2001 Toyota towing advice

Hello all, New to the forum. I am planning a trip to tow a trailer and have a motorcycle in the bed. The trailer is under 4,800 lbs. so it looks like that should be ok but with the motorcycle in the bed I am wondering if I may need air shocks or add another leaf spring? Also I have never changed the radiator in it and was wondering what your suggestion is as to what one is the best. And should I add a transmission cooler? I'm sure I will have more questions as I move forward on this, so if you have any tips or advice please let me know, Thanks for your time, Chuck.

 

Read your manual if its still in your glove box. It gives a few examples of differing tow set ups and variations of tow with a load in the bed along with weight limits to adhere. My 2002 has the tow package factory transmission set up with the extra cooler. Hope you have it as well.

 

I used my 01 for towing almost every day. I added super springs and a bigger aftermarket AT cooler. Make sure you always turn OD off when towing or hauling.

 

I'd just get a weight distribution hitch.

 

Thanks guys, could I ask where you purchased the trans cooler? And was it a simple install? I do have a small trans cooler along with the fluid going into the radiator also, is this the tow package set up? I will look into the weight distribution hitch also. I am also going to replace the radiator as it's the same one from 2001, I have heard stories that they can cause trouble with the transmission. Yea a bigger cooler would give me a little piece of mind, thanks again guys, Chuck.

 

I bought my last trans cooler on Amazon. Simple to install if you're comfortable fabricating brackets, the hardest part imho is getting the fluid level right afterwards. Try not to block too much of the radiator.

 

I bought mine from auto anything. I left the factory on and just added to it. Should only need hose and clamps. Installed with thick zip ties behind the bumper