Can my Taco pull this trailer?

Maybe you should trade it in for a colorado duramax? They should be much better for towing.

 

It's had nothing to do with engine power or type. It has everything to do with the size and weight of the tow vehicle.

 

It is slightly better (website says 7600#, and only 5000# if you go for the ZR2) but still not full-size truck levels of towing. Other than that the truck is physically similar in size and will behave in a similar manner as far as sway, etc. so I don't think it is going to really make much of a difference unless you are already pulling right at the limit of the Tacoma, which most here are saying you probably shouldn't be pushing that and giving yourself some leeway. Even with a Duramax I'd say you probably don't want to push 5000-5500# or you'll have the tail wagging the dog too much. On top of that, you have the much higher initial cost to upgrade the engine, higher gas prices (offset of course by the better gas mileage), higher maintenance, and now having to deal with modern diesel pains like urea, etc. so that they are emissions compliant. Honestly, at this point in time, I'm not sure diesel engines are worth it anymore on light duty trucks. Would be interesting to see a TCO comparison on them for the current market.

 

Gotta use a brake controller. Isn't it required for over 3000lbs?

 

Shouldn't 4th be the highest gear to tow in? Thought our over drive gears of 5th and 6th were to be avoided anyway?

 

Yes, have brake controller.

 

I'd say no but it's personal opinion. I've heard the guideline is your trailer dry shouldn't be much more than half your vehicle's tow rating. Also you need to consider that trailer weighs SIGNIFICANTLY more than your truck. I pull an r-pod with my 17OR, it pulls fine with weight distribution, but I don't know that I'd want much more back there.

 

The GVWR for that trailer is 6,250lbs. Thats only 150lbs less than the total tow weight for the Tacoma.

Wouldn't do it at all....

 

Have you looked at any hybrids? You can get those pretty light, and they are roomier since no beds are hogging floor space.

 

Yes, it will pull it. Up hills or other minimal gradients, it will still pull, it will just not be fun. Add a good canyon climb and decent, and it will suck balls. I live in Utah with many canyons and would never pull that trailer up them. Plus, you figure just dry weight at 4500 lbs, add gear and you are pushing 5.5k and that is A LOT of weight for these light trucks.

If you don't mind pulling in 3rd gear with rpms screaming at you and going 30mph up/down a canyon (minus rpms screaming going down obviously) then yes, she'll do just fine.

 

We have a CTS192RD that weighs 4,300 pounds dry. Towed it the first time with a 14 Tacoma OR and hated pulling it. Drove straight back and traded for a 14 Tundra and while it towed better, we did not like it as a daily driver. Traded for a 16 Tacoma and it towed much better than the 14. We are now towing it with an 18 Tacoma OR 4x4.

We do not do a lot of towing with the Tacoma and it is just a better truck for us most of the time. I just drop it in 4th, hit the ect button. We have a good weight distribution hitch, Tekonsha brake controller, are very careful about how much weight we carry and how we load the truck, and never travel long distances with anything in any of the tanks.

The truck struggles at times, but nothing it cant handle. On big hills she does just fine and will go way faster than what I want to go. I just get in the right hand lane with the big rigs and take our time.

Most importantly, your tow vehicle and RV need to be maintained. Tires are crucial. The Chinese trailer tires on most RVs are shit. I wouldn't drive around the block with them even if they were brand new. The first thing you should do is remove the tires and put on some good tires like these https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/endurance.

I see people towing trailers all the time going faster than 65mph with tires that are only rated to 65mph in temperatures well above 100 degrees and driving like they don't have a trailer behind them. Use common sense and slow down making sure to leave enough space between you and the car in front of you. And make sure you get some good tow mirrors. I see people driving Tacomas and 4Runners towing camping trailers without any tow mirrors and there is no way you can do this safely without a camera. You cannot see who is behind you.

Take a look at the CTS192RD (or other manufacturers model of this floorplan). It has worked well for us and offers a lot for a small trailer. Plus, they are super cheap.

Here is a pic of the trailer on the old truck and a floorplan.

 

Good call suggesting a hybrid. my 19' had fold out tent beds at each end, effectively making it a 29ftr. Best of both worlds for manueverability and so on, plus you get that "camping out" feeling but with central heat...... Not so great in colder climates/months tho

 

No.

 

There are times when I let ot shift higher than 4th if Im going down a gradual grade or have a strong tailwind, and then downshift as needed to lower gears on steep grades.

 

The brake controller also helps stop swaying - tapping it when a trailer gets squirrely brings it back in line. But only do that as a backup to having a proper hitch setup.

 

Oh phew, thankfully you chimed in.

 

Yes! These look like best options right now, although I need something I can stay warm in at 15 degrees...

 

Merino wool sleep suit and a nice down bag

 

well said, doable but this truck was not built for it.

 

My wife... but get your own