towing a trailer with a 6 speed pointers anyone?

Forgive me, I have been misinformed....

FJ ftw then!

 

I tow a lot with the Tacoma. I have two trailers. 5x8 enclosed loaded with tools roughly 2500lbs and open 7x10 trailer. The most I ever towed was 5000lbs loaded in the 7x10 open trailer which has no brakes and 3500lbs axle lol

Anything past 55mph was scary, bad trailer sway. Braking was a nightmare and i had to almost floor it to get up to speed on highway.

I also towed 24foot open trailer from phoenix to California, constant gear hunting from 4-D

Honestly I wish i would have gotten f250 diesel... I would never want to tow 5000lbs trailer with the Tacoma long distance.

Said that, take it slow, pack an extra clutch and leave yourself extra room to brake.

 

You don't have a 6sp taco but you are commenting on a 6sp taco towing question...?

 

Set the electric brake to do most of the stopping-you are at the limits of the truck. you do not want to be pushed thru a red light or into the auto in front of you--Keep a DISTANCE GREATER than you think is necessary.
If the electric brake has a manual option--USE it. Calibrate the electric brake on an agressive setting.
KEEP EXTRA DISTANCE --Test your stopping power-BEFORE you need it.
I towed a 5k boat w/my toyota--It was hard on the truck.
BOUGHT a DIESEL 2500!
If you are going to do any major towing-- Recomend a BIGGER vehicle. Short trips-TACOMA IS FINE.
SAFER

 

It has been done. I plan on doing it. Reverse gear in the 6spd is waaaay to high. You will kill your clutch backing a heavy trailer up even on flat ground.

Mod:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/195424-2wd-lo-mod-2.html

 

Ok, so I don't have a manual, but I do have an Off Road Package w/ a tow package and I do tow a travel trailer on a fairly regular basis during the summer..... From the simple numbers, it seems you have too much trailer. To say the least, it is going to be a handful. @ 4000+ dry, you haven't accounted for people, propane, water, tools you take with you, etc..... You are going to be at or exceeding your towing capacity quickly if you pack camping gear/dishes/cooking items/propane..... This probably isn't helping you too much, but I have been there, done that... Had a dealership that tried to sell me a 30 footer that was the same weight..... It would have been a nightmare! All this probably isn't helping you too much, as it seems you already have made the purchase, but a couple pointers to help you out:

1). If you have a quality weight distribution kit installed properly (you have a good one) there is no need for a 3rd leaf spring/airbags.... My tounge weight is near/at/sightly over 500 pounds and I have had zero issues towing. I also have my two kids in the back seat, both don't complain.

2). As people have said, don't downshift with your truck, as brakes are cheaper than transmissions (exceptions for situations where brake-fade is an issue, with a brake controler, you shouldn't really have this issue unless you are going down Rocky Mountain passes)

3). CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURES- Dealers made a huge deal out of senless nitrogen filled tires, the number one cause of RV crashes is tire failure.

4). Invest in a tranny cooler ASAP if you plan on towing on any sort of a regular basis. Additionally, this would also be a good time to change your differental/T-Case fluids if you haven't already done so.

5). Invest in towing mirrors. Some people on this fourm go all out, drill in their trucks for towing mirrors, etc.... I bought a 20 dollar pair and couldn't be happier.

6). After you arrive at your destination, I always let my truck idle for 5-10 minutes to cool down and let the tranny fluid circulate..... A good time is when you are disconnecting your trailer.

7). Check you brakes. You will be using them more, you will go through them quicker. If in doubt, change them.

8). Dump your tanks and empty your water supply prior to leaving if possible. As stated before, you are going to be at or exceeding your towing capacity, there is no need carrying water with you (extra wear and tear on the truck, more money in gas)

If you got any more Q's, feel free to PM me!
Perry

 

Hah! Such fail on my end. Looks like I even replied in that thread lol

 

Reasonably sure that would be a catastrophy for your transfer case wouldn't it? Shrapnel all over the place.