Tow Vehicle Issues -- Help

[bryanredfish]

It's about time for me to select a new tow vehicle. I'm sick of seeing my wife's eyes roll everytime I ask to use her Explorer. I currently tow a 17ft CC, with a total weight of around 2,000 lbs. Add the trailer, and I'm probably around 2,500. My current vehicle, a Toyota Tacoma 4-banger actually tows pretty well, but I definitely need the V-6. I'm looking at the Toyota Tacoma with the biggest V-6 or a Tundra. <br /><br />Herein lies the problem: I drive a total of 100 miles per day to work. The Tundra will KILL me in fuel expenses. The Tacoma V-6 gets around 21-22 mpg's. Would the V-6 Tacoma comfortably tow a heavier boat, say 3,500 lbs+, if I ever want to step up in size? I just don't want to be in the dilemna of having a tow vehicle that's too small. What's the biggest rig anyone tows with a V-6 Tacoma? Thanks for your help. My wife thanks you.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Tow Vehicle Issues -- Help

I was wondering the same thing bryanredfish. I have a 2002 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner with the 3.4L, V6. I use it to commute to work every day (55 miles roundtrip). Right now I only tow about 1000# (max) and can't tell I'm towing anything. I will be upgrading to a new rig (boat, motor and trailer) in the near future. What I'm looking at puts me in the 3800 #to 4200# range. My Tacoma is rated at 5000#. I have combed various bulletin boards in search of the same answer. One thing I can tell you is that you should make sure your Tacoma (preferably 4WD) is setup for towing. Check out these threads and draw your own conclusions...<br /><br /> Elusive Toyota Tacoma Towing Package <br /><br /> Towing with Toyota Tacoma<br /><br /> EDIT: A noteworthy addition to the 3.4L, V6 would be the TRD Supercharger. It would boost your hp from 190 to over 250 without a big hit on gas mileage if you take it easy on the gas. As a bonus, the TRD Supercharger will not void your Toyota factory warranty. It's a bit pricey though. $2500+ PLUS installation.

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Tow Vehicle Issues -- Help

RatFish:<br /><br />It is my understanding that the 4WD reduces towing capacity. I've never had 4WD, and have done just fine. Hopefully we'll get a few more posts on the topic.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Tow Vehicle Issues -- Help

Not for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma's. I don't know about 2004's? The 2002 2WD Xtracab (PreRunner) and 2002 4WD Xtracab had a 5000lb towing capacity if they were setup correctly.<br /><br />You can't beat 4WD on a steep, slimy ramp pulling out a 3500+lb rig. If you get a 2WD at least get the limited-slip differential or differential locker.

 

[Skinsk]

Re: Tow Vehicle Issues -- Help

I've got a '03 Tacoma V6 4wd 5spd. I tow on occasion 4000lbs.. It does it well for that little V6.. I probably wouldn't want to tow it accross the country, but for the 60 miles down to the bay, it's ok. I also didn't get anything special for towing, just got a hidden hitch class 3, and Tee'd into the tail lights behind the sockets with a converter box. That set up works good for me. Of course I didn't need the extra fan to help cool my tranny.. In 4wd low, the tacoma would probably pull your house off it's foundation.<br /><br />I get 21-24 mpg on the highway, but I don't know what I get while towing.. <br /><br />Scott..

 

[RatFish]

Re: Tow Vehicle Issues -- Help

That sounds promising Skinsk. I'll be towing about the same load on flat ground for about 80 miles.<br /><br /> EDIT: I used to pull big old bushes out of my neighbors front yards all the time with my old Toyota HiLux with a 4 banger. That "granny gear" is great in the 4WD Toyota's!

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Tow Vehicle Issues -- Help

I started out pulling my 19' Maxum (maybe 3000#??)with a '97 4Runner 4.3L FWD. Hitch rated 5000#. Never had a minute's worth of trouble pulling it the 250 (?) miles to Lake Cumberland, KY. Was so impressed I bought a '02 4Runner (same engine, factory tow package) FWD. Just make sure you have trailer brakes (mine are surge) that work well & you won't have any problems. BTW, gas mileage was not adversely affected with either vehicle---20-22 mpg at freeway speeds, boat & vehicle fully loaded.<br />Good luck & happy boating!<br />Brian