Would a 4 cylinder struggle with this trailer?

Apologies if this has been asked thousands of times before. I know very little about cars, but I’m currently in the market for a used Tacoma 2007-2012 or so. I plan to tow a small teardrop trailer that weighs approximately 1000 pounds fully loaded and I’m trying to decide between 4 and 6 cylinders.

I would appreciate the better gas mileage of the 4, however I am worried that a 4 cylinder would struggle pulling the trailer. It will be making the trip from Los Angeles to Mammoth which is a pretty large elevation gain.

Any input on this would be really appreciated. Would I run into problems towing this trailer up 7000 plus feet of elevation gain with a 4 cylinder? This will be mostly during the summer when snow isn’t an issue.
Thanks!

 

If you are towing, best off with a 6 cylinder.

The mpg gains of a 4cyl are minimal, and resale will be better with a 6cyl.

Go with a 6 cylinder, thank us later after towing with it.

 

You would be much better off with the 6 cylinder.
The 4 cylinder doesn’t get much better fuel economy.
I have owned 2 truck of this generation. A PreRunner with 2.7, and my current truck with the 4.0 6 cylinder.

There is no comparison, the 6 has WAY more power.

 

I think its no contest, V6 for any towing, big or small.

The only way I'd go for I4 towing is a base model 2.7 5 speed manual bare bones.

But if you want a double cab, and towing, pretty much V6 is going to be your choice. Especially for automatic trans.

The fuel economy between engines isn't THAT drastic. The 2.7 has to work hard and it negates the potential savings it should have.

 

We need a stickied thread explaining why the V6 is preferred when towing, driving through mountains, really anything other than basic daily driving like a grandma.

 

Thanks everyone, V6 it is

 

lol that sticky would be wrong.
For towing and lots of mountain driving, yes the V6.
For use as an actual truck hauling large loads in the bed I’ll take my 4 cylinder access cab 6ft bed 1500 lb capacity 4.30 diff over a DCSB V6 Automatic 4x4 with its 950-1050 lb cargo rating and wimpy 3.91 diff any day.

 

The difference between the payload of 2.7 and 3.5 in an access cab, is less than 100 lbs.
https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/brochures/toyota/2019-tacoma.pdf

We are also talking about 2nd Gen trucks. So your numbers aren’t really “fair” in this case.

 

My comparison was for my 2wd access cab vs a DCSB V6 4x4 which many here have and my figures are correct for that. Even for an SR access cab 4x4 V6 the difference is over 300 lbs (using your brochure which by the way is not correct per other Toyota docs- look at your door sticker and you’ll see). My point being a 4 cyl isn’t for a grandma driving lol, it’s superior to a lot of trucks here for actual truck usage. And yes it’s a 3rd gen.

 

Fair enough I guess.
If one is hauling 1,500 lbs in the bed of a truck, the Tacoma probably isn’t the right truck for them.
I’d recommend a bigger truck or a utility trailer.

 

Agree on that, always good to have margin. Same if you’re towing heavy loads. I have hauled ~1000 pounds with no issues.

 

Pathetic.

For actual truck duty, Tacoma is the wrong truck, no matter if wimpy V6 or super duper wimpy I4.

 

I tow this Tab 320S Boondock with my 2.7 5 speed manual. I have put thousands of miles on it (to Cape Breton Nova Scotia to the entire Blue Ridge Parkway) and never had a problem.
I believe most people have likely never towed with the 4 cylinder, but offer their opinions.

 

I'm a glass half full kind of guy myself and look for the silver lining in clouds - but given a choice between going from here to there on a Harley or a moped...... Sure it's all relative, but having towed with trucks manufactured and engineered for towing and my 4.0 Tacoma, I can assure you, the towing experience is much more enjoyable and likely safer with the former, than the latter. And, YEP, there will be some who would choose the moped LOL

 

Elevation makes a massive difference.

Also when comparing, you pick the tool best for the job. No one is saying 4 cylinder can’t. We are saying the v6 is better.

They stopped selling the 4 cylinder in Canada out right because of its short comings. Not many agree with you.

 

lol agree, pathetic. Your post that is.
I’ve owned 4 trucks, two full size, a GMC Sierra and a Ford F150. Tacoma fits the bill for a mid-size truck, much more enjoyable and easy to drive in all circumstances including maneuvering, parking, etc. Tailgate down I’ve hauled 2x4s and 4x8 plywood no problems and no overhang to speak of. Double duty daily driver, not a full time work truck mid size is perfect.

 

.
No one argues the V6 is not more powerful.
Most owners of 4 cylinders by far like their trucks, especially for their time proven superior reliability (2TR-FE). You’re right though, on TW most don’t agree with him because they own a V6 and are clueless as to the 4 cylinder. Or they’ve driven the 4 cylinder only on a test drive and they never learned how to properly drive the truck lol.

 

The manual for my 2013 base (w/2.7) says the following for towing capacity:
I'm not saying it would be an easy tow, as I do not have any personal experience. It does look like there is no SPEC difference between 4 & 6 unless you have a towing package.

 

I forgot to mention. I don't know what 6 cyl model get (let alone 4WD), but my base (single cab, 2.7, auto, 2WD) gets about 25+ during the Winter and just short of 27 during the Summer.

 

Well, I’ll be talking about this literally non stop from now on since I became a believer but throw your weak oe ignition coils into the trash and buy quality replacements. You won’t regret it. I’d like to see someone try these and what they think