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Towing question - I'm confused

Discussion in 'Towing' started by MarkStPete, Jul 22, 2022.

  1. Jul 22, 2022 at 2:30 PM
    #1
    MarkStPete

    MarkStPete [OP] New Member

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    factory tow package
    I have a 2013 Tacoma PreRunner with a tow package GRN265L-PRADKA model number.
    I was thinking about buying a camper but cannot figure out exactly what my towing capacity is on the truck. The sticker says GVWR 2445kg (5400 lbs). On the towing spec sheet it is showing that the max tow capacity is around 3500 lbs for this model, but says 6500 lbs if with tow package. My dealer sticker is showing the purchase of the factory tow package. So, do I actually have 6500 lbs towing capacity since I have the 4.0 V6 with a tow package or do I still just have 3500 lbs capacity.
    Thanks for any help. Seems like there are a lot of experts on here. Have looked everywhere for the actual answer but coming up with a lot more confusion.
     
  2. Jul 22, 2022 at 2:38 PM
    #2
    saint277

    saint277 Vigilo Confido

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  3. Jul 22, 2022 at 2:39 PM
    #3
    Sprig

    Sprig Well-Known Member

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    If your truck has the tow package then your max tow weight is right around 6500 lbs. You just need to make sure you have the tow package.
     
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  4. Jul 22, 2022 at 2:55 PM
    #4
    Hook78

    Hook78 Well-Known Member

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    Are you aware of how to visually identify if you have the tow package? If so confirm that way and your max is 6500#. If you’re not familiar do a Google search for “how to confirm tow package 2nd gen Tacoma World” to find some good photos, or go to the Toyota website and punch in your VIN to see what’s officially on your truck.
     
  5. Jul 22, 2022 at 2:57 PM
    #5
    Chuy

    Chuy Well-Known Member

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    Your GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 5400 lbs is the maximum total safe weight of your vehicle, counting the curb weight, plus the weight of your passengers, fuel, any accessories added to the vehicle, cargo, and the “tongue weight” of a tow trailer. If you have the tow package, your towing capacity is 6500 lbs.
     
  6. Jul 22, 2022 at 3:39 PM
    #6
    MarkStPete

    MarkStPete [OP] New Member

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    factory tow package
    Well, I definitely have the tow package. Looked up the VIN on Toyota and it's factory installed. I really do appreciate all the advice and answers guys. Very much appreciated. Now I can actually get an upgraded camper. Very excited. !!!!! Thanks again for clearing this up for me.
     
  7. Jul 22, 2022 at 3:48 PM
    #7
    Sprig

    Sprig Well-Known Member

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    Because you are rated up to 6500 lbs doesn’t mean you want to tow anywhere even near to that. Try to keep it 4000 lbs loaded or less. You can tow more but then towing becomes stressful and a hassle. Not fun and performance definitely decreases.
     
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  8. Jul 22, 2022 at 4:02 PM
    #8
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    Spend some time reading about it on here. Bigger doesn't mean better. I wouldnt want to tow anything over 5000# with a tacoma for an extended period.
     
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  9. Jul 22, 2022 at 4:05 PM
    #9
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Make damn sure what ever you are towing has brakes. You will need a controller too that does not come with the tow package.
     
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  10. Jul 22, 2022 at 7:03 PM
    #10
    Wire4Money

    Wire4Money Well-Known Member

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    I just finished my first trip with a 4K lb 7’ wide travel trailer. While it did do it, any slight grade and to maintain 65, it is screaming at 4200 rpm. It did it, but long term I will be looking for something with more power. The chassis, however, handled it extremely well with no sway.
     
  11. Jul 23, 2022 at 4:04 AM
    #11
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Move over let them pass, just because the sign says 65 doesn't mean you have to do it, no sense beating your truck up. That's why 18 wheelers have so many gears.
     
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  12. Jul 23, 2022 at 8:40 AM
    #12
    Wire4Money

    Wire4Money Well-Known Member

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    There is no where to get over. 2 lane highways. The gearing is wrong for towing. Tons of power in 3, then shift to 4 and it’s like you throw an anchor out. It requires way too much throttle manipulation to do longer trips. The amount of throttle input required in 3 is minimal. 4 is major. It is tiring.
     
  13. Jul 23, 2022 at 10:10 AM
    #13
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Pull out your manual I think what you are experiencing is converter lock up. I'm not a good one to explain it to you mine is a manual 6 speed there is an explanation for towing mode I'm sure one of the automatic guys can help you.
     
  14. Jul 23, 2022 at 11:55 AM
    #14
    Wire4Money

    Wire4Money Well-Known Member

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    It’s not converter lock up. It’s the fact it needs to be at 3400 or so rpm to maintain speed at 65. Problem is I have to choose between 2700 and 4200. It needs a gear between 3 and 4.
     
  15. Jul 23, 2022 at 12:26 PM
    #15
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    A converter when it is NOT in lockup is a torque amplifier when it is in lockup it acts like manual's clutch. There really isn't much of a jump in the ratios don't know what to tell you. Have you tried playing with the ECT.
     
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2022
  16. Jul 23, 2022 at 2:25 PM
    #16
    Wire4Money

    Wire4Money Well-Known Member

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    Yes. Ect, s4 and tuned. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but it needs more gears. One exactly between 3 and 4 would be perfect.
     
  17. Jul 23, 2022 at 5:04 PM
    #17
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Well Ford and Chevy have 10 speed automatics frankly all that shifting would drive me around the bend. You haven't lived until you have driven Mack triplex or a 13 speed road ranger. It's a new truck take it to Toyota and bitch.
     

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