Towing long distance in high mileage Tacoma

Any thoughts on the reality of success in me towing a 5x8 enclosed trailer across country and back in my '09 Tacoma with 230K miles? In anything other than a Taco would be crazy I know.

 

What is the weight of the trailer and it's cargo?

Tow rating of your truck?

How are you equipped for towing?

Cargo weight in/on truck?

 

As with any vehicle, if its been maintained, it'll be fine.

 

Well maintained? Not overloaded? Capable of in trip repair if needed? CC, AAA, cell phone?

Have fun.

 

my 08 is at 233k as well.
I towed a 2500lb (loaded) trailer last summer at 226k from sea level to 7000 ft. and towed great. (i am 4x4 and long travel with 35 in. tires geared to 4:56)

This year ill be towing a 3600lb (loaded) trailer again back up to that same location...i have always kept up with maintenance but this time i added a bigger transmission cooler and a separate fan (towing through the desert at 110 degree heat) and will be servicing the transmission before going as well.

 

More details:

5x8 trailer with two dirtbikes = 3800lbs,
stock Toyota towing square receiver hitch (unknown capacity),
additional weight in vehicle marginal (luggage),
4.0L engine well cared for, manual 6sp transmission

 

Get a transmission cooler if not already installed; they are easy enough to put in yourself. Turn off overdrive, don't try to race anybody, and don't expect great mileage.

Does the trailer have brakes? I'd hope so at 3800lb. If they're not surge brakes you'll need a brake controller.

Edit: It's a manual Forget what I said about the cooler and overdrive. You'll be fine, just take it easy.

 

If you have the tow package, and your truck is well maintained, just do it. Shouldn’t be any problem at all.

 

Check with states along your route. I know that in California >3500lbs must have trailer brakes.

 

Sounds like the trip I just did. Just towed a tear drop trailer up to Crowley Lake last week, that hill up to Tom's Place is a killer, 3000 feet in 8.5 miles. Topping out at 7000 feet from 4000. I made 45 mph up it.

 

yup that jump is brutal and he truck screams getting up but it maintains it; I’m heading back up there with an r pod rental trailer in 2 weeks so hopefully all goes well (I’m at 235k now)

 

when crossing mountain grades

be certain to stay in the High torque ranges

many tow Hi HP that causes Stress/overheating

Hi Torque is when the engine is breathing BEST !!

it filling the Best air/fuel

NO less its the MOST Efficient cylinder combustion ...............

be Patient TEMP needle should NOT Move !!

use the best oil ( not going to get in that crapfest )

no less use the good grade gas..........does Not have to be the highest price or octane
( check out the Top Tier locations along the way )

there are Plains state where that need Not be a priority

flat / level not usually a concern

 

Have a safe trip