How to calculate payload?

I don't think it's negative, it's just making you a bit more informed. Consider this, if you had hitched up your trailer, loaded all your gear, packed your family in you truck and not thought twice because, after all the truck is rated to 6500lbs and you're about half that. Knowing what you know now, even if you still do the same thing, load the trailer, pack the gear, load the family, etc are you going to drive it a bit differently now? I bet so, and that's because you're informed.

Some tips that help tremendously when towing. E-rated tires make a world of difference. Get a brake controller (you might take the trailer for a spin around the block and say it stops fine...now get on the freeway and get cutoff and have to do an emergency stop...the brake controller is money well spent). Get a good (not the cheapest you can get away with) weight distribution hitch. Keep a level head, don't get rushed, and drive smart (leave plenty of room, don't speed, etc).

 

Thank you for the suggestion. You say to get a E-Rated tires, you mean to get the E-rated tires for my Tacoma right? and now the trailer tire. If so can you recommend some good E-rated tires. I already invested in a good brake controller the
Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control
I'm getting this WDH
Anderson Weight Distribution with hitch sway.

Andersen Hitches No-Sway Weight Distribution Hitch 8in Drop/Rise, 2-5/16in Ball, 3-6in Brackets

https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-338...5010&sprefix=anderson+weight+d,aps,198&sr=8-2

I think i'm so prepare now. I"m ready for camping..

 

Are you sure? I think they account for a full tank and fuel doesn't go against your payload.

 

E rated tire will actually decrease payload...

 

thats a great brake controller and i have read tons of good reviews on that hitch.. i've been wanting to pick one up.

 

Can someone confirm the full tank and fuel doesn't go against your payload?

E rated tire will actually decrease my payload? meaning i have 100lbs avaiable payload to spare. with the E rated tire I will have maybe 60lbs to spare?

 

They do not.

 

No but it will decrease efficiency. If you add tire weight then you must subtract tire weight... there's a head scratcher...

 

Never understood why people try to tow anything more than a small jetski or boat on a Taco.
I'd go big American tow machine if I had the idea of towing a trailer. Something that could do highway pulls like it was yanking a tin can.

Sounds like you're being smart about it at least. Good luck OP!

PS: Learned quite a bit in this thread.

 

Yeah.. I think I should be good without the E tire. Trying to keep my weight as low as possible.

 

yeah i know. I kinda learned my lesson with the tacoma. Tacoma is not made for towing any hevy trailer. As you stated. Only tow small items and campact stuff. Just like the car itself. Tacoma is compact so it only can tow compact stuff. I didn't know that it was that weak. I thought all Truck is powerful enough to tow light trailer. I guess I'll just use my Tacoma for light towing and get myself a Tundra in 2 year..

 

I'm sure you'll end up enjoying it for the next two years.
It will be nice to drive smaller truck around, when there is no trailer. Versus always driving a bigger truck.
GL

 

I saw someone suggest you need to add the weight of fuel and just skipped the rest.

Add all the weight you put in the truck (passengers, gear, bikes, beer, whatever) plus the weight you put on the hitch (includes the weight distribution hitch) = payload.

Advertised hitch weights are almost always low. Estimate 10-12% of the trailer loaded weight.

Good luck.

From the information you supplied you'll be close but probably under if you don't eat any heavy meals before you travel.

 

The current Tundra has the lowest payload of of any full size on the market. If you decide to get a bigger truck don't limit yourself to the Tundra imo.

 

Depends on the vehicle. Some rate with full fluids, some rate empty. I’m not positive what it is for the Tacoma, sometimes the manuals specify.

 

This 100%. All I heard was that I would get used to the size of the Tundra. After 18 months I still absolutely hate driving the pig in town. It's nice on the highway tho.

 

That's why I ended up with a gmc. 6.2 engine, 10 speed trans 3.42 gear. Max tow package. Man does it tow nice. I wanted a tundra but damn man. Low payload, poor mpg unloaded. Wish they would build the tundra to compete in payload with other half tons. Really wish they would build a 3/4 ton truck.

 

Do you have something showing that for sure? I think curb weight includes all fluids ready to drive but can't find a definitive answer. OP you could fill your truck up and weight it. Subtract that from GVWR and you'll know exactly what you have left.

 

Again, you will be fine towing that trailer over relatively flat roads for fairly short distances of 1-2 hours away.

You have the proper equipment with a brake controller and a weigh distributing hitch. Your stock tires will do the job just fine.

When you load your camping gear put the light bulky stuff (lawn chairs, bicycles, etc.) in the truck bed and the heavier stuff (loaded coolers, etc.) in the trailer over the axles.

When you are towing just be mindful that you need to allow more distance to stop and you can't corner like you do without a trailer.

There were some good cautionary points brought up in this thread. Having said that you are within the performance parameters of the vehicle. As long as you use common sense you shouldn't have any problems.

In two years you might decide to get a bigger truck or you might be happy with the Tacoma. You have to weigh towing occasionally versus every day driving without a trailer. It's all a compromise.

Now go have fun!

 

Weight distrubtion hitch all the way . If you don't believe me, try towing without one first (simple bar and ball hitch) and then with a full set up.You will never go back. Especially if you have a full cab of people and bed full of gear.

Much smoother, more control, and easier acceleration.