Toyota Tacoma towing

[Artum_Snowbird]

Hi there,

Looking at towing a 24 foot travel trailer with a Toyota Tacoma
rated to tow 6500 pounds. Trailer should be under 6000 loaded.

Considering a weight distribution hitch, and do not know much about them. Should one get a hitch rated for 6000 pounds, or is a heavier rating a good or a bad thing?

There are a few local hitches that seem to be rated for 12,000 pounds.

[Artum_Snowbird]

Thanks dshelley for answering my post. Now for the naysayers. This is a 2013 Tacoma. It is equipped with the tow package, the V6 engine, the transmission cooler, the 130 amp alternator, and Trailer sway control. It is rated to tow 6400 pounds, and has a 640 pound tongue weight.

Between my DD, my SIL, and my grandson combined they are still under 300 pounds. The trailer weighs 4200 pounds empty.

Do we have a problem? I do not think so. I am looking for a hitch likely rated between 600 and 750 pounds.

[dshelley]

Double post.

[dshelley]

Artum
This is a quote from a trailer web site. It explains the importance of the right hitch and why too much hitch will not function properly.

The TW rating is the most important factor in determining which size weight-distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight, rendering it virtually useless.


Here's an example:

If you have a trailer that has a TW of 700 lbs, and your vehicle has 100 lbs of cargo in the trunk, then your overall, weight-distribution TW is 800 lbs. Choosing a weight-distribution system with a 1,500-lb TW rating may lead to erratic performance because it is rated too high. On the other hand, if you choose a system rated too low, say at 500 lbs, the system would be ineffective. Choose a weight-distribution system with a TW rating that is closest to your towing setup's TW to ensure the best performance.

[brulaz]

Previous truck was a 2009 Tacoma 4-dr V6.
But it only had 1050# payload and I was always 300-500# overloaded.

Towed a 4000# trailer back then and it was ok. Slowed down going up the mountain passes in the Rockies, but didn't mind that. What I didn't like was the high rpms and shifting necessary to maintain speed against daylong prairie headwinds.

Anyway, like others say, check your payload ...

[goducks10]

Absolutely no way will that Tacoma tow that 6000lb trailer. Way, way too much weight. You need to look at TT's in the 3000lb dry range. BTDT with 4050lbs and an 06 Frontier V6 2wd AT. I guarantee you will not like dragging 6000lbs around.

I always thought my 06 Frontier was a quick truck till I loaded up a 21' 4050lb loaded TT. I new I would feel the load but not like I did.

[lawrosa]

plus if you did not get the factory tow package that 6000 lb trailer will cook your trans.. You will need to install a large trans cooler..

Nice to have the 130 amp alt too as well as electronic sway control..

Also payloads hover around 1300 for thos trucks.. add gas people and cargo and it goes down... So you will be at the limits..

Like my set up I only have 500 lbs left for payload. I have only a 420lb tounge weight though and a 4400lb camper..


From toyota..

Class-IV towing receiver hitch, transmission (automatic transmission only) cooler, engine oil cooler, 130-amp alternator, heavy-duty battery, 7-pin connector with converter and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) 34

[lawrosa]

Here is what toyota says and why we ask what we ask..

32. Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo.

[lawrosa]

Artum Snowbird wrote:
My question is not about the trucks capacity.

The question is about the hitch, and whether having a 12,000 pound hitch with dual sway bars to tow a 6000 pound load is a good thing or not.

But the capacity of the truck in an important factor. Thats why we asked for the year and model.

12000 k is overkill.

most here with the above info will see whats available for your truck.

Is the truck 4 door? w heel drive...etc..

[camp-n-family]

Don't know why people are responding with answers about a Tundra when the OP is asking about its smaller sibling the TACOMA.

As for the hitch it is best to go slightly more than the estimated tongue weight as opposed to less. A WD hitch that grossly exceeds the tongue weight is usable but will affect the ride and handling. Much stiffer bars will make for a harsher ride. It could also over stress the tt frame.

[coolbreeze01]

Take a look at Blue Ox, yes you can back up with it all hooked up http://blueox.com/trailer-towing/swaypro/ give them a call if you have questions. Good folks.

[Artum_Snowbird]

My question is not about the trucks capacity.

The question is about the hitch, and whether having a 12,000 pound hitch with dual sway bars to tow a 6000 pound load is a good thing or not.

[fla-gypsy]

6k with a Tacoma may be possible if not fun but we must know the payload capacity.

[ewarnerusa]

I've got an '04 Tundra crew cab limited, 4.7L V8, 6500 lb tow capacity. As mentioned, it is the payload capacity that will be the issue. I estimate that our TT is also about 6000 lbs fully loaded and I'm pretty sure we're over GVWR by a couple hundred pounds when the truck is loaded, too. Dealer sold us the EaZ-Lift elite with 1000 lb bars. I believe that hitch is rated at 10,000 lbs max trailer weight. Our truck sits level with WDH engaged.

[Artum_Snowbird]

Oops, it's the Tacoma, not the Tundra... yes v6 engine.

[lanerd]

6500 lbs? Must be the earlier model with the 6cyl motor. My 2000 (v8) has a towing capacity of 7100 lbs.

Actually, it's not the towing capacity that you need to worry about, its the tongue weight of the trailer and the payload capacity of the truck.

I pulled a 5600 lb TT with my Tundra that had a tongue weight of almost 800 lbs. Had many problems with the Dual Cam weight distribution hitch and eventually wound up with a Hensly Arrow. I also put air bags on the back of it so when I hauled my ATV, I could keep the truck level. Bags did nothing when pulling my trailer. In addition, I switched out the "P" rated tires for some "LT" tires that were "E" rated.

So yes. Definitely get a WD unit and perferably one with built in sway control. The bars should be rated for MORE than the weight of the trailer tongue....I used 1000 lb bars.

Good luck and I hope this helps

Ron