Real towing advise please

Scubydg wrote:
Long story short, I had a 2017 Tacoma, bought an RV (Travel trailer), "they" said oh yeah, it will pull it, just don't go over 80% of towing weight (about 7000lb). Done, but we were kinda close to the 80% weight. LOADS of sway and scarey moments...Bought a 2018 Tundra (SR5 w/ Tow weight of 10K). No more sway and everything is fine. Now I want to upgrade RV. 80% of tow weight is 7900lbs, RV is 7200lbs (by my calculations).. I feel I will be back at the SWAY and SCAREY area again...Thoughts?

Been there, done that, (but not quite so heavy) with an 01 Tacoma then up to a 2011 5.7 l Tundra. The Tundra with an Equalizer hitch tows my 4,200 lb. trailer as if it wasn't back there. The Tacoma, not so much. They made fun of me at the dealership when I told them I wasn't sure the Tacoma could tow it. Sure, it towed it but it wasn't fun.

Edit: There are a lot of variables you haven't included, such as whether you have a WDH, your tire ratings, how much stuff you put in the Tundra, etc. But generally, I will stick with my opinion.

My opinion, I wouldn't go much over 7,000 lbs of trailer with a Tundra. The trailer you have now is about the limit.

^ Yup, gotta remember the salesman at the stealer who's imparting all his worldly knowledge on you is 99% chance full of _____ and driving a 12 year old faded out Kia parked in back by the dumpsters out of sight and living in mom n dads basement!

Scubydg wrote:
Long story short, I had a 2017 Tacoma, bought an RV (Travel trailer), "they" said oh yeah, it will pull it, just don't go over 80% of towing weight (about 7000lb). Done, but we were kinda close to the 80% weight. LOADS of sway and scarey moments...Bought a 2018 Tundra (SR5 w/ Tow weight of 10K). No more sway and everything is fine. Now I want to upgrade RV. 80% of tow weight is 7900lbs, RV is 7200lbs (by my calculations).. I feel I will be back at the SWAY and SCAREY area again...Thoughts?

Trucks don't sway, trailers do.

Now you can cover up a swaying trailer with a big truck but that doesn't solve the problem......trailer sway.

Because of the SUV and light truck fad, trailers manufactures are building their trailers with lighter and lighter tongue weight. They are literally killing their customers to get them in the market.

"Some" trailers are designed dangerous IMHO.

My advise is to make sure the new trailer you buy has sufficient tongue weight to prevent sway.

Someone with over 40 years towing and trailers building experience.

Long story short, I replaced our 2007 F150 with a 2016 F250. The trailer towing with the f250 just did not seem to tow well at all. Too much wiggle with passing trucks etc. I lowered the hitch ball one bolt hole giving the trailer a slightly nose down attitude and what a difference it made !!! Check your tongue weight and if necesssary lower the hitch ball and see if that fixes it. it sure did for us
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Good luck !

My guess it had nothing to do with your capacity! Most likely the set-up on your first vehicle was not correct. When you switched vehicles the set-up changed and your towing experience with it!

I too believe in the 80% rule. I have towed at max capacity and around the 80% mark - I'll take the 80% experience!

Some people are comfortable towing at max capacity while others are not! I personally believe that my driving experience while towing should not be much different then when I am not towing!

You are on vacation - why be stressed out because you are towing?

Happy Camping & travel Safe!