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Teardrop towing with Gen3 2.7L, 4x2 automatic...can I do it?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by dcdavys, Jul 1, 2020.

  1. Jul 1, 2020 at 10:02 AM
    #1
    dcdavys

    dcdavys [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Member:
    #333109
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    Gender:
    Female
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR Tacoma 4x2 2.7L
    We've got a 2017 SR double cab without a factory tow package. Roughly 65K miles, stock tires, base model everything. My husband and I have been looking at teardrops lately (specifically this guy (https://www.rustictrailteardrops.com/polar-bear/#1475569789470-4a7e00b7-936fa8c4-2e3e). Dry weight is listed at 1700...would prob. come in a bit higher once we add an AC, awning, etc.

    We drive from NC to FL a few times a year to camp in the everglades and ocala, then shorter trips to NC coastal areas and mountains several times a year. We've got a class III hitch, but other than that we would need to build our own tow package.

    It seems like this is technically possible, but my question is: will this be completely miserable and/or unsafe to tow all the way to Florida and/or up the mountains? Do I need to start a full court press to convince my husband to trade in for a V6? Our truck is paid off, so that's a hard sell...

    We have a lot of camping experience, but basically no towing experience, so any advice appreciated!
     
  2. Jul 3, 2020 at 6:21 PM
    #2
    rblalliance

    rblalliance let the wookie win

    Joined:
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    It should pull the trailer you're looking at without any issues. I would try and keep the trailer weight loaded to around or below 2500# (some will say it can tow more than that, but 20% of the 3500# towing capacity is 2,800#). You also want to drive using the ECT button and S4 mode to keep it out of 5th and 6th gear. You may also want to maybe look into a transmission oil cooler, if you have an auto. I saw that you have a hitch, but didn't see anything about the type of wiring that you have on the truck. Make sure you know what type of wiring harness the trailer comes with so you get the right wiring for your truck. For example, lighting alone usually only requires a 4 pin connector, but if the trailer has trailer brakes you'll need a 7 pin connector.

    As far as the V6 goes it will definitely tow better, but don't underestimated the 2.7L engine. BTW - it will probably rev around the 2800/3000 RPM mark and that's fine.

    Good luck!!
     
  3. Jul 3, 2020 at 6:37 PM
    #3
    usmc2msu

    usmc2msu Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2020
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    #324315
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    First Name:
    TJ
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5
    I had their Papa Bear teardrop and pulled it with a 2014 Mazda CX-5 (2.5 4 cyl). It did a good job of pulling it. Definitely knew it was back there when I hit hills, but never felt like it was struggling much. I’d imagine 4cyl Tacoma would pull it even better. I have a V6 2017 Tacoma now and pulling my new teardrop is a lot less stressful and more enjoyable overall.

    257BB58C-4A35-4204-BE8E-5285D844BCAD.jpg
    952CBA2D-E345-4E04-A73C-8E241180DF73.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2020
    Taco_mike73 likes this.
  4. Nov 4, 2020 at 11:47 AM
    #4
    Toyotadilly

    Toyotadilly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2020
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    #341413
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    First Name:
    Dillynn
    Sarasota,fl
    Vehicle:
    03 prerunner 2008 Toyota Sequoia limited w/tow package..01 echo 310k soon daily
    Bilstein 5100’s.eibach coils.stoptech cryogenic rotors.1.25in toytec blocks.tranmission cooler. Electric fan w/ relay.
    I second the transmission cooler and a scan gauge, ultra gauge, or inline of the transmission cooler a temp sensor.
     
    LoveableWerewolf likes this.
  5. Nov 9, 2020 at 5:13 PM
    #5
    LoveableWerewolf

    LoveableWerewolf Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2019
    Member:
    #281708
    Messages:
    730
    Nashville
    Vehicle:
    2014 5 lug, 1989 mighty max
    4 runner seats, storage cubbies
    Nah it's fine, I pull 5-7k on my 2.7 across my parents property, only offroad, nothing illegal. I've towed 3.5k on the road and it's fine just slow. The 3rd gen would do way better than mine because it weighs more and is longer. Just don't expect to get good mpg or go super fast.
    2.7 is torquey down low so, don't expect to win any races.
     

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