Howdy. Wife and I have over a year to retirement, and we plan to buy DP but still shopping, and will be part-timers. Part of my mission necessitates me buying a new 4x4 truck now, prior to making the decision regarding the DP. I am settling on the 4x4 Tacoma, which has a gross weight of about 5300lbs. It appears I will need a dolly to tow, so that would increase towing weight by some factor. My question is, will a toad of that weight and size limit my choices on the DP? We are thinking about 34-36' range on the MH. Any guesses on engine size to handle the load? I understand the coach has to be rated to handle the weight of the load, is this weight reasonable?Thanks friends.Bill

A 4x4 Tacoma may be able to be towed four down. There may be a neutral switch similar to what I have on my Ram. Not sure but worth checking.Our Sebring with dolly comes in a just over 4,000 lbs. Not quite the 5,300 for the Tacoma but the 300 Cummins pulls that with no problem.

The engine should be a diesel with enough HP. Our DP has a 370hp Cummins. We can tow in mountains with no problem. Don't even know the truck is back there. The hitch on the RV must be rated for the weight of your truck. Our 2008 Chevy Colorado 4x4 pickup can be towed "4-down" by just pushing a button on the dash. I would think the Tacoma would be the same way. No dolly necessary. Less to worry with.

If a 4X4 Tacoma can be dolly towed, it is one of the VERY few that I have ever seen that can! (Actually, I have NEVER seen a 4X4 of any kind that can be towed on a dolly without removing/disconnecting the driveshaft!) But then, I have never owned a Toyota truck.I have, however, owned Datsun/Nissan (4X4 and 4X2); Chevrolet (4X4 and 4X2); Assorted Jeeps; Dodges (4X4 and 4X2); a few old 4X2 Fords; and even a Land Rover.NONE were approved by the manufacturer for dolly towing!I strongly recommend that you read the Owners Manual and follow the instructions.Good luck.

I had a 2004 Tacoma 4x4. It could not be towed on a dolly or 4-down. The newer Tacoma cannot be towed as well. I had to put a driveshaft disconnect on it. I would advise against doing that. I put up with mine for 3 years before I had enough and traded for my Jeep. I love the Jeep but miss having a pickup. Look at the Chevy Colorado. That would be my choice. They can be towed 4 down. If you want the Tacoma I would suggest getting a good quality low built trailer to haul it on. You will have brakes and can also backup if needed..

Billinwoodland, Everyone has their own reasons for whatever kind, make and model of toad they choose. At this point, it seems you're pretty "head strong" (for lack of a better phrase or word) for the Toyota 4x4 which, cannot be flat towed. You say your a bit away from retirement and are basically just looking way ahead to sort of get "setup" for when the day comes. Now, you have your reasons for wanting the Toyota. And, don't get me wrong, I've owned Toyotas and I think they're a great vehicle. My little Toyota truck, an '84 SR-5, two wheel drive, was an outstanding, dependable machine. But, since you have a choice, and are not pushed for time, why not make it way, way, way, easier on yourself by not getting the Toyota and THE DOLLY, and go after a number of 4x4 vehicles that can be flat towed without ANY modifications what so ever. My goal, as well as most retired RVers out there, is to make life simple but, still enjoy what you like. Jeep Wranglers, the 4x4 versions anyway (apparently there are still 4x2 versions still made)are all flat towable. Yep, they're not a truck but, it's a 4x4. There are GM and some Fords that are 4x4s with a "neutral" in the transfer case that can be flat towed. All of which has no need for the dolly. I've never owned a dolly and never, never will. Some don't have any problems with them in trying to store them in and around all the camp spots you'll be getting. Again, you have your reasons for wanting the Toyota and, if you don't mind the inconvenience of having that dolly and/or the extra step, each and every time, you hook up and un hook, for camping and traveling. Good luck and enjoy your upcoming retirement.Scott

Another Toad question | Good Sam Community

Edouard
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
A TOW PLATE is usually referred to as a TOW BASE-PLATE. Base Plates are designed to fit under the front end of your towed vehicle as a permanent attachment point for your Tow Bar, usually placed behind the plastic bumper of the vehicle that you tow with the for wheels on the ground.
JanTx
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
what's a TOW Plate??
msmith1199
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2013
Billinwoodland wrote:
msmith1199 wrote:
Bill although a trailer would be nice, before you go that route remember when you get to the RV park what do you do with the trailer? If you can always find nice long pull-throughs then you are fine. But if you can't then you have to have some place to keep the trailer. At least if you have a truck in it or on it you can offload the truck and use it to move the trailer, but if you have a vette in it like your friend then good luck trying to move the trailer. You'll have to park it someplace with the motorhome. Just something else to think about.

Good info, thank you. BTW, to be open minded, and consideration to buy American products, i did some reading on the Chevy Colorado. It got terrible reviews. In the small truck category,Toyota really rules.

But Toyotas are not RV towing friendly. Also I have the Dodge Dakota not the Chev. The Dakota is easily towable four down and it says it's okay in the owners manual so it doesn't void your warranty. I would imagine the Toyota has better write-ups than the Dakota but my Dakota is six years old now and has not given me one bit of trouble. I've had to do nothing to it but routine maintenance and I think there was one recall item.
Billinwoodland
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
RSchleder wrote:
Having owned 3 diesel pusher's I towed an open trailer with a street rod on it, an inclosed trailer w/rod, a dolly with a car on it as well as 3 different vehicles w/4 wheels down. The 300+ hp diesels pulled everything just fine but the 400hp pusher did the best in the mountains.
I sold the dolly after ONE trip! Never again it was a major PITA as far as I'm concerned. My recommendation--- buy a vehicle that meets your needs that can be towed all wheels down. Put a good tow plate on it, buy a good tow bar that will handle the weight of your toad and hit the road with a smile on your face. Good luck!

I like this forum. You are all awesome.
Thanks
Bill
RSchleder
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
Having owned 3 diesel pusher's I towed an open trailer with a street rod on it, an inclosed trailer w/rod, a dolly with a car on it as well as 3 different vehicles w/4 wheels down. The 300+ hp diesels pulled everything just fine but the 400hp pusher did the best in the mountains.
I sold the dolly after ONE trip! Never again it was a major PITA as far as I'm concerned. My recommendation--- buy a vehicle that meets your needs that can be towed all wheels down. Put a good tow plate on it, buy a good tow bar that will handle the weight of your toad and hit the road with a smile on your face. Good luck!
Groover
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2013
427435 wrote:
If you want/need a 4WD pickup, buy one that can be towed 4 down. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge 4WD's can be.

Don't assume that it can be towed 4-down just because it is 4wd. It will have to have a neutral switch on the transfer case. I have been looking at Fords and from what I can find out in the F150 you have to get a Lariat or higher to get the neutral position. In the Superdutys Lariat and up don't get the switch.

Also, as others have cautioned, don't believe everything you hear or read about the tow capacity of a coach. I have found a lot of mis-leading statements, even in factory printed materials.
Billinwoodland
Explorer
Jun 05, 2013
msmith1199 wrote:
Bill although a trailer would be nice, before you go that route remember when you get to the RV park what do you do with the trailer? If you can always find nice long pull-throughs then you are fine. But if you can't then you have to have some place to keep the trailer. At least if you have a truck in it or on it you can offload the truck and use it to move the trailer, but if you have a vette in it like your friend then good luck trying to move the trailer. You'll have to park it someplace with the motorhome. Just something else to think about.

Good info, thank you. BTW, to be open minded, and consideration to buy American products, i did some reading on the Chevy Colorado. It got terrible reviews. In the small truck category,Toyota really rules.
msmith1199
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2013
Bill although a trailer would be nice, before you go that route remember when you get to the RV park what do you do with the trailer? If you can always find nice long pull-throughs then you are fine. But if you can't then you have to have some place to keep the trailer. At least if you have a truck in it or on it you can offload the truck and use it to move the trailer, but if you have a vette in it like your friend then good luck trying to move the trailer. You'll have to park it someplace with the motorhome. Just something else to think about.
Billinwoodland
Explorer
Jun 03, 2013
Wow, you guys are awesome. I think I still have some research to do. I certainly believe in the KISS principle, so being able to tow 4 down does fit into that. I am one of those folks who likes to think things out in advance so all of your advice is very much appreciated. Buddy of mine has a 40' Monaco with 300 HP diesel. He pulls an enclosed trailer with his Cherokee or his vet, depending on his mission. He told me that the only time he knows that trailer is behind him is on a grade.

I am sure I will be "picking all of your brains" once wife and I get closer to the MH purchase. Thanks again.
Bill
deadbat
Explorer
Jun 01, 2013
Billinwoodland wrote:
Howdy. Wife and I have over a year to retirement, and we plan to buy DP but still shopping, and will be part-timers. Part of my mission necessitates me buying a new 4x4 truck now, prior to making the decision regarding the DP. I am settling on the 4x4 Tacoma, which has a gross weight of about 5300lbs. It appears I will need a dolly to tow, so that would increase towing weight by some factor. My question is, will a toad of that weight and size limit my choices on the DP? We are thinking about 34-36' range on the MH. Any guesses on engine size to handle the load? I understand the coach has to be rated to handle the weight of the load, is this weight reasonable?
Thanks friends.
Bill

BILL
Try and get at least the 8.3 cummings 350HP or more,suggest u will need a drive shaft disconnect to tow 4x4 tacoma with dolly.I would strongly suggest the chev coloarado as no mods to tow 4 down and tow dollys are a pain in the arse if needing small 4x4 pick up..A 36FT DP with at least 330-350 HP will easily pull a small PU 4X4

Forum Discussion

Another Toad question

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Another Towing Question

And Another Battery Question

18" tire question - ANOTHER UPDATE

Newbie power question

Another tire question