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Frequent towing an issue for 2nd Gen?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by aCab, Oct 31, 2012.

  1. Oct 31, 2012 at 8:44 AM
    #1
    aCab

    aCab [OP] Active Member

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    Mods - didn't realize there was a towing subforum. This is a dulicate post from the 2nd gen forum - http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/246539-frequent-towing-issue.html

    Hi All,

    I'm currently thinking of selling my 99' F250 w/ 7.3 Diesel to buy a 2nd Gen Tacoma Double Cab Long Bed. I bought the F250 on a whim as a tow rig and have loved it - but I recently lost my company car and need to condense daily driver duties and towing duties into one vehicle. Last year, I put 20k miles on the truck, with about 15k of those towing my racecar on an open trailer.

    The car weighs 2600ish lbs, the trailer 1600lbs - figure 4200 lbs there. I know the V6 trucks with factory towing package can town 6500 lbs, but with what frequency?

    Most towing trips are withing 400 miles one way, but the occasional trip is over 1000 miles one way - through some mountains, etc.

    I want to be sure that the Tacoma can withstand being used to tow for 1/2 of its lifetime. Say I drive 30k miles a year but 15k of that is towing 4200 lbs.

    Anyone done it? Anyone against it? Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,

    aCab
     
  2. Oct 31, 2012 at 3:44 PM
    #2
    Supra TT

    Supra TT Supercharged Lifter

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    The towing section doesn't see many visitors. You were way better off in the 2nd gen forum. Since pretty much everyone is in there haha.
     
  3. Oct 31, 2012 at 3:51 PM
    #3
    PB65stang

    PB65stang Well-Known Member

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    I would not want to do that kind of towing duty with my Tacoma. It does fine towing occasionally, or even a lighter load more often, but I just wouldn't feel comfortable subjecting the truck to that kind of stress consistently. I know my truck feels like it's working hard even when towing 3,000-4,000 lbs, which is occasionally. IMO, you're better off going full-size (which doesn't get you much, if any, worse gas mileage unloaded than a Tacoma anymore anyways, and probably better while towing).
     
  4. Oct 31, 2012 at 7:30 PM
    #4
    campthewestcoast

    campthewestcoast Oceanfisherman

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    Power extend/retract towing mirrors,brake controller,30amp charging system for TT,snug top camper
    I tow with my 06 taco 100% of the time, this what a truck is for! I'm towing a 4,000lb travel trailer. I added custom towing mirrors ,electric power extend/retract(powervisionmirrors.com from a 98 chevy), brake controller, and a WDH w/800lb bars. The truck is all stock with a tow package and has 111,000 miles with no problems. My travel trailer is a HI-LO and I get 14mpg.
     
  5. Oct 31, 2012 at 7:33 PM
    #5
    acdronin

    acdronin Well-Known Member

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    The only thing I could suggest if you want to tow a lot is to get some airbags, it saves the rear leafs
     
  6. Oct 31, 2012 at 10:01 PM
    #6
    S.B.

    S.B. Well-Known Member

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  7. Nov 1, 2012 at 5:18 AM
    #7
    F-125Racer

    F-125Racer Well-Known Member

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    Search for the thread "6 Cylinder Towing Review". Here, I'll just bump it for you....
     
  8. Nov 1, 2012 at 8:01 AM
    #8
    aCab

    aCab [OP] Active Member

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    :cheers: Thanks!
     
  9. Nov 1, 2012 at 5:02 PM
    #9
    Supra TT

    Supra TT Supercharged Lifter

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  10. Nov 4, 2012 at 7:30 PM
    #10
    a89aries

    a89aries Well-Known Member

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  11. Nov 4, 2012 at 10:39 PM
    #11
    S.B.

    S.B. Well-Known Member

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    Mine has hit 210 really easy with factory on a 70 degree day, now doesnt go above 180
     
  12. Nov 19, 2012 at 6:43 AM
    #12
    Techno Duck

    Techno Duck Well-Known Member

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    Regarding the factory trans cooler, i would consider relocating it a little higher up if you do any serious towing. In its factory location, ii would say 90% of it is covered by the bottom portion of the grill wit just 1 or 2 rows of the core sticking up past it in the airflow.
     
  13. Nov 19, 2012 at 9:45 AM
    #13
    skytower

    skytower Well-Known Member

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    Hitch and wiring, aux back-up light, rear strobe lights, radio and underseat sub.
    As with any other truck... When properly equipped, you can tow up to capacity 100% of the time. You will have to increace the frequency of inspections, fluid changes, and brake replacements. It will vary by how hard you are on the pedals, and what climate you live in.
     

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