First tow

Just completed my first tow with the Tacoma. I rented a 7x14 cargo trailer to move my son and his friend to University. The dry weight on the trailer was 2000 lbs and I estimate the total weight with all the kids stuff ( it was full) had to have been 3500-4000 lbs. My truck did not have the trailer package when I bought it, so I installed a curt hitch and 7 pin wiring and added a brake controller. It towed fairly well, no big issues but I found when I had a cross wind it pushed me around some so I had to drop my speed down to 55-60mi/hr.
I don't think I would want to pull anything heavier on a regular basis. I have had a few full size trucks and pulled many travel trailers and 5th wheels, so I can feel the smaller Taco not being able to handle too much more, definitely not 6500 lbs IMO. I calculated to 17mi/gal (imperial).

 

I've pulled 6000 in the tacoma, as long as you go slow and give yourself enough braking distance, it'll handle it alright.

 

I pull my 25ft. TT w/ WD bars and sway control. The TT weighs in fully loaded (w/ out water) at 4,920lbs. I do have a tow package and my Taco pulls it w/ no problem. The longest haul was this summer to Branson, Mo. which is about 826 miles round trip from my house.

 

Sway control will definitely help. I had no other issues other than the cross wind. I was surprised by my gas mileage though, I thought it would be worse by reading some of the threads.