Towing To The Max

My experience, in case anyone finds this helpful.

- Drive a 2017 TRD Sport DCSB with Tekonsha brake controller and no suspension upgrades
- Tow a 2020 T@B 400BDL which comes in around 3300# fully loaded with a 460# tongue weight.
- Live in Vermont and rarely drive on level roads

The truck struggles up hills even when not towing, but gets us where we're going every time, just be prepared to be well below speed limit going up hills and to be passed by semis. When I have my 30-gallons of extra water in the bed of the truck, along with 3-4 days of camping supplies, I'm nearly on the bump stops and hit them every so often on some dips. Purchasing some sumosprings soon to stiffen the backend up (which raises concerns about the truck in general when you feel the need to upgrade to feel safe when within the posted limits of the truck). No concerns stopping or swaying, but I drive responsibly when towing. Even with the trailer only being 7' wide and 9' high, I can't see crap behind me. Can't imagine a wider trailer without mirror extenders. I'd say that anything over 4000# would be out of my comfort level with this truck, it's just too small and underpowered to feel safe where I drive.

 

Longest I have towed with my Tacoma is towing my YJ from MD to MOAB & back. 4000lb jeep on a 2000lb trailer with a bed full of gear, spares, and tools. I was probably 1000lbs over recommended towing capacity. I managed about 11.5 mpg @ about 55-65mph, so fuel stops were frequent. I did warp my front rotors coming down the Rockies because I didn't have my Prodigy set up strong enough. While the truck did the trip fine, it was a less than ideal tow. I since upgraded to a RAM 2500 6.7 for towing, and use my Tacoma for non-towing activities. I did upgrade to a larger trans cooler. Trans temps were fine the entire trip, even going up I-70 into the Eisenhower.

 

VERY good info and relevant. I am upgrading my brakes to a stoptech slotted cryo disc and some Hawk super duty pads. I'm also incorporating a Redarc controller. I hadn't thought of discs warping but I hope with my lighter setup (than yours) and upgrades, it won't happen!

 

It’s gonna suck at towing but it’s tolerable once you find the sweet spot. I’d go lighter if possible. We have a No Boundaries 19.5 with a dry weight of 3400. I figure I’m going down the road at 4400 which is probably generous.

Also, remember your dry weight comes from the factory before they add stuff like propane tanks and batteries.

 

The warping was minor, and probably wouldn't have happened if I had boosted up my Prodigy. I didn't have any braking concerns, and once it was adjusted, the rest of the trip and return trip were flawless. I also have a Double Cab Long Bed so the extra wheelbase adds some degree of stability.

 

Alright, you sucked me into posting.. lol

This is our Hideout 19FLB ~3800lbs wet, somewhere around 4500lbs with full tanks ready to camp;


3rd Gen has towed fine, things that have made it much nicer;
-EQ hitch - would never hook one of these up without one.
-T2 brake controller - also would never hook up without a Tekonsha.
-Friction swaybar - cheap and easy to use, takes the wiggle out of the trailer on the road.
-Scangauge2 - I like to monitor coolant and trans temps, and try to ignore mileage, lol
-E Load tires - can get the psi up to carry the load properly. Feels much less squirrelly than P series did.
-MilencoAero3 mirrors - to see all the traffic behind you.
Next on the list to add are the RideRites.

Thoughts on towing;
-We live in BC, lots of mountains, hills, and corners, - so drive accordingly.
-Would I drive this across the country? No. So far our longest day has been ~1000km/12hrs of driving, and that was a lot.
-Regular trips are 1-2hrs and that's just about perfect. It takes 20min of driving to get the feel of the trailer behind you and recognize the normal bumps and pulls.
-ECT and S4 is how we roll, sometimes 3 if there is a hill.
-Leave lots of space to stop and turn, basically drive it like a professional. I can back it up easy but have spent a lot of time backing up short little quad/sled trailers during my Forestry days.

We drove a Westfalia for 12 years so going slow and taking our time while vacationing is not new. Getting there is part of the adventure.

 

When driving with ECT and S4 are you guys running Cruise Control too? Or are you sometimes varying speeds?

 

when towing my travel trailer there was no way in hell i was going to use cruise control in the tacoma. it sucked with the truck unloaded and not towing anything so i wasn't trying it towing. now my GMC i use the cruise all the time while towing that same travel trailer.

 

Nope, you gotta pay attention when your towing...
Actually I don't use Cruise any time, even when not towing.

 

Thought so, thank you gents

 

I was asked to tow a good buddies boat (24.5ft boat, double axle trailer with bump brakes). Very short tow. From ramp where he docks it, to repair shop 15 miles away. I could avoid highways and take side streets if needed. We figure all in weight is high 5000's.
im experienced towing with my old Suburban, Not this little guy.
Am I crazy?
will let you know how this turns out, unless im talked outta being a buddy soon. ha

 

2017 DCSB V6 4x4 AT on 33’s, 5100’s and a single AAL for a 2” lift, pulling a Starcraft RT13 pop up toy hauler (roughly 4000 pounds loaded but without water), with a WDH and sway control and Reese progressive brake controller. Two adults, two little kids, and usually food, beverages, and crap for 3-7 day trips.

I wouldn’t use a Tacoma to pull anything bigger than our current setup.

Upgrading the suspension, especially the rear shocks and spring, and tires has helped it handle the load tremendously. I want to get VFTune and either regear or drop down tire size for better hill climbing power. I am strongly considering swapping to 17” wheels and the larger 4 runner front rotors and calipers. The stock brakes are adequate at my weight for “oh shit a moose!” while going downhill on a curve but I’ll never complain about having more than adequate brakes...

we have a 40 gallon water tank. It is VERY noticeable when it’s full, but we boondock mostly so we need the water. I always drain the tanks going home because it just drives better dry.

 

It will handle that weight for 15 miles easily. Tongue weight may be an issue if you don't have a WDH set up. Slow and steady. Doubt you woul want to go 5 plus hours with it but 15 miles should be fine

 

Thanks, Gentlemen. Makes me feel more confident. No hills on the route, except the boat ramp.
In case this turns into an occasional event (for more free boat rides), I think I'll take the advice for upgraded shocks and brakes.
if any product advice there, I will take it. Willing to spend for good stuff since truck is so new.

 

I just wanted to close the loop on this and thank everyone for the feedback. I ended up getting the R-Pod 202 and it feels like the perfect choice for this Tacoma chassis. Thank you all. For anyone interested, I went with an Equalizer WD hitch and Redarc Tow Pro Elite controller. I get about 11mpg in S4.

 

Big boat/Little truck. 6,000 llbs. Did fine but no big hills. Used 4x4 when pulling up steep boat ramp.
dropped into 3rd gear to power up on road hills. Then automatic when cruising.

 

Impressive! Tongue weight must have worked out well!

 

yes. Long throw on this trailer and twin axle. Didnt even have much bed dip.
still, wouldn't want to try this to Tahoe. pleasantly surprised how well it worked out.

 

How often do you need to tow that?

 

Not often. Boat is kept in wet slip, so just for maintenance usually.
My buddy just towed his smaller boat (probably 4000lbs) from Colorado to Calif. Same truck. Zero issues but he did have to keep it is 3/4 gear the whole way.