Flat tow (Dinghy) 2016 Tacoma

I am going to flat tow my Taco behind my RV.
I have a few questions, wonder if you kind folk can assist before I blow up a transmission.

• If I install a Remco rear drive shaft disconnect or even disconnect the rear drive shaft manually, will the front be OK? (does the front shaft run free unaffected by the lack of lubrication at the front output shaft?) http://www.remcodsc.com/driveShaft.php
  
• I came across a product that the rock crawlers use that disconnect the rear drive shaft at the transfer case side (this would have the rear shaft turn at road speed when in tow) http://www.trailtough.com/index.php...n=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53&vmcchk=1&Itemid=53
• Ever heard of or tried free wheel hubs at the rear...?

Any guidance or constructive comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
W

 

Not an expert, but have watched my parents struggle with this issue (different vehicle).
1. You didn't say, but it sounds like you have a 4x4. Please confirm.
2. My parents had a car they liked, but it was not able to flat tow behind their RV. They toyed with the idea of installing a transmission pump but decided to get a different car. They never really liked the new car so they ended up trading that one in for a another one that did work out. Moral of the story (from my perspective), if you have a car/truck you like, it's probably better and cheaper to modify it for towing than to buy something specific for that task. It sounds like you are already on that path, but I wanted to add support to your choice.
3. Do you have a TRD Off-Road 4x4? It has a hydraulic brake booster instead of a vacuum booster. Probably not a big deal, but my parents have to bleed down their vacuum booster to work with their brake buddy (just pump the brakes with the engine off a few times until they get hard). Otherwise, the first couple stops will lock up the toad brakes. I have no idea if the difference matters, but probably worth double-checking.

Good luck, sorry I don't have any good information.

 

I have a 2015 4x4 6 speed manual tranny that I flat tow, so far about 2,000 miles. I had the rear disconnect installed that you need to crawl under to disconnect. Went to a driveline specialty shop because balancing the shaft is important. Even so I have a little vib between 40 and 50 mph normal driving. I leave the transfer case in 2wd didn't modify the front at all. Just got back from a trip to SanDiego and Vegas about 1,450 miles round trip and didn't burn anything up.

 

Thanks Greg, found a guy in Bellingham that will measure everything up, order and install the Remco kit for me, looks like ill be in for around $1500.
For now I just need the truck back from Toyota, been having some issues......

 

The 2016 Tacoma CANNOT be flat towed as a dinghy.

 

You just need to be willing to do what is necessary.

 

Page 186.

 

And the front, or installing manual locking hubs. I wouldn't either.

 

I'm there with you. You need to add a driveshaft disconnect before flat towing. You can't flat tow with an unmodified Tacoma.

 

It seems like the front already freewheels when it's not engaged. Would that be any different when flat towing?

 

The front axle shafts spin in 2wd, drive shaft does not unless something changed.

 

Correct, posted when wasn't finished with my sentence on accident.

 

Any update on this? I was really hoping to tow my 2016 TRD Sport 4x4 behind my motorhome. Thoughts? Ideas? Experiences?

 

I own an earlier generation 2004 TRD 4x4 Auto that I have flat towed for 40,000 miles behind my RV. I installed a rear drive shaft disconnect device and I tow it in 2 wheel drive mode in Park. The front drive shaft does not spin in this scenario because it is disconnected inside the front differential. I have never had an issue. However, I too want to upgrade to the 2016 and wonder if something is different with the front axle. The key question is if the front driveshaft disconnects when not in 4 wheel drive?

 

Don't be dumb, get a car trailer.

 

People keep trying because trailers add a lot of weight.

 

And you have to do something with that trailer at the site. If you have a 40' motorhome in a 45' site you couldn't leave the trailer on but you can usually park your dingy next to your RV. If you have a trailer, where are you going to put that thing?

A trailer seems like a spectacular hassle if you were doing enough traveling to be thinking about modifying your Tacoma to flat tow. I guess if you only did it once in a while you could deal with a trailer; each to their own and all that.

 

These trucks are not made for flat towing. I'd go with a nice aluminum trailer. Then you can back up at the gas station.

We talked my buddy's dad into getting a trailer so he would stop flat towing his JK. He liked it so much, he decided to custom order an aluminum trailer to fit the Jeep. He said he hasn't had any issue finding trailer parking. My opinion, save the wear and tear on the truck.

 

I was offered a great deal on a 2016 4x4 DCSB with only 7,500 miles, when I went back the third time to seal the deal I noticed an actually really nice removable tow bar attachment mounted just below the front bumper. Also in place was the 7 pin wiring harness. I was ready to pull the trigger but glad I didn't, to many things that could have happened. It was a manual trans & I thought the tranny felt kind of notchy especially compared to another I had driven earlier in the week. The salesman didn't have a clue what it was or even how it would effect my decision to purchase. The way I figure it, the purchaser screwed up & traded it in for peace of mind if not anything else.

 

With all due apologies for resurrecting this stale thread, I bought my taco (trd 4x4 off road, dcsb, auto) about a year ago, and really love it. I’m also an RV traveler, currently towing a Prius on a tow dolly.
I am currently researching the modifications to flat tow the taco. I’ve looked at all the options for off road capability when I park the RV, And none seem as desirable as this wonderful 4 x 4 off-road truck. I’ve found a driveshaft shop who seems knowledgeable, and claims that a remote driveshaft disconnect, a battery disconnect, and a good tow bar base plate will allow reliable towing with no damage. Of course there are some warranty issues, light wiring, and modifications to the recovery features involved too.
I’ve met folks who tow jeeps, and even they have damage stories, so I know the risks, but I got a good enough deal on the truck to leave some budget for self-warranty.
Given the scope of the project, I’m planning to “fix” the tailgate locking design problems while doing the light wiring and combine recovery, (front) bumper, brushguard, and tow attach functions in a custom weldment.
So, has anybody tried any of this yet, or did this thread scare everybody off?