Gen 3 Towing Thread

7000 more or less loaded 4500 unloaded
I don't know which mirrors they are but I'm in the market for one, the once in the picture is just what they had at the rv lot.
The blueox weight distribution / sway control made a huge difference and also added airlift for smoother ride and help with leveling

 

You're probably around 3500 pounds dry. Does the trailer have brakes?

 

No brakes on the trailer. It stops pretty well but I always try to keep my distance from the car ahead.

 

You should probably verify the weight.

 

Nah.. I trust the drum brakes lol.

 

I imagine you're fine but people start to get nervous at 4000 pounds up. All of my loads so far are at 3500 and below.

The boats I am considering are right at 3600 with the trailer. Most of the trailers with the fish/ski rigs I like are either tandem axle with brakes, or have surge systems.

Nice boat by the way.

 

Truck got a little workout hauling this to the lake last days off.

 

I wish that someone made a full replacement towing mirror option. I have the Fit System Deluxe mirrors and I still worry about them flying off on me at some point.

 

Anyone here landscape with the 3rd gen. Longtime tacoma owner and with all the negativity I'm seeing on tw lately makes me weary on buying the 17 trd OR. I've hauled my my 1300lb zt on a 5x10 landscape trailer everyday for the last several years with no problems really just kinda touch and go on large hills here in tn with my 2.7l. Finally in the position to upgrade. Yes I understand tacoma was not intended for hauling nor speed power etc but looking for real world experience from any current 3rd gen owners who mow daily. Thanks.

 

Manual transmission towing question here...Been towing our boat all summer, no issues. It's a 21 foot runabout, approximately 3800-4000 lb (trailer included). Had the whole family and luggage packed for a trip. Maybe 500-600 lb total in the truck and bed. Tongue weight is around 300-350 lb. The truck tows fine, for the most part. As described in other posts, you can definitely tell it is towing and manipulating the manual transmission takes some getting used to. MPG goes down to about 12-13 on the highway. Hills are a challenge to keep speed. Downshifting is happening on the regular. I find myself in 5th most of the time, while on the highway.

I pulled the boat out of the ramp and was ready to head home with the family. Off the ramp is a very tight right turn and a very steep hill to exit the property. I'm no expert at determining incline degrees but I would say it was at least 35-40 degrees. It's super steep. Low and behold the Taco could not make it up the hill. I tried to find the sweet spot for the clutch and gas in first gear but no luck. I tried 4WD and no luck. My guess it that it was too much weight for that steep of an incline for the V6. A nice fellow with a GMC Yukon hooked up to my boat and pulled it up for me. I used to own a GMC Yukon and I have scaled that same steep hill to leave that same ramp in the past with no issues. Never even thought twice about the Taco not making it up.

Anyway, my question is, do you think "clutch start cancel" would have made it up the hill? Or would it have died on me just like when I tried to work it?

 

Just a question... did you try 4 Lo?

And to your question... I had a gen 2 with a 4cyl and manual, and the clutch start would not have helped.
But I would think that low range could have saved you. But, I might be wrong.

 

I did not try 4lo. I may try it next time.

 

I've got a long, steep, narrow, "S-shaped" driveway that I back my trailer up and I've started using 4-lo for that. On days when it was slick, 4-lo was the only way I could get up the drive.

Embrace the 4-lo!

 

My only concern with 4lo was the turn. Not only is it steep but it's a sharp right turn. I was worried my wheels would lock up in 4lo. I'll give it a try next time.

 

If you can't pull it up the ramp in 4 lo... you shouldn't be pulling it in the first place. Understand the concern about the turn, it will bitch about it some but you should be able to make it.

 

To be more specific, what do think you needed more of to get up the hill?
Traction?
Torque?
Stronger clutch?

 

How did you unhook the trailer and hook it up to the GMC? You just happened to have wheel blocks?

Regarding the "find the sweet spot", did you spin the wheels?

 

Did you try 4wd low ?

 

I would think, power (V8) and torque.

 

Yes I had wheel chocks. Keep them with the trailer.

The wheels didn't spin. The truck just died.