1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Keep the Tacoma, or go rogue to tow?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by nbeard, May 18, 2017.

?

Keep the Tacoma?

  1. Yes

  2. No

Results are only viewable after voting.
  1. May 18, 2017 at 7:52 AM
    #1
    nbeard

    nbeard [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2017
    Member:
    #219154
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Silver DCLB TRD Sport 2WD
    Hey all. New to the forum. Fairly new to owning my Tacoma. We bought it a year ago, used, with 142K miles on it. A 2011 DCLB TRD Sport 2WD with tow pckg, it is in good condition, aside from the high mileage. That is okay, though, because we don't drive it often. Fast forward 14 months and the truck now has 147K on it and my wife and I are considering getting a small travel trailer (3,800lbs fully loaded). So, here is my question:

    Truck needs suspension work, trans cooler and brake controller to be able to tow safely. Since I do not go off-road much, I am thinking either Bilstein 6112 or 5100 kit and Deaver springs in the rear with SumoSprings to help while towing. But, is it worth it? Is it smart to put roughly $3K-$5K into the truck and start towing on a Tacoma with this many miles on it? We still owe on the truck and our monthly payment could be equal to that of a brand new mid-size truck lease from a company that utilizes a bowtie as its emblem. What are your thoughts?
     
  2. May 18, 2017 at 12:09 PM
    #2
    Kaerntner

    Kaerntner Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2016
    Member:
    #180540
    Messages:
    82
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 doublecab limited 4×4
    Are you spreading out your payment for a few more years?How often and what kind of terrain towing?Brake controller a couple hundred installed.Are you sure you don't have the transmission cooler already?
     
  3. May 18, 2017 at 9:12 PM
    #3
    nbeard

    nbeard [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2017
    Member:
    #219154
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Silver DCLB TRD Sport 2WD
    I have the cooler, but being in a hot part of the country, I am reading I should install an aux cooler.

    Payment would be extended on a new truck because we would lease. Towing wouldn't exceed once a month but is more likely to be once every few months.
     
  4. May 18, 2017 at 9:21 PM
    #4
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2015
    Member:
    #156893
    Messages:
    14,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Kirkland, WA
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB TRD OR
    Go Hawks!
    Looking only at the monthly payment is short sighted. Not to mention comparing it to effectively renting a vehicle that you don't own (vs one you do) for something you need once a month or less, when 3800lbs is well with the Tacomas towing rating. 140k on a Tacoma is not that much.
     
    nbeard[OP] likes this.
  5. May 18, 2017 at 9:22 PM
    #5
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2015
    Member:
    #158634
    Messages:
    8,934
    Gender:
    Male
    U S A
    Vehicle:
    04 Jeep LJ
    You don't need an aux cooler. That much weight isn't that much of a problem. Trailer brakes would be a good addition.

    Unless you want a lift, Bilstein 5100s and beyond are a waste of money. Deavers are also really expensive and are known to sag fairly quickly. Not sure about Sumosprings but have heard good from General Springs. Airbags in the rear might also help.

    If you like the truck, invest in it. 150k is nothing for a Toyota. If you don't really care for the truck, move on to the next. But the GM midsized isn't going to tow much more.
     
    nbeard[OP] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top