Brake Controller Recommendation and Important Towing Capacity Info for a 2007 Toyota Tacoma  

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Expert Reply:

There are some important figures to look at on your 2007 Toyota Tacoma and the travel trailer. First, your Tacoma will have 2 ratings: one is the towing capacity which you have stated is 6,500 pounds. The other is the gross combined weight rating. This is the most that the trailer and the truck can way together when loaded with cargo, passengers in the truck, fuel, and so on. This figure is listed on the sticker in the door jamb.

For the trailer we need to look at the gross trailer capacity which is the most the trailer itself can weigh when loaded and ready to tow. The dry weight is the weight of the empty trailer. Most travel trailers can hold around 2,000 pounds so if you have it loaded to the max you would be right at the towing capacity of the truck.

Of course the trailer doesn't have to be fully loaded all the time so the weight could be less. The key though is to determine a good estimate . . . or take the whole rig to a big rig truck scale.

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I have included a link to a help article on this.

If the trailer has electric brakes I also recommend the use of a brake controller. Based on the towing capacity of your truck it sounds like it has the factory tow package with the 7-Way trailer connector at the rear. To add a brake controller you will just need the controller itself and a harness to plug it into the truck. I recommend the P2 # 90885 because its easy to set up and use and it is reliable. For a harness to plug it into the truck you will need # 3040-P.

Once you have determined the gross trailer weight capacity of the trailer I can make a weight distribution recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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