Tow Question

I need to tow a side by side from Austin TX to Gunnison CO. I have a ’14 Tacoma LB Quad Cab 4x4 with the V6 and the factory tow package (130,000 miles). Everything is stock except a new pair of 5100 shocks. I completely serviced it when I bought it in March 2023 (diffs, trans, transfer, serpentine belt, plugs, etc.). It will take a day and a half. The first day all flat to Raton, NM. Day 2 is a half day but 3 passes to traverse, Raton, La Veta and Cochetopa. None of them are gnarly but passes just the same. My plan is to rent a U-Haul car hauler (2,200 lbs.) and pull a Polaris RZR (1375 lbs. dry). So that is roughly 3,600 lbs. on the trailer and a bed with tubs. If it wasn’t for the distance and the passes I wouldn't give it a second thought given the 4,000 lbs. of trailer and supplies is well below the 6,500 lbs. rated towing capacity. Also, it is only one way. The RZR is getting left and the trailer returned to U-Haul in CO. I did read the “Tacoma Towing Bible” post, lots of good info. I have not had the Tacoma long so I don’t have much experience with it especially towing. Anyone have a thought on this plan? Do you think it is viable or is it a bit too much distance and elevation for the Tacoma? Thanks for any feedback.


Chris

 

You'll be fine, just make sure you're towing in 4th and not OD.

 

And listen to your truck, especially when you're dealing with the head winds in west texas; you may end up limited to 60mph before your transmission hates you.

 

Leave early and go slow. Most people complain if they can't tow at the speed limits, but most vehicles and especially rental trailers are meant to tow at or below 60-65 MPH. It takes longer, but it's a better experience. That said, I'd rent a smaller trailer if you can. That's a way heavier trailer than needed to haul a SxS.

 

I would add I'd reccommend a way to watch your trans temps such as a scangauge or or scan tool.

 

I am still looking to see if I can find a lighter trailer. The problem is I only need it one way. I don't to have to pay rental on a trailer for 2 weeks and then have to tow the empty trailer back. Good idea on the scan tool for trans temps. I believe the one I have will do it I just need to confirm. It is going to be hot in mid June in west TX.

 

You’ll be fine. If i remember correctly the max speed on the U-Haul car trailer is 55mph.

 

4K lbs on a V6 Taco w/ tow package is no problem. Don't exceed 60 mph on the flat. Be ready to do 50 (or even 45) up grades if need be: there's a reason most major roads are 2 lanes in each direction. Loaded tractor trailers routinely do 40-45 up steep passes. No worries.

If automatic transmission, don't tow in OD (overdrive). If manual transmission, use the appropriate gear for the grade/speed, generally 3rd for steeper grades, 4th for shallow, and 5th for flat.

 

You should be good. i towed about 3k lbs from Austin to Pennsylvania and back going over a few passes. Use the gears when necessary. Get a trailer brake controller and make sure that works with the uhaul. Depending on timing i'll likely be in the Gunnison area so if you run into issues and/or need any help from NM into CO don't hesitate to holler.

 

X2 on smaller trailer if you can, but I agree with the other post about getting a trailer brake controller, and making sure the Uhaul trailer has brakes, just in case. Another option would be buying a used trailer and selling it once you’re done, but that may be more of a hassle than you want to deal with. The Tacoma hauls fine, but it doesn’t like slowing the load down. I even have brakes on my 5x8 firewood trailer and have been glad to have them multiple times. This is the brake controller I use and it has worked well for me: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...VjRitBh3UzA-YEAQYAiABEgJ9HfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

A lot of good advice in here. Sounds like you'll be alright. Just don't be in a race.

If you haven't towed before, get some practice around town and around local highways before you embark. So you get a feeling.

Luckily, this will be easier than trying to tow a 4000lbs camper since they're like a giant windsail.

Also, try to do your best with balancing the bulk of the weight from the side by side so that you're either centered on the trailer axle or slightly front heavy. Last thing you want is the tail wagging the dog.

 

I’ve probably done it.

-right hitch
-trailer brakes if needed
-watch trans temp if auto
-right gears
etc

just had to change hitch to adjustable drop. Ball is sitting at 18” that Uhaul recommends on the lowest setting.

last time pulling a trailer through mountain passes simply had to go slower lower gear feeling the engine when it was steep, right lane flashers on just like a semi.

down hill might’ve been a bit easier manual engine braking.
It was 6x12 enclosed which comes with surge brakes no controller needed.

Just did a tow. Slapped some Red n Tacky on the ball from my grease gun.
Thinking of finding a tub of grease hopefully it’s cheap and doesn’t leak so I can always keep some in the truck for towing if leaky grease gun is not nearby.
No gloves no problem find a doggy bag and use that to get the grease on without getting on your hand.

4runner BBK is better but so far any tows I’ve done has been without.

 

X2

 

When you get above a certain altitude regular fuel is 85 Octane, mid-grade is 87 Octane and Premium is 89. DO NOT BUY 85 OCTANE FUEL and try to pull a trailer at that altitude. Performance will suffer and you'll run hotter. Stay with 87 Octane at a minimum and you might even want to use 89. It will be expensive but trust me on this.

Three years ago I was pulling a 4500 lb travel trailer over some of the same country with my F150. Without thinking I filled up on Clayton NM with 85 Octane. I struggled getting over Raton Pass. Even on level ground pulling the trailer at 7000' the 6 speed wouldn't go over 4th gear and the slightest incline required 3rd.

I'd driven the route in the past without a trailer and never had any issues with 85 Octane. In theory most cars can get by with lower Octane at altitude but not when towing.

We camped on the east side of Wolf Creek pass near Creede. We altered our plans and didn't try Wolf Creek Pass with the trailer. Instead, we did a day trip to Pagosa Springs without the trailer. Once we got to the campground, I burned up most of that 36-gallon tank without the trailer. Next fill-up before leaving with the trailer I bought 89 Octane to mix with the 85 in the tank. After that I used 87 and had no problems crossing some of the same road I struggled on a few days earlier.

 

I am still considering buying a tandem axle trailer and storing it there also but I already have a 6x10 which is more useful on the property. I don't want the place to start looking like a used car lot. We'll see. The U-Haul does not have electric brakes, it has surge brakes. I suppose that is better than nothing. I really appreciate all the input. I feel much better about the trip.

dk_Crew I appreciate the offer!

 

If what's currently popular is what's right, then here is the correct procedure:

1. Fail to secure the towed vehicle using straps/chains/etc. Let it bounce and flail around and scare other drivers.
2. Leave a bunch of loose objects on the trailer so that they fly off at 80mph and damage cars behind you. Piles of gravel, grass clippings, sockets, etc.. just let them fly off at highway speeds.
3. Swerve through traffic at +20 over the posted limit, while driving like you forgot you are towing something
4. When stopping to get gas, park in such a way that you occupy the space of 4 pumps at once.
5. Let the trailer sag your rear down enough that your lowbeams turn into highbeams and blind oncoming traffic. Also turn on your off-road-use-only LED lightbar to double blind oncoming drivers.

All jokes aside I think you'll be fine with the advice others gave.

 

You forgot to make sure the chains are dragging!