Tacoma Towing Limits, school me

Thanks, I actually have a paper copy of that- just dug it up and looked. Manual is escaping me at the moment...

Does seem to indicate 6400 lbs.

GCWR might be in question...?

Sounds like potentially playing with fire.... definitely no "overhead" or safety margin. :/

 

In terms of hauling or towing I view my Tacoma as a SUV with a bed. If I plan to do any real towing I will probably try to borrow somebody's full-size truck. Just my personal view/approach...

 

4 cyl specs

 

Ahh ok. I'm looking on my phone, must have missed that

 

Agreed. In a perfect world... I have no friends/no friends with worthwhile vehicles (full size trucks..) This would more than likely not be a regular thing. Possibly a one time move, more like.

Also seemingly no distinction for TRD vs. non. Mine is a TRD off road.

 

It doesn't matter

 

okay, a Tacoma with the V6 might be able to pull 6400, but the thing I'd take into consideration is how far (or often) are you going to pull it. I've made several long tows, from the flatlands of Texas to the mountains of Colorado with my truck. Granted, it's only a 2.7, but once up to speed it did real well, but you could definitely tell the trailer was there and I was only pulling 2500 lbs or so. I can't imagine how hard the truck would be working to pull the combined weight of the trailer and the car, even with the additional power of the V6. You not only have to have the power to pull, you also have to be able to stop, and even with trailer brakes the might be a hand full.

 

Thanks for your input!

 

The tow ratings are usually conservative. If the manual says 6400lbs it'll safely tow 6400 lbs. Many states require trailer brakes on loads over 3000 lbs and that seems like a good idea even if not required by law. Tow ratings by the way assume an empty tow vehicle, you also have to add any extra weight of passengers or gear inside the tow vehicle. With a 6400 lb limit you should be fine with a 3900 lb vehicle behind you. I tow a 3000 lb camper or utility trailer all the time and rarely know it's back there.

The Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW) is exactly the same on a 4X4 as a comparably equipped 4X2. That is the combined weight of the trailer, vehicle, and any cargo inside the vehicle. The trailer weight rating on a 4X4 is 200-300 lbs less because of the extra weight of the 4X4 system.

Don't assume a 1/2 ton is going to make a difference. Depending on how they are equipped most are rated for 7000-8000 lbs. Not a huge gain over a Tacoma. Some are rated for as little as 2500-3000 lbs. You can get 1/2 tons equipped to tow 11,000-12,000 lbs, but those aren't the norm.

 

New Chevy, Ford, Ram, Toyota and Nissan with v8's will all tow over 8k. They have a bigger wheel base and are wider. Stock tires usually wider so they also have better traction. Bigger brakes and motors. The trucks are also heavier. All these have a positive impact on towing. So how is that not a huge gain over the Tacoma?

 

Old moldy thread but worth a look. The Tacoma Towing Bible. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

Good points, That Toyota has some safety margin built into that 6400 (or any of the other numbers too). And also understood the truck has to steer and stop the load as well; also account for potential emergency maneuvers/braking etc.

At one point I had a family member with a 98' GMC 1500, 4x4, V8... and its tow rating was about the same (or less if I recall correctly..?) At that time I decided not to do it; same towed load/vehicle, roughly the same "move". As someone else pointed out, probably all the newer stuff (full sized) by any manufacturer is probably rated quite a bit better as things in general, have been beefed up with time (HP, TQ, towing capacity, etc...).

Will definitely put some more thought into it and crunch the final numbers of trailer+vehicle weight+truck weight loaded, etc before/if I decide to do it.

Thanks for the replies so far, from everyone.

 

I pull a 5000k load regularly, no issues, very stable, predictable. I wouldn't hesitate to pull 5500.... but for fooocks sake....NO OVERDRIVE!

 

I think if your trailer has brakes and you have a brake controller you could get away with it occasionally. Without trailer brakes you would be pushing it, or it would be pushing you.

 

I've towed with much bigger vehicles and the Taco tows very well given a reasonable load.

 

I tow a 5,500# tt with my 2012 trdor with a towing package.

You need trailer brakes (and a controller in your truck) and either a weight distribution hitch or airbags.

 

I tow a horse trailer with a TRD Sport double can long box. Just add in the weight of your trailer and if the total is less than 6400 lbs you're golden. You'll need brakes. Make sure your draw bar is the right height for the trailer and that your trailer sits level attached to the truck.
Tacoma's pull loads under 6400 lbs pretty well IMHO. Take it easy and realize everything is in slow motion under load and drive accordingly. Livestock adds still another dimension, but a car is pretty static as long as it's tied down.

 

Here's an example of what the Taco can tow. 4,500lb dry weight, 500lbs of gear in the trailer, 150lbs in the bed (plus the shell), with a weight distribution hitch.

Pulled this from sea level up over Donner summit (7,225ft) and the Taco was able to keep it at 60mph in the mountains with transmission temps below 235f.

 

Looks like a cool trailer and you're do in' it right. Safe travels, stickyTaco!!