Thoughts on towing: these specs look right?

Hey guys,

So the family and I are looking at a boat (first one), and I'm planning on using my truck to move it around. We're probably going to go for a covered slip at the lake for this first year to get used to boating, which means I won't "need" to worry about it right off the bat, but we'd eventually want to travel around a little.

We live in Kansas, which is mostly flat. Mostly. We'd hit the occasional hills, sure, but no serious mountain driving and would probably stay in the neighboring states.

Can you help me make sure this looks right and that the truck can/should handle it?

Boat Specs (I don't know the trailer weight, but would obviously look at it.)



My truck's info from the Toyota Owner's website (per my VIN):



From the Certification Label on my truck it falls here:



My truck is a 2011 Double Cab TRD Sport, V6 4x4. ~30,000 miles on it. From everything I see, it looks like it has the factory tow package (I bought it used last Fall) and "is certified" to 6400 lbs. My truck, as far as I can tell, is completely stock...probably still the original tires, too.

Obviously just because it says something, doesn't mean it should. So I wanted to ask you guys if I'm looking at all of this right. I don't know what a trailer would weigh, but it's for a 19 foot Chaparral H2O. Guessing maybe what, 1000# for a trailer like that? I have no clue. But that would put it around 3600# (plus other gear/gas on boat).

If I did end up towing, 98% of the time would be roughly 1 hr long trips.

Open to any and all thoughts, thanks!

 

It looks like--from your research--that you have the tow package. I pull 4500 lb with no problems. You should be good to go.

 

I have the same truck basically and pull all sorts of trailers carrying various sh!t. There's the odd occasion where I've pulled 7500# worth of trailer and cargo off the beaten paths, no issues. (I DO NOT recommend that obviously).

However, your truck will pull that boat and trailer with ease. If you wanted to be extra careful, get yourself a brake controller... easy peasy!

 

Awesome! Thanks guys! I was really getting worried I might have to give up my Tacoma for a full-size something-or-other.

One other question that I couldn't find anywhere (maybe it's on the hitch?)... anyone know the max tongue weight? Also, how on earth does one guesstimate the tongue weight to begin with?

 

Give this a read when you have lots of time: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

Max tongue weight is 640lb (or 10% of what is being towed)

 

650 lbs with tow package. I have a 2012.

 

Good stuff, thanks!

 

I have a supercharged 14 DCSB with tow package and a HEAVY Mastercraft X25 with a 4200lb dry weight. Add 400# fuel and 400# crap and 4 passengers my little truck struggles up here in Tahoe. Ignore the brake controller comments, boat trailers have surge brakes no controller needed. I pull out of the water in 1st (MT) and Low with rear diff lock on and it does really well. You're not going to win any races with my setup but it will get you there safely and without overheating the motor. Also load the truck 1st NOT THE BOAT. The truck needs weight over the axles to keep the boat from pushing it around. Put all your coolers and heavy crap in your truck 1st. Dogs wives and kids can go in the boat (kidding of course just wife)

 

Good lol on that one!

I guess, if we were just going for an afternoon outing (light load), it would probably be wise to throw some tube sand in the back then? How many pounds would you recommend? Thanks for the insight!

 

Agree with everything! But the surge brake comment assumes all boat trailers have surge brakes... which is incorrect. Most do, not all.

edit: but again, with the weight you have and the distance you're travelling... I wouldn't rush down to the store and buy one this hot second; a brake controller, that is

 

Sorry its not an exact science. You want at least 10% of your overall load on the tongue or behind the rear axle too much and it's bad for your drivetrain (really bad) too light and its bad for you since the the boat can essentially drive the truck. Where I live we have 1700ft climbs and windy dirt roads and I've never had a problem except the first time when I figured I'd be a smart guy and put all the weight in the boat totally dangerous noob mistake. I'd load everything you've got planned and drive around a bit and see how it feels.

 

Makes sense!

 

Too little tongue weight lifts the rear of the truck. A trailer is basically a giant lever. Put too much weight on that lever and you'll get far end sway like crazy, brake hard and you'll jackknife your way, excitingly, into the ditch.

To much tongue weight and you can damage your rear suspension and lever your front wheels up, reducing steering ability. Then you understeer your way into tne ditch.

Overload as a whole, you risk drivetrain damage.

Stay in spec, load correctly, life is good.

 

Sounds like a good time, lol.