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What can my DC 4wd V6 Tacoma pull safely and without hurting the truck?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by aimcat, Jun 20, 2011.

  1. Jun 20, 2011 at 3:26 PM
    #1
    aimcat

    aimcat [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My husband and I have a brand new 2011 Tacoma only had it 2 months. Its a DC, TRD sport, v6, 4wd. We have a sailboat which have acquired and need to pull from one place to our marina...about 2-3 hours driving total. The boat and trailer are at about 4000-4200 lbs. Is this an OK amount to pull with this truck without issue or risk of messing anything up? I know what the owners manual says but I sort of wanted real life opinions? Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Jun 20, 2011 at 3:36 PM
    #2
    lwszabo

    lwszabo Well-Known Member

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    Concord NC
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    You will be fine!
     
  3. Jun 20, 2011 at 3:48 PM
    #3
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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    Here's a VERY comprehensive guide if you are new to towing, need to install a brake controller, etc.:
    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/towing/4031-tacoma-towing-bible.html
    If you have towed with other trucks before, some of the info can be considered common knowledge.

    The TRD Sport trim level includes the towing package, so you have the transmission cooler and brake controller wiring under the dash.
     
  4. Jun 20, 2011 at 3:55 PM
    #4
    aimcat

    aimcat [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes we have the tow and have towed other things many many times....use to have a diesel and ram 1500. So yes familar with towing. Trailer the boat is one does NOT have trailer breaks. So will it still be ok?
     
  5. Jun 20, 2011 at 3:58 PM
    #5
    Chickenmunga

    Chickenmunga Nuggety

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    If you have the towing package, you are rated to pull up to 6500 lbs.
    If you don't have the towing package with a proper hitch, I wouldn't pull more than a child's little red wagon.

    Oswego is right about the break-in. You don't want odd wearing of the engine.

    If you don't have one installed, I would highly consider having an electronic brake controller added. I would recommend an auto-leveling unit that you don't have to goof with all the time. I would suggest something like the Tekonsha Primus IQ
     
  6. Jun 20, 2011 at 4:01 PM
    #6
    aimcat

    aimcat [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oh and our truck has about 4000 miles on it. Yes it has the tow package.
     
  7. Jun 20, 2011 at 4:03 PM
    #7
    whizkidder

    whizkidder Member

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    As long as you pay attention to what you're doing, keep your speed down, etc., you'll be okay. Just remember that your stopping distance might be double with that much weight behind you.
     
  8. Jun 20, 2011 at 4:08 PM
    #8
    bajaracer

    bajaracer Well-Known Member

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    With that amount of weight should he drive his truck in 4th instead of 5(OD)???
     
  9. Jun 20, 2011 at 4:13 PM
    #9
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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    In TN and VA (listed in your sig), trailers over 3000 lb gross are actually required by law to have brakes:
    http://www.towshop.com/trailer_supplemental_braking_laws.htm

    Local driving at slow speed is fine. If you intend to go on the highway and at normal traffic speed, it won't be safe.
     
  10. Jun 20, 2011 at 4:19 PM
    #10
    TnRedNeck721

    TnRedNeck721 Nick Namer

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    ugh. idk. we have towed stuff that was rated at over 3000 and it did NOT have brakes. towed with a tundra.
     
  11. Jun 20, 2011 at 4:21 PM
    #11
    whizkidder

    whizkidder Member

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    The reason to run in 4th instead of OD is to keep the tranny from constantly unlocking the torque converter and/or shifting under load. Either will heat up the oil in the tranny, shortening it's life, and possibly damaging the clutches.

    If the truck will pull the load (boats are pretty aerodynamic) without unlocking/shifting, you're okay. If it starts hunting between gears, or running in OD with the TC unlocked, you should shift to 4th and leave it there.
     
  12. Jun 20, 2011 at 4:25 PM
    #12
    bajaracer

    bajaracer Well-Known Member

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    AEM DRY BRUTE FORCE, FLOWMASTER 50 SERIES, 285/70/17 BFG'S AT KO2'S MOTO METALS 17X8 885's with 5100's LOUD STEREO
    Really, 5th on highway? I thought that was a No-No...
     
  13. Jun 20, 2011 at 4:46 PM
    #13
    Chickenmunga

    Chickenmunga Nuggety

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    Totally different vehicle. Can't compare them.

    whizkidder is on the mark. I have a Dodge 2500 diesel and pull a 24 foot 5th wheel. Unless I'm pulling a major hill, I can't tell it's there - no reason to run high rpm.
     

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