Suggested towing mods?

Hello!

I’ve got a 2017 TRD Sport 6 Speed Manual Tacoma towing a 2006 FunRunner toy hauler. Dry weigh is 3800lbs, loaded with the kids atv, ours and all our gear we are roughly 5,200lbs. The truck has a Redarc break controler, timbrin bump stops, and a 3” MBRP cat back exhaust and a husky weight distribution hitch with sway control. Anyone else have something similar set up with tips or suggestions for mods?

 

You need to check out this forum sub-section of TW: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/towing.34/

 

I would look at the towing thread as mentioned above. What sort of mods are you looking for? More power?

 

Def beef up rear suspension.

 

Besides a tune and regear, you have most of the bases covered. I on occasion pull my work trailer which is slightly heavier but has a much lower aerodynamic profile and the truck does it, not well though even with 5.29’s, tuned and urd spec-u complete exhaust. These trucks are great for “commuter” or “lifestyle” trucks, but if I had to tow, even a small trailer on a regular basis this is not the right platform. Modern 1/2 trucks have more power, better breaking and yield better fuel economy and stepping up further 3/4 and 1 ton trucks have even more capability and yield similar fuel economy. Now take that with a grain of salt, where I live you are pretty much either going up in elevation or down, someone that lives in a flatter area might have better mpg results.

 

This may be unpopular, but the Tacoma is not a good towing platform. At least you have the manual, I think it does a better job. Also, depends on where you tow. I hauled my travel trailer with a Ram Hemi for the first time over Thanksgiving. It was a night and day difference, it was effortless and not tiring.

 

If you are dead set on keeping your taco a 5.29 re gear and tune are a must IMO. After almost a year of almost full time towing my XOC teardrop (3500 fully loaded) along with my Taco loaded to the gills I have come to the conclusion that I am asking too much of my Taco.

This last week in 60+ MPH winds from Cheyenne to Casper I averaged 6.8 MPG and was bouncing between S3 and S4 with stock gears and 275/70/17 KO2s sitting on an OME Heavy 2.5 lift. I know I am heavy and undergeared but after that experience through the mountains I came to the conclusion I am asking too much of the truck.

Lockers and 5.29s and an Overlamd Taylor tune were next on the list. Keep in mind I just had an RTT and was towing a 3500# (max) off road travel trailer. You are pulling 2k lbs more and if you are doing it regularly I would seriously consider upgrading your tow rig. My $.02

 

I have been towing full time since May of this year and agree with this 100%. The Taco can tow and it is a damn fine vehicle BUT IT DOES NOT tow well. As long as you are comfortable with that, all will be well. Info in my build thread linked in my sig if anyone is curious on my setup (weight slips included).

 

As someone that has owned RVs since the 1980 I will tell you that Tacoma's and RVs do not go hand in hand. You need a full size truck to safely and reliably tow a camper.

 

Not to beat a dead horse but…unless it’s infrequent or short distance towing the Tacoma is not to the tool for 5000lbs of trailer.

 

If you're set on that combo one thing you can always do to help your setup tow well is keep the weights and balance in check. I think those FJ wheels are something like 6-7 lbs each heavier than stock wheels so you could gain some power back and if your tires are larger than factory your losing drivability from that as well. In general removing excess weight from the combo everywhere is helpful and try to keep as much of your junk in the trailer rather than in the bed. Keeping heavy items on the trailer towards the axles (like that spare tire could be mounted under for example) and making sure you have some stout trailer tires (carlisle or goodyear) at full pressure will improve the stability also.

 

F-150.

Tundra.

That's of course assuming you'll want to drag that thing around at hwy speeds for more than 20 miles.