[San Diego Tundra]

Hey Guys

I got a 2012 Ex Cab 2WD with 5.7L

Buddy is selling me his toy hauler and i have to pick it up TODAY as in within a few hours.

I ordered the brake controller and airbag kit, but it wont be here until Monday!

Its a 23ft Sandpiper that weighs 6100+/-.

It will be empty, and almost dry but not completely.

I only have to tow it about 30 miles or so to my house. Mostly freeway.

Am i asking for trouble trying to tow this before i get the bags and controller installed? Friend is heading out of town at 5pm for 3weeks and i'd really like to grab it now.

Input? Advice?

Thanks a lot

 

[2012CMINCO]

Not the best, but just take it easy. Might be worth taking back roads to keep the speed down.

You'll be fine, IMO.


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[2010]

I would not tow it without the brake controller but I GUESS if you drive extremely carefully you might be alright for 30 miles. Most toy haulers are 5th wheels though, is that one/are you setup for that? If it's not a 5th wheel, I hope you have a WD hitch?

 

[San Diego Tundra]

Not a 5th wheel. Just a ball mount. I have the "Tow Package" on the Truck from the factory and the hitch and what not.

 

[San Diego Tundra]

And No WD hitch either. That is ALSO on the way from etrailer!

 

[2010]

Tow package or not, you will see what I am talking about when you hook that thing up and watch your rear end sag. Even with the air bags you should be using a WD hitch, Toyota even calls that out in the manual (over 5000 pounds). Can't you just buy it and then pick it up while he is out of town?

 

[San Diego Tundra]

Im planning on limping along at 55mph in slow lane.

 

[San Diego Tundra]

Tow package or not, you will see what I am talking about when you hook that thing up and watch your rear end sag. Even with the air bags you should be using a WD hitch, Toyota even calls that out in the manual (over 5000 pounds). Can't you just buy it and then pick it up while he is out of town?

Gotcha. Thanks. I wish i could. Its a long story, but its gotta be moved ASAP and he gotta be there.

I might call around and see if friend with Dually can handle it.

Thanks

 

[2010]

Well, in a nutshell, you can hook that thing up without a brake, bags or WD hitch and chances are you will make it home but it's not smart and if you get in an accident you are completely f*cked because you are violating several different laws and chances are, your insurance company will refuse all claims if they get enough details.

 

[COCampfire]

Yes it CAN be done. I don't advise it, but just make sure all your lights are working. Take it SLOW and give yourself TONS of room for braking. Stay off the highways.

 

[San Diego Tundra]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I was able to limp it home at 55mph with minimal issues!

Was definitely sketchy as all heck though!!!

The bags, and brake controller will be here Monday AM and i wont be moving this thing at ALL until those are installed!!!

Also need to order those Tow mirrors ASAP, couldnt see SHEIIIT!

Do you think a LD hitch is needed with bags or are bags sufficent for about 7500lbs?

THanks

 

[COCampfire]

A WD with airbags is your best bet.

The both prevent sagging and ride improvement with trailer.

I believe you'd be fine with just a WD hitch, but most people run bags with them.

 

[Tyotayoda]

A wd hitch set up correctly and you will barely need the air bags.
Take the time to learn how to set up the wd hitch. It took me a while to get mine dialed in. Now my camper is a pleasure to tow.
Have fun!

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[San Diego Tundra]

A wd hitch set up correctly and you will barely need the air bags.
Take the time to learn how to set up the wd hitch. It took me a while to get mine dialed in. Now my camper is a pleasure to tow.
Have fun!

Thanks man! Very cool rig ya got there!

Yeah, i am brand new to this tow stuff and pretty overwhelmed with some of it.

So many different brands, models, and weight rating LD hitches.

Which one are you running? Where did ya purchase?

Thanks

 

[Nia4lia]

Yikes, I towed this about 800 miles with a stock hitch and a 4.6L engine. Didn't feel safe, but it got the job done. Won't be doing that again...... The trailer with boat was easily over 7500#s. I even had 6 peeps in the cab and a bed loaded with camping gear. I was white knuckling it the whole way, and I realized the need for tow mirrors. Definitely a leaning experience.

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[Tyotayoda]

I have the Reese dual cam wdh. The place that I bought the camper from added that and the break controller as part of the purchase. The guy that installed it didn't set it up correctly, but I have it dialed in now where there is less than half an inch of squat when I'm all hooked up.


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[markbrit]

I have an equalizer we system. Real happy with it. Do not rely on salesman to setup for you...agreed they will do it wrong. Take time to go to truck scale too. Have fun!

 

[Shanta]

You won't have a problem with a one-time tow like that. I had my 7-pin pullout unexpectedly last week and could barely tell the trailer brakes weren't there, and my trailer is 28' and was loaded to camp. As long as there are no huge hills, or bad winds, you should be fine. Also, my truck doesn't drop more than an inch when I hitch up before the WD.

 

[San Diego Tundra]

You won't have a problem with a one-time tow like that. I had my 7-pin pullout unexpectedly last week and could barely tell the trailer brakes weren't there, and my trailer is 28' and was loaded to camp. As long as there are no huge hills, or bad winds, you should be fine. Also, my truck doesn't drop more than an inch when I hitch up before the WD.

I'm going to disagree with ya there! I made it home, but it was one of the sketchiest hours of my life!

 

[2010]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I was able to limp it home at 55mph with minimal issues!

Was definitely sketchy as all heck though!!!

The bags, and brake controller will be here Monday AM and i wont be moving this thing at ALL until those are installed!!!

Also need to order those Tow mirrors ASAP, couldnt see SHEIIIT!

Do you think a LD hitch is needed with bags or are bags sufficent for about 7500lbs?

THanks

Bags only lift the rear, a wd hitch redistributes weight to the front of the truck for handling and braking and is more important than bags. If you only get one it should be the hitch but both is better.

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