Tacoma towing tips

Recently got into dirt track racing and I just got a car. Car weighs roughly 2500 Lbs and the trailer I'm using isn't the lightest either. I drove it 2 hours back home on a lot of very long and very steep hills and the truck surprised me how well it did. My main concern is my clutch. There's been one time where I had to use it so much that I smelled it burning heavily, so I'm sure my clutch will be short lived.

Can anyone recommend a good clutch for towing? Also, what else should I watch out for?

I've already changed every fluid in the vehicle except the power steering and the front differential, so I'm good there. Have a new frame, new leafs, and new bilstein 4600s. Also done a good tune up.
Any tips would be appreciated.
Oh, and here's a very crappy picture of her pulling the car.

 

4cyl or v6?

 

V6

 

What is the tongue weight?

Any pictures from the side (closer up) with the trailer?

 

Looks like you could use some Firestone Ride-Rite airbags.

RJM

 

No idea on the tongue weight to be honest. But I have a Curt Class III hitch installed, and trailer lights wired of course.
No better pictures, it was dark. The squat wasn't bad at all, and the truck actually did a damn good job at holding speed on very steep inclines in 4th gear. I even could use 5th with no problem on flat

The squat wasn't too bad really. It rode just as smooth as without the trailer

 

I love my Tacoma but unless your planning to go to races with two vehicles because the amount of support equipment you need to lug around will shortly overwhelm that poor truck.

Get something better suited for Towing .

Around here most use dual wheel 3/4 ton or one ton.

Then you might find this hobby to expensive .

Best of Luck

 

Do y'all think a 2016 v6 with a MT would be better suited? I really wanna keep a Tacoma.

 

I towed a car on a uhaul for a short time with my 04 TRD. Not too pretty. I was dissapointed with the v6 for towing that kind of weight. The good news (If you can call it that) is that it would justify a Tundra V8 if I really want to tow cars around. An aluminium car trailer might help... Are you using electric brakes? If so where did you mount the control box?

 

I'm not using electric brakes as of yet. I wired up the lights literally 2 hours before getting the car haha. I was actually impressed by the motor and ride quality. More worried about the clutch and rear differential

 

If your in the Flatlands you most likely be fine

Pulling out at on grade intersections will take some getting used to for sure

 

The max towing capacity is 5000#, and that is really pushing it. They aren't comfortable towing much more than 2500# at the most otherwise it feels like you're going to pull them in half trying. I'd look into something bigger, save you lots of wear and tear and headaches down the road.

I have a diesel for all my towing needs, the loads that make a Tacoma struggle don't even break a sweat on that truck. You'll eventually pull the guts out of that little truck hauling that load around all the time. It looks to be heavier than the tow capacity. You can try to beef it up, maybe supercharging it would help. But I'd recommend a bigger truck. Not sure the 2016 would do much better, it makes less torque than horsepower and that's pretty counter productive towing. The more torque, the better! Horsepower means nothing for towing, it's all about that bottom end grunt. I'd think a 2nd gen 4.0 would be the best Tacoma for towing if you are hung up on a Taco. I'd recommend the DCLB for that job, longer wheelbase is the way to go for handling and stability with a load on the bumper. Make sure it's set up for it as well, tranny cooler, larger battery, alternator, air bags, brake controller, etc.

 

Your getting into this you must have been in the pits or even helped in the pits .

It is not the car and trailer even though that is pushing it

Just thing about all the stuff you need to tote along this is what adds up fast .

Can the racing tires even fit on the car on the trailer most can`t

One way or another you will get it figured out I hope in a safe manor.

 

Yeah, I know what it all involves, I just love my Taco haha. Don't wanna get rid of it cause it's so nice but I can't afford 2 vehicles

 

Better picture of the truck with the car and trailer coming soon.

Gotta re-drain and fill my rear diff cause it started slowing leaking out the fill bolt. What fluid do y'all reccomend? I normally wouldn't care too much but I wanna get a high quality fluid for towing.

 

I have 4 vehicles and it is only me one being the F250 7.3

I use gear oil made local called Pitt Penn before that it was Wolfshead.

As long as it gets changed I have been using this 30 plus years with no problems.

 

Amsoil Severe Gear,

$30 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 is the recommended weight for the diffs. Amsoil makes the best gear oils hands down, worth every penny I promise! Redline is another great one to consider as well. You might try Redline MT-90 in your transmission, works wonders on manuals.

 

Have MT-90 in trans and transfer case.
Was considering trying a 75w-140 for the rear end. Thoughts?

Few pictures:


The truck is on an incline and the trailer is on a decline so it makes it look worse in the first picture.

 

I would just love to get your fully loaded weight off to the races !!

Best of luck Have Fun!!!

 

I have both an 85 pickup, and a 98 Tacoma w/ V6 & 5spd. Niether one likes towing even weights down around 3K. I agree with the others, you will eventually kill the taco, if it's just a local track, it may take awhile but eventually you're going to want to go farther afield. Better option is keep an eye out for a full size 2wd 3/4T or so tow vehicle diesel preferably. I hauled a 3/4 t 84 full sized chevy 2500 miles withbtrailer behind my Cummins and averaged 14.5 mpg, and adequate power for any hills on my route.
Could be you may find one before you really need it and you will have adequate capacity for the foreseeable future. Good luck