2021 Tacoma TRD Sport Premium - Micro Minnie 1800BHS

Hi All - just purchased a new 2011 Taco yesterday with the intent of it being a daily driver and towing a Micro Minnie 1800BHS during the summer (family of 4 with 2 small kids). It has a GVWR of 5,000 pounds.

I have been reading a lot about brake controllers and how that is a necessity. It seems like a lot of work getting one installed and tinkering with wires and bolting things down on the truck. Am I making a mistake choosing the Tacoma over the Tundra? I can get a Tundra for $5k more. I just like the convenience of a smaller truck to commute.

Thoughts?

 

I have a plug and play harness for my controller. So there was no splicing wires or anything. Just plugged it into the connector in the driver side kick panel and plugged it into the brake controller. I used double hard sided Velcro to attach the controller to the dash where I wanted it. When I’m not towing I take it off and hide the wires in the kick panel.

Installing it took all of five minutes originally. Takes only a few seconds to hook it up or stow it away now.

 

Which brake model did you buy? So there’s a place inside the 2021 Tacoma to plug your brake controller directly?

 

5,000 lb dry weight? No, It's 5K loaded, sorry. That's getting up there for the Tacoma, weight distribution hitch, brake controller, have good tires.

 

Tekonsha P3

I’ve been debating whether I want to get the Redarc because you can install it into the dash for a stock look.

there should be a plug behind the kick panel if you have the 7 pin connector on the rear bumper.

 

Go full size if you are planning to tow a lot .

 

I don't think you're overtaxing the Taco.

But honestly, if your intent is towing the trailer, you're a young "growing" family, and you won't lose any money changing up, get the Tundra. They're Toyotas and will last a very long time. IMHO you'll be happier in the long run with the Tundra. My 2¢ FWIW.

 

Towing heavy with the Tacoma with the family inside, just not a good idea, IMO.

 

Would the Tacoma have the payload necessary for that camper plus your family and everything else inside the truck?

Just make sure you are running the numbers and being realistic.

 

We pull a TAB 400–dry weight 2800 lbs.—and frankly I wouldn’t want to tow anything heavier on a regular basis—especially if loaded down with kids and gear. It certainly wouldn’t be fun. And gas mileage will SUCK.

IDK about the Tundra. I don’t think it’s as nice a vehicle as the Tacoma in many ways including styling. Plus a much bigger vehicle. I do think they discount them more though.

Might consider the Colorado with the Duramax 2.8L diesel. TC is 7700 lbs., and diesels are made for towing. Won’t win any drag races though.

I don’t have a brake controller for the TAB. Thinking of getting one, haven’t needed it so far. But it’s not as heavy or as big as the Micro Minnie

 

Looks like you made a mistake getting a taco over a tundra . Towing that trailer,
The Tacoma would have close to similar gas mileage over the tundra with much less power . Of course asking this question , you may already know your answer .my 5 cents, Tundra is better for your needs