Did i expect too much from my Taco (towing question...)?

Uh, I thought the Tacoma is rated at 6,500lbs with towing package?

 

I think he's listing the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW) total weight of truck and towed load combined.

Mike

 

Oops

 

So, thinking about it, I imagine there was quite a bit of weight in the hitch. The trailer is single axle, and when connected, the trailer angled down a good 15-20 degrees.. so from the pivot point of the wheel, I know there was a good amount resting on it. I am guessing this could have an impact (and even better, I only have the three leafs in the back.. since I bought my 08 used last year, no suspension TSB for me...

 

Not sure how some are getting the mileage they are getting but man I wish I was getting it.

We just did a trip from Flagstaff, AZ to Guerneville, CA and back. Roughly 1700 miles round trip. Here is the elevation profile for the trip.



Over the entire trip I averaged just over 10MPG. The best I got was 12.5 and the worst was 9.

Kept it in 4th most of the time, occasionally 5th (D) and 3rd (uphill and passing).
Speed ranged between 60-65.
RPMs usually about 2700 (wondering if I should have pushed 3000).
87 octane gas



Trailer is a 2007 Jayco JayFeather 165 Sport. 2800lbs dry, we were probably around 3100lbs with our gear and propane. However, not shown in the photo here, we had 3 bikes on the roof of the truck which didn't help I'm sure. Maybe a couple hundred pounds of gear in the bed of the truck. Had an E2 WDH hooked up which did help level things out and did keep the ride smoother.

We spent 6 nights on the Russian River so the cost of gas was a wash with what it would have cost us to get a hotel or a rental.

Jeff in Flagstaff

 

Looks like fun either way!!!

 

I usually pull a horse trailer with 2-3 horses or a flatbed with hay, either is usually between 3500-5000lbs with gear. Elevation between 4-8k and speeds between 45-70 and almost always get 16mpg. Torque/ power always seem to be there when needed, long steep passes like la bajada near Santa Fe I might drop down to 60 -55mph and not be screaming. Idk if the gearing between OR and Sport is different...

 

"Over the entire trip I averaged just over 10MPG. The best I got was 12.5 and the worst was 9." Thats about what I do in Florida, with small 5x8 enclosed trailer. If I get 250 miles out of 20 gallon tank, I am happy. And did I say it earlier: turn off cruise control when towing - it bites (2007 V6)

 

4000 rpm would have you in 3rd gear at highway speeds