Towing with a 2009 or newer 2.7 4 cylinder

I am thinking about buying a 2009 or newer 2.7 4 cylinder Tacoma with double cab and towing package. I would like to know what you guys think about me towing with this truck. I see that it has a towing capacity of 3500lbs. I have a lawn care business, and tow a 12' single axle trailer a good portion of the year. My trailer & equipment will normally be around 2500lbs & 3000lbs. max. Will the 2.7 4 cylinder be ok since I will be towing my equipment so often? In the summer it will be hooked up 100% of the time! and in the winter probably around 25% of the time. Please give me any advice or feedback on what you think.

Thank you


Brian

 

Brian,


I would suggest going with a V6 with the factory two pkg. That would increase your towing capacity to 6500 lbs plus you would be equipped with the transmission cooler, oil cooler, hd alternator and 7 pin plug in.


I two a 5000 lb travel trailer with my 05 and it pulls it well. I use a weight distribution hitch and e brakes as well.


if it were me I would move up to the V6 with factory tow pkg and probably 4x4 for what you want to do. Good luck

 

Thanks for the advice. I am really concerned about the gas mileage. What kind of mpg do you get with & w/o your trailer. Also, do I not get all the extras you mentioned with the tow package on a 4 cylinder? I thought that I may be ok with the 4 cylinder b/c I am only pulling around 2500lbs. I would love to go with a 6 cylinder, but trying to save on gas if possible. I have a 2005 f150 v8 5.4, and mpg sucks with it. I can only justify a new truck if I am going to save some money on gas. Thanks!

 

MPG is going to suck towing whether it's the 2.7 or the 4.0
The 2.7 will be okay towing up to 3k as long as you aren't in hilly country.

 

I have the 2.7 and have towed some but while towing the 4cyl is a dog and drinks the gas like crazy because its working so hard. In my opinion id get the 6 and it would probably get better mpg while towing.

 

I'd also recommend the V-6 / auto. Especially since you'll be towing so much in the summer.

Another thing to consider - if the 4 cyl has a manual behind it you'll be going through clutches faster.

 

I don't think there is a tow package for the 4 cylinder. There's a receiver, but no alternator, battery, radiator, transmission cooler, etc. If you're set on the 4 cylinder, go with the Prerunner extended cab. They have bigger brakes and extended cabs are lighter than double cabs. I wouldn't tow much more than 1500 lbs with mine and only for a short time. I pamper it a bit though.

 

I have a open utility trailer 6'x12' & a 52" commercial exmark mower. I'm guessing the trailer is around 900lbs. & the mower around 1200lbs. Add some weed eaters, edgers, blowers, tools, etc... I think 2500lbs. Is probably a bit higher than what normal towing would be. I live on the east coast of NC, so no hills other than a by pass ramp here and there. Seems like most people are leaning towards the 6 cylinder. I may have to reconsider. I thought if the 4 cylinder offer a tow package, that it would have the tranny/ oil cooler, bigger alternator, and other tow options....I guess that I was wrong about that. Thanks for all the help!!

 

I have done it before and while doable it is not fun. The truck will actually hold up well but a larger truck with a larger engine may very well get as good of mileage. If I ever got back into it I would only use a 4cyl Tacoma as a backup/runaround/light work truck.

Are you somewhat new to the business? People normally outgrow mid size and short bed half tons within the first 6 months, needing a larger truck.

 

I wonder why the newer trucks get such bad gas mileage.

My 86 2.4 injected truck would get a solid 18 mpg pulling my 2500 pound boat trailer and get 26 or so unloaded on the highway. It was geared a little lower than a standard 5 speed since it was a one ton. I ran it all over 5 states for 13 years and 240k miles before trading it in on a Dodge diesel. It was very reliable but underpowered.

I got it specifically because a friend had a 2.4 with a 4 speed and was pulling a fireplace insert trailer every day with it. In over 120 thousand miles he had replaced two clutches but the truck held up real well. The unloaded trailer was probably just under 2000 pounds and the loaded trailer easily 5000 pounds. Yes I know it was very much unsafe and overloaded but to the point it was reliable and fuel efficient.

 

I was towing my 2200lb boat/trailer with a '10 2.7 5-speed 4x4 and It did it just fine, slowww, but fine. But since my truck got totaled and i have the chance to do it again, ill be getting the 6 cyl. Nothing against the 4, its an awesome little beast of a motor. Reason being is that i tow a ton, and figured i minds well have the motor that stresses the truck the least. It always felt like i was putting a hurtin to the clutch getting the load started. if your gonna be towing 100% of the time at points get the 6

 

I just towed a 1500lb Gator on tracs on a 1500lb trailer with my 2012 4 banger standard 4wd. I'm in hill country and while it did ok, it was maxed out for sure on hills. Down to first and second on back road hill climbing. I'll do it agin, but not as a steady diet! Overall I was impressed. You really knew it was back there. Pulled the trailer empty and it was like it was not there at all. So based on my limited experience, I'd say up to 2000lbs you would be happy with the 4, but it sounds like the 6 is setup for the job and when pressed to go bigger towing, you'd be ready to do it! The 2wd Lo mod would have been sweet in my towing experience.