Is towing a motorcycle realistic with a 4-cylinder Tacoma?

I’ve read the most recent threads about towing with a 4-cylinder. I think my load is doable, but I’d like some input from owners with real world experience.

The data I’ve found indicates the GCWR for the 2nd-generation Tacoma with a 4-cylinder engine, Access Cab and automatic transmission is 7,500 lbs. The curb weight is supposed to be 3,580 lbs. That should leave ~3,920 lbs available to carry (1,320 payload) and tow (3,500).

I like to do sport bike track days. My bike (a ‘10 Z1000) and an open, Harbor Freight, 4x8 trailer weigh ~737 lbs. Me, my passenger, my toolbox, EZ-UP canopy, gear and equipment weigh ~611 for a combined weight of ~1,348. Is it realistic to expect a 4-cylinder Tacoma to tow my rig at a reasonable speed (65-70) without burning it up?

My previous experience started with loading everything into the back of a ‘98 S10 with a 4.3L V6. That truck was a real trooper but all my ‘necessary’ equipment eventually maxed it out.

I moved up to my current ‘05 V8 Dakota and an enclosed 5x8 trailer. I assumed a V8 Magnum would chew on a 5x8 like a play toy but instead I was amazed at how much it labored. I have since sold the enclosed trailer and would like to get rid of the Dakota as I don‘t need so much truck and I‘m just not happy with it, for many reasons.

 

The best place I've found to get reliable towing information for your specific vehicle is from your local RV dealer... I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma with the 2.7L 4 Cylinder, and it is rated to pull 3,500 lbs... We pull a 2,400lb camper with it, and it's pushing it at that since we live in the mountains, but on flat ground, 3,500 lbs wouldn't be too bad...

 

I've got a 2010 Regular Cab, 2.7L, Manual Transmission.

I regularly transport my cats in a 6'X10' enclosed trailer weighing 990 lbs.

Loaded up with cats, cages and gear it's typically around 2300-2500 lbs. total, well below the 3500 lb. max. Passengers and cargo bed payload is another 700 lbs.

I am able to maintain 70-75 mph in 5th gear on level ground with no problems. Occasionally, I have to shift down to fourth gear if I'm climbing a hill.

I am using Firestone RideRite air springs set at about 15 lbs. Handling is good to excellent.

The only differences I've noticed is that mpg drops from 26 down to 19-21 mpg, and acceleration and braking are appreciably slower.

Hope this helps.

 

Welcome to the forum!

I tow a 1900lb boat with a 2003 2.4L 5 speed standard cab Taco without problems. The problems come when I tow a high profile travel trailer (wind resistance). Can tow a low profile boat @ 65MPH on interstates with the Taco. Have to slow down to 55MPH with the "lighter" travel trailer. Never had problems towing a motorcycle on a 4'X8' trailer with my 1987 2.4L 4 speed Toyota Pickup, either.

 

^ Wow, is that a Nuda? Nice ride!

 

Bet the Nuda is a fine twisty machine!!!!!!

It's an Aprilia Dorsoduro 750. It's a hoot in the mountains, too:

 

Kulahaga,

Curiosity.... How many and what kind of cats and where do you take them?

 

I've been rescuing and re-homing wildcats for over thirty years. At the moment I have nine including African Servals, Cougars and Bobcats.

I transport them to various wildlife events, the vet, etc.

Here are some pics of my "vicious" wildcats:

Cairo (African Serval)


Kowee (Cougar)


Amadeus (Bobcat)

 

^^That's freakin cool!!

OP: I'd say your fine, but i'm a little concerned that you struggled with a V8 Dakota. Why not go for a V6?

 

That's right - a Nuda would be a Husqvarna.

 

There's not enough difference in gas mileage between V6's and what I have now. Toyota's are expensive. I can buy a lot of gas with the difference between what a V6 Tacoma costs and what I'll get for my Dakota.

 

Checked out the Husky after you mentioned it, and a sweet looking machine, too!

The DD is a sweet machine, too!

 

I have another question. Do 4-cylinder's with automatic transmissions have an overdrive lockout selector?

EDIT: I think I double-counted my bike weight. The bike and trailer should be ~750 lbs and payload ~700. Both are well below the tow (3,500), payload (1,320) and available GCWR (3,920) ratings.