Show us what you tow.

Hello everybody! I bought a '14 DCLB in August to be my winter DD and tow vehicle. Here is what I tow:

1991 Mazda Miata to/from race tracks and autocross events:


And just this past weekend I went from Cleveland, Ohio to just outside of DC to pick up a car for my buddy:


I was seriously considering buying a Tundra but the Tacoma ended up being significantly cheaper and since I'm a car guy and had never owned a truck or SUV before I thought it would be an easier transition.

I'm so happy with how well the Tacoma tows. On the recent trip to MD, towing an empty trailer there and loaded trailer back, through the mountains in PA I got 13.9mpg which is better than what I was expecting.

 

Not a heavy load: M416 loaded with camping gear and kayak...

 

I don't smell anything while towing. I usually tow in drive but will downshift when coming to a stop of slowing significantly. She tows fine.

 

I would bet what you think is a "clutch" smell is really brakes. With out trailer brakes towing heavy is scary with small trucks. The weight is some times more then the trucks weight.

 

Biggest I've towed so far, drove from Rio Grande valley to houston about 340miles. Some squeeling/rubbing sound upon acceleration from stop or very slow roll.. it sounds like it's coming from the rear passenger side wheel area. Any got an idea what causes that noise while towing?

 

My guess would be a wheel bearing. That's just a guess. There should be no squealing/rubbing sound while towing.

It might be the trailer brakes hanging up.

 

I tow a lil 5x9 for my mower, i mow a lotta lawns with my taco

 

The dramatic improvement with Dakar leaf springs. Whole rig weighed in at 9200 lbs., can't guess tongue weight. Trailer brakes is an absolute must with this much weight on.

 

Dropping of the 22i and picking up a rzr.

 

Tractor and trailer are around 3500 lbs

 

Usually use it for a compact car or equivalent

 

That's cool. What do you use it for?

 

I use it for all kinds of small odd jobs where space is limited. It also spreads lots of mulch on the spring. Skid steers destroy lawns so I get lots of call for mulch. Mostly through word of mouth.

 

Is that dual 4 lug axle trailer I see? That is pretty sweet if it is because I've never seen anything like it. I have towed my small tractors like the BX24 and JD 2305 tlb in a 12 foot single axle. That's fine with the slightly bigger trucks but not the best for my 05 regular cab. Happy digging.

 

My brother just sent this to me from my hometown in South Africa. Hilux diesel power!

 

Anything could pull that. My dad pulled stuff like that in the old country with a car called a Moskvich which had like 70HP. Cool pic though.

 

I use a Prodigy P3. It is super easy to install and works better than any comparable brake controller that I have used. In my opinion, you have to spend quite a bit more money to get any significant improvement in controllers. There are better controllers, but I think 99% of those that tow would be well served by a Prodigy...

 

Tekonsha Primus iQ. Put one in my 05 Tundra. They have digital readout and require no adjustments. All you need is a Tekonsha plug for the Tacoma and no splicing or connecting of wires is needed. Total OTD I paid about $110 for the controller and harness and that's from an RV store (cheaper on Amazon).

It worked perfect and was easy to adjust the gain. I so no reason to get anything but this exact model because it's a great brand, great price, easy install, and easy to use. I towed 10k+ in my Tundra a few times and was able to get great braking from the 14k gvw dual axle dumper.