Seeking Opinions Regarding Two RVs

I have an '07, 4x4 TRD Offroad w Towing Package and 6500# towing capacity, short bed and dual cab. I'm considering two trailers. One trailer has a 4770 GVWR while the second has a 5743 GVWR. The first trailer is a very nice trailer, but the heavier trailer has more space and comfort features. But, I'm concerned with the extra weight. Although "compliant" from a specifications standpoint, I will be towing from my location in northern NM to mountainous areas in CO, UT and the northwest. Assuming that the trailer is properly set up as noted in the "Towing Bible", I don't want to find myself "not having fun" while towing near the limits for long distances. Thoughts on this very subjective topic?

 

Go for the lighter trailer, or a bigger tow vehicle.

Don't expect better than 50% of your normal MPG. Seriously, a lightweight "pop-up" or tent trailer is a much better way to go.

 

the GVWR is before all your people, gear, and fluids in your trailer tanks...that'd easily put you over 6500.

 

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum the trailer can weight with all your people, gear and fluids in the tanks.

UVW or Unloaded Vehicle Weight is before your people, gear and fluids.

 

oops...those numbers always seemed a little low to me.

 

But most important is the GCVWR of the tow vehicle.

You have the Tacoma's GVWR, and you have the trailer's GVWR.
With the Tacoma at GVWR, you will exceed it's GCVWR long before the trailer hit's it's own GVWR.

2012 Tacoma GVWR is 5350.
2012 Tacoma GCVWR is 11,100 (with the tow package).
2012 Tacoma max towing weight is 6500.

5350 + 6500 = 11,850

Your curb weight is 4045, leaving only 1300 pounds for passengers, cargo, fluids, fuel, etc....

So realistically, passengers and packed for a vacation, you are likely going to be at or VERY close to your 5350 max for the Tacoma... leaving an absolute max trailer weight of about 5750.

Ya... that's greater than the 5743 of the trailer you're looking at... but neither you nor your Tacoma are going to be happy campers.

 

If he is at the GVWR of the Tacoma before hooking up the trailer, his real max trailer weight is zero. That's because any tongue weight attached to the rear of the Tacoma would push him over the GVWR.

 

500lb tongue weight would drop his available total capacity to under 800lbs.

4 passengers and a case of beer would be over.

 

Well it sounds like you can get the heavy trailer if you pack lightly, but if you never want to worry about being over weight the lighter one is the way to go. Or now you have an excuse to get a 5.7l tundra

 

Thanks for the replies to my question. This was my first post and it has been very helpful. Ken

 

that's what TW is for


just gotta be careful of a few people on here, they like to dish it out and some new people don't realize they are joking.

 

Based on where you live and where you want to go you will not be happy with that heavy of a trailer. IMO.

 

I have the exact same truck, and tow a 3500 lb loaded travel trailer. It does great on the flat roads, but it does struggle a bit when I start hitting the hilly roads at the bottom of the mountains. I really think I'm at the limit for towing weight with the power plant of the Tacoma. I plan to put a supercharger on it to help pull in the mountains. I don't want to be that guy in the right lane on the highway doing 45 mph on every steep incline.

Stability wise, I have the OME dakar leafs and 886 coils. It handles the trailer perfectly with no sway or bouncing. So it's only the power that I need to fix.