Can I tow 5000 to 5500 pounds with 2004 Tacoma SR5, TRD, no tow package.

Thank-you, Sandman614 for listing a good bumpstop link.

I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma SR5 with TRD, v6, automatic trans, some kind of large extra cab and no tow package.
I have been pulling a large ten trailer (about 1800 lbs dry), with a class III hitch, a connection that runs the lights, charges the battery and operates the trailer's brakes.

I would like to pull a Lance 1685 (4150 lbs dry with options, 435 hitch weight (dry).
I called Toyota to find what I lack. They said transmission cooler, some radiator difference,
and a more powerful alternator. They said there was no difference in the suspension. There was no mention of extra engine oil cooling. The difference in tow rating is 3500 vs 6000 lbs (10% for hitch weight)

So I had Toyota install the transmission cooler.
I am looking into what Toyota recommends for an upgraded hitch system (weight distribution plus sway control?). I have only used direct connect with the tent trailer.
I would certainly enable the "no overdrive" mode and adjust the gear to stay < 3500 RPM especially when going up hills.

Do you think I can tow the Lance with the above mods? My wife would really like this model rather than a Jayco Hummingbird at 1000 less lbs than the Lance. I hope you all can give me some confidence in towing the Lance.

 

Define your idea of Towing !!

Is this like once a year to the camp ground in the spring and home before the winter snows.

Hooking to the camper and hitting every state but Hawaii .

Funny how the empty weight can easily double or more just for a weekend

Myself a Tacoma would never be my first choice to tow anything unless I had no other option

We all do what we have to at times

 

This is the kind of hitch you need. http://www.ebay.com/itm/EAZ-LIFT-WE...ash=item5d693e2660:g:TsEAAOSwYIxX7U9m&vxp=mtr Learn how to properly use it. Trailer should be level, after accounting for truck sag. So many people use them incorrectly, not transferring any weight to the front wheels, trailer sag, etc etc. Other thing, and maybe most important thing is a brake controller. Going is rarely the problem, stopping in a reasonable distance is. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tekonsha-90...ash=item3acfea1fc7:g:818AAOSwhcJWKODa&vxp=mtr is a a necessity.

 

Thanks for the links vasinvictor.
Wyoming09: I would like to use the RV up to 6 times a year (from 50 to 300 miles one way).
There would be some grades since I live in southern California.
There is about a 20 mile long grade the last 25 miles to Mammoth Lakes, CA.
I am looking to buy an RV, not spend $30k+ for another truck right now.
If I ever had to replace the current truck in my lifetime, I would buy a truck with a tow package that can
handle the weight.

 

Yes you can. Just install a tranny cooler, and voila. Well tranny cooler and then a hitch.

 

Is the frame boxed after the rear axle? If not, look into it. What's the condition of the transmission? These A340F transmissions don't like to work much harder than they have to. The PO for mine put a popup camper in the back of it to explore Colorado, and probably didn't take it out of OD for a fair amount of time, resulting in me inheriting the problem (bad tick in the pump) that popped up last year. The OD gets burned up when activated during towing or hauling, here is an excellent write up on the A340 series by a very informed member, gearcruncher. Look at his pic in his signature. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/