Can I tow a 4250 lb Airstream Camper with my Tacoma V6?

I have a 2004 Tacoma, 3.4, 4x4. No towing package that I know of but I do have a ball and hitch rated at the appropriate amount to haul something this big.

I am contemplating buying a 1967 Airstream 26' Overlander. I looked up the curb weight and it says 4250 lbs dry weight. It's halfway gutted so it probably weighs a little less than that.

I would be towing it about 90 miles one way. Can my Tacoma handle it?

 

They are rated at 5000lbs towing capacity so you shouldn't have a problem.

 

that said, you need to add the weight of gear and stuff you put in it too so you are right at the limits of what you can pull but I don't think you have near enough stopping power to pull that so it will be pushing you every time you try to stop.

can you? yes
should you? probably not
if you do will it be a problem? only if you need to stop quickly, you wont be able to

if you do decide to tow that with your truck make damn sure you add brakes for the trailer to help it stop so it doesn't jackknife your truck if someone pulls out in front of you at the last minute and you have to hit the brakes

 

I have a 1977 23 foot Airstream and have not tried to pull it with my 2015 TRD 4.0 and automatic. Check your weights, our 23 footer weighs 6240 loaded and ready for the road, full of water, waste tanks empty, this is weight across scales. The 1977's were known to be heavy as tow vehicles were usually 3/4 ton Suburbans and pickup trucks. We tow it with a Dodge 2500 4x4 diesel and it barely knows it back there. A 26 footer wouid be guite a long load for a Tacoma if it started to sway. You didn't mention what transmission you have, but not sure the 6 speed would be best, and an automatic would need additional cooling. I would think twice befor trying it.

 

I have a 5 speed. I only need to tow it to my house where I can work on it as a project. So it won't be something I tow everyday.

 

if your trip doesnt have any big long hills you will be fine, but make sure it has trailer brakes and get a brake controller..

 

you should be fine then, just treat it like you have no brakes at all (because in reality that's pretty much true when pulling that much weight in your truck)

it might be good to have someone drive ahead of you so you can follow them by a few car lengths behind so if shit happens and you do have to stop quickly and slide into someone, its your buddy and not someone who wants to sue you.

 

Definitely, make sure the trailer brakes are working; and you have the proper brake controller, installed in your truck.

Sure the Tacoma can move the trailer; but can you stop it in an emergency. I see you may be posting from NC; will you be towing the trailer in the mountains?

I have towed many trailers, hauling heavy equipment; and recreational trailers hauling just about anything. There is no need to do any white knuckle driving; especially with the laws and lawyers of today.

oldracer

 

Like the others say, just take it easy and expect to brake sooner. If you have any doubts about it, go rent a uhaul pickup for the day.