Towing Setup Recommendation for a 2013 Toyota Tacoma with Tow Package

Question

Question:

I have a 2013 Toyota Tacoma V6 with tow package. I also have installed a set of Firestone Riderite airbags for leveling, which may come in handy. I just bought a 14 Keystone Passport 238ML trailer which is a dry weight of 3711lbs and tongue weight of 495lbs. Of course ill have gear in the trailer to add weight. I envision adding water when I am close to my destination, not at the start. What would you recommend for items like: 1. weight distributing hitch? I dont want to break the bank on this, just one that fits my need. I see some wont work in reverse, but I could see it being nice to be able to reverse, I cant imagine in a pinch being left unable to back up 2. brake controller? I want to be plug-n-play if possible. I dont need tons of bells and whistles, the trailer is pretty light and I am not doing anything crazy. once again reasonable on the pocket book is great 3. mirror extenders? I would think these might come in handy. Just guessing... 4. anything else.. ?

asked by: Aaron G

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have everything you need. I would recommend all three of the things you referenced as well.

A weight distribution system would be what I would recommend of suspension enhancement, but since you already have suspension enhancement you may try that out first since you are trying to be budget friendly. WD systems are not designed to be used on vehicles with suspension enhancement so it would be an either/or situation. The two systems tend to work against each other if used together. Since it's an air bag system though you could deflate the bags and use a WD system if you wanted to.

Let's say you wanted to use a WD system since it would be the better product to use for your setup than a air spring kit.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

The ones that say you can't reverse with them have that warning because in reverse people typically find themselves in tight turn situations (like jackknifing) than when driving forward. If you can avoid super tight maneuvers you can back up with a WD system.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. Since you have the tow package all you would need to install this controller is the correct harness, which for your vehicle would be the part # 3040-P. I attached an install video for you to check out as well.

I recommend the K Source Universal Clip-On Towing Mirror, part # KS3891 for your truck. As long as you have a lip on the edge of your mirrors, these will work great for you. These mirrors are sold individually and will attach to either the driver or the passenger side mirrors. These mirrors measure 7-3/4 inches tall by 5-1/8 inches wide. I have attached a link to a product review video for you.