1st Gen. Towing Capacity

I towed an empty 14’ x 7’ high enclosed trailer from GA to the mountains in Colorado (8,800’)with basically the same truck. The temp was 95 degrees & at times, I was driving into a 28mph headwind! I especially remember 2 things: I couldn’t do over 45-50mph at times, and I got as low as 8mpg on that entire tank of gas! You could do it, but take it SLOW, and don’t let the trans keep downshifting every 2 min. Turn off the overdrive & don’t rev past 4k rpm. Let em pass ya!

 

Hi Kleenax,

This is encouraging, as I have looked into other alternatives and they are all expensive. All are over $2k. Penske box truck plus vehicle hauler is $2,500. Budget (same items as penske but accounting for fuel) $2,700. Enterprise cargo van $2,400 (including fuel, mileage, and fees). So, its encouraging to hear that it can be done.

Now, do you think my weight will make a difference? The trailer alone weighs 2,400 and I'll probably add another 1,500lbs.

I am looking into Uship, a website were you can hire transporters directly, hoping someone can move my items for a reasonable price. However, if I cant hire anyone within my budget amount, I may have to take the risk and tow.

 

I have no doubt whatsoever that your truck will do it, but it sure won’t be fast! Take your time, and don’t beat the hell out of your Tacoma, and it will be fine.

 

you'll be fine just take is slow, you're only making the trip once.

 

Also, I was checking out what trailers you're referring to on the u-haul website.
I might try to opt for the one without the ramp if you're too worried.
Personally, I would not hesitate a moment to tow this trailer loaded with my stuff with the v6


https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/6x12-Utility-Trailer-Rental/RO/
https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/6x12-Utility-Trailer-With-Ramp-Rental/HO/

 

I have to do the enclosed trailer, as I need to pack it in and take advantage of the wall. However, I do appreciate the suggestion.

 

Got it, maybe double check the empty weight I think the max load (of stuff) is the 2400 lbs you’re referring on the cargo enclosed trailer? Not sure but any of those u-haul trailers you should be totally fine

 

I have hauled this size (pictured) of enclosed U-Haul a LOT, and the larger, 6x12' tandem-axle many times as well. In fact, I pulled the 6x12 with about 2,000# in it, with the entire back of the truck loaded as well from Philadelphia to Lansing, MI. Didn't even get over 55mph on that trip!

 

I agree with this 100%. When I moved from Texas back to North Carolina I didn't want to try and pull a trailer behind my car. So I rented a box truck and a car hauler. Yes it cost me a few more dollars, but the peace of mind was well worth it. Driving in the mountains with a 6x12 trailer could get a little hairy on the down hill run.

 

Assuming that you vote like I do, I would say Welcome to Texas! You might look at renting a truck and unloading in Amarillo and driving it back to somewhere in New Mexico. I know that sounds crazy, but one time I drove a U-haul from Michigan to OKC and returned the truck in Joplin and even with the charge for the extra miles (several hundred), I saved a LOT of $$.

 

Over the weekend I called Budget rental and was able to get a 25% discount (FYI if you're a Costco member, you can get 25% off). Picking up the box truck and car carrier in Las Vegas and dropping off in Amarillo, the total will be $1,750. Accounting for fuel, it will end up being $1k more than renting the Uhaul trailer. However, I do feel like a weight has come off my shoulders, as I was stressing about those hills.

 

I might be late to the party here, but I was in the same predicament a few months ago moving from NH to CO. You can get these enclosed box things from uhaul, trailer it back to your house, fill it, bring it back to uhaul and they'll drop it off at a uhaul near your destination. Came out to about the same price as trailer rental and I saved on gas and engine wear and tear, so cheaper overall I guess.

 

Hi Mike759,
I looked into these enclosed boxes from Uhaul you mentioned. Though they are not much more expensive than the trailer, I would need two of them in order to move my items, which brings the total to $2k. Furthermore, it takes 2 weeks for them to ship, which is not convenient. Nevertheless, I do appreciate the suggestion.

 

Gets worse as you get into Flag, 7000' is a lot of elevation to be towing at reduced power

 

Have you done any testing to see if your turbo helps with that? I imagine it would make a world of difference

 

I don't have a hitch on my truck, it is a camping truck/wheeler/toy for me mostly. I'll tell you it makes a world of difference though and fully loaded for 10 days of exploring it handles passes like they're nothing. Can easily go 75-85mph over mtn passes and you can pass anything on the highway with ease. It would probably be great for towing, not sure how much the clutch would appreciate that though.

 

Skip that route and go 99, I-5, 210, I-10 via SoCal. The only hill to climb is Chriaco out side of Palm Desert.

 

Good morning, Massive.
I looked into this and there are mountains throughout that route as well, primarily after Phoenix. The 87 is at 5,200 ft of elevation, and once you get on the 260 you're at 7,600 ft of elevation. From there it seems like you are consistently above 5k feet up until the 40. So, both routes require some climbing. However, thanks for the suggestion.

 

I know OP has probably decided not to do it, but I'll chime in as well... 2003 TRD OffRoad DCSB automatic V6. No brake controller. I rented a 5x10 single axle and drove I-80 across CA,NV,UT,WY,CO. It was hell. The truck struggled to keep speed on inclines, but I kept a close eye on the scangauge for transmission temps and "manually shifted" the auto frequently to keep in the power band and lock the torque converter as much as I could by managing the accelerator position. It was a TON of mental and physical energy to do the drive. The truck really struggles to produce power at higher elevations.

According to detailed gas receipts: 12.97 mpg

Also of note for OP and others coming to the thread...in CA and other states, a trailer above 1500lb requires you to have a brake controller to work the trailer brakes - not just rely on the surge brakes in case of detachment/accident.

In the end, after moving to Colorado and my base elevation now being ~5500' and the truck struggling to make power with the combo of 5VZ and automatic trans, I sold the truck rather than dump a ton of money to supercharge and upgrade other stuff.

 

Very nice detailed post. I'm actually impressed you managed almost 13mpg in that truck under those circumstances