Gooseneck Hitch Installation in 2007 Toyota Tundra Doublecab SR5 with 6-1/2-ft Bed and Tow Package
Question:
It is my understanding that Toyota does not recommend the use of a gooseneck with my model year truck. Keeping this in mind, is it safe for me to install a gooseneck? I am planning to buy a 18ft dump trailer that weighs 7680lbs empty. What would be the capacity if installed?
asked by: Joshua
Expert Reply:
Auto manufacturers get to have the final word on what their vehicles can and cannot do. Your owner's manual will indicate the towing capacity for your particular truck exactly as it is configured or your local dealership can confirm this for you if you provide your truck's VIN number. I was able to find in my research reference to a 10,000 tow rating for versions of the SR5 but I cannot be sure this is accurate for your truck; your owner's manual (or dealership) is the final authority on the truck's capacity and suitability for use with a goose neck or other hitch. You can also check the sticker on the door jamb and find the GCWR and GVW figures; subtract GVW from GCWR and this will be the truck's towing capacity.
There are goose neck hitches that will install in your truck, if it does not have a flare-side or step-side bed (see linked page), but since these have a tow rating far in excess of the truck's most of their capacity would be lost since the truck's limit would become the limit for the entire system.
Even if your truck were rated for 10K towing capacity, with the empty dump trailer being about 7700-lbs you would not likely be able to use it anywhere nears its full capacity.
