Towing questions for 1998 tacoma

Hey All:

I have a 1998 6cyl, 4WD tacoma. Im debating getting a boat, and I have had mixed opinions on wether my truck can tow what I want.

The boat I want isn't long (17'), but is sturdy and fairly heavy. Fully loaded, maybe 2000 lbs. Thing is Im not sure exactly what it weighs, it may be 2500 with trailer and all.

Ive had one mechanic say "that thing will stress everything on your truck from bumper to bumper, and shorten its life", while another told me, oh yeah, you've got plenty of power...

And then braking is another thing. I want to stay safe here.

Im talking fairly slow (less the 60 mph) and no real hills, but whats your take on this?

thanks

 

Cool, thanks. Even braking downhill, etc?

Specifically interested in what other taco owners with similar loads experience.

thanks again!

 

Would I need trailer brakes, or no?

 

My dad used to tow a 16' fiberglass boat with a evinrude 60hp at the back with my 2.7l Taco. Needless to say it was REALLY doggy but it did the job great. He was towing long distance (200miles) and never had any problems overheating whatsoever.

 

I think towing capacity is like 5000 lbs if you have the towing package so you should be good.

 

with the v6 you will be fine. The tow rating isn't there because toyota wanted to fuck with you and make you blow your motor by saying you can tow more than you really can. Not sure what tranny you have, but if its an auto a tranny cooler is a good idea if you plan on towing often.

for that amount of weight especially if you are towing often you probably should get a brake controller, yes.

 

I had a 2000 V6 4x4 extracab and now have 2004 V6 4x4 extracab that I towed my boat with before I sold it. The boat was 17.5 feet and weighed 1850lbs dry and unloaded (without trailer included). With trailer, fuel, and gear, I estimated it weighed between 2200 and 2500.

I did not have brakes on the single axle trailer. The V6 pulled it fine (had 145K on the truck at the time). I towed the boat over 350 miles twice at highway speeds (consistent travel at 65 mph) and never had a problem.

You will need to downshift to 4th gear going up grades. You should also downshift when slowing to assist the brakes. Just be smart, leave adequate following distance, and give yourself extra time to slow down. The worst part was having to stop quicker then I wanted and then you will feel the weight. Otherwise, you will be fine.

If you want to treat your truck extra nice, then change the differential fluids, transmission fluid, and transfer case and then have fun. Its a tacoma and it will impress you.

 

I had a 97 taco 4cyl 4wd and used to tow a 19ft runabout that weighted 3K lbs and the truck did fine, except for the hills. It had a 5spd and that really helped. I also towed the same boat with my 97 4runner with v6/auto and it did very well. You should have no trouble with your setup towing only 2,000lbs.

 

I have a 98, 4cyl reg cab 4x4 and I towed my 16' Lund Pro Angler (boat and trailer and motor and gear maybe= 2000 lbs. ) 500 miles to and from a week long fishing trip. Quite doggy on the Smoky mountains but otherwise fine.

Will be towing the same boat with the same truck this summer, 660 miles up into Ontario. You have the 6 cylinder. Auto or stick? You might want some of the tow pkg items but I bet you wont need them if you stay ~ 2500 lbs.

 

I have a 2000 V-6 4x4 MT and I tow a 17-foot aluminum bass boat with a 50 HP four-stroke on it. Towing weight is somewhere between 1500 and 2000 pounds.

It's an easy tow. I don't have trailer brakes, but if I remember correctly, you're supposed to according to the manual. I've never had trouble stopping though.

I use 4WD low to pull the boat out of the water. You'll never slip on the ramp and it makes the clutch's job MUCH easier. Just take it out of 4WD low before you turn.

 

Thanks all.

I have a manual tran, but I dont think I have the towing package... This boat is a glass mini-commercial type so its solid. When you hit it with a hammer fist its like hitting a boulder. 17ft with a 115 4 stroke, so maybe its more like 3k with the trailer? The maker told me he thought the boat alone was more like 1500lbs but he wasnt sure. I think the 115 outboard is like 500lbs, trailer probably the same.

 

Hook it to the truck and have it weighted at a scale if your worried and not sure. Most truck stops have a scale, your going to put it in the water before you buy it right.

 

Ive been in it, its a friends. Thing is, its currently in Oregon.

 

My 40hp Merc weighs over 400. I would be wary of towing over 2k without the tow pkg. I would also be wary of towing 3k long distance in traffic without trailer brakes.

 

What does a "tow package" consist of on Gen 1 Tacoma with a manual transmission? An extra core in the radiator?

Just curious...

 

Mine's rated at 3500 with or without hitch

OP you should be good with that setup... I towed a lawn care trailer with mine all over town for the last 4 summers without any issue, and I have a 2.4. It won't be a race car and you just gotta be patient with it. And double clutch (not for any good reason, just to feel like a trucker )

 

Where are you guys coming up with these crazy outboard motor weights? A 115 hp FOUR STROKE only weighs 400 pounds. 40 hp? About 200. Even an ancient 50 hp merc from the 70's weighed in under 200.

OP: I wouldnt hesitate for a second to pull a little boat with that truck.