CCC Questions

Howdy, all. I really, really, really love the look, reputation, and fuel performance of the Tacoma. My dream is a 2011/2012 double cab long bed. But here is my issue and my questions:

- I want it so that I can carry a slide-in, pop up camper
- The model I'm looking at has a manufactured weight around 1,000 lbs
- The CCC for the Tacoma models I'm looking at is around 1300 lbs
- Wife, son, and I weigh in above 300 lbs
- That leaves less than 1,000 lbs, which doesn't work.

Questions:

- CCC excludes gas and fluids as far as I can tell; can anyone confirm this?
- What limits CCC - is it suspension or frame?
- Can CCC be improved with shocks or airbags?
- Does CCC include towing capacity? I'm guessing not
- Can you add rear disc brakes? I've read that the brakes are soft feeling
- Is the MPG quoted on Toyota's website accurate? The say up to 21 MPG highway

I did a search (admittedly quick one) and couldn't find anything about this; if it's out there sorry, I'll look around some more.

 

Yea you can get 21 mpg but depends on how you drive. On avg people I talk to get 16 to 18.

welcome to TW from SA

 

I'm currently averaging 19.4 with my stock DC 4x4. http://www.fuelly.com/driver/tacodawgfan/tacoma The brakes are a bit soft, that is one thing I quickly realized when test driving but after 8 months now I don't really notice or think about it unless I drive a different vehicle for a few days and then get back in my truck. Not that big an issue. But for the needs and for the price you probably would be better of with a full sized truck as already stated. Good luck and welcome to the club.

 

Go to http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/23-Toyota-FJ-Tacoma-4Runner

Great forum for camper ideas.

 

That's what I was afraid of, thanks all.

What stops this from having more CCC? The Tundra is actually only 200ish lbs more?

 

I think if you upgraded the springs you could eke out another 2-300 lbs of CCC. Maybe a bit more. But then you run against the limits of the composite bed, axle, and frame although I suspect the tires would blow before the frame goes - it's pretty sturdy.

A DCLB is already ~500 lbs heavier than the Access Cab. That reduces carrying capacity even further.

 

That much weight I'd get a bigger truck. I average about 20 mpg ~80% Highway because I do 40 miles round trip about twice a day. @TacoDawg my brakes are very touchy compared to everything else that I've driven but I like them.
Edit: DC PreRunner 3.4L V6 Stock.

 

Doess CCC EXclude things like spare tire, jack, things that are part of the truck at purchase?

 

In all honesty, if you are nickel and diming it, you are cutting it too close IMO.

I would either look for something that doesn't weigh as much, or look into getting a full-size pickup.

Fink

 

Not trying to be rude or figure out where the 300 pounds you carry sits on your body/frame but the tacoma is not a very roomy inside.

I am the typical 5' 10" 175 and feel it being a little cramped in there.

I would go full size just for comfort.

The tacoma gas mileage is not much better than a fullsize and you are already in need of a full size for your needs for a camper setup just go fullsize.

Drum brakes out back are nothing to frown at the improvement to disc is not going to be noticed much if at all.

Most switch to a larger leaf pack to increase payload/tow capacity but if you are using alot for either need go full size.

 

Weight is 3 people. I'm around 190ish, wife 115ish, child 25ish.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. I know I should stop thinking about this, but I just love the Tacoma. I should admit defeat...

 

Yeah with that camper your not going to get anywhere close to 20mpg, even if you upgraded the rear for the weight. I pulled an enclosed trailer loaded down with camping gear dogs, and hunting gear across KS and got about 14. I wasn't trying to conserve any, if I was I suspect 16 would have been tops with that load.

 

So, the manufacturer can build a unit to 800 lbs, giving me a buffer for passengers, clothes, food, chairs, etc. of roughly 460 lbs. Not a big margin, but doable.

Does anyone KNOW if the ccc EXCLUDES spare tire, jack, the stuff that comes as part of the truck?

 

Nope, it includes everything. But the stated limits have a margin for error and safety. If you upgrade the springs and get some good tires you should be fine as long as you're careful.

Which camper are you looking at ?

 

Coyoterv.biz, the Phoenix pop up.

I guess his family is the originator of Four Wheel Camper and some other stuff. Everything he does is custom, so he's come up with something that a Tacoma can handle, but it will be SMALL.

My issue is I used to camp and would again; the Wife won't. But, we've been to Alaska in a small RV and she loved it. Now we have an infant on top of it. I cannot understate the convenience of your own toilette and shower while you are camping.

Since we use the RV exclusively as a place to SSS, small may not matter. I just received the dimensions and will lay them out on the floor in the next few days and see if she can handle it.

I want a four wheel truck vs. a small RV like a Sprinter based model since I'd like to camp at Big Bend or off road somewhere in NM, CO, even AZ.

You have one?

 

Have you thought about just going with a pull-behind?

Fink

 

I have, but there aren't many off-road oriented trailers. I'm not talking about the Rubicon trail or anything, but I'd like to head off somewhere WITH the camper and camp remotely.

 

Makes sense.

Have you checked out TACODOC's setup? If not, you need to. He's got a build thread on ExPo, YotaTech and a few others.

Fink

 

Ok I don't have much info on this but I think Jayco made a "baja" edition of a trailer which featured a beefier suspension and mud tires.

Keep in mind I only say this thing in passing and don't know how big it is. It's NOT a pop up, it's a hard wall...

Oh, and it's Jayco, so you can be assured of 2 things.

1. It's well built.
2. It's friggen expensive.