Towing question

Hi I recently bought a 2003 Tacoma prerunner non 4x4 4 cylinder. Im mainly going to use this to move around motorcycles around to track and was wondering what would be a best set up. I plan on towing 3 motorcycles about 300 miles round trip . Would 1 bike on bed and two on trailer be a ideal set up or two bikes on bed and 1 on trailer. The bed only has stock tie downs currently but I plan on installing the l brackets on the side of the bed for more tie down location. Each bike weight about 440 wet. I have a harbor freight trailer that weights about 250ish but with top box and other accessories it can be up to 300 pounds. So total with two bikes and trailer is around 1200 ib.

 

I'd do 3 on a trailer if it were me.

 

If you're going to have a trailer, might as well have them all on the trailer if they fit. Use the bed for all your other junk. Not sure which HF trailer you have, I couldn't find one on their site...

Many moons ago I rented a U-haul utility trailer that fit 3 dirtbikes for a long weekend camping/riding trip. I've since gotten my own 4x8' urility trailer that can still easily fit 3 dirt bikes (2 forward, 1 backward). Knee dragger bikes might be a tighter fit, but you could do it.

The thing about a bike in the bed towing a trailer is that your tailgate will more than likely need to be down, which can cause clearance issues with the trailer when turning. I know with my short bed, there's no way I can fit a bike in the bed and shut the gate. My 97 extracab from long ago might have been able to shut teh agte as long as the bike went corner to corner, but I honestly can't remember.

Anyhoo, fit them all on the trailer if you can. You won't have to lug those pigs up as high... And it'll leave more room in the bed for beer and steaks.

 

Thanks for the advice , I'll have to do one bike on bed since my trailer can only for 2 bikes hopefully I won't have any clearence issue with the tail gate down

 

The important things!!

 

Just make sure you check it out before you drive off! See how tight you can turn and not hit anything. If you're at like 90*, you're all good in the hood. Or, like I said, you might be able to fit the one in the bed diagonally, or just skoot the rear wheel over to the side.

If you're looking for a project, you could probably modify the trailer to fit 3 bikes But, being a HF trailer, it's probably not going to be able to handle the extra weight anyway...

 

For sure, I'm waiting on my hitch to arrive then testing time

 

Auto or Manual? If Auto I would install a transmission cooler. Very important when you're hauling heavy loads. Which trailer harness did you go with?

Oh and make sure you turn Overdrive OFF when towing. You'll wreck your drivetrain if you don't, it's a bad idea. Make sure your brakes are all good, if you tow a lot I'd recommend the Tundra brake upgrade to improve the stopping power especially if you're going over hilly terrains and highways.

The 4-Cyls have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds so you shouldn't have any problem.

 

It's a automatic, I'll look into transmission cooler. Trailer harness so you mean hitch? I went with curts class 3 trailer hitch

 

No, the electrical trailer harness that controls the brake lights on the trailer.

 

Ohh I'm going to install the standard 4 prong harness