Is this a doable tow?

OK, heres the sticker.

Its a camper. I'd tow it approx 100 miles maybe 10 times a year. Weight distributing hitch etc. 2010 DC V6 6-spd w/ tow package.

Me, wife, 2 small kids, dog, gear and camper. The UVW seems reasonable... Not sure our stuff weighs too much...

Thoughts...

 

With the trailer empty, nothing in the truck and 1/2 tank of gas you should be fine. Start loading people, stuff and water to the mix and it's time for a Tundra.....

 

I'm pretty sure with the tow package the towing capacity is 6500 so I think you would need a Tundra to do it safely.

 

Personally... I say no. While it may be physically possible, it is over the load rating. Load rating is 6500 lbs, but that doesnt include wife, kids, dog, gear, etc.... you'd likely be over by as much as 1500 lbs... Just my opinion.

 

I dont plan to fill the tanks, so unloaded the camper is around 4400 right?

if my tow rating is 6500, and lets say I put a 1000lbs of crap in it, im still under by a 1000 right?

 

Like said above with a completely empty trailer & truck just you and 1/2 tank of gas on flat plains sure but who goes camping like that. You start adding wife & kids fresh water tank full, fire wood, beer & all of the gear required you could easily get over 6500#. Where you towing? Any Hills? I pull a 20ft Dutchmen Hybrid TT with a GVW of 5500# by the time I load it and my truck its really all she wants (09 DC TP) so I would say no unless your talking about across town where you can go back for everything else.

 

Your right, but have you ever towed near the max with these trucks? I have and personally I think the rating is very generous its your truck do what you want you asked for opinions and IMO you could easily trash your tranny & greatly reduce the engine life of your truck towing that much very far or very often. Good luck just the same though.

 

mostly flat...

thanks for the input.

 

my neck hurts after reading that.

I would get a bigger truck or a smaller trailer.

 

the search continues for a smaller trailer!

 

i have towed a lot more weight than that with mine. i wouldn't do it. i have towed well over the suggested maximum. i would stress that it is not a good idea. I could really really feel the strain on the drivetrain, breaks even with trailer breaks, the springs and steering. the other guys are right, or have the wife follow with her car and all the stuff in it.

 

Im with you. Just pack lightly and you should be fine. It is well with in the limits. I don't know why everyone are saying that it's above your limit?? the 7,xxxlb is what the trailer can carry not necessarily what you would load. I use to tow my trailer (19') 2,700lb empty with my '01 highlander. Tow rating of 3,500lbs. I always packed lightly and stayed below the limit. There wasn't much room to play with weight but thats not the case here.

 

anyone put air bags on their tacoma?

 

Regear?

 

I'm not sure how the police are out where you live but legally you need to look at the GVWR. Even though you may only weigh in at 4,400#, you're over your limit because of that little sticker on the trailer tongue (I doubt you'll have any issues but just something to keep in the back of your mind).

OP, if you can realistically limit yourself on the amount of weight added by camping stuff, I'd say go for it. Personally, I think you'll very very easily add over 1,000# to the trailer plus the weight of people and additional cargo in the truck.

 

The weight of people and stuff in the truck dont add to the trailers GVWR rating right? Just to the trucks... Which is I think 11,100?

 

So heres the deal: The truck can handle physically pulling the camper trailer up a hill.... BUT here are 3 things that you really need to know: (1) The truck will not be able to stop the trailer (2) Good luck using the brakes in any corner! Its not gonna be pretty if you do! (3) Any maneuverability for swerving around a deer, hard turns, or even wet pavement may be detrimental!

I only offer this advice from previous experiences.

 

There's an overall combined GCWR, truck, trailer and cargo which is 11,000. Then there's the GVWR which is the truck, cargo, and (correct me if I'm wrong guys) the tongue weight of the trailer. The way your talking, I doubt you'll physically exceed any of these ratings, but on paper you will (looking at the GVWR of the trailer). Basically, if a cop really wants to give you a hard time, it gives them a reason to.

If you pack responsibly, I think it can be done. It'll certainly give the truck a workout but you can do your part by keeping your foot out of it and taking your time.

 

just be careful you don't want this to happen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HenXz9Pgg3U

 

I just bought a large 3K popup camper and my TACO pulls it very well. I have a total weight of around 4K.

I would agree that you are pushing it with that weight. I had a jeep one time 4.0 eng and towed a 26ft camper and it was all I could do to get up hills in the mountains.