Towable trailer/toy hauler

I am coming from a full-size diesel truck and a 40ft 5th wheel trailer. Now that I have a Tacoma I am looking for a smaller trailer that can be towed with this truck. What type of travel trailer or toy hauler are you towing with your Tacoma? I would appreciate getting your input and experience with towing with the Taco.

TIA

TacoDan

 

These trucks are pretty good at pulling travel trailers. Mine pulls our 2k+ trailer with no problem. One of the largest issues you'll come across is that the leaf springs aren't all that great if using stock. I still have the original springs that aren't the TSB ones. When I used to hook up, the rear end would actually sink below the height of the front. I added a small helper spring, not AAL, and now when I hook up it sits level. Just remember these are mid sized trucks so they aren't designed to pull full sized loads like larger trucks. Since you have your diesel I'm sure you're aware of that though. There is a thread up here somewhere called lets see what you tow or something along those lines. Lots of pics up there to give you an idea. Here is what I'm towing


It pulls pretty good but you can tell it's back there. I've got trailer brakes and upgraded front brakes/rotors.

 

There is a towing thread out in the main menu. A guy named gear cruncher is the absolute guru on towing and transmissions. Weight is a poor indication of what you can or can't tow. I have an enclosed trailer that pulls like a pig empty and weighs 1750#.... I have a dump trailer that i have loaded to over 5000# that towed easier. It is the drag from the surface area. Rpods, casitas, scamps, and pop ups are well suited for the taco. You will need a few accessories to help out the taco...
A tekonsha p3 Brake controller with the Toyota cable will give you electrics brakes plug and play style. A scangauge or ultra gauge will give you transmission temps. A Limited taco may not have a factory tow package with a trans cooler, verify this and add one if it is not equipped. Mirror extensions are nice if the trailer is wide. A helper spring will help with the tongue weight.
Pay no attention to the 20+ posts that are going to say "use the search bar" as a newbie you will soon see the incredible amount of info available.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/towing.34/

NEVER TOW IN OVERDRIVE... EVER!!!

 

1200 pound trailer.....3600 pound car..........200 pounds gear.....right around 5000 total. TRD intake and exhaust, automatic, 8 ply tires and air bags.

The TACO tows like a champ on everything but steep mountain crossings.....and then you will need to keep your "foot into it"....

I put around 8000 miles on the trailer and truck using this combination.

I agree, keep it out of OD.

Donald



lllll

 

Thanks for the feedback. I am very familiar with towing but with larger, more powerful trucks. The info I was looking for was anything unique to the Taco. My truck did come with the factory tow package. Thanks for the heads up on the transmission (my Duramax had a transmission temp gauge). I have read about towing in OD but I am not sure what that means. Are you saying that I shouldn't tow in drive, rather put it in 4th when I tow?

Also, thanks for the heads up on wind resistance due to the higher profile of some trailers. Towing with the Duramax, I didn't really notice it that much, even with the 5th wheel unless I was passing a semi.

I agree with the tow mirrors. They are a lifesaver!

I found the Towing Bible thread...thanks!

 

I had a 2003 duramax... Best engine/trans that I ever owned... Worst truck I ever owned! Every little thing broke. Locks, blower motors, wiring gremlins, and I replaced those f'in running lights no less than 1000 times. (Thanks Mexican Chevy!!)
Rant over sorry, just pull the trans into 4th on the taco and you're good. On a steep grade, you'll learn to be in the right lane not passing in the left. The scangauge allows you to change the trans fluid as well. The easy method is the 4 quart drop and swap. I do it every 30k when I change plugs. Taco pulls well, just remember that it doesn't weigh much and doesn't have the brakes that your 2500hd had. Electric brakes are a must with this for towing.
It was a severe change to go from a 2500 to a little truck again... I love it and really don't miss the Chevy... If I tow anything big, I have a buddy who has the diesel and loves beer!