3rd Gen Taco Towing Math

Howdy Taco Hive Mind,

I've been doing a lot of math around my 2016 Taco TRD Sport 4x4 Access Cab with OEM tow package and want to make sure I'm getting it right before getting serious about a camping trailer. I looked through the Towing Bible here, as well as a bunch of "Can I Tow This?" posts (on TW and Reddit), but want to factor as much as I can so we're smart and safe with our camper research. I want to go into this knowledgable and with a hard line in the sand so we look only at options that are within the safe/smart window for our truck*.

Here's what I've put together so far:

2016 Tacoma TRD Sport Access Cab 4x4 w/ Tow Package (and 2-inch lift):
GVRW: 5,600 lbs (via Certification label)
GCWR: 11,360 lbs (via Google)
Max Tongue Weight: 650 lbs (estimated via Tacoma Spec Sheet as it only lists the TRD Sport 2WD Access Cab at 680 and the TRD Off Road as 650)
Curb Weight: 4,305 lbs (via Tacoma Spec sheet)
Towing Capacity (max): 6,500, less 4 lbs due to the lift kit (via Tacoma Spec Sheet).
Max Payload: 1,150 lbs (via Certification label and comparing that to the owners manual, however the Tacoma Spec Sheet lists 1,295 lbs. I'm choosing to be conservative here).

Using the 80% Rule, I calculate the Taco is "safe" to tow up to 5,120 lbs absolute max.

Taco Payload Load-Out (before hitch weight from camper):
Estimated "Organic Load": 350 lbs (Me: 150 lbs, Wife: 110 lbs, Kiddo: 45 lbs, Dog: 30 lbs, Wiggle Room: 15 lbs depending on what we all had for lunch).
Bikes: 85 lbs (may go on a camper bike rank, but adding here for conservative calculations)
Food and Gear: 400 lbs (99% of the food and gear would be in the camper, though, but adding it here for conservative calculations)
Firewood: 200 lbs
Total: 1,035 lbs.

That said, we've been looking at campers and need something with more room than my dad's 16-foot R-Pod 171 (Dry Weight approx 2,900 lbs with a claimed cargo payload of 2,300 lbs and my dad packs that thing to the gills plus some). One of the top contenders is an East & West Silver Lake LE 17BHLE. I love the set up of bunk beds, Murphy bed (for extra space), and shower/potty/sink.

Its specs are:

2024 Silver Lake LE 17BHLE:
Dry Weight: 3,884 lbs
Max Payload: 1,071 lbs
Hitch Weight: 550 lbs
GVRW: 4,955 lbs (figuring DW + Max Payload)

Based on the above numbers, I'm concerned that the Silver Lake takes us over what we should be towing since the DW is nearly 1,000 lbs more than my dad's R-Pod 171. I'm doubly concerned as the 550 lbs hitch weight eats into the payload for the Taco (right?).

I'll also add that I have the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite installed and intend to get a WDH, though I know that'll add some extra weight in there as well.

So, all things being equal, is my math correct? Are we below or above the Mendoza Line for the Silver Lake? If the latter, any recommendations on what you camp with in your Taco?

Thanks in advance!






*I know Tacos aren't the best option for towing campers, but we love ours and believe there's a Goldilocks option out there that'll give us more room than the R-Pod while not exceeding safety numbers.

 

Let’s say the total loaded weight of the trailer ends up at 4500lbs. Loaded properly that’s a tongue weight of 585lbs. Add another 30lbs for the weight distribution hitch and you have 530lbs left to play with. If you put 365lbs of people, 85lbs of bikes and 200lbs of firewood in the truck you will exceed the payload of the truck. Easy solutions - a bike rack on the rear of the trailer would only add about 11lbs on the tongue to count against payload and carry less firewood or buy it at the destination.

 

I really appreciate the input and good point about the bikes. The Silver Lake has a pre-loaded rack on the back of it, so that'd be helpful. And firewood is only when we camp local, but yeah, no need to fret over that.

My biggest concern has been "dealer numbers" vs reality. The local RV place was adamant that the WolfPup, Keystone, and Silver Lake were "absolutely" towable by the Taco. But they're in the business of making sales and it's my job to know the line between "technically doable" and what's within correct/safe margins.