Towing

I have a '99 tacoma with a 2.2L 5speed. Runs great, but i want to build a trailor for it. I know i can put a ball on the rear bumper, but i also know that a frame mounted hitch is stronger. I'm looking for anyone who has knowledge about towing capacity for the bumper and frame mounted hitch. Also if anyone has an idea on a lightweight trailer i would greatly appreciate any input. Thank you

 

FWIW I used a bumper hitch on my T100. After several times over a rough road and not with particularly heavy loads, I noticed breaks in the attachments of the bumper to the frame. I would recommend a frame mounted hitch.

 

Not sure what your towing capacity will be, but the frame mounted hitch is the way to go

 

Thank you for the input. Im curious so i can figure out an ideal weight for the trailer.

 

Found this site and it says 3,500lbs is the towing capacity. https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-tacoma-1999/specs/

 

definatly use a frame mounted hitch if you and get one. ive used both and my truck sways realy bad with any kind of a load but its straight with a frame mount. the rear suspention itsnt rated for more than 3500 pounds so without overloads they will hit the ground fast.

 

Cool. I didnt imagine it was rated for 3500. Any ideas about lighweight trailers?

 

If you want the truck the last try to stick with single axel trailers, the trucks are only made for light weight hauling like lawnmowers or four wheelers. Granted mine is a 2.7 truck and I haul around a 20 foot flatbed and haul vehicles and even my 5000 pound tractor but it has costed me 2 transfer cases countless carrier bearings and u-joints and 2 rear ends so then can do it but don’t lol

 

Aluminum trailers are light, but are more expensive than steel ones.

 

I have a 2004 RC 4X4 and they say in the owners manual It can tow a 3500 lb trailer. Yours is probably close to that. I'd cut that in half and be on the safe side. If you want to pull the max read your owners manual. If you don't have one find one online.
The length of the trailer to tow vehicle is extremely important also. A 20ft trailer behind a 10 foot Regular Cab and 2500 lbs isn't going to work even if the tow vehicle weight is less than the tow vehicle.

 

Thanks a lot guys. I appreciate all of your input. Trvlr500 i do have the owners manuel and honestly couldnt tell you why i havent thought to look. Thank you. I hope ya'll have a good weekend

 

Take a look at these frame mounted hitches. You might want to add a Transmission cooler too if you have Auto trans.
https://www.etrailer.com/

If you buy a trailer and want to weigh it. Try a local scrap metal recycling place or truck stop.

 

Your truck is rated to 3500lbs, there is no additional rating for a tow package. A receiver is the best way to go even though you won't get a bump in what you can tow.

 

Let us know what you want to tow and we'd be better able to recommend a trailer.