Gen 3 Towing Thread

ShellShock - not sure how to read that...do you have extended mirrors? If so, what make/brand and how stable are they at speed? I had the ProEFX mirrors on my 2012 and liked them, wish they had some for the '16.

ScanGuage thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/scangaugeii-2016-trans-fluid-temp-codes-that-work.437061/

 

I was reluctant about buying the Tacoma for only one reason and that's the fact that I tow cars/trucks/boats and other toys from time to time.

I've owned several large trucks, super duties and silverados. When it came time to buy another truck I downgraded in size from a 2014 Denali crewcab to this Tacoma.

If you are not in a hurry and obey the weight limit set buy the manufacturer this truck will perform beautifully. Neither of these two loads were over neither the tongue weight or max load.

The truck hauled fine and stops as it should. I never drove above 60-65.


I will say this. Getting a load moving is simple.......getting one safely stopped in a "oh shit" situation is not. I would not want to drag something across Country with this truck. It's simply not built for it.

I recently drug this car trailer 1200 miles to bring back a 55'Chevy and didn't worry one single moment about the capacity of the truck. Set them up right, take your time and be aware. It will do the job.

I had readjusted the Cadillac after the photo was taken, truck leveled out just fine.

 

I've towed my trailer both with extended mirrors and without. I never really had any issues not having tow mirrors but as I usually don't have any help, I figured I would try a set so I've got better visibility when backing up the trailer. With my trailer (7x14 haulmark), I'd say they are a nice to have but not a necessity.

If you are only towing a couple times a year, have a trailer less than 7 foot wide or isn't an enclosed trailer I wouldn't bother with tow mirrors. If you tow regularly, have a trailer 7+ foot wide or is an enclosed trailer you'll probably want tow mirrors.

These are the mirrors I have been using (they are sold individually not as a pair).
They only take a couple minutes to put on or take off and have been very stable, even at interstate speeds or on bumpy roads. A set of proEFX mirrors would be nice but these have done a great job, are well built and reasonably priced. I also like these because I can leave the factory mirror adjusted and add this one without moving the factory mirror. This means I can use both of them to get a couple different angles as opposed to only using one like happens with some of the clip ons I've seen that either stick to the mirror or have mounts that interfere with the adjustment of the mirror.

Fit System 3891 Deluxe Universal Clip-on Trailer Towing Mirror https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AJH1HK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CGBCxbQ50F6ZV

 

Does your trailer have brakes?

 

Both axles.

 

I tow an 18' Montrose all-aluminum, tandem axle, enclosed trailer w/electric brakes that cars my MGs (one at a time ). Prior to buying my '16 I was using my '12 Tacoma which didn't have a tow package and it took me as far west as Arizona, north to Illinois and Missouri and east/south Asheville, NC and all over Florida. If the '12 could do that without a tow package, this '16 damn well better be able to.

 

You would think...you should tow the same load with the '16 and let us know how it towed compared to the '12.

 

Towed this setup on the weekend. .
Did not too bad. Had ECT on and S4.

 

I plan on it...traded the '12 for the '16.

 

I'll be towing like that once it cools off. Have you tried quad on the trailer and one bike in the bed? If mine rides like that I'll be getting supersprings

 

That is exactly what I was thinking. The truck looks like it is squatting quite a bit with the atv in there. If possible i would put the 2 bikes in the bed and the atv on the trailer. Heck if you could but i doubt it, put atv and 1 bike on trailer and the other bike in the bed.

I would rather put the strain on the trailer axles rather than the truck bed.

 

The two bikes are slightly lighter than the ATV, it was just easier to strap and load the ATV in the bed over the bikes. Also the bikes are pretty forward on the trailer, I need a better system to move them back a bit. The pic makes it look likes its squatting more that it actually was. Should have taken a side shot.

 

That is key for heavy loads. Not really needed for 2500 pounds.

 

Is that a Honda Rancher? So around 700 pounds?

 

573 wet. So around 600

 

Very nice write up. I am interested in the performance of the engine/transmission of the new Tacoma. If you could describe , in your own words, how it felt on acceleration from a stopped position. Did it feel like it lacked power/torque to get up to speed? I am planning to buy a new Tacoma but am still undecided as to which generation to buy. I will be towing with it similar to what you are in regards to the load.

 

He has both bikes way up on the nose of that trailer, making it even worse. Some removable wheel chocks farther back would help by putting the weight over the axle. My wife's quad is only 410 pounds and we only have on bike to carry. I was planning on putting the bike and quad on the trailer and all the gear, gas, tools, etc in the truck. But we only got the trailer ready to haul after it got too hot to ride

 

Yeah it was the first time I had all this loaded up. Need to find some wheel chocks for the trailer to move the bikes back.
Something like this might work good in the truck bed too for the bikes.

 

I was thinking something like this. My trailer is only 8 feet long so almost anything I put up on the nose is over the axle.
http://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/A...BhW_QZrh1Lob9vrCgsR0lIuZnQ0WLm9Mi8aAq3w8P8HAQ

 

Thanks for your review. The Caddy reminds me of one of the many my Grandfather owned, are you going to restore it?