Another new member

Hello all. Not a Tacoma owner yet. Currently driving a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid. Looking to trade it in on something to tow a travel trailer. We just sold a 30' motorhome and are looking at 20'-25' travel trailers in the 3500lb-5000lb range. I think I've narrowed it down to either a TRD Off Road or Sport. It would be 4x4, Double Cab, 5ft box(there don't seem to be any 6' anywhere). This will be our only vehicle. I'm a little nervous about giving up 43mpg, but a RAV4 won't tow. I've been reading some of the towing threads and will head back there soon. I haven't been to any dealers yet, and most around here don't want to publish prices. Are they asking crazy $$$ over MSRP like they are with RAV4's? Thanks for any advice.

 

Welcome to TW!
That's a good amount of weight for a Tacoma though it may still be in the towing capacity. I'd suggest checking out the towing threads that discuss towing travel trailers.

 

Welcome aboard, was going to say the same for that towing weight. You're closer to tundra territory. My brother has a 2020 hybrid rave4, and loves it, getting nearly 40 mpg.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Yeah I was also thinking of suggesting a Tundra or full size truck too. I know a Tacoma can easily tow 3k as I towed that or close to that in my 12'x6' enclosed trailer when I had my old Taco.

 

I would get a half ton for that size trailer. My dad has a 6.2 half ton GMC and pulls a trailer slightly larger than what you’re looking at. And you can tell it’s behind you but he manages hills fine. My Tacoma struggles with a loaded firewood trailer that’s probably 2,600-3,200 lbs.

 

With a towing capacity of 6500 and tongue weight of 600 I thought the Tacoma would be suitable.

 

Yes on paper it'll work but theres more too it. My current F150 blows my old 2nd gen Taco out of the water when towing my mowing trailer. Also are you accounting for added weight like pots, pans, gear, food, water etc? I'd really really really encourage you to read the towing section and be willing to consider a full size!
This thread and post will help you see the calculations you'll need to make to see where you stand...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/#post-35020

You could ask some questions in the Towing Section too. There's a lot more people over there that are knowledgeable in towing a travel trailer with a Taco.

Reading that thread really helped me when I got my current trailer and knowing about my towing capacity. Going through my CDL class (I have a Class A) reinforced proper loading and needing to know how to calculate your weight.

 

Personally, I don't think I'd try to tow over 4000 lbs with a Taco. Over 4k and under 6k I'd look at a 2.5 gen Tundra, and aim as small as possible on the trailer with NO slide outs. Anything over 22-24 feet I'd get an HD truck.

Toyota trucks are great, but they aren't top tier tow pigs for large trailers.