Overweight tacomas

Too bad Toyota doesn’t pay attention to its customer base, seems like most owners mod the hell out of them and need a better payload than the dismal one it has. Especially disappointing when the HiLux is available with 2000lbs+.

 

This forum and people modding the trucks represents only a small minority of Tacoma buyers. Even if all 322k users with TW accounts had purchased a 3rd gen it’s only about 20% of 3rd gens sold by Toyota.

 

My trucks sits around 6800-7000 she’s heavy

 

Nice set up. I like the short wheelbase F-250s.

 

Don’t ruin it for me man! lol! In my mind every Taco gets modded! Trying hard to leave mine stock…mostly…

Toyota used to dabble in the commercial division here back in the 80s, too bad they went away from that. Much rather have a stripped down diesel HiLux than a Tacoma, but it is what it is.

 

Yeah that thing is cool. I do a lot of single track trail maintenance…diggin this one, plenty of storage for my chainsaws and tools. Talked to them before, said they can build the camper high enough so I can fit a dirt bike in it.

 

Weight is felt in gas milage...wear n tear on brakes ...and when offloading... bouncing around ...going down hill ...uphill..side to side ... keeping the weight low...in the bed ..and not past the rear axle will help ... roof tents and rear spare tires are ..what most people notice a difference

 

I think they'd rather sell you a tundra. I would of bought another tundra in a heartbeat if it was the same size as my gen1 was with a more efficient engine.

 

Yeah they would, not crazy about the Tundra. Feel the same, 1st Gen Tundra was about the perfect size…3rd Gen Tacoma is close to that, but have to make compromises elsewhere. So instead of putting 2000 lbs in the bed, I tow a trailer that I never max 2500lbs that the Taco pulls very well. Do take a hit in gas mileage, but it is only fully loaded a few times a year.

Have been looking at the Silverado 1500 with the 3.0 diesel, pretty close to the wants, 1800 lbs payload, gets high 20s-low 30s mpgs, but not available in the work truck model. Have to spend $60K to get it…the $20K in savings going with the Tacoma instead buys an awful lot of fuel.

 

My 1st Gen got overloaded a bit, and has a 1600lbs payload with Dakar Heavies…it like to eat rear wheel bearings, 3rd members, driveshafts and ball joints. Had to repair those things 3 times over the years. And I drive somewhat reserved.

 

I'd say the 2nd & 3rd gen Tundra is the reason the Tacoma hasn't changed much since 2005, and there wasn't much competition. Toyota also hasn't had any trouble moving Tacomas.

The thing I dislike with the 3rd gen line up. Toyota does not offer a small Tacoma, and Toyota does not offer a Tacoma with a greater pay load. There isn't much of a selection when it comes to size or capability. You can get six different grills so there's that.

The smallest truck does not have to be the same one that offers the best payload. The options should be there for the customer.

 

1100lb camper. Never leaves my truck and it does just fine. Keep in mind as others have said because it “can” do it doesn’t make it legal no matter what changes or upgrades you do. GVWR is what it is.

 

If they offered a commercial lineup, like they do over seas, believe it would fix that. But they have no interest in doing so. Maybe because the American commercial market likes 3/4 ton and up trucks.

I like the size of the 3rd Gen, feels very Goldilocks to me, not too big, or too small. Still have my 1st Gen Taco, the cab feels tight to me now.

 

Me personally, a overweight-built truck is like that kid in highschool that insisted on carrying all 10 of his textbooks to every class. Except, somehow that hunched-back nerd with the backpack that could knock over a vending machine inexplicably became the cool kid.

I personally prefer task specific carrying. The camp gear goes in the truck when the truck goes camping. The camp gear stays in storage, (truck is instead equipped with a single briefcase that rides behind the drivers seat) when the truck goes to the office.

But what do I know. I guess that's why I'm not cool.

 

I’d agree.

My overweight Taco lives in the garage unless I’m camping. I commute in a Rav4 Prime (electric). Gotta have the right tool for the job.

 

Thinking this might be the ticket. Remove the interior build when not camping. I do the bulk of my camping on longer duration trips so it won’t be a weekly occurrence.

Example - this year I have spent 30 nights in my truck so far in one trip. Next trip is planned for another 30 days in august.

this would limit my constant weight to roughly 375 - 500 in the bed. Which should be doable for a daily.

 

Payload is like the speed limit. Just a recommendation. Load her up and have fun. Just drive it differently knowing you have the extra weight. I roll around with a FWC on my tacoma weeks at time, then take it off and feel like a race car again.

 

Truth. Upgrading your suspension with additional springs will only subtract from your GVMW. Ask me how I know.

 

Shhh, don’t ruin the fantasy of the overlanders that love to freak out when someone suggests towing a trailer that’s 60% of the rated weight but gleefully stick every piece of merch they can find on their truck and run 1k over the GVWR.

…and that’s not the 10k GVWR that is artificially low on 3/4 ton trucks to skirt licensing/insurance requirements on the east coast either.