Towing question.

What reasonably can a 2017 Tacoma tow? I know they are rated at 6500 but over a long distance that would be a bit much I would think. I thinking about getting a small camp trailer that weighs about 4000lbs. I have the V6 so I'm thinking that would not be a problem. Any thoughts on this?

 

This is a 2nd Gen thread, but applies to 3rd gens as well.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

The frontal area is much more important than weight. Some have had great luck towing travel trailers. I did not. The Tacoma is a “best case scenario” tower. Throw hills, a headwind, etc in the mix and it can be a miserable experience.

 

Keep in mind that with a 4,000 lb trailer the tongue load should be around 400 lbs. That 400 lbs plus driver, passengers & gear constitute the truck's payload, which likely cannot exceed 1,100± lbs (see your door jamb sticker).

 

Weight is only one variable.

I've always said that travel trailers are the worst case scenario, pound-for-pound, shittiest trailers to tow, ever. As far as trailers go, they are low density, high profile, sidewind-catching bastards. For any truck, I figure the tow capacity is for utility trailers. Then I figure that 60% of the tow capacity is ok for campers.

I have no scientific data for my weirdness. But that's the rule of thumb I live by. 4k is right at 60% of the Tacomas tow capacity, coincidentally enough. So that would be the max I would tow.

 

Reasonable with the 3rd gen Tacoma is subjective to the driver's comfort level and location/terrain.

4000 lb travel trailer in the south-east towing through Georgia and Florida at nearly sea level? No problem.

4000 lb travel trailer up climbs in N. Arizona or Utah at 8000 ft elevation? she'll occasionally be screaming at 4400 rpm or you'll be doing 35 mph.

 

I mean when I'm pulling my 3k boat plus trailer combo mine screams like that. That's what these engines do. Lol

 

I’m in southern Nevada. It will be screaming more than occasionally even at lower elevations.

 

I spoke to one Tacoma owner who towed a Winnebago and he said there were no issues for him in Delaware.

There aren't many hills here in Delaware so the Tacoma engine may not be challenged as in most states.

If my wife & I did ever decide to get a trailer, I'd get a dual axel Mini Winnebago or something similar: GVWR 7,000lbs, 3,705 dry weight, 22ft long, 10' 4" High and 7' Wide.

We are a couple years (if not longer) from being able to get away from the work force.

 

Welcome to the forum

First make sure your truck has the tow package, it was optional up to 2018.

If you have the 4/7 electrical plug shown below in your bumper you have the package and the truck has the wiring for the electric brakes. You still need to add the brake controller.

 

This is what we have. The 1708. It seems those that have better luck are manuals.

 

I'm sure Manuals are the best. I have an OTT Tune, 8.0 with Gear Lock so of course that would be tested out.

Also using ECT and S-Drive (keeping it in S4) and using break controller should make it adjustment good.

 

I tow a 6 by 10 enclosed trailer with 2 motorcycles and gear often. The last time I went across scales the trailer was 1900 lbs. loaded. Like others have stated frontal area is what hurts towing. I would not want to tow over 2500 lbs. with my Tacoma knowing how it drives pulling my current trailer. Plus 12-14 mpg at best and worse in the mountains.

 

Just remember that 4000lb trailer was weighted empty no battery, propane, water, or waste. Add all that plus all your camping, kitchen, sports, clothes, and other assorted crap you will add up to 2000lb more - really so do NOT buy too heavy a trailer to start with unless it's an infrequent and short tow. No across county long-haul long-term trips or you will regret it no matter what others tell you about how much Tacomas can tow.
Lots of the posted weight stickers are light so weigh it at a truck scale BEFORE buying. Dealers take zero responsibility for heavier than the sticker as they never weighed it so it's a loophole for them.
Assume the dealers will sell you anything they have period.
There are many 19 ft trailers with a queen up front, fixed dinnette, and 2 bunks in back near 3000lbs with a single axle.
Dual axles weigh more but haul more and both have plus' and minus'.
If married get a bed with 2 sides so wife does not have to climb over you or she will not be happy.
Read that Towing Bible. Stock rear springs may be an issue as too soft and sag so yes to a load distro hitch and then a brake controller to stop it.
The best thing to do at about $100/day is rent a model like you may buy and take a trip and see if it is in fact good for you as once you buy one its yours.
Do not get all excited and go fancy and big just because.
Do your homework and have fun!

 

@muddog321

Good advice!

I'd sooner rent one before investing in a big purchase.

Dual axel are better for stability purposes.

We are a couple of years (if not more) from even taking a trek in a Sleeper Trailer.

 

I was tuned as well, running in s4 and ect. It definitely needs a gear between 3 and 4. 4 did not have the power to maintain any speed on anything but flat land. 3 had ample power, required little throttle input. I had no problem letting it rev in 3rd, but it was very uncomfortable holding the throttle at what little input it required to maintain speed. Couldn’t use s4 because of the gear hunting. S3 locks out cruise control.

 

Weight in the truck as well as in the trailer is key...from what I have read.

Also, does having a tonneau cover or bed cap help with aerodynamics?

What would be lighter...the cap or tonneau cover. (This would mean I'd have to forego a Diamond Back for a lighter tri-fold)

Lots of variables plus...keeping a log of weight.

It's like my trip to L.A. this coming weekend...I don't want to take a checked bag...just a backpack and the smallest suitcase w/wheels that will fit in the overhead or under the seat in front of me.

Essentials in the Sleeper/Camper: Pots&Pans/cutlery/food/clothes/water.

Planning/testing weights is everything!

 

I had a tonneau, just 2 of us. Fully loaded trailer was under 4200 lbs. minimal in the truck.

 

Thanks for all the good replies. This is my first Tacoma and was thinking about getting a small camp trailer. I have a lot of experience hauling with full size trucks and large trailers but wanted to get info on what the smaller Tacoma is capable of without shortening the life of it. Thanks again.

 

Consider a regear and a smaller TT. You will hit high winds. There will be slick roads. This is a fairly small truck with a wheelbase about 2' shorter than a full size pickup.

I've only put a few thousand miles on mine so far and haven't been impressed. But the 5.29s seem to have fixed a lot of the issues.

One thing I've been meaning to dig into more is when the transmission "locks" like a manual. I hear it keeps the heat down, and happens in 4+ gears?