Towing Travel Trailer with 2016 Tacoma

3000lbs isn't even half the rated towing capacity.

 

I’m curious what you tow specter208?

 

I'm going to be towing a U-haul trailer from TX to NY. I'm estimating it'll weigh about 3500 lbs. I got a Deaver Stage-1 10 leaf pack. Has anyone hauled long distance with this kind of weight?

 

I just got back from a 800 mile (roundtrip) camping vacation with a 20’ 3000lb Jayco trailer loaded to almost 4000lbs. I added a Single AAL and 5100’s to my 2017 4x4, and it really rode and pulled well, by passing semi trucks and on hills and rough roads. The trailer has a flipped axle and has a high profile, but it was not affected by cross winds either as I have a beefy anti sway/weight distribution hitch on it (Husky CenterLine TS). The back of the truck in this pic was loaded including an extra 15 gals. of gas. Edit: i’ve decided to install Firestone Ride-Rite airbags after my last trip carrying a lot of weight and the trailer.

 

I just recently purchased a travel trailer that weighs a hair over 3000 pounds. IMHO I feel that's the max I would ever go on my taco judging by the ride quality I get and the mpg. If you're going to get a travel trailer that heavy I'd suggest buying a tundra

 

Well done...

 

I pull a Winnie drop 2900 lbs. dry with 17 dcsb auto 4x4 . With not much gear in either truck or trailer and wdh adjusted on the nuts according to front wheel well measurements . The truck handles it fine but honestly , its all I will ask of it . 4th gear sucking gas when there is wind , always ! On a two lane to the trout stream , rolling hills , 55-60 mph , I got 15.7 mpg . I drive it like its my last truck , it is . I think 80% of towing capabilitys is about all I would ask of these trucks . If you trade often , hammer down ! LOL . I had my last Tacoma 20 years , same clutch . Got top buck for it when I sold it .
Just be careful out there guys . Adjust that wdh properly !

MM

 

I picked up the 3rd gen Tacoma about a year ago and ave been towing my 21 ft. MicroLite all over the country. The trailer weighs 4300 pounds and matches up quite nicely with the truck. I have an automatic transmission teamed up with the 3.5L Atkinson engine which has taken some getting used to as the shift points make for some interesting gear hunting on occasions. But once you get used to it, its okay. One has to learn to drive differently with it as opposed to the previous generation Tacomas. When towing the Trailer I use either the ECT PWR mode or the third mode on the ShiftSense Pro depending on the incline I expect on any leg of a journey. I thought about moving up to a full size truck but I really like the Tacomas size and nimbleness, especially when parking. That's my two cents.

 

I tow a 22ft TT. You definitely know it is behind you but the taco handles it well. Is it like a full-size truck no but like others have mentioned it does what I need it to while still fitting into a parking spot. I am upgrading this year to a Hensley hitch this year which I believe will make towing even better. I also run firestone airbags.

 

Folks,

Thank you for all this information. This is exactly what I was looking for

 

me too

 

I see the secret now to towing. Let the dog drive. Nice truck and dog.

 

Thanks and God bless.

 

What type of aribags do you recommend for the rear ? My Taco is double purpose and I dont want the bags to hinder my offroadability.

 

I pull this 2018 Lance 1575 single axle using a WD hitch and sway bars with no issues. I use a Tekonsha trailer brake controller and it's really smooth stop-and-go. The trailer is only 3200lbs loaded with water and propane. Have to run with ECT in 4th gear on the highway most of the time if the terrain is slightly hilly, and getting to my land on the Nottely river in NC is definitely so.

 

I use firestone air bags with daystar cradles. I would recommend the daystar cradles for anyone getting the airbags. This way you don’t have to worry about the bags getting damaged when the truck has its rear tires off the ground.

$93 Daystar, Air Bag Cradle designed for full suspension travel, Fits All 6" diameter convoluted Air Bags, fits any full size of half ton truck, 2/4WD, KU09140BK, Made in America, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Daystar-designed-suspension-convoluted-KU09140BK/dp/B0084ROJBM

 

Hi, I’m just about to have new Firestone airbags and daystar cradles installed on my taco too, and was wondering how much did the airbags and cradles lift the rear of your truck at first when installed uninflated?

 

I don’t believe they lift it at all when no air is in them. If I fill them you can get around 2”.

 

Thanks! Putting mine on later this week. I decided to go with them too after my last extended camping trip that I just returned from, lots of gear and my back end droop was quite a lot. It made off-roading a bit difficult in places.