Parts Needed to Tow a Small Travel Trailer with a 1996 Toyota Tacoma

Question

Question:

i have a 1996 toyota tacoma, i have never pulled a trailer, but can i pull a smaller travel trailer behind this truck? what would i need? how big of a trailer will this pull? is there anything i should do to modify my truck? thanks.

asked by: Dennis

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Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of your 1996 Toyota Tacoma will depend on if your truck has a V6 or a 4 cylinder and if it is a 4X4 or a 4X2. I have listed the towing capacities of the different options for the Toyota Tacoma below.

4X4 V6 - 8,300 lbs
4X4 4 Cyl. - 7,400 lbs
4X2 V6 - 8,300 lbs
4X2 4 Cyl. - 3,500 lbs

You can verify the towing capacity of your truck by checking your owners manual or contacting a local Toyota dealer with your vehicle identification number. Toyota also places a few restrictions on towing with your truck. If the trailer you are pulling weighs more than 1,000 lbs, then Toyota states that the trailer must have brakes. If the trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs, then the trailer must also have a sway control bar like the Reese Friction Sway Control, # 83660.

To tow a trailer you will need a trailer hitch, a wiring harness and I would recommend adding a transmission cooler. For a trailer hitch, I would recommend installing the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch, # 13013. This trailer hitch has a 5,000 lb towing capacity and a 500 lb tongue weight capacity. Keep in mind that you should not exceed the lower towing rating between the trailer hitch and your truck.

This trailer hitch does not include a ball mount or hitch ball so you will also want to pick up the ball mount kit, # 989900, and the sway control bracket, # RP26003, if the trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs.

For a wiring harness, you will want to install the Draw-Tite T-One Wiring Harness, # 118379. This wiring harness will connect into the factory connections behind your tail lights and provides a 4-way flat trailer connector. If your travel trailer requires a 7-way trailer connector because it has an additional battery or brakes, then you will also want to install the 4-way to 7-way installation kit, # ETBC7. I have attached installation instructions and a video showing how to install a 7-way trailer connector.

Finally, I would recommend adding a transmission cooler. Towing a trailer with your truck will put additional strain on your engine and transmission, especially if it was not equipped with a tow package. For your truck, I would recommend the Derale Series 800 Transmission Cooler, # D13503. I have attached an installation video for you to check out that should give you an idea on what is involved to install a transmission cooler.

This cooler includes a universal adapter fitting, but most customers find it easier to just cut the transmission fluid return line and install compression fittings. To ensure you choose the correct compression fitting for your vehicle, you will want to measure the diameter of your transmission lines. The most common size is 3/8 inches, but it would be safe to measure first. I have attached links to the compression fittings that we carry, part # D13031, D13032, D13033.

expert reply by: John H

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Answer 1

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 6

Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety…

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Answer 7

The three most common lug stud sizes for a trailer are 1/2"-20, 9/16"-18, and 5/8"-18. In order to make sure you get the correct lug nuts you need to measure the lug studs on the trailer now as we have no way to look this up for…

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Answer 8

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 9

Thank you for the pictures! For a replacement option I recommend the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K #DX29FR to replace your current actuator. The #DX29FR has a 7500lb trailer weight…

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Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 11

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 12

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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