Towing – Taco or Tundra?

Let me start by saying that I’m not a truck guy; I’ve never owned a pickup but I think I need one. I have a classic British car that I want to start trailering to shows, any ware from 200 to 2,000 miles one way, and I’m hoping you guys can give me some recommendations.

The car and trailer should weigh in at a about 4,800 lbs. I’m considering buying a previously owned, 2020 through 2023, Taco or Tundra. Specifications state that both can handle that load but which in your opinion would be the better way to go? The Tundra has lots more towing capacity.

I have some questions and would appreciate your input as well as hearing about things that I might not know now but should consider:

1. If the Taco would work just fine, I suspect I want a V6. Should I look for a manual or an automatic?

2. If you recommend I go with the Tundra (I realize this is not a Tundra forum) any comments whether I should go for the 5.7L V8 or would the 3.5L V6 be acceptable?

3. I see there is a trailering package that was available on the Taco. What is the Toyota code for that option and where would I see it listed on the truck?

4. Do I want 4WD?

5. Any issues with Taco’s of this period that I need to be aware of?

6. Anything else that I need to know or consider?

Thank you in advance. I look forward to your inputs.

 

I’d go with a 1/2 ton. Not necessarily Tundra.

I like 4x4 but that’s personal preference

 

If those are the considerations I would go for Tundra it’s going to be sooo much more comfortable on long hauls.

 

Taco is not the answer.

 

½ ton would work best. Either a 5.7L Tundra or a newer F150. Don't trust the new Tundras with the track record of the new turbo motors blowing up.

 

With those choices.....Tundra.

 

The Tacoma will not do it just fine for 2,000 miles. - Get the Tundra

5.7 - They did not have the 3.4 in 2020-2023

Again, don't get the Tacoma. Get a Tundra. - But ut would be listed as "Trailer Tow Package".

Yes.

It's not a Tundra. It won't tow as good as the Tundra. That is the issue.

The Tundra will tow better. PERIOD.

 

Tundra. And yes to 4wd. Even a wet, flat field could get you stuck with a trailer.

 

I towed a 24' enclosed aluminum race trailer around 15-20K miles with my 2nd Gen Tundra, medium WB 4WD. Typically, the trailer was 6500-7000lbs.
Had a combo WD/AS hitch setup. It was a comfortable pull. Averaged 8-9mpg in nearly any circumstance (as compared to 13.X in regular driving), except in heavy traffic.
I once filled up approaching Charlottesville (hilly four lane road with tons of intersections) at rush hour and had to refill on the other side of town at 3/8 tank. Under 3mpg. Shocking consumption.

Tundra tow mirrors are really fit for purpose.
Tekonsha Prodigy is plug and play.

 

Tundra.

Or F150

 

With those distances and weights, the Tacoma is way out of its league. You need a 1/2 ton. Not necessarily the Tundra, there are many good 1/2 ton trucks out there.

 

Folks,

Thank you for the replies and suggestions. I now have much more to consider as i thought the Taco would be good enough.

Gary

 

I would be looking for a 2021 or older Tundra (2nd gen). More reliable and much cheaper than the 3rd gen Tundra (the one with the turbo 3.5), and likely cheaper than most Tacomas you'll find, too.

There were two engine options, 5.7 and 4.6 liter V8's. I think the smaller one would be fine, but noticeably less power while towing that much.

If you go back super far, you'll also see some with 4.7 liter V8's; these would also be fine, but are probably quite old now. If this is a second car (not your daily driver), then it might make sense to snag an older 2nd gen.

Second choice would be an F150 of some sort, due to my own perceived reliability of Ford over the other two American companies. You might also like how one of the full size brands drives over the others, you probably just want to check some out.

Edit: removed F250 suggestion; the days of cheapish 3/4 tons seem to be gone.

 

Unless your classic British car is one of those three wheel models, I think it's doubtful that your gross trailer weight will end up at 4800 lb. You need to take into account everything that the trailer is made of, as well as what goes on the trailer. I think you are going to end up closer to 6000 lbs, all in. That figure includes the tie-downs, the contents of the car, the gasoline in the tank, anything in the tool box, and the trailer's spare tire. You'll want to be sure that the trailer has electric brakes on both axles, not surge brakes. Be certain that the trailer brakes are self-adjusting.

When it comes to towing, I've been spoiled. I use a Dodge Ram diesel.

 

Thanks but it won't be that heavy; 2,400 for the car and about 2,000 for the trailer. Incidentals another 500 - 750 lbs.
Anyway, I'm strongly leaning towards a full-size pickup or SUV and not the Tacoma.