2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4
Since buying a small towable travel trailer was challenging due to low inventory in mid-2020. We considered renting to help decide what size trailer would work for us. After buying a Tacoma with tow package, I outfitted it with a weight-distribution hitch (wdh) and Curt wireless brake controller. After reading reviews & watching wdh installation videos, I decided on the Equal-i-zer E4 wdh. Their online calculator (https://www.equalizerhitch.com/find-your-hitch-size) recommended the 10k setup. It’s heavier than many other brands at ~100lbs but popular for its 4-friction point anti-sway design. Plus rated for 10k, we can upgrade to a larger trailer in the future & move the wdh to another vehicle.
In addition to the Curt bluetooth brake controller, I installed a Tekonsha Primus brake controller (Amazon). Since our Tacoma is pre-wired for a controller, I thought it prudent to have a hard-wired controller as our primary.
A lockable tonneau cover was also on my wish list to securely transport & store gear in the 5ft truck bed. A retractable ReTraxOne XR was on sale at realtruck.com, still pricey but so far, worth it.
A ScangaugeII OBDII diagnostic readout gauge was next since the Tacoma has a transmission fluid cooler, as part of the tow package, but without a readout. Monitoring the transmission fluid temperature is recommended since the Tacoma can strain towing up long steep inclines. If the temp exceeds 210°C, it’s recommended to pull over & let the transmission cool to save on transmission wear & tear.
Some extras – dashcam, dog hammock for rear seat, dog harness & seat belt.
Renting a trailer, although recommended by many, just didn’t work out for us because of Covid and my reservations about our towing someone else trailer. Being newbies, I would hate to have wrecked someone else’s “Home on Wheels” (HoWie).
Essentials+Extras Tow Vehicle Shopping List
- 10K Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch (Camping World)
- motormic Trailer Hitch Lock – 5/8″ Lock (Amazon)
- Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller (Camping World)
- Tekonsha Primus Electronic Brake Control w/ Tacoma Harness (Amazon)
- ScanGauge – SG2 II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer (for transmission fluid temperature display; Amazon)
- Rove R2- 4K WiFi GPS Car Dash Cam Recorder (Amazon)
- Dash Cam Rear View Mirror Mount Kit &
- SimpleUSB Mirror to Dashcam Power Adapter (12-pin for Toyota Tacoma; Amazon)
- ReTraxOne MX retractable tonneau cover for Tacoma short bed (10% off from RealTruck.com; hard to get from other places like tonneaufactoryoutlet.com due to low inventory in Oct 2020)
- Vailge Dog Seat Cover for Back Seat, 100% Waterproof, Mesh Window, Scratch Prevent Anti-slip Dog Car Hammock (Amazon)
- Kurgo Dog Car Harness for Dogs, Crash-tested (Amazon)
- Step Stool, Adjustable Height Aluminum Platform Step (Camping World; helps climbing into our Tacoma bed or Howie)