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Towing 5000-6000lbs with a 2018

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Rickybobby083, Jan 20, 2019.

  1. Jan 20, 2019 at 7:46 AM
    #1
    Rickybobby083

    Rickybobby083 [OP] Member

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    Hi I have a 2018 Toyota Tacoma sport upgrade package with the tow package. Wondering if anyone here has towed a large trailer with one. We’re looking for a cheaper used trailer and have come across a 26 foot jay flight. It weighs in at 4900 dry weight. I wouldn’t be hauling it with any water unless recommended to keep weight down low in the trailer. I’m wondering what you guys think. Not sure what hitch I should use or if I should even pull this trailer. We would be pulling it 3-6 times a year for a maximum of 3-4 hours. Most of the time trips would be shorter. No mountains or long uphill. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks in advance
     
  2. Jan 20, 2019 at 7:57 AM
    #2
    Tacoma3rdGen

    Tacoma3rdGen Well-Known Member

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  3. Jan 20, 2019 at 8:12 AM
    #3
    Rickybobby083

    Rickybobby083 [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the quick reply. Read the thread but wasn’t a whole lot on trailers of this size. I’m gonna keep looking though here and see what everyone else says
     
  4. Jan 20, 2019 at 8:22 AM
    #4
    Tacoma3rdGen

    Tacoma3rdGen Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, you’ll get lots of varring opinions, some will say “no issue” while others will advise you to “stay below 80% max”... mostly depends on your comfort level. Truck will need a trailer brake controller and a weight distribution hitch... also, recommend reading this if you haven’t already:

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/
     
  5. Jan 20, 2019 at 8:57 AM
    #5
    Rickybobby083

    Rickybobby083 [OP] Member

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    Wow a ton of information there. Nice that I have 3rd gen that has the tow package. But would need trailer brake controller and weight distribution hitch no matter what I’m pulling in sure
     
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  6. Jan 20, 2019 at 9:14 AM
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    Tacoma3rdGen

    Tacoma3rdGen Well-Known Member

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    If you like to keep your truck looking stock inside, then I suggest the following components for an excellent brake controller while maintaining a clean install:

    RedArc brake controller:

    https://redarcelectronics.com/products/tow-pro_elite_electric_brake_controller

    OEM wiring harness:

    https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Tekonsha/3031-S.html

    Left side cubby hole replacement and mount for RedArc controller with two large switch holes:

    https://www.shapeways.com/product/3...edarc-towpro?optionId=63983174&li=marketplace

    Blank switch hole covers (need 2 if your not adding other mods that require switches at this time), convenient option for future modifications:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J09FREQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Best install thread that I’ve found for this set of components:

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ort-step-by-step-w-pics.569685/#post-19433464
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2019
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  7. Jan 20, 2019 at 10:38 AM
    #7
    Sprig

    Sprig Well-Known Member

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    Look for a lighter trailer. Yeh you can tow it and you’ll be within weight max’s But that’s going to be a lot of weight for a taco. Adding air bags and wdh will help. You’ll be far happier towing a lighter trailer or towing with a more heavy duty truck.
     
  8. Jan 28, 2019 at 1:27 PM
    #8
    Rickybobby083

    Rickybobby083 [OP] Member

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    Hi I have posted about another trailer before that was definately to big. We have found another trailer that we like and wondering what you guys think. It weighs in at 4040 pounds dry, and my towing capacity is 6800. Wondering what you all think about doing long hauls with that weight. Would be right around 5000 loaded. So I’m sitting around 75 percent of my max towing. I’m just wondering what you all think about towing 75 percent of max load for long trips
     
  9. Jan 28, 2019 at 1:35 PM
    #9
    Exracer2

    Exracer2 Well-Known Member

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    Have you pulled anything with your Tacoma yet?

    My experience with my enclosed trailer is it is a huge parachute. The weight isn’t my biggest concern. It is revving higher and running a lower gear than is preferable which results in more noise and less relaxation when towing. Recently I had another TSB performed on the transmission which seems to have improved things but I have yet to tow since the latest TSB and won’t until May.

    I would try renting or borrowing something similar to what you want to buy and test tow it. That is the only way you will have any clue about how your truck performs with a trailer and how enjoyable it will be towing. I know I bought my Tacoma based on the towing numbers being suitable after getting rid of my 3/4T diesel. The numbers may say it is possible but the reality may be possible but not enjoyable.
     
  10. Jan 28, 2019 at 1:38 PM
    #10
    Rickybobby083

    Rickybobby083 [OP] Member

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    Ya for sure, I know it’s not going to love towing it and I definately know it’s capable. But the long haul kind of scares me lol
     
  11. Jan 28, 2019 at 1:41 PM
    #11
    timothom

    timothom Well-Known Member

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    Do you have a manual or an automatic? The gearing on 2nd gens is lower for a manual, and this makes it a bit better to tow with. Not sure about 3rd gens.
     
  12. Jan 28, 2019 at 1:59 PM
    #12
    Exracer2

    Exracer2 Well-Known Member

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    This is what I tow.





    I always tow in S5 and I am lucky to ever see 5th unless downhill with the wind at my back. I am always in forth and drop down to 3rd very regularly. The closest racetrack is 3 hours+ and the noise from the high revs drive me nuts. There is no relaxing and just enjoy the ride. I plan on hitting one of my “home” tracks I cut my teeth on this summer but it is 7 hours away without a trailer. I expect I will be closer to 10 hours partly due to the extra fuel stops. The higher revs really shorten my range. My last trip I was filling the truck with jerry cans because I either was stopping way too often or couldn’t make the next service station.

    If I was towing more often I would ignore the Tacoma weight ratings (which say it is possible) and get a full sized. 20 years ago I pulled a larger trailer each and every day for work at least 1-4 hours each way and was less stressed while towing even after a combined 16+ hour day driving and working. The noise wears me out in the Tacoma and won’t let me relax.
     
  13. Jan 28, 2019 at 2:15 PM
    #13
    Rickybobby083

    Rickybobby083 [OP] Member

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    What kind of weight are you towing regularly with it?
     
  14. Jan 28, 2019 at 2:39 PM
    #14
    knayrb

    knayrb Well-Known Member

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    Good rule of thumb: Only tow 80% of the rated capacity. 6,500 X .80 = 5,200 max. Tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Less than that and you'll be swaying from side to side at highway speeds.

    I always error on the side of more weight in front as long as you don't surpass the tongue weight limit. Shorter distances from trailer axle to hitch = increase tongue weight percentage. Longer tongue lengths like a boat you could probably get away with 8-11%.
     
  15. Jan 28, 2019 at 3:42 PM
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    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    Technically yes it can tow it, but you're going to be tired and cranky after fighting your trailer all day. Some people swear that they do it all day every day without issue. Me personally I'd rather have a lighter, less luxurious camp, with the assurance that I'll be able to enjoy the drive getting there, and with plenty of horsepower in reserve.

    I agree with renting for a test weekend. My friends did several weekend rentals for a year or two before making their purchase, and they were much smarter buyers for it. I kinda wish I did the same.

    Speaking of renting, I think I saw you mention that you plan on using it ~5 times a year? Have you done the depreciation math yet?

    Example: my little trailer cost me 12000 after taxes and modifications. (Damn pricey for a popup.) Five year old examples of that trailer are seen on Craigslist for about 4500, ten year old and "well loved" trailers go for about 2000. By contrast the average rental price for the same trailer is 100 per night.

    So doing the math, if I keep the trailer for five years, I need to camp a total of 75 nights (15 nights a year, or a weekend for every fairweather month) in order for the cost of ownership to be better than the cost of rental. If I commit to keeping the trailer for its full life span of 10 years, the pressure is off, I only need to camp 10 nights a year.
     
  16. Jan 28, 2019 at 5:44 PM
    #16
    Exracer2

    Exracer2 Well-Known Member

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    Guesstimate is about 3500-4000lbs. In the spring I plan on bringing it to work and weighing it on our scales (full transport sized). I know I am being real cautious with my estimate but shit adds up quick so I may be closer to my estimate than I realize. 100lbs + 100lbs + ............. adds up real quick. It may be as light as 2500-3000lbs but I am sure there are things I have missed which is why I have upped my estimate.
     
  17. Jan 29, 2019 at 10:46 AM
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    SchladdyDaddy

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    I towed this through the mountains. I think the overall weight was around 7-8k lbs. The Tacoma guzzled through gas, but over all handled it pretty well.

    lhHQv5AzrEIYZePvtb_LmdG6GswyKUkJZwPZ23HE_9541d50db852858bac074a5d885e64698578026b.jpg
     
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  18. Jan 29, 2019 at 10:49 AM
    #18
    Exracer2

    Exracer2 Well-Known Member

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    Where did you find the info that any Tacoma was capable of towing 7000+lbs? The most I have ever seen is 6800 and only on certain trims and less on most. My V6 ACLB OR is only capable of 6500lbs.
     
  19. Jan 29, 2019 at 10:57 AM
    #19
    SchladdyDaddy

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    I actually rented this one for towing. 6800 is the max that I have seen it advertised. Im not saying you should do it... I'm just saying that it handled 7000+ lbs well. :)
     
  20. Jan 29, 2019 at 11:10 AM
    #20
    timothom

    timothom Well-Known Member

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    Don't put too much faith in the numbers. On the farm we used to tow gross overload all the time. You can do it, it's just not safe, and hopefully your not going very far....

    I pulled a full size Degalman rock picker (it probably weighs 6 tons unloaded) with a Chevy S10 for half a day once.
     

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