Forum Discussion

Rick_Y's avatar
Rick_Y
Explorer
Mar 29, 2015

Toyota Tacoma 4 cylinder

I have a 2012 Tacoma Prerunner with the 2.7 liter four cylinder and 4 speed automatic. It does not currently have any sort of tow package. The manual says I can tow 3500 lbs (some places, for some reason, say 3400 lbs). I am looking at a Quicksilver 6.0 which, when loaded to the trailer's maximum carrying capacity, is only 1200 lbs. It would appear to be well within safe limits as far as towing but I worry about if I can, without straining the truck, tow at highway speeds while climbing the hills we have out here in the Pacific NW. I have no desire to overstrain the truck, hold up traffic, or be constantly using pull-outs in an attempt to avoid creating road rage among my fellow travelers. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of set-up? Thanks for any advice anyone can give.
Tow Vehicles
  • mr61impala's avatar
    mr61impala
    Explorer
    May 14, 2015
    Towing #1200 behind a vehicle rated for #3500?

    Have fun, should be a breeze!!!
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    May 13, 2015
    Your engine will handle the load and the automatic transmission will be fine if you don't abuse it (don't let it hunt between gears). My '89 Mazda 4-cylinder 2.6FI 5-speed used to tow a boat or fiberglass trailer for most of the 16 years I owned it without any engine issues. The trailer was under 3000 lbs and was towed all over the southern Appalachians, but the boat was 4000 lbs and typically towed over the Cascades. Stevens Pass was at 35 mph and Snoqualmie Pass was at 40 mph through the steepest parts of the climbs. I always drove by the tachometer when working an engine, followed by engine temperature and speed was what it was.
  • Slate_CM's avatar
    Slate_CM
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2015
    While I can appreciate the use of oil and trans cooler, for 1200 I wouldn't think they would really be needed. Especially since the truck as configured is rated for 3500.

    Not saying I wouldn't do it for peace of mind, but I would certainly use it as is with no worries.

    Rick, I was in Ridgefield a couple years ago to see Rush. I thought it was cool that we passed the exit for Rush road on the way.
  • JimNH's avatar
    JimNH
    Explorer
    May 13, 2015
    we opted to trade our 4 cyl Tacoma for a 6 cylinder (older though) version when we decided to get a trailer. At 2800 pounds or so loaded, the 2.7 could have done it, I guess, but it was a lot of money to add an oil cooler, transmission cooler, tow package, etc. We got a double cab, and my wife loves the upgrade. I think for 1200 lbs you can do it but I would still opt for the transmission cooler on the automatic - and dont drive in "Drive" as that can cause problems - use "3" on the four speed and keep your speed down as needed. See the Towing Bible over at tacomaworld.com.
  • samsontdog's avatar
    samsontdog
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2015
    I did what you want to do for 5 or 6 years. My last TT was a Travel Lite, 23 ft long towed with that little 4 banger. Had a lot of fun never had a problem towing other than slower going up the mountains. Great mileage. I would say go for it
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Mar 29, 2015
    We used our 86 toyota p/u with the 2.4 4cyl to pull our small pop-up that weighed around 2500 lbs for years and years. Yes on grades, we had to gear down and run about 4000 - 4500 rpms at sometimes 35mph. We still have that truck and used it for a toad behind our mh for several years....and it still runs like a top with over 275000 miles on it. You're no gonna hurt the truck.

    I'm sure you can expect close to the same. You will be slower than the rest of the traffic and probably will be holding up those behind you. However, that's what pull outs are for.


    Ron
  • diazr2's avatar
    diazr2
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2015
    I am just guessing but I would think you would be good to go. That is a very light load under any circumstance.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,027 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 05, 2025