Towing a FJ40 with Taco

Is this possible? Or just plain stupid?

 

@jmdaniel, your experience is needed here.

 

No big deal at all

 

Just flat towing or with a trailer? I only have experience towing a boat with a 1/2 ton.

 

I would tow with a proper trailer. Make sure you've got a brake controller, air bags, WD hitch, tow mirrors, etc.

 

You will be fine. I have drug my trail rig all over the place both on a trailer and flat/dingy tow. Granted I t is not a 40 series but is roughly the size, weight and shares the same brick like aerodynamics.

 

The Tacoma IS a 1/2 ton.

 

And Milana Vayntrub is my girlfriend

 

I'll just leave this here for you... This is what you'll find with a quick google search of "WHAT IS A 1/2 TON TRUCK?"...

"The "half-ton" description loosely refers to the truck's payload capacity. This means that the truck can carry up to 1000 pounds (453.5 kg) of cargo and passengers in the cab and bed. But wait a minute: If you take a look at the stats on modern half-ton pickups, you'll notice that their payload capacities exceed 1000 pounds (453.5 kg). Although early half-ton pickups could carry max loads of 1000 pounds (453.5 kg), since at least the 1960s, new and improved half-ton pickups have been able to safely carry more, surpassing their namesakes [source: Autotropolis].

But old habits die hard, and the name "half-ton" has stuck around to this day. It's still helpful as a general classification term, differentiating the group from the larger, heavy-duty three-quarter-ton pickups and one-ton pickups (also obsolete terms). A better way to find out the maximum payload capacity is to check the individual truck's specs online or in the owner's manual to see what the manufacturer recommends."

 

Tundra is 1/2 ton, Tacoma is mid-size. Granted there is some overlap in capability at times with SOME 1/2 ton trucks. But at best the Tacoma will tow 6500 lbs with around 1200 lbs payload. There are SOME 1/2 tons rated to tow 12,000 lbs with over 3000 lbs payload. But most are in the 8000 lb tow rating range and 1600-1800 payload range.

Tacoma's are realistically best at towing 4500-5000 lbs. If you're REALLY careful to make sure there is no other weight in the truck other than a driver a bit over 6000 is theoretically possible. Although not really practical The basic curb weight of an FJ40 is about 3200 lbs. Figure at least 2000 lbs for the trailer and you're pushing the limits of a Tacoma.

That terminology hasn't been relevant since WW-2. A better way to describe trucks today is Compact, Mid size, light duty (1/2 tons) and heavy duty ( 3/4 ton and up)

 

Great, so what would you say "half-ton" refers to? What about a "half ton truck" make it a "half ton"?

 

Would this make it a $5.00 Taco box?

 

I’d trailer unless the 40 is setup for flat towing. Just less to worry about than mounting a tow bar and if you need to disconnect driveshafts.

Nice too in case you break something on the trail with the 40 that keeps it from rolling down the road

 

I used to tow a 4 door xj on 35’s on a 18’ car hauler, other than the horrendous gas mileage it towed fine. 75 mph on the toll road no problem.

 

If not using a trailer then disconnect drive shaft if you are towing a good distance. I think most 40s are full 4x4.

 

Dragging one time? Probably fine
Dragging long distances often? Probably better off buying a bigger, more capable, tow rig

 

Wish I had a photo, but I’ve seen a Tacoma carrying a Tacoma towing a Tacoma. Go figure, threesomes on the freeway heading south to Mexico.

 

I see something like that every time I drive 35South. 4-5 rigs, all with towbar attached other rigs. Some even look like they are spot welded to the towbars.

 

By definition. The Tacoma IS a Half Ton Truck.