Towing a car

I have a 17 off road DCSB with tow package and I am contemplating towing my car to the racetrack. My car comes in at 3400ish lbs and aluminum trailer would be 1500lbs. I know it’s under the limit and I know that the Tacoma isn’t necessarily at home doing this but this is the vehicle that I have. It would be used 5 or 6 times a year and mostly highway towing. Think the Taco can handle it?

 

Do all the math, as racers never tow 'only' the car and trailer. Lots of support gear goes along too.

Trailer brakes? Equalizer gear? Fairly flat terrain?

Anyway. Lots of towing threads to review.

Short answer.

I think it can be done if you do it right and don't expect too much in terms of performance/MPG.

 

You'll be fine as long as you don't start bringing another set of wheels/tires, gas cans, tool boxes, floor jacks, etc. I pulled this (below) in heavy traffic for 200 miles on the I-state and hardly knew it was there; car was 2850 lb. and trailer weighs 1800. Make sure you have brakes on the trailer, at least one axle, and don't even think about pulling it in overdrive.

What are you putting on track that weighs 3400 pounds?

 

Thanks for the replies. Funny week, I ended up getting a killer deal on a Tundra limited. So towing capacity is no longer an issue. BTW, I am towing my M2 to VIR.

 

Tundra still recommends towing in S4 ironically.

 

Beware the Oak Tree exit, I always got on the gas too early and would get the ass end loose. Used to take my supercharged Miata up there sometimes, 225 whp and 2400 pounds. Love that track.

 

You’ll be fine, a brake controller would be a wise investment. I’ve hauled my old 4 door XJ on 35s on an all steel car hauler and it did fine, but of course I was getting 8 mpg. For the few times a year you’ll be hauling it you’ll be good to go.