Advice for the newbie!

Hey everyone, just created my account but have been here lurking for 6+ months.

Name's Jake and I'm in the Dallas, TX area. I just bought a 2004 XtraCab 4x4 V6 from my brother-in-law, he's owned it for 15 years and pretty much stayed in his garage most of the time. He had ordered a new 2022 and I jumped on this one for a steal.

Right now I'm in maintenance/repair/refurbish mode and will basically be taking the whole thing apart and putting it back together. While I'm doing that I'll be making some changes and upgrades as I'll be using the truck to pull an RV trailer. I want to be sure it's ready to handle it as later this year I'll be living full time in a trailer! I know, crazy right. But I'm excited as hell!

I would LOVE some advice on a few things from you seasoned veterans:

- What things were absolute game changers for you in your Taco? What mods (big or small) made a difference to you?
- Those of you that TOW something with your Taco, what amount should I reasonably expect to tow? Did you go all out and get air bags, etc.? If so has this made a big difference or is it more hype than real world application? Looking for ways to safely carry as much trailer as possible but not destroy the trans in 6 months, lol.
- I am also considering lifting the truck and I'd die to see some pics of lifted Tacos! What size lift did you do? Why did you choose that kit/brand? I'm totally new to that arena and appreciate any and all input.
- Also, as this will be used for towing I don't plan on doing much other than functional mods at the moment . But I'm a Mustang guy so I'm all about the "cool" mods too even if they're just fun. If you've got some sick lights or a badass bumper or just some cool looking shit I wanna see it!


I have really enjoyed getting to know the Tacoma World crew via your posts and look forward to "meeting" more of you here!


- Jake

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW.

How often do plan to tow?
And how much does the RV weigh?

While I absolutely loved my 1st, it was definitely lacking in the towing ability.

Can it tow? Yes
But I found anything over 3k was just no fun for me or the truck.

I’m not telling you this to kill your excitement of the new truck. I just don’t want to see you make a big mistake by buying a trailer and then finding out you probably should have bought a different truck first.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
3,000 lb max
Short trips only

 

Thanks for the response!

In a perfect world I'd be going on a trip once a month, or more if my work schedule allows for it. In a more perfect world I'd want to be able to go from Texas to Utah or North Carolina to see family, go hiking, etc. I'm not concerned about fuel economy or the cost of the trip itself I'm mostly concerned about burning out the trans or causing issues that lead to expensive repairs.

I don't have my mind set on a trailer yet I'm really focusing on getting the truck ready and identifying what it's capable of. Mine has tow package so I'm told max capacity is 6000 lbs and you should keep it under 75% of the max but you say 3000 was kind of your limit?

I didn't buy the truck specifically so I could tow a trailer but it just so happened I've found myself in a position where I can live on the road for a while so I'm trying to see what the Taco can do. If I can increase tow capacity or improve handling with modifications then I'm down for it. But I'm not trying to tow a 8000 lb beast with a 3000 lb truck, lol. I know a bigger trans cooler is a must and I'm looking into air bags and other ways to safely tow as much as possible.

 

Thanks!

Looks like both of y'all agree 3000 is a top end. Is this just with a bone stock Taco or did you need to make some changes to feel comfortable towing 3000 lbs? And by short trips do you mean don't drive for more than a few hours at a time? Or don't try to tow anything a long distance, period? I ask because I will be living on the road and would probably drive for a few hours, stop to do some work, then drive some more, stop to rest/work/etc. What do you think?

 

I'd recommend the smallest trailer you can live with (maybe a teardrop or something), and don't lift the truck. Tacomas are very capable in stock form, so unless there is a good reason to lift it, you're likely to create more problems than you solve over time.

I'd focus on making sure all the normal rubber and wear items are in good shape. Bushings, ball joints, boots, shocks, tie rods/steering rack, brakes, belts.

Nice truck! And that pic is not in Dallas, never saw a mountain like that anywhere near DFW.

 

Thanks man!

I've looked at the teardrop trailers and similar types but I just think I'd go crazy in something THAT small. But if it comes down to it then I may just end up going that route. ¯\ ̲ (ツ) ̲ /¯

Pretty sure there's never a good reason to lift any truck other than "I just wanna". But you make a good point! I bought the truck with the idea of turning it into an overland camper-type truck. Then I got the idea to tow the trailer instead so that's how I got here. Guess I'll wait on the overland part until I'm done towing and just make sure the Taco is running as best as possible in stock form. Then do all the fun shit!

Been checking out the suspension and stuff the past couple weeks. Needs new tie rod ends for sure and when I take it apart to replace those I'll be checking everything else I can while I've got it undone.

Pic was taken in Lehi, UT where I bought it. That's my sister's view from her front porch! Crazy right? Utah lake is at the bottom of the valley and if you go around the corner of her street you can see almost the whole lake. Really stunning.

 

You can make a very comfortable and capable setup with a small trailer to sleep in, an awning, and gear carried in the back of your truck (may need a topper).

 

Welcome, Jake! I’m a newbie, too, just West of you in San Angelo.

I hope I’m not skirting any forum rules, but I’ve got an ARE topper that should fit your truck. Same color and everything!

Let me know if you have any interest.

 

Cool man! That's not something I was initially looking for but it might be needed now that I'm probably considering smaller trailers. Send me some pics and what you're wanting for it and I'll take a look!

 

Hey Jake, The front end was not level, so I put Bilstein B8 5100s with a 2.5 lift option on mine and it drives like a dream. 331k miles and rolling.