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How much can my truck tow? I'm confused by the manual.

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by sprucemica, Nov 23, 2021.

  1. Nov 23, 2021 at 5:15 AM
    #1
    sprucemica

    sprucemica [OP] 2013 DCLB Limited 4.0L 4x4 - Spruce Mica

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    My in-laws bought this absurd RV toy hauler thing from a friend of theirs dying from cancer. Now the friend wants them to come pick it up. I looked up the model number and information but I am very concerned that my truck cannot haul this thing. It is 30' long and its "dry weight", according to the brochure I found, is 5,110lbs. See attached, sorry for potato quality pics I am on my phone.

    Anyway I have a 2013 DCLB Limited with the tow package. The model number on the door is GRN250L-PRADKA. According to the manual the truck weight (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer weight combined can't be more than 11k and change. How much does my truck weigh, though? I wish they would just say "don't tow a trailer that weighs more than X".

    So my in-laws asked if I could go and pick this thing up. It's only 22 miles from their house where they want me to park it. They said if the truck can't handle it they'll figure something out but I'd like to help if I can.

    So can my truck tow this behemoth they bought? Appreciate any help.

    Screenshot_20211123-075927~2.jpg
    Screenshot_20211123-080830.jpg
    IMG_20211123_072409314.jpg
    IMG_20211118_133145403~2.jpg
     
  2. Nov 23, 2021 at 5:24 AM
    #2
    jake72

    jake72 Well-Known Member

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    For that distance no problem, your rated for about 6400 lbs
     
  3. Nov 23, 2021 at 5:34 AM
    #3
    ZColorado

    ZColorado Well-Known Member

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    Tongue weight on that trailer is 870lbs. The Taco is rated at like 650 lbs. Dont go over any big bumps or dips. Your frame will thank you.

    Make sure it's empty, the tanks are empty, the tongue is empty (no propane)

    Personally I would find a 3/4 ton truck (f250, 2500hd, etc) to tow that thing.
     
    tacomataco2, NAAC3TACO and outdoorgb like this.
  4. Nov 23, 2021 at 5:46 AM
    #4
    Extra Hard Taco

    Extra Hard Taco Well-Known Member

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    Wise man once said:

    It's not if you can tow it but if you can stop it.
     
  5. Nov 23, 2021 at 5:55 AM
    #5
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Sure if you like white kunkle driving.
     
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  6. Nov 23, 2021 at 6:02 AM
    #6
    steelcity2

    steelcity2 Well-Known Member

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    Do you have a brake controller? Like RJ said , how r u going to stop it?
     
  7. Nov 23, 2021 at 8:38 AM
    #7
    mike1056

    mike1056 Member

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    Yes, you can tow it. Add a brake controller if you don't have one. Your truck should be pre-wired for one.
     
  8. Nov 23, 2021 at 8:56 AM
    #8
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    I'd pass on that.

    You are short on equipment and tow experience.
    The trailer will put your truck near or over the tow limit.

    Do the sellers have a vehicle that could be borrowed for the move? If so, then I would ask them.

    I take it that the In-laws don't have a suitable tow vehicle.

    Remember, the trailer weight on the Dry Weight of 5110 lbs is for the EMPTY trailer. No propane, no battery, no water, no black water, no grey water, no pots/pans/kitchen, no anything in the trailer or added to the trailer.


    Could you pull it.....probably. Can you control it....maybe. Can you stop it......with enough distance. Can you handle an emergency maneuver......doubtful.

    Ultimately, your choice, your risk.
     
    Williston and ZColorado like this.
  9. Nov 23, 2021 at 9:01 AM
    #9
    Toyko Joe

    Toyko Joe Here for the pictures

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    Have your in-laws rent a truck that can tow it and bring it on home, I think Home Depot and SunBelt rentals have tow ready 3/4 and one ton trucks… probably a 4 hour rental is the same price as a brake controller.
     
    goforbroke123 and skeletron like this.
  10. Nov 23, 2021 at 9:19 AM
    #10
    Sprig

    Sprig Well-Known Member

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    Your in-laws bought a monstrosity RV and they do not have anything to tow it with??? What’s up with that? In this case I’d tell them the size and weight are just a little too much for you and your truck to “safely” tow. There are so many negative’s here I don’t know where to start. I’ll give you just one. With your stock mirrors you’ll be able to see nothing behind you or on the side of you. You’ll just be able to see the giant front wall of the trailer. You can’t safely change lanes and you obviously can’t back it up should you need too. Besides it sounds like you are not experienced at towing, that makes everything worse and more unsafe. They themselves need to deal with this. They can rent a truck.
     
    FireZoneBlitz likes this.
  11. Nov 23, 2021 at 9:40 AM
    #11
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    NOPE.

    Have them rent a U haul / home depot half ton truck. That will be 100$ well spent.
     
    Toyko Joe likes this.
  12. Nov 23, 2021 at 9:51 AM
    #12
    Williston

    Williston Unknown Member

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    I'd worry about the hitch weight and stopping the truck with that trailer. If as stated earlier, the trailer tongue weight really does exceed the Tacoma's tongue weight rating by over 200 lbs, you really should have a weight distributing hitch setup on them and working trailer brakes adjusted correctly for your truck. Towing is supposed to be done with both vehicles level or as close to it as possible at the hitch ball.

    If you haven't towed anything before, I'd politely decline and suggest they call a local tow company for the job.
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2021
    ZColorado likes this.
  13. Nov 23, 2021 at 11:03 AM
    #13
    Marshall R

    Marshall R Well-Known Member

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    I'd pull it 22 miles assuming you have a brake controller in your truck. And assuming you have no other passengers or cargo in your truck. And assuming the trailer is stripped of everything possible. No water, no propane tanks etc. Empty the cabinets of food and other gear stowed in the trailer.

    If fully loaded (7800 lbs) that is borderline 3/4 ton truck territory. There are lots of 1/2 tons that won't handle that much weight. But the empty weight of 5100 lbs is within a Tacoma's specs. Technically you'd be good to go if you use a WDH. But even without one you'll be OK for a short trip if driven carefully. Where people get in trouble is buying a trailer that is right on the borderline empty. Then they load up the truck with kids, camping gear, dogs and do the same with the trailer. Then they try to take it on a 500 mile road trip over mountain passes.
     
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  14. Nov 23, 2021 at 11:07 AM
    #14
    ndmak

    ndmak Well-Known Member

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    i would pull it the 22 miles. like someone else said, early saturday/sunday morning when there is less traffic. no big deal.
     
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  15. Nov 23, 2021 at 1:22 PM
    #15
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    upload_2021-11-23_13-20-28.jpg



    upload_2021-11-23_13-21-24.jpg

    20 + 50 miles @ .79 = 60$....


    Seriously, is this even a question. for 60-130$ (around the price of the trailer brake controller you would need to install) you shouldnt even consider towing something like that with your truck.
     
  16. Nov 23, 2021 at 1:34 PM
    #16
    Hook78

    Hook78 Well-Known Member

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    If that tongue weight is correct, that should probably flip the switch from “this is ok over a short distance” to “maybe I better not”. God forbid you get in an accident and you’re doing something outside your vehicle’s limits, and insurance becomes a nightmare.
     
    Williston and ZColorado[QUOTED] like this.
  17. Nov 23, 2021 at 1:35 PM
    #17
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    Exactly, OP not your trailer, all your risk. Not that I dont like helping people out but tell them to rent a truck (or find some other poor sap) and they can deal with their own purchase.
     
  18. Nov 23, 2021 at 1:39 PM
    #18
    2015WhiteOR

    2015WhiteOR Well-Known Member

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    Remember not to tow in overdrive! No point in wrecking your transmission over doing someone a favor lol.
     
    Hook78 likes this.
  19. Nov 23, 2021 at 2:24 PM
    #19
    2015WhiteOR

    2015WhiteOR Well-Known Member

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    Also this thread makes me think of the "it's a truck!" crowd that thinks all trucks are all the same and that they're all the same heavy-bodied, bench-front-seat, V8 glug glug, rusted rocker panel things on 4 wheels from the 50s.

    The crowd that is like "iTs SuPPoSeD tO vIbrAte And sPeW bLack SmoKe" and throws crap in the bed, lets ratchet ties slam against the tailgate, and applauds when rocks and debris fly at painted surfaces.

    I'm like..bitch..this Tacoma is a Camry with better ground clearance and more open air storage than a 4runner. It's not the huge yellow Tonka truck that you visualize when you think of a pickup.
     
  20. Nov 23, 2021 at 3:08 PM
    #20
    Williston

    Williston Unknown Member

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    Read the fine print on that Home Depot ad re: the conditions of availability of a hitch with the truck... some of it is cut off, but I'd confirm with them if its ok to tow your trailer with it, and confirm with your own insurance company as well to see if they'll cover damage and liability for everything if you decide to tow it with your Tacoma: truck, trailer, other vehicles involved, etc if the worst happened... especially since you are not the owner of the trailer you will be towing. Insurance companies are not your friend.
     

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