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gmann1972's avatar
gmann1972
Explorer
Aug 15, 2015

towing with a 2013 Tacoma

Hello all, new to this site.

Has anyone towed a travel trailer with a Tacoma. I just purchased a travel trailer, dry weight is 4400lb and gvw of trailer is 6000lb, my truck is rated for 6500lb, I did purchase the weight distribution system and an electric break control. I haven't picked up the camper yet from the dealer, just wondering what I may be up against towing this trailer with my truck.

Thanks

Greg
  • I had a 2013 Toyota Tacoma SR5 V6, Double Cab, 4x4, TRD Sport.
    I bought a Keystone Passport 238ml, which advertised a dry weight of like 3900lbs and a hitch weight of 495lbs. All those are low, and not to be realistic. I towed it twice, at about 600 miles total. Yeah we loaded it up with all our gear, and my family in the truck. The Tacoma did pull it, but it struggled and I can't say I was legal with payload.

    I pulled that same trailer with a 2015 F-150 3.5L Ecoboost + MaxTow and it pulled it night and day better, the F-150 was the right truck for that trailer (or a tundra is fine).

    I then bought a 35' toy hauler and pulled it once with the F-150 and was really worried on the payload AGAIN. Also, even with a WDH, I was getting pushed around (the tail wagging the dog) since 35' is LONNGGG. I now have a F-250 diesel and I am much happier.

    Get the right tow vehicle for the trailer.
  • I have a 2007 Tacoma long wheel base 4dr 4X4 rated to tow 6,500 lbs. I tow a Rockwood Ultra Lite trailer model 2604 with a dry weight of 4,700 Lbs. My tow experience has been very good. Extremely stable no sway at all and sufficient power. I have towed coast to coast over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Rocky's. From the SF bay area I have towed this package all the way to Nova Scotia, and down the Appalachian Park Way. You will need a great brake controller, I use the Prodigy, and an anti-sway hitch, I use the equalizer (I have never had any sway what so ever even in high winds). The downside is on steep long climbs. I just crawl in behind the big rigs and ease up the grade. I crest steep climbs at 35-40 MPH. I rarely exceed 2,800 RPMs. On the flats I drive 55-60 MPH. If I keep the speed at 55 I get right at 13 MPG. Pushing the speed, hills or head winds cut fuel economy. MY Tacoma is stock, no engine or transmission issues at all. I tow in 4th gear not overdrive.
    I am confident you will have a good tow experience.
  • I would like to second the comments made by harr0007. Same year Tacoma with factory tow package towing a Rockwood 4650lbs loaded scale verified. I added the aftermarket tow mirrors, sway control and had Deaver rework the leaf springs (was not eligible for the TSB). I needed to be very conscientious regarding weight and limit what we took with us but found the Tacoma a very capable tow vehicle the majority of time. I found that head winds and altitude were the Achilles heal with this set up. Served us well for several years until we replaced the Tacoma with an F150 eco boost.