Towing

Have had my tacoma 2 yrs now, interested in getting a travel trailer...I found one I like and according to the specs it SHOULD be ok (if I don't load it down).
Just want an opinion if it's too much, I have a 2017 Tacoma TRD off road with tow package.

 

I wouldn't. That's really long for a midsize truck. Will it do it? Yes. Will you feel like you're towing a semi trailer? Yes.

 

IMHO it is a little on the heavy side once you start to add in passengers and gear.

 

Agreed with above. Its on the heavy side and the tongue weight is slightly over recommended. It can technically do it but you won't enjoy it.

 

Look for something that'll be in the 3500-4000lbs fully loaded range. There are some good options out there.

 

I have been towing with the 4R, no issues with 3970 lbs, hitch & trailer and gear. Now with new Tacoma 4X4 TRD OR. Hooked up in TN, 322 miles to town in VA. Only had 677 miles on the odo. New Flagstaff E-Pro with E-2 Equalizer hitch.
Half the trip in "D", still figuring out the "S", except on level stretch, not many of them here, and downhill, shift "S" to(6).
Downshift to 5 or 4, etc., for extra braking. Using Tekashona Primus IQ brake controller set at 5.5, works great.
Things got better as engine got more miles on it. Second fill up, pumped in 89 octane, Shell.
IMO, at this time, the 4R has more grunt with the 4.0, altho no issues with the 3.5, it just likes to rev a lot. I like the "S" in the trans, as on level ground, does OK. I averaged about 11.2 mpg, and that was the high mark. I am sure this will improve when engine settles in.
I would not go much over this weight with the Tacoma. If we were serious about this camping thing, it would be a bigger RV and a Tundra or Ford F-150.

 

That's too much trailer. The empty weight of 4900 lbs is pushing the realistic limits, fully loaded that trailer can be as much 7000 lbs and 6000-6500 is where you're likely to end up. IMO you need to be looking at something around 3500 lbs empty with around 4500-5000 lbs loaded. And closer to 4500.

Some things to consider; payload and altitude.

While Toyota shows 6500 lbs max towing a 6500 lb trailer will put about 845 lbs on your trucks hitch. Toyota's have limited payload ratings ranging from 1000-1200 lbs on most trucks. That only leaves 150-350 lbs for the driver, passengers, cargo and any other modifications you have done to the truck. Two small adults and 2 small kids are going to be 400-600 lbs.

I don't know where you live or plan to tow, but altitude robs the engine of power due to less oxygen in the air as you go up. Tow weights should be reduced by 2-3% for every 1000' above sea level. If you live at 5000' the tow rating should be reduced by about 10-15%. If you plan to tow across the Rockies where some mountain passes are 10,000-12,000' you need to reduce tow ratings by about 1/3.

 

I agree with the above. Most I've ever hauled with mine was 5500lbs of trailer with about 500 in the bed, on a ~600mile one-way trip. It did it without complaining toooo much, but it was far from enjoyable driving. Standing on the gas in 2nd or 3rd to maintain speed uphills, etc. I have the 6spd so I didnt have to worry about the trans much, but the clutch sure hated the city driving bits. It was also a car hauler so I didn't have to worry about crosswinds/sway as much.

I def wouldn't wanna do a trip that heavy again in this truck. I love it, but it's not a full size hauler. 4500 is my max for a long trip.

 

Based on personal experience I think that it is too large for a tacoma depending on your use case. If you only are going a hour or two away and not many hills it will probably be ok. Not enjoyable but ok. We had a GeoPro 20' that was 3k lbs (similar to the epro mentioned above) and even that was tough in the mountains.

 

Agree with everyone. Too long, too heavy. What you're contemplating is Tundra territory (or another full-sized truck). Would be a case of the tail wagging the dog.

 

The tongue weight alone is more than half your payload capacity. Too much trailer for a Tacoma.

 

Rule of thumb with these trucks is that 4,000 - 4,500 is about the max towing that is comfortable / feels safe for long highways runs. They will do 6500-7000 lbs ok. But running at the max tow rating should be reserved for hauling a boat down to the ramp or bringing home a bunk of plywood 10 miles from the lumber yard. Same for any mid side truck.