Towing with a Tundra

[ParrishCamper]

Anyone tow 233S Roo w/ 2nd gen Toyota Tundra? Our TV is 2013 5.7L V8 with factory tow package (9900lb tow capacity). I'm just wondering how the Roo will handle behind TV. When pulling a large popup (empty 3055lb) you couldn't even tell it was back there. I know the wind resistance will make a huge difference but wondering if we will need the WDH & sway bar.
Tundra comes standard w/ TRAILER-SWAY CONTROL (TSC)
When a vehicle is towing a trailer, conditions such as
side winds, load undulation or the driver’s steering
input can result in dangerous trailer sway. Tundra’s
TSC is a system that detects trailer sway and applies
brake pressure at individual wheels and controls engine
torque to help stabilize the trailer.

[ependydad]

What does the hitch say for capacities? That Roo has 623 pounds of dry hitch weight that will do nothing but go up.

That 623 pounds is 14% of the unloaded vehicle weight (4,365 pounds). Which means, your actual loaded weight (my guess is 5,000-5,500 pounds at least) is going to give you a loaded tongue weight of 750-825 pounds.

[Ditchooker]

judging by your tow capacity I would assume it is a crewmax model, being over 500lbs a WDH would be needed for sure. I would suggest the sway bar more for the added comfort.

I Just recently towed a smaller trailer home for some friends of mine (truck wasn't tow ready yet) of around 5k lbs. it was breezy and the sway control was not installed being a short tow home, but I could still feel it pushing around a little bit. as for motivating, the 5.7L has no issues there, it knows its there, but holds 5th really well. (much better than my Salem which is 1K+ heavier)

[wyo700]

Just because your tundra has tsc doesn't mean your shouldn't use a good WDH with sway control. I the same truck you but tow a toy hauler that weighs about 7000 with a tongue weight of about 1000 pounds. A good hitch was a must and works great in all aspects. Get a good hitch.

[bikendan]

if you read your owner's manual's towing section it should say what hitch weight you should be using a wdh.

[checca]

Always use a wdh ... It makes your towing NOT an experience! I've use wdh with trailers as small as 12' ... Reason is they tow so much better properly setup.

[castlemusic]

I just recently upgraded from a 3500 pound popup to a 233S. There is a HUGE difference in towing feel! Also, a pretty severe penalty in gas mileage. As others have said, the WDH is a must. I'm using the 10,000 lb Equal-i-zer, and it does a fantastic job. Good luck!

[Kaadk]

Our Ram only has an 8200 lb capacity and I don't even notice our 29' (5700 lb dry) TT behind us. Unless there's a cross-wind of course. 29' turn into a wind sail in a cross wind.

As other's have said having the WDH and anti-sway is a must. I tried once to pull without an anti-sway. Never again.

[KMP44]

Originally Posted by ParrishCamper

Anyone tow 233S Roo w/ 2nd gen Toyota Tundra? Our TV is 2013 5.7L V8 with factory tow package (9900lb tow capacity). I'm just wondering how the Roo will handle behind TV. When pulling a large popup (empty 3055lb) you couldn't even tell it was back there. I know the wind resistance will make a huge difference but wondering if we will need the WDH & sway bar.

We went from towing a popup to a Roo with our half-ton. Not a Toyota, but similar truck. The first time you tow the Roo, there will be no doubt its behind you. The big square front of the hybrid creates a huge amount of drag. Double check the owners manual, but I can't imagine that you wouldn't want/need a WDH to level up the truck. And defintely get some type of sway control. We are using a basic Pro-Series hitch with friction sway control. There are more sophisticated setups out there, but the Roo is fairly short at 23 feet, and the friction sway control keeps it nicely in line when its windy.

Your truck should tow the 233S fine with the right hitch setup. Its a little different than pulling the popup, but didn't take us long to get used to it. We drove in all kinds of conditions on all kinds of roads, and it was all pretty smooth.

[Jjsav]

Weight distrabution, sway bar are a must. Be prepared, your gas milage is going to drop, compaired to the pop-up. That big flat front end of the Roo acts like a giant wind resistant sail... Otherwise you will have no issues with the Tundra pulling that camper...

[rlocicero]

You should have no problem with the right bats. We have towed our 829FKS Flagstaff about 10000 miles with our 2011 f150 super crew/trailer ready in all kinds of terrain with absolutely no issues. While the tundra is no Ford, it should probably be OK.

Originally Posted by Jjsav

Weight distrabution, sway bar are a must. Be prepared, your gas milage is going to drop, compaired to the pop-up. That big flat front end of the Roo acts like a giant wind resistant sail... Otherwise you will have no issues with the Tundra pulling that camper...

[jeerme]

It towed the space shuttle. You shouldn't have any problems with the roo!

[JoeR]

I've got the 08 Tundra w/tow package. Now they didn't have the sway control built in then. After a lot of research, I ended up with an Equal-i-zer brand hitch with built in sway control. Easy to setup, easy to hookup and unhook. My then 230 Outback was well known to be back there, but the Tundra controlled it well.

JR

[Batts-toy]

Originally Posted by ParrishCamper

Anyone tow 233S Roo w/ 2nd gen Toyota Tundra? Our TV is 2013 5.7L V8 with factory tow package (9900lb tow capacity). I'm just wondering how the Roo will handle behind TV. When pulling a large popup (empty 3055lb) you couldn't even tell it was back there. I know the wind resistance will make a huge difference but wondering if we will need the WDH & sway bar.
Tundra comes standard w/ TRAILER-SWAY CONTROL (TSC)
When a vehicle is towing a trailer, conditions such as
side winds, load undulation or the driver’s steering
input can result in dangerous trailer sway. Tundra’s
TSC is a system that detects trailer sway and applies
brake pressure at individual wheels and controls engine
torque to help stabilize the trailer.

I have exactly the same TV as you (as far as towing), though my TT is heavier they are comparable for towing needs. I look at the Tundra sway control braking function as 'I don't want to go there' why chance going into a sway situation and having the TV brakes trying to get it back under control, it is nice to know it is there but I wouldn't rely on it for basic control of sway. A WDH with sway is the way to go to stop the sway before it even gets started. I am using a cheap Harbor Freight 10,000 lb WDH with two friction sway controllers also from HF (inexpensive and works just fine). If you use the friction type unit remember the weight limit for one is 6,000 lbs (after TT is fully loaded with your gear) and this is why I have 2 installed.

[Orion]

Originally Posted by jeerme

It towed the space shuttle. You shouldn't have any problems with the roo!

It didn't tow it, it pulled it.

[HONDAMAN174]

Same TV here too. Traded our high wall and was planning on a roo 23ikss but ended up with a Evo 28'. So...if you loaded you truck bed with supplies and hooked the trailer, the rear WILL hang low. Like everyone has stated, you should use a WDH to be easier on the equipment and make for a better experience. I went with the anderson hitch and I like it but I think I will be adding airbags soon to help level out the truck. I'm very close to 1k tongue weight.

[dcheatwood]

I know you will have a TT, but these pics should convince you of tundra



















capabilities.

[ParrishCamper]

So I'm hearing we need a WDH and anti-stay bar.

I guess moving forward I need to understand these items and decide on one prior to picking up the camper next month.
Looking at my friends camper who has WDH it appears installed on TT and then a special hitch on the TV.
Can you backup w/ WDH / sway bar or do you have to unhook it?

Husband doesn't think we need it but 90% of the time I will be hitching/towing. So I'll push the issue.

Thanks everyone for you help!!!! I really appreciate it!

[dcheatwood]

You will not regret having both. You can back up with them in place but if you have to turn pretty sharp while backing into a spot, remove the anti sway bar. Takes 15 secs.
WDH transfers some of the tongue weight from the bumper to the front axle. Much better ride and easier driving.
Anti sway bar helps prevent the trailer swaying side to side when hit by large gusts of wind such as when a large 18 wheeler passes by.

[Kaadk]

There's usually two kinds of WDH. Ones with anti-sway built in, and ones with a separate anti-sway (also called a friction anti-sway). If you have the kind that's separate, it should be removed for any sharp turns (backwards or forwards).