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Is 2002 Tacoma too old to tow an U-haul for a long trip?

Discussion in 'New Members' started by kandj, Apr 27, 2021.

  1. Apr 27, 2021 at 12:35 PM
    #1
    kandj

    kandj [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2021
    Member:
    #364070
    Messages:
    0
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma prerunner
    Hi, All.

    I have a 2002 Tacoma prerunner with 109K miles on it and well maintained (had the timing belt, water pump replaced at 90K miles). I like to drive the truck with an U-haul trailer (2500 lbs max) for a 1200 miles trip. But, I am concerned with the reliability of the truck. I need the input from the members of TacomaWorld. Is my 2002 Tacoma too old to tow an U-haul for a long trip?

    Thank you in advance for your time and input.

    Jean
     
    buckhuntin-tacoma likes this.
  2. Apr 27, 2021 at 12:38 PM
    #2
    Bishop2Queens6

    Bishop2Queens6 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2011
    Member:
    #57944
    Messages:
    1,774
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2009 DCSB SR5 4x4
    Icon 2.5 RR/w CDCV 700# springs Front Shocks JBA UCA's Wheeler's Offroad Superbump Front Bump Stops Icon 2.5 RR/w CDCV 4"+ Rear Shocks AllPro Expo Rear Leaf Pack Timbren Rear Bump Stops ARB Front Bumper @Shmellmopwho Rock Sliders w/ Kickout RCI Aluminum Front Skid Plate Prinsu Roof Rack Roll-N-Lock Tonneau Cover CBI Ditch Light Brackets Cali-Raised LED Ditch Lights Cali-Raised Amber Fogs Cali-Raised Flush Mount LED Pods
    Hello and Welcome!

    I think it really depends on your experience with the truck. Has it been well maintained? Has it ever left you stranded? Any issues with the engine running a bit hot? Most members will say do it, as long as the maintence history is up to date and nothing has been put off.

    My 2009 DCSB has 300K miles, and I'll tow a 5k trailer across country with it tomorrow without hesitation b/c I trust its maintence history and overall reliability.
     
  3. Apr 27, 2021 at 12:43 PM
    #3
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2015
    Member:
    #153833
    Messages:
    14,277
    Gender:
    Male
    New Tripoli Pa
    Vehicle:
    2000 Work truck 5 speed 4x4 3.4
    Super Springs
    Don`t you drive truck is it an extra so maybe sees 100 miles in a month??

    If you are scared to drive it you will be miserable the whole trip.

    Do what you feel you need to what other options can you explore ?

    My 3.4 has 250,000 miles I would drive to the West Coast in the morning although I need to change the oil and throw on some different tires
     
  4. Apr 27, 2021 at 12:46 PM
    #4
    0xDEADBEEF

    0xDEADBEEF Swaying to the Symphony of Destruction

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
    #285037
    Messages:
    19,696
    Vehicle:
    2000 reg cab 4x4 flatbed MT
    If its been maintained, it'll be fine. I did exactly that with mine.
     
  5. Apr 27, 2021 at 12:50 PM
    #5
    mightiestmouse

    mightiestmouse Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2016
    Member:
    #179074
    Messages:
    79
    Gender:
    Male
    As others have said, you should be fine. Before any long road trip I always make sure to double check fluids, tire pressures, filters...etc. before setting off. Gives me peace of mind.
     
  6. Apr 27, 2021 at 3:09 PM
    #6
    buckhuntin-tacoma

    buckhuntin-tacoma Shed hunter

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2017
    Member:
    #238191
    Messages:
    14,608
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dennis
    Quincy IL
    Vehicle:
    2014 Spruce Mica Tacoma DCLB
    4 inch lift - complete blackout, n-fab step bars, Black Horse bull bar, 20 inch light bar, anytime fog lights, added led day running lights, Fuel wheels and Falken Wildpeak tires ,custom fit seat covers, Gatorback mud gaurds
    Welcome to TW!
     
  7. Apr 29, 2021 at 6:13 AM
    #7
    boogie3478

    boogie3478 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
    Member:
    #140179
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    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    14 TRD Off-Road V6
    All the mods
    Welcome to TW!
     
  8. May 12, 2021 at 11:25 AM
    #8
    kandj

    kandj [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2021
    Member:
    #364070
    Messages:
    0
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma prerunner
    Hi, All.

    Thank you all for your time and input.

    I will have my old Tacoma checked out by a garage before making the final decision. I keep my fingers crossed. Other options will be much more expensive.

    Jean
     

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