towing boat with 4cyl 4WD 2016 Tacoma?

I have a 2016 Tacoma - it is 4WD but a 4cyl. It did not come with a tow package out of the factory. I installed the hitch myself, as well as the towing light kit so I can hook up a trailer with 4-pin light connector.

Question: Is there anything else I should do in order to be able to tow a 17' Tracker boat with outboard? The boat, motor, and trailer all total should be just under 3,000 pounds - assume additional gear weight so consider it 3,000 lbs. for the sake of argument.

I'm not sure if I should spend the money to install a transmission cooler. Is there anything else I need to consider? Or should I never consider towing such a boat with my 4cyl tacoma in the first place?

Thanks for any advice.

 

Tow distance?

Tow speed?

Tow terrain?

With the right answers you should be ok at 3k.

 

Tow distance - round trip less than 100 miles. At most 50 miles to the bay, then 50 back home
Tow speed - Max speed is no more than 65mph - average speed probably 40mph or less for the trip. I would probably never drive more than 55 mph, to be honest.
Terrain is flat - no mountains or even large elevation changes.

Note: the vast majority of the trips will be on paved roads and highways - final leg could be unpaved, dirt roads - but no more than at the final mile. Most boat ramps are at public or private marinas so its paved road the whole way for those.

Thanks.

 

The weakest link in your chain will be the engine, not the trans.

It's fine as is. It won't be fun, but it should be fine.

 

We regularly towed a 14' McKee (think Whaler style) with a 40hp and 12 gal of fuel. Behind a VW bug of 70's vintage.

Maybe 20 miles each way, flat, 40 top speed.

Yea, it's a lighter rig, but you have more capacity than a bug too

 

I tow a 1993 Malibu Skier boat with my 2001 2.7. The boat weighs just a tad more than yours. You won't get anywhere fast, but for towing 45-50 miles, you won't have any issues.

 

17' metal boat is fine previous truck was a '17 2.7 sr with the 5 speed, handled my boat just fine. Dont be afraid to wind it out, you aint gonna hurt it

 

I have a 2017 4cyl and tow my family ski boat all around the state...it aint a great time but I've never had any real issues. It will likely compress the back suspension pretty good.

 

how hot does your transmission get when towing?

 

Brakes will be a weak point as well, you'll definitely want to give yourself some braking distance.

 

hovers around 190-200°F

 

I towed a 14’ aluminum with my 2003 2.4L 2wd. It did fine. Like others said, don’t expect to break any speed or mpg records but you’ll get there. 4wd will be handy for the slippery ramps though. If you’re going on highways id check the speed rating on your tires- a lot of small boat trailer tires are only rated for 50-55mph. Wouldn’t wanna blow a tire on the highway. I had one go at about 50mph and it wasn’t the most fun time I’ve ever had

 

i would install trans cooler. do drain and fills (ATF) every 50k.
most important keep good brakes and discs on all 4 corners... cant stop = accident!
take it easy. i DON'T use OD (1st gen 3rz) when towing or hauling 3k. keep speeds 55-60 mph. its a 4 banger, not f-350 1ton powerstroke.
keep a spare tire for trailer along with handbag of tools, spare bulbs, jack, flashlight, etc... think shit happens.
been towing and hauling (1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks) for 30+ yrs for work. believe me, last thing you want is to be broke down on side of the I-state/hwy with 18 wheelers and texting idiots balling past you at 80mph.
take care of your equipment... DO maintenance!

safe travels

 

I towed a couple SCUTs at about 3K on a 1K trailer. No issues, even through hills of upstate. Pick your gears in advance and lock em in. Chassis handles it fine, but engine can be a little weak.

Be patient, but it can be done. I did 400 miles on this a few times - no problems at all. That was my truck's "break in" :-D

 

You're good!

Look into the trailer and if it has surge hydraulic brakes, if not make sure that the law doesn't require a trailer over 1000lbs to have brakes. (Some states personal trailers don't even require a registration if the GVWR is less than 3000lbs, in which case they also don't require brakes!)

Other than that; enjoy your time out on the boat and be safe towing with extra stopping distances.