Towing Question

Hi! We have a 2007 Tacoma with the tow package, rated 7500. We have a 3800 lb trailer and the truck seems to really struggle. Were talking about just getting a smaller trailer (maybe closer to 3000 dry) but my husband is thinking it still might struggle even then. Trying to decide if we should look into a Tundra instead or even something else (Ford, Ram etc), but we've both always been fans of Tacoma. We did buy this one and it already had a 3" lift and 33" tires, so we were also considering that could be impacting it.

 

Hmmm......

It looks like the trailer is nose high. Does your hitch have enough drop for the trailer?

The front of the truck looks high also. Do you know the tongue weight of the trailer?

Trailer and truck should be close to level when loaded and ready to go.

7500 lb tow capacity seems generous.

What is the loaded weight of the trailer? 3800 lbs sounds like the dry weight.

 

Welcome to TW.

I've never heard of a Tacoma with a tow reading that high.

Also, without even looking up the specs that trailer looks quite a bit heavier than 3800 pounds. You might want to take it to the scales. I wouldn't be surprised if you're over 5500 pounds there.

3000 pounds wet weight, which is really the only weight that counts, is small. Really small. As in your looking at either a pop-up camper or teardrop trailer.

Lift and tires will affect towing. A lot.

I'd recommend getting more truck.

 

Even a folding camper (pop up) with a 10' box can easily push over 3000 lbs when loaded for camping.

 

The tow capacity with the tow package is 6500lbs. Betting that trailer is closer to 5k lbs once loaded up(if not over that) you’re lifted, and you’re towing a big heavy square air brake behind you.

 

Can confirm. Mine pushes 3300 when the freshwater tank is full.

 

Sorry correction, my husband said 6500 lol. Not 7500. He said because of the V6 and tow package. And yes 3800 is dry on that camper so we were going to go to something smaller. But it sounds like a teardrop or pop-up is probably going to be the best option if we keep with Tacoma?

 

Look at the Sylvan Sport camper set up. If you not dead set on an RV style type camper. They are super cool.

 

We pulled a '99 Coleman Santa Fe pop up (10' box) for a number of years. It was towed with several vehicles. Chevy Venture (ninnivan), Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Sonoma, GMC Sierra 2500 HD.

The worst towing was with the Trailblazer. It had the shortest wheelbase. Had trailer sway a couple times. The first time my arse was harvesting seat foam, then I remembered to use the manual brake on the brake controller. Pressed that, accelerated a little, sway gone. Reduced cruising speed 5 mph. All the other vehicles towed the camper like it wasn't there.

The pop up trailers have a nice low profile to essentially hide behind the tow vehicle. So it is mostly in the slipstream.

 

I'm one of the very few weird, wild, and wacky pop-up advocates. I think they're a fantastic solution to camping. They're light and spacious. They tow easy. They get into places that double axle trailers can't even dream about. They're cute and funky and fun. I've put some seriously hard miles on mine and plan on putting on a lot more.

I will say this however. Almost no one downgrades from a "real" trailer to a pop-up. You'll miss having a real bathroom. What tiny fridge there is, you can't reach when it's folded up. The canvas sides with those 360 degree window views are poorly insulated from heat and cold. These are the reasons why most people won't even consider them. I have to admit they're good ones.

If you move from a big trailer to a small, you give up a lot of luxuries with it. I personally think you gain a lot too, but that's because I like to sometimes drag my trailer through the woods. But for most people's style of plugging into the electric and sewer lines that crowd our state parks, they don't see that part of it. If you're looking to decrease your trailer (and few people ever do) I suggest really sitting down with your husband and creating a list of amenities, then decide which you are willing to give up and which are "must keeps."

 

Looks like you have a weight distribution hitch (bueno). Looks like it is not set up properly (trailer and truck both nose high). If you adjust the handling will improve.

What won’t improve is your towing performance. A Tundra (or any full-size) will handle any trailer better for power, braking, stability and passenger comfort. Get a Tundra and you will be much happier towing.

 

I tow a small travel trailer. For your comfort level and size of your trailer, go full size truck with plenty of power to spare.

 

Theres some great info here. If you really are looking for options for keeping the Tacoma, regearing could be part of the total solution. I have had full size trucks and a couple Tacomas and a couple FJ Cruisers and for some of the places i like to go, I have been limited by a full size pickup. (Assuming the trailer is left at the campground of course). But its all relative to your individual needs. I love the Tundras and the extra space in the cab is a nice bonus to the towing ability if you dont need the smaller size.

 

I tow a 17 foot hybrid trailer that lists at 3000 lbs. With it packed I guess 3500-4000 lbs. I never tow with fresh water tank full as that is extra weight to haul. MyTacoma tows it with very little problems yet I do feel it back there. Another option to consider is the hybrid.

 

Either drop down to stock sized tires or re-gear your truck.

 

Probably not what you want to hear.
And probably not the most popular opinion.

I would look into a different trailer, or different truck.
My opinion is that the Tacoma is over rated in towing capability.
It doesn’t stop well, and it just doesn’t have the power need to sustain speed with out running the engine hard, or constantly changing gears. (I use 4th for tow, even on the highway with a 3,200 lbs ramp gate trailer)
Even with a regear, it’s still a small Tacoma.

I do like the Tundra, but it lacks the better MPG, Gear Options, Power of the Ram 1500.
To me the Tundra drivetrain is a bit “dated”. I myself would wait on the next generation and see if they
come out with more option.

My brother has a Ram 1500 with 3.92 gears.
He does just fine with a 7,200 lbs trailer in the foothills of Tennessee.

I have driven the Ford, but never experienced towing with it.

 

Realistically around 4500 lbs is a sensible maximum for a Tacoma. The larger tires are robbing you of power and if you are towing at altitude that robs power too. The tow ratings are at sea level. Most trucks lose about 3% of their power for each 1000' above sea level.

One of the advantages of Fords Eco-Boost engines is that they are turbo charged and much less effected by altitude. They make a 2.7L and 3.5L engine. The 2.7 if properly equipped will tow about 8000 lbs. And get better fuel mileage than a Tacoma. Probably cost less too.

The key is "properly equipped". Toyota builds all of their trucks as trucks. I like Ford, but the vast majority of Ford trucks on the road are grocery getters. If you want to tow with an F150 you had better be really careful with your choices. With the right equipment Fords will handle more weight than just about anyone. Some won't tow as much as a Tacoma and some have less payload, sometimes a lot less. Do your homework and don't trust a salesman.

 

I would also keep transmission temps in mind. Given your trailer weight and your tire size, I am certain your transmission temps are frequently much higher than they should be even pulling in 4th gear.

 

When it comes to towing, more truck is always better.

 

I tow an 18x8.5 car hauler (4k lbs empty) with a diesel van. I've only owned a Tacoma 2 weeks now, but after spending hours and hours reading about these trucks, I've decided I will not be towing anything over 3k with the taco for a distance.

There's lots of options that would help your cause, many have been mentioned. Air bags in the rear would also be an option for leveling. You will probably overheat the brake rotors even once you get all the stability and acceleration issues (regear) fixed. If I were you, I would consider something better suited for towing if you want to keep the camper.