but will she tow the boat?

Detox · 06-10-2008, 05:51 PM

Hey you guys have a sweet community here. I have never been a truck guy and was not even aware that the Tacoma had its own forum but I am not surprised it is a great truck. I have been flipping through your pages for about 2 hours now.

Anyway I am doing a little research for my dear old dad who is thinking of switching from his gas sucking 02 Ford F250 to a V6 2wd Tacoma 06-08 for gas saving (and reliability) purposes mostly.

Anyway my dads question is will this Tacoma be able to pull his boat without doing damage to the transmission, rear end, or any other part of the truck? The boat is 20 ft long and weighs 4500lbs. I know that the Tacoma is rated to be able to tow 6500lbs but I know for sure that some trucks cant tow their max towing capacity. For example my dad had a F150 back in the 90’s before his F250 and we had to replace the rear end 3 times simply because it was not cut out for towing our boat even though it was rated to be able to.

Also to be honest he only takes the boat out about three times in the year which would put at most 600 miles on the truck a year while towing the boat. However it would have to fight through some decent hills along the way.

So what is the max safe towing capacity in your guys opinions? Any difference in towing or sturdiness between all the different models we should know about? Anyone else tow any heavy loads? Thanks so much for the help.

Oh and don’t worry I know Fords suck.

chris4x4 · 06-10-2008, 05:55 PM

What is the weight of the boat with the trailer? Many people seem to have no problems owing close to 6500 lbs. with their Tacoma.

Detox · 06-10-2008, 06:01 PM

Boat with trailer is 4500lbs

jhodge83 · 06-10-2008, 06:06 PM

he should be ok. i'd make sure though that he gets the factory towing package installed for $650 that includes tranny and oil coolers, bigger alternator, bigger battery, and the receiver/wiring done. a definate must and worth well more than the money

rick · 06-10-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhodge83

he should be ok. i'd make sure though that he gets the factory towing package installed for $650 that includes tranny and oil coolers, bigger alternator, bigger battery, and the receiver/wiring done. a definate must and worth well more than the money

+1 and welcome to tacoma world. i see tacomas pulling boats that size and bigger all over florida.

Detox · 06-10-2008, 08:36 PM

What about it damaging specific areas of the truck like the transmission?

lsocoee · 06-10-2008, 08:42 PM

make sure you let the engine and transmission break in before you do any towing. I would get 1000+ miles before towing.

Janster · 06-11-2008, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detox

What about it damaging specific areas of the truck like the transmission?

Make sure you get the 4.0L with the Auto and towing package.

V6 Towing Package includes: Class-4 towing hitch, transmission oil cooler (automatic transmission models), supplemental engine oil cooler, heavy-duty battery, 130-amp alternator and 7-pin connector with converter

As for damage - it should handle 4500lbs just fine as long as you drive it smartly and intelligently. I've never towed with the tacoma but I have towed with a fullsize Dodge and a Grand Cherokee. If you're used to towing with a fullsize - it's a totally different animal towing with a smaller vehicle. You will have to be more aware of the handling & controllability of the load with a smaller vehicle.

death valley fan · 06-11-2008, 07:14 AM

I tow a 21' camper on a regular basis and have never had any problem pulling it. It is rated for 5500 lbs. GVWR and after my wife gets finished loading her stuff it is all of that and maybe more. We just got back about two months ago from Talladega and the Tacoma never missed a beat. There were some pretty decent hills through that area as well. Also, not only do you have to look at the weight of the trailer but your dad should have alot less wind resistance making the boat alot easier to tow. Hope this helps.

colinb17 · 06-13-2008, 07:19 PM

i have a 22ft boat that weighs about 6,000 lbs. i have a v6 4x4 double cab (with the towing package), and it tows the boat beautifully for a truck its size. no matter how fast, how slow, or how much i have to accelerate, the temp. needle never budges. i've been towing isnce i got the truck (jan. 2007) and there have been no signs of extra wear from towing. just drive smart and it's a great truck for towing....afterall, that was the main reason i baught this truck.

genxer36 · 06-24-2008, 11:40 PM

I have the 2005 Tacoma DBL cab V6, without the towing package.
I tow an 18' Ranger Bass boat. It does great! I have not had any problems. I have 86,000 miles on the truck & still tows just like it did when it was new. I think my boat w/trailer weighs 3,500lbs. Hills are not a problem either.

My fuel consumption without towing is around 20mpg (but I drive fast). Towing I get 12-14mpg.

Calgary72 · 08-21-2008, 04:52 AM

I have a 24 foot boat with a 454 I/O deep hull that has a GVW of at least 5000lbs and I tow it in the mountains and on the prairies and it works awesome , I have a cold air intake and Custom Exhaust that seem to help , this truck is a tow monster

bassboat haulin taco · 08-24-2008, 03:00 PM

mine has no problems.

CornDog · 08-24-2008, 03:49 PM

mine pulls my 24 ft camper like its nothing. i got the tow package and all of coarse and i added the electric brakes that took all of 5 mins. but mines a 6 speed manual. i can go REAL easy on the gears if i get in a bind or sumthin. but i keep up with all my ford and chevy truck guys on the interstate when we pull campers. 75-85 mph and never had a problem. my camper weighs in at round 6000 or 6200 fully loaded. id pull that boat all over the place and wouldnt worry bout it.

genxer36 · 08-24-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassboat haulin taco

mine has no problems.

What year is your boat? What size motor? Nice rig!

bassboat haulin taco · 08-24-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genxer36

What year is your boat? What size motor? Nice rig!

1994 nitro 170 dc rick clunn edition... 75 hp outboard... 45lb motorguide stealth trolling motor

chris4x4 · 08-24-2008, 05:58 PM

I get about 15 to 16 mpg on flat ground with my combo:

tigerfan00 · 08-24-2008, 06:22 PM

genxer36 · 08-24-2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassboat haulin taco

1994 nitro 170 dc rick clunn edition... 75 hp outboard... 45lb motorguide stealth trolling motor

I have a 1984 Ranger with a 1991 Mercury 175. I just added the Lowrance GPS / fishfinder & new trolling motor.

chris4x4 · 08-24-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerfan00

Thats not a boat!!!

06-10-2008, 05:51 PM	#1
Detox Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7227 Posts: 3	but will she tow the boat? Hey you guys have a sweet community here. I have never been a truck guy and was not even aware that the Tacoma had its own forum but I am not surprised it is a great truck. I have been flipping through your pages for about 2 hours now. Anyway I am doing a little research for my dear old dad who is thinking of switching from his gas sucking 02 Ford F250 to a V6 2wd Tacoma 06-08 for gas saving (and reliability) purposes mostly. Anyway my dads question is will this Tacoma be able to pull his boat without doing damage to the transmission, rear end, or any other part of the truck? The boat is 20 ft long and weighs 4500lbs. I know that the Tacoma is rated to be able to tow 6500lbs but I know for sure that some trucks cant tow their max towing capacity. For example my dad had a F150 back in the 90’s before his F250 and we had to replace the rear end 3 times simply because it was not cut out for towing our boat even though it was rated to be able to. Also to be honest he only takes the boat out about three times in the year which would put at most 600 miles on the truck a year while towing the boat. However it would have to fight through some decent hills along the way. So what is the max safe towing capacity in your guys opinions? Any difference in towing or sturdiness between all the different models we should know about? Anyone else tow any heavy loads? Thanks so much for the help. Oh and don’t worry I know Fords suck.

06-10-2008, 05:55 PM	#2
chris4x4 Western Alliance: Fix it division Joined: May 2008, #6497 Location: Tempe ,Az Posts: 2,348 2007 PreRunner 2007 Double Cab Automatic 1GR-FE (4.0 V6) OME 885's, OME shocks, Total Chaos UCA's, TSB springs with AAL, 5100 rear shocks, custom built fuel tank skid plate	What is the weight of the boat with the trailer? Many people seem to have no problems owing close to 6500 lbs. with their Tacoma. __________________ The simplest solutions are often the most clever..............they are also usually wrong.

06-10-2008, 06:06 PM	#4
jhodge83 CA: Lone Event Attendee Joined: Apr 2007, #1432 Location: Fayetteville, NC/Sumter, SC Age: 25 Posts: 3,756 09 Timberland Mica DC 4X4 Sport 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L seatbelt chime mod, fog lights on anytime mod, hose clamp mod, and a few others in the sig!	he should be ok. i'd make sure though that he gets the factory towing package installed for $650 that includes tranny and oil coolers, bigger alternator, bigger battery, and the receiver/wiring done. a definate must and worth well more than the money __________________ 2009 Timberland Mica DC SB TRD Sport 4x4 Tow w/ Hook Hitch, All Weather Mats, In-Channel Rain Guards, Bed Mat, Flat Black Vinyl Emblems, Black Low Profile/Low Width Tool Box, Hi Lift, Black/Grey Iggee Seat Covers, Painted Engine Cover, K&N 77 Series Intake, Cargo Bar, Cobra Ultra 19 CB w/ K40 Antenna and 5" PA Speaker, Painted Rims w/ Black Lugs, LT255/75/17 BFG MT's, AllproOffroad Sliders and Skid Plate, 3" EZ Lift w/ AAL and Diff Drop on the way....35% Tint, Tinted Tails and 3rd Brake, Pioneer AVIC-N1 DVD/NAV

06-24-2008, 11:40 PM	#11
genxer36 Pirates be operatin in these waters Joined: Nov 2007, #3442 Location: Bethlehem,GA Age: 40 Posts: 1,071 2005 Toyota Tacoma DBL Cab PreRunner 2005 Double Cab Automatic V6 Fiberglass lid, Tow bar, XM Satellite radio, K & N Air filter, & Channel Vent Visors	Not a problem I have the 2005 Tacoma DBL cab V6, without the towing package. I tow an 18' Ranger Bass boat. It does great! I have not had any problems. I have 86,000 miles on the truck & still tows just like it did when it was new. I think my boat w/trailer weighs 3,500lbs. Hills are not a problem either. My fuel consumption without towing is around 20mpg (but I drive fast). Towing I get 12-14mpg.

08-24-2008, 05:58 PM	#17
chris4x4 Western Alliance: Fix it division Joined: May 2008, #6497 Location: Tempe ,Az Posts: 2,348 2007 PreRunner 2007 Double Cab Automatic 1GR-FE (4.0 V6) OME 885's, OME shocks, Total Chaos UCA's, TSB springs with AAL, 5100 rear shocks, custom built fuel tank skid plate	I get about 15 to 16 mpg on flat ground with my combo: __________________ The simplest solutions are often the most clever..............they are also usually wrong.

06-10-2008, 06:01 PM	#3
Detox Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7227 Posts: 3	Boat with trailer is 4500lbs

06-10-2008, 08:36 PM	#6
Detox Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7227 Posts: 3	What about it damaging specific areas of the truck like the transmission?

06-10-2008, 08:42 PM	#7
lsocoee refuses to eat awesomesauce Joined: Feb 2007, #872 Location: Metairie, LA Age: 27 Posts: 4,102 2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Long B 2007 Double Cab Automatic V-6 Bed mat, URD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, C2C Hood Struts, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Pop-n-Lok, Wet Okole Underwear	make sure you let the engine and transmission break in before you do any towing. I would get 1000+ miles before towing.

06-11-2008, 07:14 AM	#9
death valley fan National Champions Joined: Jun 2007, #1869 Location: Louisiana Posts: 61	I tow a 21' camper on a regular basis and have never had any problem pulling it. It is rated for 5500 lbs. GVWR and after my wife gets finished loading her stuff it is all of that and maybe more. We just got back about two months ago from Talladega and the Tacoma never missed a beat. There were some pretty decent hills through that area as well. Also, not only do you have to look at the weight of the trailer but your dad should have alot less wind resistance making the boat alot easier to tow. Hope this helps.

06-13-2008, 07:19 PM	#10
colinb17 Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4127 Posts: 95 07 doublecab 4x4 shortbed 2007 Double Cab Automatic stock v6 westin bullbar, offroad lights for bar, taillight guards, window visors, tow shackle, ipod/mp3 jack, flowmaster 40 series, stickers, thule roof rack, rear spring tsb, pace edwards tonneau.	i have a 22ft boat that weighs about 6,000 lbs. i have a v6 4x4 double cab (with the towing package), and it tows the boat beautifully for a truck its size. no matter how fast, how slow, or how much i have to accelerate, the temp. needle never budges. i've been towing isnce i got the truck (jan. 2007) and there have been no signs of extra wear from towing. just drive smart and it's a great truck for towing....afterall, that was the main reason i baught this truck.

08-21-2008, 04:52 AM	#12
Calgary72 Junior Member Joined: Aug 2008, #8304 Location: Calgary Posts: 1 08 Taco 4 door 2008 Double Cab Automatic Cold air intake , Custom Exhaust, tonneau cover - running boards , tinted glass	I have a 24 foot boat with a 454 I/O deep hull that has a GVW of at least 5000lbs and I tow it in the mountains and on the prairies and it works awesome , I have a cold air intake and Custom Exhaust that seem to help , this truck is a tow monster

08-24-2008, 03:00 PM	#13
bassboat haulin taco Member Joined: Sep 2007, #2786 Location: south park ,pa. Posts: 68 06 double cab trd 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 leer shell,banks exhaust,volant cai and scoop, bed rug, wet okole seat covers, roadmax grille, custom headrest covers, air-lift rear springs, xm radio	mine has no problems.

08-24-2008, 03:49 PM	#14
CornDog Senior Member Joined: Oct 2007, #2927 Location: Gallant, Alabama Age: 21 Posts: 130 2007 SpeedWay Blue Double Cab Tacoma 2007 Double Cab Manual 4.0 v6 12000 lb Milemarker Winch Warn Trans4mer Grille Guard Gear Motorsports Wheels, Pioneer Head Unit w Ipod Interface, 2 Diamond D3 10's in custom box, UWS black tool box. N-fab stepbars, 15% tint, bug deflector,ventvisors, K&N Series 77 Cold air Intake, Hi lift jack mounted, 4D-LED maglite mounted, Lund Grill Screen	mine pulls my 24 ft camper like its nothing. i got the tow package and all of coarse and i added the electric brakes that took all of 5 mins. but mines a 6 speed manual. i can go REAL easy on the gears if i get in a bind or sumthin. but i keep up with all my ford and chevy truck guys on the interstate when we pull campers. 75-85 mph and never had a problem. my camper weighs in at round 6000 or 6200 fully loaded. id pull that boat all over the place and wouldnt worry bout it.

08-24-2008, 06:22 PM	#18
tigerfan00 Carolina Alliance - LEO Joined: Apr 2008, #5966 Location: South Carolina Age: 25 Posts: 935 02 XCab 4x4 TRD with some junk 2002 Xtra Cab Automatic 3.4 V6 ARB front bumper, CBI rear bumper, SAW 2.0 coilovers, 3leaf AAL, Budbuilt Skids, Unbreakable Fab sliders, huge whip cb antenna, Trail Duty Inclinometer, Dog hair seat covers, deckplate mod, gray wire mod, rattle canned rims and emblems, exhaust dumped at axle, 7T shackles on all corners,	__________________

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