Towing

Hi Toyota World, I am New, and looking for information. I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner SR5, which came with a tow package I am assuming. It already had the tow kit on it when i purchased it. I did not buy it new, but my truck as done me nothing but good. I keep seeing alot of information, so excuse me for asking again. I want to tow, and want to purchase a travel trailer. I am seeing 3500 towing capacity, but if you have a tow package already on truck, then it moves up to 6500 towing capacity. I just do not know. So that's why i am here. I figured i would get some good advice and information from here. It's a 4.0 V6, Double Cab, 236 HP. It shows GVWR Class 1D 5.001-6.000lbs. I am looking to purchase a travel trailer with weight at 3500 lbs. Will i be able to tow this comfortable?

 

If you have the v6 with oem tow package, you will be fine. I don’t like to tow over about 5000lbs fully loaded, it’s just not fun.

To be 100% sure, send a pic of your trailer plug, if it’s the 7 pin, you should be fine.
If it’s the 4 pin, 3500 may be your max weight.

 

Thank you Stirling for the information. I really appreciate it. I do know my plug has 6 prongs on the outside, and then the center piece. So i am thinking that is a 7 Pin.

 

Might check to see if you have the transmission oil cooler, too. That is another way to see if it had Factory Tow Package.

Pic not mine, but it's the thing circled in red. You can see it through the grill, or looking down from above (don't need to remove grill like in this pic).

 

Hello and welcome to TW. I tow this travel trailer. Fully loaded comes in around 3200. I also did a spring over so I can drag it further off road. I have pulled it across the US and back. Tacoma pulls it with no problems. Usually set cruise control at around 60. Just be prepared to get around 11 mph. Good luck and safe travels.

 

Just make sure you have a brake controller and you'll be fine. and like @Mully , keep the speed reasonable.

 

Yes, I definitely get a brake controller. Well said @YF_Ryan

 

Thank you you both for the information.

 

I would recommend getting an AAL or some airbags, they can help keep your truck towing level.

 

Do you use a weight distribution hitch?

 

No, just hook up and go. I do run air bags though.

 

Very nice, and SOO many leaves. Looks good.

Just thought I'd ask since "comfortable" towing might be helped with a few simple add-ons. Equalizer hitch, airbags, etc. I'm a big fan of airbags for their versatility, and the price point is awesome.

Personally I have HD leaf springs instead, but that was just cause I ALWAYS have a lot of weight on the truck, rather than just sometimes. And yes, I do tow a lot, but not a travel trailer. Just an open car hauler. The wind resistance makes a massive difference between open and enclosed trailers. I'll stick with my open trailer.

 

I do have the transmission oil cooler on my truck. Thank you.

 

Here I am hauling heavy. A 7 State run on this trip. It was before I did the Spring over to the trailer and was still running Duratracs on stock rims.

 

We were looking at colemans, you like it? Father in law wants us to get a jayco.