Towing an emergency

My son has a 1st gen 2002 Tacoma 4cyl, 5 speed. Transmission went on my Van ( tow vehicle ). I am purchasing a 2013 Tacoma 4cyl 5 speed soon. Have a camping trip 90 mile away this week. I will be towing my pop up 3500lbs with 1 of the Tacomas with out trailer brake hook up. I;m hoping to baby it and not have issues. Any input would be appreciated.

 

Welcome to tw. No way in hell I’d tow that without trailer brakes. For a couple miles in town, maybe. But you’d be risking not only yourself but others on the road.

 

I feel the same but due to the situation I probably have to. My plan is to leave early am ( 5am ) before traffic. Maybe I will get lucky and purchase new truck and get brake system installed by Friday

 

You don’t ever “have to” go camping, especially when you’re being unsafe. Either get something to brake that trailer or stay home.

 

Ah yes, the 'ol life or death camping trip. You'll probably be fine, but if I were in your shoes I'd find a different way. Home Depot rents trucks, I'm sure there are other options local to you.

 

Understood. Any input on the 4cyl 5 speed pulling it?

 

Putting other people’s lives in danger = no bueno

 

Send it!!

 

I think youll tow it just fine. its a 5 speed. stay in a lower gear, dont ever touch 5th, and be cautious. its only 90 miles im sure youll do it just fine.

 

I pulled that much will my 99 4cylinder without brakes without a problem. I was careful to double my following distance and to keep my speed low. I think your pop-up has a 3500 pounds axle but weighs less than 2500 pounds without cargo.

 

a pop up weighing 3500????????

 

Does the 2013 you are looking at buying have the tow package with the 7 pin connector under the rear bumper? If it does you can buy a brake controller and have it installed in the truck in 5 minutes.

 

The 4cyl never got the tow package.

 

darn...

 

So i'm going to go with DO NOT DO THIS. Recently I was coming into stopped traffic on the freeway, and slowly coasting down from the low 50s in the slow lane... I finally decided to hit the brakes to slow myself down the rest of the way to find my trailer brakes were not properly connected... My truck did not like stopping my 4000lbs without trailer brakes. It freaked me out BAD. And at the time I was only doing 25-30. I know you'd prolly take it more carefully, as I thought my brakes were working, and you would know you didn't have any, but in an actual SLAM YOUR BRAKES ON moment... it could be horrible.

 

Well said.

 

No

 

Ok. I'm not doing it without brakes. Input on the 4cyl, 5speed pulling it.

 

I previously owned a 2009 2.7 4 cyl 5 speed, towing was ok but it was working pretty hard going up hills or with a lot of wind.

 

Very few popups will top 3000 lbs loaded. And 3000 lbs is where trailer brakes are required in MOST states. Some have no requirement, others more or less. I've pulled 3000 lbs without trailer brakes and would do so again.

You'll need to check the specs, but I think 3500 is the limit for 4 bangers. Normally it is payload that limits how much you can tow, but payload is the same so you'll have plenty.

You're probably pushing things to the limit, but I think you'll be legal in most places. Not something I'd do on a regular basis, but for a one time trip I'd probably do it.