2012-14 tacoma TRD or base

Hi. New to the site. I am currently looking for a 2012-14 Tacoma 4 door with the longest bed possible and with really good towing capacity as we have an RPod camper trailer that is about 18 feet long and weighs around 3,000 lbs. What should I be looking for? IE. I keep hearing about engine and transmission coolers, etc. Also, what is the difference between the TRD and the Base with a sports package? Thanks.

 

Tundra.

 

I think you’re asking the difference between a base SR/SR5 and a TRD Sport. The Sport has a hood scoop, upgraded suspension, different front seats, among other items in the package.

You would want a V6 Taco with the towing package.

 

Oh, the empty camper is already 3K? What’s the weight with all the gear?

 

About 3600lbs. We only try to put water in the holding tank once we get somewhere unless we know there is no water available. Prior to leaving a site we will also drain whatever water might be left in the tank. We usually don't fill it if we're somewhere for less than three nights. Thanks.

 

SR5 vs TRD Sport are your only two Double Cab Long Bed options. The Sport could be preferred but what will matter most is finding one with a factory Towing Package. This will be the main factor that matters to you with that weight of a trailer. Hope it’s not too heavy after you load it. 3,000lbs is no problem for a Tacoma with the tow package. I personally wouldn’t want to tow much more before moving up to a Tundra. Good luck.

Also, FYI, that body style goes from 2012-2015. Might as well widen your search.

TL;DR: find any model with a Tow Package.

 

Thanks. I thought someone told me that a Tacoma, depending on the model, could tow up to 6,000lbs?

 

The max towing capacity is 6500, but you don’t want to get near that especially with hills.

If your max towing weight is 3600 lbs you’ll be fine. I tow a boat and trailer at about that weight and it’s no problem.

 

can and a good idea are two very different things. overseas my truck, the 4 cylinder, is rated for 5000lbs. but i would definitly not advise it.

 

A 5 lug is rated for 5k lbs towing?

 

Overseas in the hilux yes. but they dont make the 5 lug overseas either anymore. seems a little insane to me considering how slow mine is.

 

Thanks for getting onto this so quickly! I guess ultimately what I'm after is the 4litre V6 with the transmission cooler? What size of bed can I get one of those in?

 

Hilux and 5 lug Tacoma are quite different, so being that this is a Tacoma forum and your truck isn’t an overseas Hilux.. it’s towing rating is 3500 lbs.

 

You seem by your own words ready to buy a truck you also seem to know very little about.

 

What a Tacoma is rated to tow and what it can comfortably tow are two very different things. And I should know since I work at a marina and tow all sorts of stuff with my V6 automatic 4x4. You can tow that camper trailer loaded or not (just don't use overdrive) reasonably comfortably. You will see you gas mileage absolutely tank to about 10 MPG though. My 22' boat weighs about 3,500 pounds on the trailer and based on my experience, I wouldn't want to tow more than about 4,500 pounds for any significant distance.

 

its kinda funny once you start looking at some part number and specs how similar the rear suspension are the same on older model. But none the less i get your point. I wouldnt tow more than 2000lbs with my truck its so slow.

back the original topic, yes you can get eh six foot bed with the 4 liter, with a double cab. be ready to pay for it though.

 

OP, you should do some research and find out everything you can yourself and come back with some interesting questions. Its really not helpful just ask for general advice or for someone to talk to about the decision. there are other threads for chit chat.
Not trying to be rude, but I want to be as helpful as possible.
Try googling the tacoma towing bible here on tacomaworld, gives some good reading.

 

T4RFTMFW I currently have a Ford F150 which has no problem pulling the camper, etc but my wife hates driving a full size truck. Lots of friends with Tacomas and Tundras but my wife likes the Tacoma if that is going to be our only vehicle. I have driven lots of Toyotas, both cars and trucks, and like them but not very knowledgeable about the specifics. We had a Camry that we bought two years old and ended up putting 512, 000km (over 300,00 miles) on it so we know how good they can be. Just looking for opinions and thoughts on the various models. Thanks.

 

LoveableWerewolf Will do. No offense taken. Sounds like an interesting read in this day and age. Thanks.

 

What you’re able to get is a double cab, long bed with tow package and 4x4 (assuming you want 4x4), those are only available in SR5 or TRD Sport trims, as stated.

They will tow your trailer but be prepared to eat it in fuel economy. Your F150 will be cheaper to own, Tacoma economy is abysmal especially with a load. 9-10 mpg is common.