Towing with older SR5 4X4

Hi, and greetings to all,

I'm a forum newbie, but an original owner of a 2000 SR5 4x4 (4.7L V8). It has been a good truck, but it doesn't seem to have adequate power for towing much more than a lightweight utility trailer. I know it's rated for 7100 lbs, yet it struggles mightily to pull our Jayco Jayfeather (4250 dry and maybe 5,000 with cargo). And towing that in the West, with reasonable elevation changes, drops our mileage from 15-17 (no trailer) to about 6-7 (with trailer). So my question is whether others have had similar experiences and just get something newer and bigger or better designed for TT towing. (I've heard Tacomas do quite well, but would probably prefer to look at a V8 half ton with a tow package.) Meanwhile we now have an R-Pod 180 (about 3000 dry weight) and hope it will do better with that.

 

I have a 2004 sr5, I periodically tow a car trailer and with my car I'm probably around 5500ish and I'd say my experience is fairly similar, though I'm getting closer to 10 MPG but I just putter around at 90 km/h on the high way, though I don't feel to under powered, I do feel under braked, I need to stop being lazy and get some trailer brakes.

I'm also running a 1.5~2" lift with 285/75/r17 tyres with the factory 3.92 gears.

 

I tow a similar trailer to your jayco. I haven’t found the power lacking (other than needing to have OD off). I know I’m not winning any races. My biggest issue is with the range due to the poor fuel economy when towing. I’m working on getting parts together to add another 10 gallons which should bump my range up to 220+ miles with the trailer in tow.
If you feel like it’s lacking power I’d say that’s because it is. 240 hp and 300 lb-ft pales in Comparison to the newest half ton v8’s with their 380+ Hp and 400 lb-ft, not to mention the 8-10sp transmissions rather than the 4-speed.

unfortunately there are also more problems that go along with that, not to mention the upfront cost. That decision will ultimately come down to your personal choice.

with what you have in tow your performance is to be expected.

 

I have a 2005 DC 2WD. 6800 towing capacity but a safety rule of thumb is 80% of that or 5440. My camper is 3477 dry so that leaves 1,000 to play with. Truck brakes + trailer brakes stop just fine. I drive 65 mph (because that's what my original equipment Chinese trailer tires are rated) and average about 9 MPG, varying overdrive depending on terrain. No trailer and I get 13-14 in mostly hilly city driving. I've towed in the Appalachians and could definitely use more power on long hills over 6 or 7%. 50 mph on long interstate hills is a little embarrassing. It would be great to have a new truck but I'm retired, the Tundra is paid for, reliable and looks pretty, so I just accept the MPG/power. Initially had a problem with the 220 mile tank range but have decided those rest breaks are probably a good idea.

 

what's your trailer length, I've been looking at small travel trailers but after my car towing experience I've been looking for 17-19' trailers with an overall lenth of about 20ish max

 

It’s 27 ft overall, 23 ft box 7.5 ft wide.

 

I’ve been towing since the truck was new. Best to keep the weight under 4000lbs. for braking purposes in the 2002 SR5 4wd.

Sure she can grunt pull that weight and more, but the stopping power is awful. Stay safe and get a bigger truck. No way I’d ever tow these 20’ plus long travel trailers even when staying under the capacity with the 1st Gen. Nuts!

 

I pull this one all over the place and it is no big deal but I think it really also comes down to expectations as much as anything else?

Mine is at least a little more Aero than than one of the long boxes which helps for sure but the Fiberglass is plenty hefty for the size too but again just slowing down by design always seems to help me feel like I am not trying as hard because I am not.

I do also pull cargo trailers all over and have usually been surprised by how easy they pull too.

 

That's basically what I'm looking for, with the only requirement being that it has a toilet for those late night needs. It seem like a fair bit of smaller trailers don't have a toilet,

 

17’ Casita with full kitchen and bath!

 

Interesting...I’ve been looking at trailering just recently myself. Is that Casita a ‘wet bath’ like Airstream has where you can poop and shower at the same time?

 

If I buy new I'd probably get something from these guys.

https://escapetrailer.com/the-19-foot-escape/

https://escapetrailer.com/the-17-foot-escape-b/

but as this my first time looking at travel trailer I'm probably going to go used for the first one to make sure it's actually something I enjoy.

 

Tire size / lift will also be a factor.

The lift and larger tires really don't help with towing.



One member here went to 4.56's for towing IIRC.

I'd also consider a brake upgrade to the larger 14wl calipers with larger rotors. Larger master cylinder (&/or booster) as well if necessary.

 

I suppose thats one way to look at that.
It is a very tiny room and I have never had to use one in many small fiberglass trailers that I have had but it is there if I need it too.

 

I pulled a 7000 pound trailer (when fully loaded) with mine through the Ozark mountains and didn't feel it was "mightily underpowered" Felt very torquey. Could have used a couple more speeds in the 'ol gear box. 7000 pounds was too much for this truck though. Brakes and Chassis mostly. Truck felt a little squirmy with all that weight back there, not solid or planted. Well adjusted trailer brakes a must. I never towed over 55mph and left lots of room between me and everyone else. Was considering a bigger truck, but got wise. Sold the camper, kept the truck.

 

How fast are you trying to go while towing? Understand that aerodynamic drag increases exponentially.

 

Why? 20 ft travel trailers are well under the weight rating of these trucks. All travel trailers are equipped with brakes.

 

Most trailers around the 16ft mark will have a full bathroom. It also allows you to not step in all the pee in the gas station restroom.

Wet baths are just a small trailer thing. The mid size and larger airstreams have dry baths.

For those in the market, I would look at the gvwr on the trailer. You will be much closer to that number than the dry weight.

I have a 2017 rpod 179 for sale if anyone is interested.

 

That sounds brutal. What hitch were you using. Did you have trailer brakes?

 

DrawTite WDH with 1000# bars and sway control. Trailer was equipped with electric trailer brakes. Have a trailer brake controller installed and adjusted. Capable, yes. Comfortable, not really.