Snow towing experience

So I have an 05 v6 with a tow package double cab 4x4 6 speed shortbed 120k miles

I recently bought a trailer 7x14ft enclosed it weighs 2k lbs
estimating 3k fully loaded with my snowmobile/gear or up too 4k lb if i bring someone with

its a pretty big trailer with electric brakes 4 wheels

It towed it no problem on a 400 mile trip just really slow noticed a little bit of coolant loss in the backup tank thing after the trip

so already know keep a good eye on the coolant

I'm trying to get opinions/experiences for winter comes as i see the v6 would struggle moving a trailer like that when theres snow/ hills

thanks!

 

I wouldn't worry about the engine when it comes to snow as much. Sure you may need to push through the snow but traction is going to be what gets you first. Worry about stopping and being able to get traction. Good tires and brakes will be the biggest concern. Keep an eye on that coolant 05 and 06 v6 trucks are known to have head gasket issues.

 

There is a good video in this thread on towing.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/don’t-be-me.575952/

 

any tire recommendations?

 

I have had good luck with Firestone winterforce tires. They are studdable I think. If you check tirerack.com and your local tire shop they should have good info for you.

 

I tow a similar size travel trailer. In the winter I take it to ski resorts.

Tips:

• Good condition tires are a must. Either AT's or snow tires.
• Use 4x4 whenever it gets slippery. The trailer is dead weight. Two drive wheels towing 8,000 lbs on 8 wheels doesn't cut it in the snow and ice.
• Carry tire chains. I don't know about your area but around here the sno-parks aren't the first areas to be plowed.
• Allow increased stopping distance and plan to drive slow.
• ie, Don't plan to keep up with your buddies who are towing their snow mobile trailers with 1 ton diesel trucks.
• 

 

yep getting new tires maybe studs
carrying chains
wd hitch
slow n steady leave extra early
not my daily im mostly only going to use it at least twice a week to tow and going to mt. adams and st. helens and one trip too mt. baker hope the tacoma can make it happen
next year sled deck n turbo diesel LOL
got like 10mpg with the v6 towing :d

 

I tow a snowmobile trailer alot in Winter. I try to keep my snow tires fairly new. I have used studded tires. I also have factory tow and added a beefier rear spring pack in the back. My trailer is a 7.5 x 16 dual axle inline all aluminum. I started with a clamshell then a hybrid now this one. No problems. I found out a preferred inline less drag.

 

With less torque it will be more difficult to break the tires loose. So it won't necessarily be worse than a more powerful engine.

 

Mtn Mike

What kind of trailer do you have for skiing. We are looking at a doing the same. Schweitzer, Montana,Canada, or Utah.
Thanks

 

Load runner interstate west tandem 4 wheels with electric brakes 14x7x7

Just ordered heavy duty brakes
And new wheel bearrings

Looking at some studded tires and an electric brake controller

And making it happen, winter is gonna come really quick!

 

Awesome. Mine's been to Schweitzer, Montana, and southern BC. I have a 7x16 foot cargo trailer conversion. It's a fully self contained trailer that I built up using a salvaged old truck camper and a new cargo trailer. It's got 1-2 inches of foam insulation which keeps it quite toasty in the winter. I'd guess it weighs 4000 lbs or so.

 

If your state allows the use of studded tires, you may consider getting a second set of wheels/tires for the trailer and finding a shop that will stud them. Having studded tires on the trailer in winter will help with braking and maintaining trailer traction on ice.

 

yah that would be premium about to purchase a small trailer that can hold just a sled to secure i can make it any where!

first time of the year going timbersleding last year with my buddy and we hit some black ice and wrapped his trailer around a tree! lucky that tree was there or els it woulda been a 10 foot drop, ice doesn't play

sweet trailer! was thinking doing something similar, myn in just empty as i just got it

 

Do you have more pics or a write up anywhere? I am getting ready to do the same conversion but to a 7x14. Anything you would do different? Black and grey tanks? Wet room or dedicated shower stall?

How do you feel about towing it with your taco?

 

Nice!

 

Do you have any inside photos?

 

Trailers and slick roads dont mix well.

If I end up regularly in snow/ice, studded tires will be installed.

 

Edit: When I bought the trailer I towed it 300 miles every week with my 5.7L Tundra. The Tundra did great of course. We eventually purchased some land and I was able to permanently keep the trailer in one place. Then I traded the Tundra for my Tacoma. IMO the Tundra is just too big unless one needs to tow.

Anyway, the Taco does just fine towing it. I want to get heavy leaf springs because it does sag with the tongue weight. If I was still towing long distances I'd probably consider an anti-sway/weight distribution hitch. In the winter I couldn't imagine not having trailer brakes, good tires, and chains for the Taco. The Tundra did well regardless.

I'll try to post a build thread sometime.

 

How does your truck do towing your trailer?

Any interior pics of your trailer?