Shopping for a Used 2011 to 2014 Tacoma to Pull a Boat

First on my retirement bucket list is a boat, done. 2100 to 2300 lbs boat and trailer. Next considering upgrading my faithful RAV4 Limited to a used Tacoma double cab. Although boat and trailer is not that much weight I will be loading up the bed with quite a bit of weight 2x every year for 890 miles each way form south to north. Any suggestions seems there are quite a few models and options. I think I need the V6 and 4WD for the ramps which I can switch to 2WD on the highways. However its seems there are 2.7 L out there and 2WD. Definitely require a double cab. I will not tow anything bigger than that.

Suggestions
THX

 

Theres only 2 engine options. 2.7 4 cylinder and 4.0 v6. Definitley get the 4.0 for towing. The 4.0 will pull 2300 lbs fine. Its rated max at 6500 lbs. Most of the TRD sport or offroad packages come with the towing package on the truck. Adds the rear towing receiver with plug connector, tranny cooler, oil cooler.

 

Agree with moondeath. I have the 4.0L and its much nicer; 2.7 is a DOG for towing. I tow my boat all the time and its like its not even there: 5,000 lbs.

 

4.0 for sure and unless you are using some real steep ramps the limited slip will do fine in 2wd. I never put mine in 4wd on a ramp. This is provided you do not need 4wd for other reasons. Might try to find a Prerunner OR with the locker. I had one and used the locker while deer hunting. My boat is about 1000 lbs heavier.

 

Thanks I'm interested in the 2WD option because they are less expensive and I would not be using the 2WD truck in the nasty north winters I will be down south. I just presumed I would need a 4WD or a all wheel drive like my RAV4 on the boat ramps. I'm not familiar with the gear options in 2WD what is the "anti slip option"? I will not need a 4WD for any other options like off roading. Not doing that. My Tacoma will mostly be on pavement, towing on highways, boat launching and driving around town. I don't have any reason to think that the boats ramps I will be using are especially steep. I'd love to get away with the 2WD drive option but I know nothing how the 2WD would perform during towing. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks

 

IMO, your best bet is a V6 4x4 with the factory towing package... 99% of the time you will be fine without 4x4, but you will regret not having it that 1%. Also, the resale value is much higher on a 4x4 so if you will be in a much better position if you decide to sell or upgrade at a later date.

 

There is a Pre runner model that is 2wd with locking differential. A TRD edition probably that may fit your need quite nicely. I am sure someone will come along and clarify which ones have the differential locking feature.

 

TRD Off Road Prerunner has the rear locker

 

Where are you located? Finding a TRD Off Road Prerunner in Vermont would be impossible.
Maybe when you are down in Florida. Otherwise, what the guys said, 4.0L all the way, not the 5 lugger 2WD, find a prerunner or 4WD.

 

when I retire in 1 to 2 years I will be in SE NC and VT (maybe in the summers). Right now I'm in central northern Mass

 

The resale value is much higher because the purchase price also is. If you live in the south there is plenty of demand for Prerunners. In DFW area you see a lot more. Resale value is geographical. 4x4 is a awfully large expense if you do not need it.

 

Excuse my Tacoma ignorance but what it is a Prerunner?

 

I live in the South Shore and have a 2WD 2.7. I don't tow with it, but I've owned it 4 winters now and driven it every day without issues. No weight in the bed either, so I can say the electronic limited slip works.

I've moved 1000 pounds of stuff in the bed a few times, but towing I cannot speak to.

Come visit us:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-england-b-s-thread.204874/page-4387#post-13213919

 

4x2 truck on 4x4 suspension.

Also, there is no double cab 2.7 4x4.

You'd have to either get an access cab 2.7 4x4, or a 4.0 double cab 4x4 - unless 4x2 is acceptable.

 

I'm actually finding more 4x4 double cabs used for sale here in New England at better prices than in the Wilmington NC. I'm surprised at that I thought the prices in south would be less expensive than Mass/NH. Not the case. But there are a lot more 2WD Tacoma's in south for sale but hardly any 2WD double cabs.

 

2011 double cab 4.0 and 4x4 would be my pick, with 2011 you wont have the A.I.R. crap to deal with/ worry about like the 12'-up trucks.

 

you lost me what is AIR 12" crap

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2011-toyota-tacoma-trd-sport.451311/

Here you go OP. Just about everything you were looking for.