The Tacoma Towing Bible

I thought that it was bad if you pulled someone out or towed something in reverse. I might be wrong though.

 

I think you're referring to people talking about the reverse gear in the transmission being small and weak, and could break more easily than the other gears.

 

that the BIG reason?

 

I believe so. It's just a tiny gear that reverses the direction of first gear I think, so it could easily shatter if you put too much torque to it. Although, I personally have no idea how big or strong that gear is or if it's really an issue. Just something I've heard people mention.

 

Just took my 2008 reg cab in for a check on some brake vibration. While there, I also asked if they would do the Leaf Spring TSB and they said "no" the TSB did not apply to regular cabs.

I just noticed there is an update (new) to the TSB that clarifies this. SO unless there is a another way I will have to do the upgrades on my own nickle.

 

Regarding reversing, I can't see there being an issue reversing with a trailer up to the vehicle's limit (6,500 for the V6 2nd gen). What people are talking about it when you try and recover a stuck vehicle (eg whilst 4 wheeling) by pulling him out in reverse.

 

Okay.. So how can you tell?? I have a reciever on my tacoma, and the wiring harness?? Will the reciever be a toyota brand or what??

 

Do you have the factory towing package? If so it's all Toyota, you add the brake controller.

 

He has a 2001 so the tow capacities will not be the same as ours. Wiring won't be the same either, and it may not be pre-wired for a controller.

 

ive got a 07 tacoma v-6 4x4 with the tow package, automatic. i discovered this site looking for a suitable side mirror for towing the boat that i tow. my question is this, ive got the stock auto trans cooler thats mounted up front of the radiator, but would you recommend up grading to the beefier b&m tranny cooler? the boat that i tow weighs around 2900lbs (wet)
also what other mods would you recommend as well, cause ill prob be doing some towing over passes an such but dont want to hurt my so called fuel econ? im debating bout upgrading the exhaust, cold air intake, power tower, chip?

 

I just stayed with the factory tranny cooler. We pulled the 19' Airstream 2500 miles last summer. Over some good passes in CO. Across KS into a good headwind. I think I am going to get a temp guage for the transmission. I don't think I was cooking it, but have no way to know for sure.
I am not sure you can do much to help the mpgs when your pulling a heavy load like that. Ours dropped from 20 to 12. It seemed to be at 12 no matter how easy I was on it..
If you find a way to get a few more miles per gallon when towing, I'd like to know.
Jeff

 

At 2900 lbs wet I wouldn't bother with upgrading the cooler, the stock one should do fine for you.

As for fuel economy.... A boat is more aerodynamic that what I normally tow as I only move the boat twice a year, but realistically just don't watch your fuel economy while towing. I stopped watching myself get 10-11 mpg and I am less pissy that way.

Do an exhaust if you like the sound, change your airfilter if you want to go with an afe dryflow or something for cost savings over the life of the replacements, but don't bother with either if you are seeking to alter your fuel economy.

You'll do fine through the passes. If the boat trailer has brakes make sure they work, otherwise you should be good to go.

Regards,

Adam

 

2900# is nothing really (even with extra gear and pax on top of that). Through the mountains, you will have no problems. All the OEM goodie are GTG. If the tranny keeps shifting down two gears or more on the inclines, reduce speed a bit and get runs downhill to assist going up.
Overall, your GTG.

The lowest measured fuel economy I've ever seen is 11 MPG. Even with the heaviest loads I've pulled. That seems to be the bar and what I base my fuel stops at.

 

No.. the tranny cooler that comes with the tow package is enough. I tow a 5000# travel trailer sometimes in heat over 90 and never had a problem.

 

I have a question on what would be a good drop for a draw bar on a Prerunner.

Now, before you say it, I know that it depends on what I'm towing. Right now I'm going to tow a utility trailer--but only ONCE, on the highway, 110 miles one way, to deliver it to my father in law. I did the measurements to calculate the appropriate drop, and it came out to 9.5 inches. I can hardly even FIND an 8"+ drop draw bar, and I have severe doubts about its utility after this one towing job. I figure I could be using just about any U-haul rental (tow dolly, car hauler, trailer) after this.

Would it be OK to buy something a little more common, like a 3" to 4" drop--would I still be able to tow the almost unloaded utility trailer up to my father in law's house?

Or are prerunners and 4x4s just so tall that a 9.5" drop is normal?

 

Assuming that your truck is still at stock ride height and you have not lifted it. I think the issue may be with the size of the utility trailer in question rather than the height of the truck.

On my 07 4x4 at stock ride height I use a straight bar mounted in the drop position for my enclosed motorcycle trailer, and I use a 3" drop for my 20' Sea Ray. I use the WD hitch for the travel trailer, and the way that is set up is roughly a 2" drop.

Hope that helps.

 

I agree with Maverick, if your not lifted, the 2" drop is the way to go. Remember that the rear of the truck will settle a bit with the trailer attached. (Stock height) it would be an extremely small (Ex: 3'x5') utility trailer to require any more than 2" of drop.

If it were me and I would only tow once, I'd borrow the receiver from a buddy. They're all the same as long as it's a 2" square receiver. May need a longer receiver pin since the Tacoma utilizes a Class IV hitch, but their cheap.

 

If you are talking about snatching or pulling somebody out while you " puller " are trying to pull in reverse. It can mess up ring and pinion gears. I know of several people who have done this.

So yea bad Idea to snatch somebody in reverse

 

How do I find out how much more my truck can tow if I get a "weight distribution hitch" added to my truck? BTW, I'm very thankful that you have setup this site for noobs like me who want to know more about towing w/ a Tacoma.

 

Max load doesn't change with a WD hitch. It just balances things out for better control. It doesn't magically upgrade your engine's HP, braking power, tires, or traction.