Realistic Towing Capacity....

So many confusing strings....all good information but I'm looking for specific information on whether my 2012 Tacoma (4dr, 4wd) TRD will tow this trailer. Going on a 2 week vacation across country this summer and many more!!

Trailer is Apex 245BHS:
UVW 4546
Hitch Weight 578
Carrying Capacity 2003
GVWR 6500
Ext Length 27'6"
Fresh Water, Grey Water and Waste Water all 30 gallon tanks

Getting a Blue Ox Swing Pro on it.

Is this trailer too big and heavy to haul?

 

Yes. Too much. My buddy actually tows the same trailer. He used to have a F150 (could do something like 8K#), which did fine...now has a 250 (16K#)...

Tacoma is something like 6400# capacity. I dont think its safe to max it out and cross country, but I bet you some will say its ok, and "I've towed 7500# here", or "Ive done blah blah internet"

edit: here you go.. all the stories: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2013-toyota-tacoma-4x4-v6-6-400-lbs-towing-capacity.259281/

 

No, read your owners manual!

 

If just pulling the trailer close to empty, but once you start adding stuff you will be at max capacity.

 

Either get a smaller lighter trailer or get a different truck. If you tow that trailer with your Taco you will regret it.

 

Welcome aboard. That is a bit big for a taco. Can you rent something in your area just to give you an idea of what the truck can do? Mine is right at 2 tons loaded ready to go.

 

Yup. Thats to the nuts and then some. Keep it around 4000 IMO.

 

Don't tow that trailer with your truck!

 

I will chime in on this one. I tow this...its also 25' sportsman, dry - 4575lbs, hitch - 480lbs, GVW - 6200. I have towed this camper everywhere. The trick is to keep it as light as possible when towing it. I towed this with my taco stock and it sucked bad. I felt very unsafe, so I upgraded my suspension and added airbags, break up grade, larger trans cooler. now the truck towes the camper like a dream. I never tow with any of my tanks full. After packing the camper for a week long trip from Rhode Island to Canada, weighing in at 5700lbs. the truck towed it well, it did struggle a little up hill in NY but I would down shift to 3rd and the truck pulled it up hill with no problem. I tow a lot of things for a living, so I feel comfortable towing this kind of weight and I know what to do if it gets away from me. the question you need to ask yourself is do you feel comfortable towing that kind of weight with your family in the truck. It can be done, but your truck needs to be set up properly to tow that kind of weight with our trucks. Hope this info helps...good luck and happy camping

 

Glad I came across Tacoma World. This is the BEST and most straight forward information/advice I have gotten. Thanks to all of you for commenting. My work van is a 2012 Chevy Express 2500 Van (V8) and I will pull the trailer with that this year.....then I'm going to buy a new Toyota truck! Thanks again!

 

To pull the TT? The new Tacoma has a smaller motor, so a Tundra may be in order.

 

I tow a X-lite 261 BHXL dry weight is close to 4900. I have towed through the mountains hear on the east coast in N Carolina, VA, TN, and Eastern KY. I can average 11-13 mpg when I am by myself but when I travel with my parents I average 9 or so, they have a Duramax and 5th wheel. I haven't had any issue with doing the speed limit but I do have manual.

 

Nice trailer BUT.. my 2018 DBLB is rated at 6600lbs. I couldn’t see risking as much as my truck cost plus a trailer like that PLUS if you got into an accident , your fault or not the FIRST thing that will be looked at is the guy with the trailer and was he over weight? Even if some jackass t-bones you... defense attorneys can be shady like that and somehow Shift some blame your way.

 

It's not the weight of the trailer that's the problem, it the payload the truck can carry. Tacomas have a payload around 1,100lbs, add a 600lbs of tongue weight (6500lb trailer), that only leaves 500lbs for the rest of the cargo which includes people, pets and gear. I pull a a trailer with a dry weight of 4100 and loaded around 5200. With me, the wife, the dog and a 100lb generator I'm only 50lbs below my max payload.

 

I'm sure he's gone off and bought an f250 by now. A lot of time has passed since March 2018.

 

Wow, didn't even notice that.