What's needed for towing?

New to the forum

Currently in the market a truck

Looking at the Tacoma or F-150

I tow an enclosed trailer (20x8.5) with a race car (1250lbs)

The Tacoma fits all the boxes because it's shorter (I live in a townhouse complex and parking is limited)

The f150 is too long for the parking spot that my neighbours probably wouldn't be too happy about lol

Anyways back on topic,

Based on my readings on the forums it seems I'll need couple things to make my Tacoma better for towing
1) stiffer springs in the rear
2) reflash

Anything else comes to mind?
The total weight of towing is only around.... 4750lbs with gear

Any insight, tips are greatly appreciated in helping me

Thank you

 

Make sure you have trailer brakes. You’ll need a control if they are electric. You might need a sway control and or a weight distribution hitch.

 

Ya trailer brake controller is a must

Sway control gotta look into

But the rest of the stuff am I good in thinking is what I need to be more future proof?

 

How far are you towing the trailer? Hills? If your towing on hills or mountain terrain. I’d think twice on the Toyota. Also if your towing every weekend.

 

Realistically probably only 4-8 times a year
It's from Vancouver bc to Shelton WA, so roughly 360km each way

Not a whole lot of hills, even if there is it's not crazy steep

 

Looks good to me. When you say reflash are you referring to the OVTune? I definitely think that would help. My camper is about 1000 lbs. less than your setup, if I had any more tongue weight I'd need stiffer springs or a weight distribution hitch. Passing big rigs can kind of upset my trailer sometimes so I think I'm border line on the sway control. Keep in mind that's a heavy load for a Tacoma. Make sure you get the towing package.

 

Well then get ordering! And enjoy

 

If you don't mind driving stick, a Tacoma MT is the way to go! Tows about 2000lbs as good as my dad's 2012 EcoBoost.

 

Sumo springs or an air suspension would be a benefit. Also an equalizer hitch would help a lot.

 

Thats a lot of trailer, but I guess it's comparable to most campers dudes here tow. I'll echo everyone above, brake controller, wd hitch and sway control would be a must....you'd be more comfortable in a full size I bet though .

 

Test drove one today
It was comfy and good

So far on my list of must have:

Husky Center Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller

And stiffer rear springs

Now... What's the recommendation for rear suspension upgrade ?

I've looked at my trailer again (cargomate 20x8) it's only 2900lb with my car weighting 1250lb
Total of 4150lb


Do I need ovtune ? Or not really?

 

Reflash was only done on early 16's trannys.
Air springs work fantastic as they are adjustable to any load.
Brake controller and E brakes on trailer are a must.

Flat or hilly terrain ?

 

Mainly flat

Not a whole lot of hills

 

You'll be good at 5k.
I have air lift suspension and ebrake. Tows fantastic at 5k.

 

which air lift suspension do you have?

i'd prefer stock height - since i wont be off-roading

how about sumosprings? which should i look at

 

https://www.4wheelparts.com/Towing/...2362.aspx?t_c=67&t_s=2&t_pt=9332&t_pn=FIR2362
Don't remember off hand if that is the exact number kit required, but you get the idea. I can look tomorrow.


https://www.4wheelparts.com/Suspens...00.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=546&t_pt=4110&t_pn=AIR72000

I like the airlift because I can adjust it perfectly to any load. More $$$ but worth it IMO.

 

I would get the F150.

Yes your numbers say it’s possible. But it’s a 20’ car hauler and that is a whole ton of aerodynamic drag. My 14’+2.5’ v-nose pulled by my Tacoma spends its time in 4th gear. Forget about 5th it just won’t hold it unless going down steep hills. That is with a motorcycle and not a car inside. The drag makes higher gears impossible.

Now lots tow right up to the maximum and say it’s fine. Myself I wouldn’t want to tow your rig with a Tacoma. If I had to pull mine week in and out I would go back to a full sized. Yours I wouldn’t want to pull across town.

 

I thought the same as
You till he said he was only towing 4 x a year or so. If the F150 won’t fit then Tacoma should work. It won’t like it agreed but it’ll do it

 

If you are going Tacoma get the manual transmission for that kind of load. I would also recommend OVTune for it.

 

Yep

I was set of the f150 until I tried to park it in my parking spot

Neighbours won't be happy since I live in a corner lot and they might hit the truck as they turn in, outside parking is not available sadly

Tacoma sb fits perfectly and I only tow 4x a year

I agree it'll be slow but previously when towing with my old f350 I only go 60-65 mph anyways

Decided to sell the f350 which I only use when towing and my daily drive to have 1 vehicle that can do both (daily and tow)

So it seems like the Tacoma fits that perfectly