Chains should be long enough for turning without binding but not so long that the tongue will touch the ground due to possibility of flipping trailer, as the tongue will tra to dig into the pavement. If it comes off of the hitch, the tongue should cradle on the crossed chains just above the ground.
Should’ve made a post edit for that cause if you’ve never towed something before you’re probably not gonna know that those chains serve an important purpose.
In addition to crossing the chains, you should leave a little more slack in the electrical hook up. I tow a 22 foot camper that weighs 3300 dry with a weight distribution hitch, sway control, and brake controller. I can definitely feel the trailer but the Tacoma pulls it without struggling.
I ended up towing my buddys single cab K-1500 on a 3300lb car trailer in an emergency situation. It handled it just fine but no power until about 2500 to 3k rpm. Wouldnt recommend it but it did it! Stayed under 60 to avoid trailer sway. Good video.
Carhart seat covers! Just got my Tacoma TRD Off-road long bed yesterday and love it. Actually went from a Ram Power Wagon to the Tacoma to cut down on bills (saving $300 a month). The Tacoma just feels like a quality truck after owning 5 Rams over the years. I think I’m in need of those seat covers!
Last year I took our 3400 lb (dry weight) travel trailer from Tennessee to Alaska and back... 11,500 miles. The Taco did great towing but mpg was awful. We got about 7-9 mpg the entire trip.
I took my 2017 f250 with a 3800 pd. Travel trailer from Charleston SC to Greenville sc. And got 9mpg...your hills were much larger I'm sure.. 7to9 in that trip really isn't all that bad in my eyes!!
This is exactly what I needed to see right now. Its time to get a new truck and I cannot decide between a Tundra and Tacoma. That's exactly the size trailer I would like to get for the occasional load of manure, firewood, furniture, etc. I do 20 mile trips at most and only about once a month so I am not a huge towing guy. A Tundra would be plenty for that, but a Tacoma would work to. Thanks Bandit!
Bob Gunner I live in PA and took two trips to move my sister to FL about 5500 pounds each time. Had zero problems. I’m impressed with my 2007 Tacoma. Good luck
thank you for this. i’m towing for the first time at the end of the month with my 2017 TDR off road tacoma and i’m alittle nervous about it but this really put my mind at ease.
If they were not already, please be sure to cross those safety chains, Bandit! Also, just wanted to mention the difference in towing with the ECT on vs. off is night and day. I leave it on the entire time I’m towing. I tow a 4000lbs boat and a similar utility trailer and my Tacoma does a great job!
BUCK MASTERSON 6363 Agreed! I went from a second gen (no ECT button and towed fine) to a third gen and realized after towing a cargo trailer for an hour on the interstate with my third gen that the ECT was needed.
New Tacoma is a great tow vehicle. Just have to keep in mind it’s a midsize. It’s rated for 6800 lbs but that rating is just insane. It might do it with one person and no other cargo, but it would not be fun and truck would not handle it for long safely. When towing 4 key things. 1. Figure half the manufacturers rating as a realistic capability. 2. Tongue weight must be 10% to 12% of total trailer weight to eliminate sway. 3. Always install a brake controller and trailer brakes on anything over 2000 lbs. On the Tacoma installing a controller is easy. It’s prewired for it and the controller pigtail is right behind the driver side kick panel. 4. Always consider aerodynamic load. With things like campers the aerodynamic load increases the overall drag of the combined vehicles significantly and reduces the performance and safety margin. Last. Make sure trailer is level with correct hitch height. Having said all this. Tacoma is an awesome tow vehicle. I’ve towed a 3000 lb travel trailer with Tacoma’s for years. My 2016 has 25,000 of its 70,000 total miles miles towing. On the 2016 I always tow in 4th gear to avoid transmission hunting where it is shifting up and down between gears often. Hunting burns up transmissions fast. Keep it out of the overdrives when towing more than say 2000 lbs. You want the rpm up some when towing as this moves more transmission fluid through the cooler and helps the engine also run cooler, and it gives you more torque when you get to hills so you don’t bog down. And I always tow with ect on as manual says. Always follow towing maintenance guidelines. Change the oil and rear diff often when towing. 5000 miles on the oil and 30,000 on the diffs. When towing my camper I average around 13.5 mpg. Not great but I have a large aerodynamic load between the two vehicles and by rv standards 13.5 is awesome. The gen 2 Tacoma’s used to do a little better on towing mpg because they had more low end torque. But they did not do any where near as well as the new engine on regular driving. One last thing. If you get rear end squat consider adding sumo springs in place of the factory bump stops. I’ve used them on every Tacoma I’ve had since they were invented. Easy install. One side at a time loosen the axle ubolts with vehicle weight supported off the springs but tires still on the ground and carefully remove the factory bump stops. Then install the sumo spring on each side. Do one side at a time to avoid messing up alignment. Tighten the u bolts to 56 ft lbs. recheck this torque after 500 and 1000 miles. They are awesome. It’s a urethane bumper that engages in heavier loads. Does not affect unloaded ride one bit or any of the off road capability. Does not food warranty.
Great information Dave. I tow a boat and a Honda side by side with a 2001 Silverado. It's been a great truck, but I'm considering a new Tacoma. My heaviest load is the boat which is about 2500 lbs gvw plus gear. I think it would do fine, but wondering how it would do out west in the mountains.
Thank you for your knowledge Dave, we are looking to buy our first pop-up camper. The camper is rated with a UVW of 3300 i hope my 2016 TRD sport will do ok with it.
HAVEANOTHERONE OK you should be fine. The sport has the tow package. Pop up has minimal wind load. My buddy has a pop up that weights around there and he goes no problem. My camper is full height so I have way more wind load and still I now have 108,000 miles on the truck with nearly 40,000 miles towing the camper. Still runs like the day I drove it out of the showroom. Remember to push the ect button and if you find it hunting between 4th and 5th just limit it to 4th. On the transmission when you set it to 4th it does not hold in 4th like everyone seems to think. You are setting the shift limit to 4th. Which means it will only use the first 4 gears. You want to keep the rpm up some anyway so the trans gets proper cooling. Mine sucks down plenty of fuel towing. I run right around 12 to 13 with my camper rig. It is what it is. But it handles it no problem. Been everywhere in the country. All altitudes. No issues. I would recommend if you tow a lot change the diff and transfer case oil often. I change the diff oil every 30k and the transfer every 60k. They do get pretty black. But never a huge amount of metal on the diff magnets so the correct oil is working. I run the redline 75-85 that’s recommended in the book. And in the transfer I use the Toyota LF they recommend even though it costs $90 for a liter. No one else makes anything equivalent that I have found. I also had the transmission oil changed at 90,000 just to see how it looked. Came out nice and red. So it was a good move but maybe not needed. I’ve had Tacoma’s my whole life. My 2016 is by far the best truck I have ever owned. The older it gets the more I love it!
Thanks for the video Bandit. I tow our horse trailer, about 5k loaded. Cross chains, ECT, and use the Shift mode, never going above 5. We also have a brake controller since we have trailer brakes. Truck tows great.
The most I've towed with the Taco 17 TRD off-road is a 6x16 ft. heavy duty tandem trailer (we usually use it to tow the tractor) with a honda foreman atv, yamaha rhino utv, and about 200lb of corn. There were also three passengers in the vehicle. Tow weight was probably around 4000-5000 lb. Anything after 65 mph and the entire truck started shaking probably because of the weight on the ball.
I have a 4x8 trailer and it seems perfect for this truck. (DCOR) I've had some pretty good loads of fire wood in it and it pulled it amazingly. Thinking of buying a small camper. Sure it would pull just fine.
The Toyota Tacoma TRD is one of the best trucks I've ever owned,, and it's nice that comes from the factory with the factory tow package,, if you're not sure if your Tacoma has a tow package just go ahead and look at the front flywheel nut if it's pink that means it has a tow package included,, mine of the 3. 4 ltr in it, and could easily toe 6500 pounds, that's not bad for a Tacoma,, I just would not recommend getting the four cylinder,, which I don't even think comes with the tow package,, anyway nice Truck Just make sure you engage The locking rear differential once a monthor, to keep the actuator Grease moving..
Great video, I don't plan on towing, but I could see how at the drop of a hat I could rent a trailer to move something big. This stuff is good to know.
Ive pulled 8x16 and. 8x32 mobile home trailers with my 92 4x4 22r up mountain passs and on the freeway. Inclines I can hold 40mph unless it's very steep. Through town and highway the speed limit is obtainable. I run with no trailer brakes, one time the trucks rear brakes were clamped off because they leaking. 3rd gen pickup had no problem stopping the trailer. Up tiger mountain pass truck started over heating, I just removed the hood and went slower. Trailer weighed about 10k. No brakes on trailer or rear axle of truck. Coming down tiger the front brakes faded out. I slammed 2nd and pulsed the brakes until they cooled down never going faster then 35mph. Trucks can do alot more then you think, especially if your a skilled driver and know how the vehicle is built. My 22r got 11mpg pulling 10k up mountain passes. It has custom 3/8 plate steel hitch, 4.88 gears, 30/10/r15 Michelin tires, 22re block with weber 32/36 carb for extra compression ratio, OEM electric fuel pump with resistor to lower pressure, electric fans, and a unsprung clutch. I routinely pull things that weigh more then the truck. It's hard to argue it when I get diesel level fuel economy and all I have to do is be a man about it while beating my truck. I can't justify spending tens of thousands just to be able to chill while I'm heavy hauling. Plus 22r engines are stronger then alot of 1 ton trucks. How many engines can you name that have "stress to round" main bearings?
I will say that I had troubles with my one ton in JT season, I have a 2008 tundra , an 2017 Tacoma. I used my tundra for move a 32’ gooseneck with 22 bales of hay on it. I had heavy 3/4 springs put under it, but ITS A FUCKING MONSTER. Love Toyota!
Oops and I forgot. ALWAYS cross your safety chains and twist them up as SK they are only 1 to 2 inches under the hitch. The reason they must be crossed is if the hitch came loose you want it to simply fall into the chain cross and not hit the road. If you don’t cross it will drag on the pavement and you could get out of control in a hitch failure.
You are right about the wire harness...on my 13 it was ripped off while off roading...it is much better in the bumper where it ought to be...just common sense engineering. I modified my wire harness from 7 pin to 7 pin and 4 pin on my 13 Taco. I pull a 19 ft Rockwood Roo and i did get a Fastway sway and level kit. I can feel the trailer but my truck pulls it well enough. It is about 4000 pounds.
Just to add on: The safety chains must be crossed. Some States have this in their vehicle code; and you will be fined, if not crossed. The 2008 Tacoma I had , was the most unstable vehicle ever; while towing any trailer. The braking system is not up to towing anything.
I have a 2010 sr5 PreRunner w v6 and can pull a 20' center console loaded w gear ,tackle, coolers etc... 3 full grown men from 220lb to 250lb with ease. Could easily forget there was a boat and trailer back there on the hwy. (not saying "you don't know it's there) It really surprises me. I'm impressed. And to be 100% honest....it tows better than my half ton Ram ever did. The Ram was a piece of crap and rebuilt the tranny 3 times...junk.
Video felt like it was lacking a primary message but there was some decent tid bits in there. If you tow a lot with the Tacoma look into Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags for the rear end or the Timbren Suspension Enhancement System (SES)! WELL worth the money for a stable towing experience and no bottoming of the rear suspension!
problem with tfl is they're over a mile in elevation so their mileage, 0-60, and other measurements are all off. believe it or not, lots of tacos are actually work trucks, especially the SR long beds. fleets of exterminators, landscapers, pool cleaners, cable and dish installers, contractors, parts delivery, and others haul and tow stuff with tacos every day. they aren't just lifestyle vehicles.
coelho sports They test all their vehicles at those conditions, so the results are still valid. It’s not the same numbers you will get at sea level, however everything will be off by the same amount across the board. Honestly their setup is an even better test, as it’s real world tests in a more punishing environment.
coelho sports Yes it will. It’s a consistent fixed component and will introduce a systematic error, the results will still be precise and reliable for comparison between themselves.
I towed my buddies 21 ft bass boat. 5000-5500 lbs fully geared up n 55 gallons of fuel. My 16 Trd or manual trans does great. The only thing that is scary is when I back up to pull the boat back out of the water. From a dead start going up hill. My Taco takes about 5 seconds for the power to arrive . The rpm has to slowly climb up to about 3k rpm for power. While it’s waiting to get to 3k rpm, it just pretty much rolls upward very slowly. Scary stuff 😂😂. I don’t know if this happens to auto trans tho
mr_hachi_roku 86: thanks for the info, I'll be hauling a pontoon boat this weekend in Havasu, AZ. I'll let you know how i do pulling it out of the water. Some of those ramps can be steep & slippery after several boats are pulled out before yours. Mine is an automatic TRD Off-Road, so I'll keep you posted.
I even tried 4 low n it didn’t make a difference. Truck does creep forward but it takes 4-5 seconds for the rpm to hit 3k rpm for my truck to pull the boat out of the ramp
Ha! I guess I am not the Only one who noticed that you need to cross the chains you would not believe how many times I see trailers going by on the highway here without chains crossed or loads secured good Just saw I guy loose 4 of those jumbo bales of hay on highway yesterday because he only put 2 straps to hold 8 bales ....
Mike Foehr Depends how long the chains are. Might be too short to cross and have enough slack to turn sharp if needed. All depends. Might also depend if you have the hitch sway bars, could maybe interfere with it? just a thought
@Todd m So what is better...crossed or uncrossed. I am skeptical that the chains can even handle a 4000 pound load without failing crossed or not. I make damn sure my trailer hitch is secure on the ball. I want my camper staying in undamaged condition and no one being hurt on the road.
People that say their truck pulls like nothing is there are either lying or not in touch with their truck. I drive a 6spd manual Cummins, and I if can feel an empty single axle trailer hooked on. Is it laboring, not at all but I know my truck well enough to detect anything more than an empty load.
Does any one have a concern towing with a manual transmission? I was told towing in mountain roads might ruin my clutch. Bandit or Chad... do you have any opinion? I should note I have an AC as well.
A Joyce Shouldnt ruin your clutch as long as you arent riding it. Id try to find a gear for going down the mountain and stick with it, just so you dont miss it and grind the gears.
Too late, I have towed with my SR5 version of yours 6x12 trailer with double axle rated for 6k and a long haul, looked like mpg’s where 10 or just lower. My 17 is rated at 6800 and is 4x4. Trailer is set with brakes, and I don’t have brake control just the ect switch. Generally drive with switch on all the time. 5 months and 10k+ miles.
only the rwd v6 access cab is rated for 6800. 4x4 v6 access cab is rated 6500 and double cab 6400. it should say that on the sticker inside the driver door. www.toyota.com/tacoma/features/towing/7126/7543/7582
I am curious if you guys have heard anything about a possible small V-8 for the Tacoma or 4Runner. I would trade my 4Runner for a V-8 in a second. I would buy a Tacoma with a V-8 as well. I would buy both of them right there if they made them.
It has a 3.5 but I would like to see a small V-8 option for more towing power. It would be nice if it was a little faster but more than speed I would like it for off-roading. We got the supercharger in the 4Runner and it's great off-road. It gives it a real power boost no matter where you are in the throttle. My Tacoma is kinda lacking. I think a small V-8 option would be good. The 4Runner will outclimb my truck now. Tacoma kinda lacking in the throttle response climbing and in low end.
@@TrailPass Ahhh, bummer. I was hoping to get a Tacoma and then a Supra in the future and tow the Supra around when I need to store it away for the winters
@@Dead__Byte if you're not going to tow regularly it could be done, you'd just likely be close to the limit. If you plan to tow more often a Tundra may be a better option.
@@TrailPass Thanks for the tips! Yeah, I figured the Tundra would be better but I’m not a huge fan of big trucks and I’m not crazy about the looks of the Tundra. I think the Tacoma is a perfect truck!
I’m looking at buying one of these to replace my Jeep Liberty CRD. I have a 2000 pound pop up camper. I’m thinking this will be a good fit as most of the new smaller suv can’t really tow much more than 1500. I’m sure I won’t get the fuel economy my diesel gets but oh well not like new diesel are affordable and as reliable. Like your seat covers too
WOW!!! This guy did two things right of the bat that are wrong and also illegal when towing. He didn't put a locking pin in and he didn't cross the chains. Both things are illegal and are a citable offense by law enforcement! People should know exactly what they are doing before making a PSA video like this.
Thanks for that info! I’m planning on buying two brand new jet skies plus a truck to tow them to the beach on the weekends. Do you think a Tacoma is good enough to haul two jet skies? Or do you think it would add too much weight for sudden slowdowns and stops on the highway?
I think a Tacoma would handle it but it depends on how much you tow. If you're towing every weekend or though the mountains I would look towards a half ton truck.
I live in the SF bay area and two my 20 ft Mastercraft to Lake Berryessa all the time no problem with a 2010 Tacoma TRD offroad crew cab with towing package.
Can a new V6 Tacoma tow a 4 seater rzr? It weighs around 2000 lbs and the trailer, well Im not sure but let's just say a decent trailer for just one rzr, maybe 15 or 16 foot.
Would I Toyota Tacoma v6 be enough to tow a big Harley bagger and ATV? I mean without struggling with the weight even though it’s not that much. Or should I move up to a half ton
I would say it depends on how much and where you tow. If you are in the mountains and tow regularly I would go with a half ton. If you only tow a few times a year the Tacoma will definitely handle it.
Please note: You SHOULD cross the safety chains before towing! Thanks for watching.
Bandit Off-road Right on!😜
yep, i was going to say that.
Chains should be long enough for turning without binding but not so long that the tongue will touch the ground due to possibility of flipping trailer, as the tongue will tra to dig into the pavement. If it comes off of the hitch, the tongue should cradle on the crossed chains just above the ground.
Bandit Off-road thanks for stating I was about to comment that
Should’ve made a post edit for that cause if you’ve never towed something before you’re probably not gonna know that those chains serve an important purpose.
I've been taught that you are suppose to cross the chains so that if your trailer comes off the ball, the chains should cradle the trailer tongue.
Me too
Great tip. I did not know that.
Drunken Chewbacca correct it is the safest way for every driver around you on the road
I've heard the same thing, anyone ever seen it work in an emergency situation?
It's a law in Tennessee.
In addition to crossing the chains, you should leave a little more slack in the electrical hook up. I tow a 22 foot camper that weighs 3300 dry with a weight distribution hitch, sway control, and brake controller. I can definitely feel the trailer but the Tacoma pulls it without struggling.
I ended up towing my buddys single cab K-1500 on a 3300lb car trailer in an emergency situation. It handled it just fine but no power until about 2500 to 3k rpm. Wouldnt recommend it but it did it! Stayed under 60 to avoid trailer sway. Good video.
Carhart seat covers! Just got my Tacoma TRD Off-road long bed yesterday and love it. Actually went from a Ram Power Wagon to the Tacoma to cut down on bills (saving $300 a month). The Tacoma just feels like a quality truck after owning 5 Rams over the years. I think I’m in need of those seat covers!
Andrew Kenseth do you know where you can get them from?
That small of a trailer you could have dragged it and lifted onto the hitch lol
City people dont know these things.
M Barilla I just lower the hitch enough so it will bump the ball and lift it up and your good to go.
I do that all the time with my little karavan!
😂
Last year I took our 3400 lb (dry weight) travel trailer from Tennessee to Alaska and back... 11,500 miles. The Taco did great towing but mpg was awful. We got about 7-9 mpg the entire trip.
I took my 2017 f250 with a 3800 pd. Travel trailer from Charleston SC to Greenville sc. And got 9mpg...your hills were much larger I'm sure.. 7to9 in that trip really isn't all that bad in my eyes!!
What you taco - 2wd or 4x4- 4cyl or 6cyl?
@@jacklowe3788 4wd, 6 cylinder
@@davidrodgers7224 Yeah towing no matter the vehicle is going to pit your mpg.
This is exactly what I needed to see right now. Its time to get a new truck and I cannot decide between a Tundra and Tacoma. That's exactly the size trailer I would like to get for the occasional load of manure, firewood, furniture, etc. I do 20 mile trips at most and only about once a month so I am not a huge towing guy. A Tundra would be plenty for that, but a Tacoma would work to.
Thanks Bandit!
Bob Gunner I live in PA and took two trips to move my sister to FL about 5500 pounds each time. Had zero problems. I’m impressed with my 2007 Tacoma. Good luck
BTW cruising at 72 mph entire way
Good to know Wingman .. thanks for the tip!!
The money you save on gas between the two will about pay for the tacoma.
My 02 pulled my wife's Pontiac Sunfire on a two wheel dolly with the bed loaded on over sized tires from Virginia to Iowa. Never missed a beat.
thank you for this. i’m towing for the first time at the end of the month with my 2017 TDR off road tacoma and i’m alittle nervous about it but this really put my mind at ease.
If they were not already, please be sure to cross those safety chains, Bandit! Also, just wanted to mention the difference in towing with the ECT on vs. off is night and day. I leave it on the entire time I’m towing. I tow a 4000lbs boat and a similar utility trailer and my Tacoma does a great job!
Greg Overley You should never tow with it off.
BUCK MASTERSON 6363 Agreed! I went from a second gen (no ECT button and towed fine) to a third gen and realized after towing a cargo trailer for an hour on the interstate with my third gen that the ECT was needed.
New Tacoma is a great tow vehicle. Just have to keep in mind it’s a midsize. It’s rated for 6800 lbs but that rating is just insane. It might do it with one person and no other cargo, but it would not be fun and truck would not handle it for long safely. When towing 4 key things. 1. Figure half the manufacturers rating as a realistic capability. 2. Tongue weight must be 10% to 12% of total trailer weight to eliminate sway. 3. Always install a brake controller and trailer brakes on anything over 2000 lbs. On the Tacoma installing a controller is easy. It’s prewired for it and the controller pigtail is right behind the driver side kick panel. 4. Always consider aerodynamic load. With things like campers the aerodynamic load increases the overall drag of the combined vehicles significantly and reduces the performance and safety margin. Last. Make sure trailer is level with correct hitch height.
Having said all this. Tacoma is an awesome tow vehicle. I’ve towed a 3000 lb travel trailer with Tacoma’s for years. My 2016 has 25,000 of its 70,000 total miles miles towing. On the 2016 I always tow in 4th gear to avoid transmission hunting where it is shifting up and down between gears often. Hunting burns up transmissions fast. Keep it out of the overdrives when towing more than say 2000 lbs. You want the rpm up some when towing as this moves more transmission fluid through the cooler and helps the engine also run cooler, and it gives you more torque when you get to hills so you don’t bog down. And I always tow with ect on as manual says. Always follow towing maintenance guidelines. Change the oil and rear diff often when towing. 5000 miles on the oil and 30,000 on the diffs. When towing my camper I average around 13.5 mpg. Not great but I have a large aerodynamic load between the two vehicles and by rv standards 13.5 is awesome. The gen 2 Tacoma’s used to do a little better on towing mpg because they had more low end torque. But they did not do any where near as well as the new engine on regular driving. One last thing. If you get rear end squat consider adding sumo springs in place of the factory bump stops. I’ve used them on every Tacoma I’ve had since they were invented. Easy install. One side at a time loosen the axle ubolts with vehicle weight supported off the springs but tires still on the ground and carefully remove the factory bump stops. Then install the sumo spring on each side. Do one side at a time to avoid messing up alignment. Tighten the u bolts to 56 ft lbs. recheck this torque after 500 and 1000 miles. They are awesome. It’s a urethane bumper that engages in heavier loads. Does not affect unloaded ride one bit or any of the off road capability. Does not food warranty.
Thanks for all the info!!!
Great information Dave. I tow a boat and a Honda side by side with a 2001 Silverado. It's been a great truck, but I'm considering a new Tacoma. My heaviest load is the boat which is about 2500 lbs gvw plus gear. I think it would do fine, but wondering how it would do out west in the mountains.
Thank you for your knowledge Dave, we are looking to buy our first pop-up camper. The camper is rated with a UVW of 3300 i hope my 2016 TRD sport will do ok with it.
HAVEANOTHERONE OK you should be fine. The sport has the tow package. Pop up has minimal wind load. My buddy has a pop up that weights around there and he goes no problem. My camper is full height so I have way more wind load and still I now have 108,000 miles on the truck with nearly 40,000 miles towing the camper. Still runs like the day I drove it out of the showroom. Remember to push the ect button and if you find it hunting between 4th and 5th just limit it to 4th. On the transmission when you set it to 4th it does not hold in 4th like everyone seems to think. You are setting the shift limit to 4th. Which means it will only use the first 4 gears. You want to keep the rpm up some anyway so the trans gets proper cooling. Mine sucks down plenty of fuel towing. I run right around 12 to 13 with my camper rig. It is what it is. But it handles it no problem. Been everywhere in the country. All altitudes. No issues. I would recommend if you tow a lot change the diff and transfer case oil often. I change the diff oil every 30k and the transfer every 60k. They do get pretty black. But never a huge amount of metal on the diff magnets so the correct oil is working. I run the redline 75-85 that’s recommended in the book. And in the transfer I use the Toyota LF they recommend even though it costs $90 for a liter. No one else makes anything equivalent that I have found. I also had the transmission oil changed at 90,000 just to see how it looked. Came out nice and red. So it was a good move but maybe not needed. I’ve had Tacoma’s my whole life. My 2016 is by far the best truck I have ever owned. The older it gets the more I love it!
Really nice write up - thank you!
Great video ! I use my Tacoma and 6x 10 trailer....for firewood mostly. No problems at all with a full load. 👍
Thanks for your time good information about Toyota
Thanks for the video Bandit. I tow our horse trailer, about 5k loaded. Cross chains, ECT, and use the Shift mode, never going above 5. We also have a brake controller since we have trailer brakes. Truck tows great.
Graham Neale so when towing are you suppose to use the sport/ shift mode ? And ECT?
What year do you have?
Finally a Taco towing video featuring the longbed like my '19 TRD Sport 4x2.
Why is your 4x2? Ain't it suppost to be 4x4
@@kazierchuwang7274
No
The most I've towed with the Taco 17 TRD off-road is a 6x16 ft. heavy duty tandem trailer (we usually use it to tow the tractor) with a honda foreman atv, yamaha rhino utv, and about 200lb of corn. There were also three passengers in the vehicle. Tow weight was probably around 4000-5000 lb. Anything after 65 mph and the entire truck started shaking probably because of the weight on the ball.
I have a 4x8 trailer and it seems perfect for this truck. (DCOR) I've had some pretty good loads of fire wood in it and it pulled it amazingly. Thinking of buying a small camper. Sure it would pull just fine.
Should have put the small plow up front and the heavy one over the axle it's safer
I put firestone airbags on the rear, helps with the squat
The Toyota Tacoma TRD is one of the best trucks I've ever owned,, and it's nice that comes from the factory with the factory tow package,, if you're not sure if your Tacoma has a tow package just go ahead and look at the front flywheel nut if it's pink that means it has a tow package included,, mine of the 3. 4 ltr in it, and could easily toe 6500 pounds, that's not bad for a Tacoma,, I just would not recommend getting the four cylinder,, which I don't even think comes with the tow package,, anyway nice Truck Just make sure you engage The locking rear differential once a monthor, to keep the actuator Grease moving..
Great video, I don't plan on towing, but I could see how at the drop of a hat I could rent a trailer to move something big. This stuff is good to know.
Ive pulled 8x16 and. 8x32 mobile home trailers with my 92 4x4 22r up mountain passs and on the freeway. Inclines I can hold 40mph unless it's very steep. Through town and highway the speed limit is obtainable. I run with no trailer brakes, one time the trucks rear brakes were clamped off because they leaking. 3rd gen pickup had no problem stopping the trailer.
Up tiger mountain pass truck started over heating, I just removed the hood and went slower. Trailer weighed about 10k. No brakes on trailer or rear axle of truck. Coming down tiger the front brakes faded out. I slammed 2nd and pulsed the brakes until they cooled down never going faster then 35mph.
Trucks can do alot more then you think, especially if your a skilled driver and know how the vehicle is built.
My 22r got 11mpg pulling 10k up mountain passes. It has custom 3/8 plate steel hitch, 4.88 gears, 30/10/r15 Michelin tires, 22re block with weber 32/36 carb for extra compression ratio, OEM electric fuel pump with resistor to lower pressure, electric fans, and a unsprung clutch.
I routinely pull things that weigh more then the truck. It's hard to argue it when I get diesel level fuel economy and all I have to do is be a man about it while beating my truck. I can't justify spending tens of thousands just to be able to chill while I'm heavy hauling.
Plus 22r engines are stronger then alot of 1 ton trucks. How many engines can you name that have "stress to round" main bearings?
I pull 16f trailer with cars with my 2015 tacoma! doing just fine !
weight?
Cat scales at the truck stop will give you great numbers.
Quit watching after you didnt cross the chains.
I will say that I had troubles with my one ton in JT season, I have a 2008 tundra , an 2017 Tacoma. I used my tundra for move a 32’ gooseneck with 22 bales of hay on it. I had heavy 3/4 springs put under it, but ITS A FUCKING MONSTER. Love Toyota!
I've pulled my mazda 2017 MX5 on my flatbed with my 2017 Tacoma and it handled it great for it's size.
how cool i used my tacoma to pull my pressure washing trailer to wash the property that your at last year what a small world
Balance the load over the wheels to reduce hitch drop.
Also for any purchasing a used mid size over a full size 2000-04 full size truck will tow just as much a 2007 or newer mid size and gets better mpg
Always cross your chains, but do not twist them. Twisting the chains will affect their strength if a load is placed upon them.
I love all the expert towers in the comment section. You people kill me lol
Just the video I was looking for. Thanks for the vid!
So what is it were are suposted to get or what is special from anyother towing video? Though you were going to show some thing special.
Oops and I forgot. ALWAYS cross your safety chains and twist them up as SK they are only 1 to 2 inches under the hitch. The reason they must be crossed is if the hitch came loose you want it to simply fall into the chain cross and not hit the road. If you don’t cross it will drag on the pavement and you could get out of control in a hitch failure.
You are right about the wire harness...on my 13 it was ripped off while off roading...it is much better in the bumper where it ought to be...just common sense engineering. I modified my wire harness from 7 pin to 7 pin and 4 pin on my 13 Taco. I pull a 19 ft Rockwood Roo and i did get a Fastway sway and level kit. I can feel the trailer but my truck pulls it well enough. It is about 4000 pounds.
THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW YOUR FUEL ECONOMY IS TO USE AN ACTUAL CALCULATOR AND DO THE MATH YOURSELF
Just to add on: The safety chains must be crossed. Some States have this in their vehicle code; and you will be fined, if not crossed.
The 2008 Tacoma I had , was the most unstable vehicle ever; while towing any trailer. The braking system is not up to towing anything.
I have a 2010 sr5 PreRunner w v6 and can pull a 20' center console loaded w gear ,tackle, coolers etc... 3 full grown men from 220lb to 250lb with ease.
Could easily forget there was a boat and trailer back there on the hwy. (not saying "you don't know it's there)
It really surprises me. I'm impressed. And to be 100% honest....it tows better than my half ton Ram ever did.
The Ram was a piece of crap and rebuilt the tranny 3 times...junk.
Video felt like it was lacking a primary message but there was some decent tid bits in there. If you tow a lot with the Tacoma look into Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags for the rear end or the Timbren Suspension Enhancement System (SES)! WELL worth the money for a stable towing experience and no bottoming of the rear suspension!
problem with tfl is they're over a mile in elevation so their mileage, 0-60, and other measurements are all off. believe it or not, lots of tacos are actually work trucks, especially the SR long beds. fleets of exterminators, landscapers, pool cleaners, cable and dish installers, contractors, parts delivery, and others haul and tow stuff with tacos every day. they aren't just lifestyle vehicles.
coelho sports They test all their vehicles at those conditions, so the results are still valid. It’s not the same numbers you will get at sea level, however everything will be off by the same amount across the board. Honestly their setup is an even better test, as it’s real world tests in a more punishing environment.
"everything will be off by the same amount across the board"
no it won't.
coelho sports Yes it will. It’s a consistent fixed component and will introduce a systematic error, the results will still be precise and reliable for comparison between themselves.
what systematic errors are you talking about and what do they have to do with this thread??
coelho sports errors introduced by the fact that they’re a mile above sea level, so everything will be off by the same amount compared to other tests.
Hey Bandit where did you get your seat covers?
I towed my buddies 21 ft bass boat. 5000-5500 lbs fully geared up n 55 gallons of fuel. My 16 Trd or manual trans does great. The only thing that is scary is when I back up to pull the boat back out of the water. From a dead start going up hill. My Taco takes about 5 seconds for the power to arrive . The rpm has to slowly climb up to about 3k rpm for power. While it’s waiting to get to 3k rpm, it just pretty much rolls upward very slowly. Scary stuff 😂😂. I don’t know if this happens to auto trans tho
mr_hachi_roku 86: thanks for the info, I'll be hauling a pontoon boat this weekend in Havasu, AZ. I'll let you know how i do pulling it out of the water. Some of those ramps can be steep & slippery after several boats are pulled out before yours. Mine is an automatic TRD Off-Road, so I'll keep you posted.
That’s great. I’m thinking it’s a safety feature for a manual trans. So that the rear wheels don’t break traction.??? Lol
mr_hachi_roku 86 ...e-brake?
I even tried 4 low n it didn’t make a difference. Truck does creep forward but it takes 4-5 seconds for the rpm to hit 3k rpm for my truck to pull the boat out of the ramp
I would select 4Lo and put transmission in 1st or 2nd gear....4Lo gives you tremendous power and more traction
Do you have the tow package (upgraded Alternator 130 A, transmission cooler and class 3 towing bar/hitch?)
How would one know? I am trying to find out if i have the Tow Package on my 2019 TRD SPORT 4X4 DOUBLE cab with 5 foot bed. Thanks.
SAXMANIVAN I’m not positive, but I believe if you have a 4 pin AND a 7 pin connector, you do have it
3.5L /278hp stout truck thanks brother!!
Unrelated to towing, I'd definitely buy these Carhartt covers based off this video alone. X) Do you have an affiliate link to get credit?
I do not. They are excellent seat covers though. I bought them from the Cover Craft website.
toyota should remove the 2.7 4 cylinder option and offer a diesel like the colorado
Yeah I agree, the 2.7 does “alright” but a diesel version about the same size would be awesome.
Layne Landon yessir more torque and good fuel economy
Wont happen due to the need for a new DEF system they`d have t develop, Toyota said they wont do a diesel option, which I would love as well
I wonder if anybody has added a turbo to there 3rd gen 2.7l 4 cylinder.. its a pretty strong engine 💪🏾
@@Dhaliwood ovtune is making a turbo kit for the 3.5v6
Ha! I guess I am not the Only one who noticed that you need to cross the chains you would not believe how many times I see trailers going by on the highway here without chains crossed or loads secured good Just saw I guy loose 4 of those jumbo bales of hay on highway yesterday because he only put 2 straps to hold 8 bales ....
Chains are not hooked up right. You always want to cross them.
On my Rockwood Roo it was recommended not to cross them...I thought crossing them was a better idea.
lol I believe he needs to watch a video?
Mike Foehr Depends how long the chains are. Might be too short to cross and have enough slack to turn sharp if needed. All depends. Might also depend if you have the hitch sway bars, could maybe interfere with it? just a thought
I never cross them on our hybrid because of the sway and level control hardware. RV dealer told me it was not necessary to cross the chains.
@Todd m So what is better...crossed or uncrossed. I am skeptical that the chains can even handle a 4000 pound load without failing crossed or not. I make damn sure my trailer hitch is secure on the ball. I want my camper staying in undamaged condition and no one being hurt on the road.
My 2004 Toyota Tacoma pull really well.
All i care abouy is where u get them carhart covers
Weight should be 60/40 in front of the axle. You should always have a little more weight on the tongue.
Wanted to carry a spare like your trailer
Im always towing with my 19 taco a 6x14 trailer with a rzr 4 seater on top and..... that's where I miss my full size truck! I wanna go back in time😭
compa Migue towed similar weight with my 4Runner. Your stuck right lane at 65mph
@@dougcoleburn1579 my don'ts wanna go faster than 65, but that's why she's gone lol I did trade in for 19 Silverado z71
People that say their truck pulls like nothing is there are either lying or not in touch with their truck. I drive a 6spd manual Cummins, and I if can feel an empty single axle trailer hooked on.
Is it laboring, not at all but I know my truck well enough to detect anything more than an empty load.
not sure if this trucks can handle dump trailer 5x10 around 2 ton weight??
I didn't see no pin be put in the trailer coupler?
Great video as always
What about towing a boat set up that weighs 3500lbs
Most are saying should cross chains, in some states you will get a ticket if you do not
Sumo Springs will help with squat.
CROSS THEM CHAINS MAN!
Re shoot the video to cross the chains
I just wanna tow a boat like 17ft bow rider
Does any one have a concern towing with a manual transmission? I was told towing in mountain roads might ruin my clutch. Bandit or Chad... do you have any opinion? I should note I have an AC as well.
A Joyce Shouldnt ruin your clutch as long as you arent riding it. Id try to find a gear for going down the mountain and stick with it, just so you dont miss it and grind the gears.
I tow a 5 X 10 trailer with a Harley Roadglide in it, it does ok, used to use a Ram with a hemi (much better)
Thank you for a good tutorial video!👏🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
Too late, I have towed with my SR5 version of yours 6x12 trailer with double axle rated for 6k and a long haul, looked like mpg’s where 10 or just lower. My 17 is rated at 6800 and is 4x4. Trailer is set with brakes, and I don’t have brake control just the ect switch. Generally drive with switch on all the time. 5 months and 10k+ miles.
only the rwd v6 access cab is rated for 6800. 4x4 v6 access cab is rated 6500 and double cab 6400. it should say that on the sticker inside the driver door. www.toyota.com/tacoma/features/towing/7126/7543/7582
I am curious if you guys have heard anything about a possible small V-8 for the Tacoma or 4Runner. I would trade my 4Runner for a V-8 in a second. I would buy a Tacoma with a V-8 as well. I would buy both of them right there if they made them.
tom thorn why wud u want v8 in Tacoma? The 2.7 has plenty of power.
It has a 3.5 but I would like to see a small V-8 option for more towing power. It would be nice if it was a little faster but more than speed I would like it for off-roading. We got the supercharger in the 4Runner and it's great off-road. It gives it a real power boost no matter where you are in the throttle. My Tacoma is kinda lacking. I think a small V-8 option would be good. The 4Runner will outclimb my truck now. Tacoma kinda lacking in the throttle response climbing and in low end.
Dude where did you get your seat covers?
They're carhartt
Would you be able to tow a car with a Tacoma? Something like a Subaru WRX/STI or a Toyota Supra?
You'd be very close to the limit of 6500lbs if not over. Plus you'd need a trailer brake controller
@@TrailPass Ahhh, bummer. I was hoping to get a Tacoma and then a Supra in the future and tow the Supra around when I need to store it away for the winters
@@Dead__Byte if you're not going to tow regularly it could be done, you'd just likely be close to the limit. If you plan to tow more often a Tundra may be a better option.
@@TrailPass Thanks for the tips! Yeah, I figured the Tundra would be better but I’m not a huge fan of big trucks and I’m not crazy about the looks of the Tundra. I think the Tacoma is a perfect truck!
What gear do you drive in ,when you are pulling that size of trailer and that amount of gear
In 4th the truck still has plenty of power for this kind of load.
Most important part what gear, ill go with 4th, maybe 5th empty trailer, fairly flat highway. Seems like No one wants 2 share this info, ECT ON ALSO.
6 speed trans.
He feels something behind him
I love my Tacoma but I haul with my Cummins 😎
I’m looking at buying one of these to replace my Jeep Liberty CRD. I have a 2000 pound pop up camper. I’m thinking this will be a good fit as most of the new smaller suv can’t really tow much more than 1500. I’m sure I won’t get the fuel economy my diesel gets but oh well not like new diesel are affordable and as reliable.
Like your seat covers too
That should work great for your needs. Thanks for watching!
My Tacoma did not come with a 7/4 pin connector. It had a hitch, but no wiring. I had to install that myself...
I want to tow cars with my Tacoma. Is it possible?
What seat cover brand you have ? And do you like them ?
Shade Ss Carhart
Even though it’s not related to this video. I’m gonna buy a new Tacoma Sr double cab 4x4. Which engine should I get? The 4cyl or v6?
Wheres the tow haul button
I tow my 14 foot boat with my 15 tacoma pulls good but the boat and trailer weighs about 1400lbs
WOW!!! This guy did two things right of the bat that are wrong and also illegal when towing. He didn't put a locking pin in and he didn't cross the chains. Both things are illegal and are a citable offense by law enforcement! People should know exactly what they are doing before making a PSA video like this.
Should always cross the chains
This video was just fine!
I have a Tacoma TRD 4-wheel drive, what drop length should I buy?
can mid size truck tow a car'
Cross yo chains!!
I towed a big trailer 14ft loaded without the ECT 😅 is that bad for the truck?!!!
All I row with mine is my wife and mines dirt bikes on a utkity trailer going camping. Lije 4 thousand pounds. Pulls easy
Thanks for that info! I’m planning on buying two brand new jet skies plus a truck to tow them to the beach on the weekends. Do you think a Tacoma is good enough to haul two jet skies? Or do you think it would add too much weight for sudden slowdowns and stops on the highway?
I think a Tacoma would handle it but it depends on how much you tow. If you're towing every weekend or though the mountains I would look towards a half ton truck.
@@TrailPass I live in Los Angeles so I will be driving pretty much on flat paved streets and highways.
I live in the SF bay area and two my 20 ft Mastercraft to Lake Berryessa all the time no problem with a 2010 Tacoma TRD offroad crew cab with towing package.
do the break lights work without a break controller?
also the hitch you are using is for a full size truck, not a Minnie truck just FYI. Safety first.
You can use a full size 10k lbs or higher hitch with anything as long as you tow within the limits of the truck. The hitch doesn't matter
Do you have the tow package on your truck? I can't remember.
Yes sir he does
Can a new V6 Tacoma tow a 4 seater rzr? It weighs around 2000 lbs and the trailer, well Im not sure but let's just say a decent trailer for just one rzr, maybe 15 or 16 foot.
I think you'll definitely feel the weight but it should tow fine.
@@TrailPass ok cool thanks
What if i plane on towing totes empty daily 20 at a time?
How many lbs is all that on the trailer, including the trailer ???
With out the tow package I think you can only tow like 3500 which is not much.
Would I Toyota Tacoma v6 be enough to tow a big Harley bagger and ATV? I mean without struggling with the weight even though it’s not that much. Or should I move up to a half ton
I would say it depends on how much and where you tow. If you are in the mountains and tow regularly I would go with a half ton. If you only tow a few times a year the Tacoma will definitely handle it.
@@TrailPass Well I live in Louisiana so the Tacoma would probably be enough then
Nice job!
Where can you get those Carhartt seat covers? How well do they fit?
Jeff Poirier I’m looking for some covers myself that are durable and possibly water repellant.