Towing with my ‘16 sr5 access cab

Hey guys, recently bought my truck but it doesn’t have the towing package. I was going to get a hitch installed and will be moving soon. I need to tow my girlfriends car(08 Mazda 3 2800lbs) and I’ll be using a tow dolly from uhaul(780lbs). Also need to put a dresser and a couple other small things in my bed. Is that too much weight for our trucks or will I be in the clear?

 

Are those Tacomabeast headlights? If so, you may want to replace those first or you won’t be able see more than 2 feet in front of you at night.

 

I towed a double cab chassis at about 1200, and a dual axle 16ft flatbed at 1800 back from Utah and it towed pretty ok. Gas mileage, not so much.

 

Much more safe on a trailer. You have been warned.

 

Welcome
You failed to mention how far, but overall you'll probably be fine. As @Skidog1 mentioned, a trailer is usually a better tow.
You'll want to keep the crap in the back below cab height to reduce drag, anything above plus towing will be a killer. Check transmission temps is a good idea too.
GL escaping Cali just be sure to wipe your boots off before you enter someone else's doorway

 

I'm replacing mine soon. Can't see anything at night, especially when its raining.

 

Generally speaking around 4000-4500 lbs is a sensible weight for a Tacoma. Most are rated for 6400-6500 lbs, but that is under perfect conditions with only a driver in the truck. Especially if you tow regularly. I'm more comfortable towing more weight if only done occasionally. The truck may handle closer to 6500 lbs but if done often will wear things out sooner.

Looking at U haul's website a trailer is about 2200 lbs + 2800 for the car puts you at about 5000 lbs. Even though that is a little more than I'd normally like, I think I'd rather go that way. If you don't add more than 300-400 lbs of cargo in the truck I think you'll be OK.

Just make sure the car is actually only 2800 lbs. If the actual weight is closer to 3500 lbs then it might become an issue.

 

Hope its a v6 or you'll never get there this year. I pull a 2k lb boat and some light gear with my 2020 access cab v6 auto. It does ok, but you know the truck is pulling a load compared to the same with the 4.7 tundra i had, which had no issue. Just my opinion but the sense i get with my tacoma, 3k lbs would be the limit i'd be comfortable with towing.

 

You’ll be OK just go slow. Also a flatbed trailer would be better.

 

Awesome thank you guys for the response! And my truck is a v6 and I will only be going 400 miles.

 

Not Tacoma beast. They are anzo’s with lights full on it does have a normal halogen light with that little led strip