, etc. I have a 2011 SR5, completely stock, that'll be doing the job.

For safety stuff, there are brake controls and after some reading, I asked to rent a sway control hitch too. The trip is about 200 miles each way and mostly flat. Any advice or suggestions to help make sure this is a positive experience for everyone?

Thanks!
 
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Foobar said:
Hi folks,

I'm getting ready for a camping trip and am renting a travel trailer. I've never towed anything before so any advice or suggestions are much appreciated. Here's a page with the trailer specs: North Trail Focus Edition FX18 | Palmetto RVPalmetto RV

It's 3931 lbs. dry with 344 lbs. hitch weight. I'll be picking it up on the way so dry weight could be pretty close, depending on whether we fill the water tanks, etc. I have a 2011 SR5, completely stock, that'll be doing the job.

For safety stuff, there are brake controls and after some reading, I asked to rent a sway control hitch too. The trip is about 200 miles each way and mostly flat. Any advice or suggestions to help make sure this is a positive experience for everyone?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

That's a good question. I'll add one more. When towing, is it advised to shift down one gear for the highway.
 
Just give yourself plenty of stopping room in front of you. That is probably the biggest thing. Other than that your 4runner will tow it no problem. I tow a 22' Jet sled and it weighs 4500lbs. Watch for other drivers as you will be cut off.
 
Take your time and avoid any sudden steering corrections. I would use the manual mode on the transmission to keep it from "hunting" between 4th and 5th. With that weight, you'll need 4th.
 
You installed your brake controller?

Most Midwest campgrounds have water fill stations located near the entrance, we always travel dry. You will have your hands full if this is your first time towing lol. I find it's best to keep the speed around 55-60 mph. Yes, everyone else that's towing will be passing you. However, Your not supposed to be in a race to reach a relaxing getaway destination.

The movie RV is entertaining and soo true. Also recomend watching the classic movie with Lucile Ball and Desi Arnaze, The Long, Long Trailer.
 
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Practice backing up and get familiar with the trailer in an open area before you hit the road. I hate sitting somewhere for 10 min because someone has to do a 47 pt turn because they cant back a trailer up!
 
Thanks for all the advice. I forgot about staying out of overdrive so that's a good reminder. We'll be on no hurry so 55-65 will be just fine.

Good point on practicing backing up. I'm sure there is a Walmart parking lot around somewhere to try that out in.

Will return with pictures after the trip!
 
Apex_GTR said:
Practice backing up and get familiar with the trailer in an open area before you hit the road. I hate sitting somewhere for 10 min because someone has to do a 47 pt turn because they cant back a trailer up!
Click to expand...

Agreed! I learned alot about reversing in an open lot.
 
Another thing to consider would be adding airbags since you have a stock suspension. It will help level the truck after you add the load of the tongue weight to the back end (in addition to gear and people already in the truck) so you're not dragging ass. They also don't cost a whole lot ($88 on Amazon) and are easy to install. Most common ones used on here are Airlift 1000s. A quick search should lead you to write ups on installs.

Definitely consider the brake controller as it will help make things easier to control.

Also depending on your state you may need to use a weight distribution hitch for anything over 2k pounds (that's the law here in WA). So you may want to verify regarding your state on that.

I'm about to start towing a slightly larger trailer, about 4300# dry, but it won't have anything but a couple of light road bikes and a surfboard since it will be my home away from home for a few months (and the clothes and such will be in the truck anyway).

Enjoy the new trailer!
 
G8RB8_12SR5 said:
Another thing to consider would be adding airbags since you have a stock suspension. It will help level the truck after you add the load of the tongue weight to the back end (in addition to gear and people already in the truck) so you're not dragging ass. They also don't cost a whole lot ($88 on Amazon) and are easy to install. Most common ones used on here are Airlift 1000s. A quick search should lead you to write ups on installs.
Click to expand...

OP, if the RV rental place will also rent a weight-distributing hitch, you won't need air bags (arguably you don't either if you don't mind the sag). Learn how to set it up with different weights in your truck and trailer.

Tire pressure makes a huge difference in how the vehicle will handle, so make sure to run at the right pressure for your tires.

Definitely consider the brake controller as it will help make things easier to control.

Also depending on your state you may need to use a weight distribution hitch for anything over 2k pounds (that's the law here in WA). So you may want to verify regarding your state on that.
Click to expand...

Brake controller is law also. For temporary setups it can be mounted on the lower dash like the above picture with the adhesive velcro strips.

I'm about to start towing a slightly larger trailer, about 4300# dry, but it won't have anything but a couple of light road bikes and a surfboard since it will be my home away from home for a few months (and the clothes and such will be in the truck anyway).

Enjoy the new trailer!
Click to expand...


Our 4Runner was a handful with a 21' 3800 lb single axle camper at the back of it, even with the stiffer sidewalls of the Nitto TG's and Bilstein 5100's all around. No problem pulling that weight at all, but the short wheelbase lets the trailer wag the truck enough that the rear passengers get this weird buffeting feeling, it was not nice at all.
 
Learning to back up with a trailer takes practice. For some, lots of practice. A few minutes in a parking lot may not be enough. Along with oversized extended mirrors, a spotter with a radio or rehearsed hand signals will be a big help. Doing it at night after a long day on the road is harder - so practice at night too. I had a friend who never could get the hang of backing up - so he installed a hitch on the front just for backing!
 
Growing up I was always told when backing up to place my palm on the bottom of the steering wheel. That way you turn the correct way. If it is on the top of the wheel you will go the opposite way. 2 cents!
 
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