Toyota Tacoma 6 cylinder, 6800 capacity

[powhatanone]

Appreciate comments from anyone who has experienced towing with a Toyota Tacoma 6 cylinder. The truck is a 2019 and rated for 6,800 tow capacity.

I plan to purchase a trailer in the 3,500 to 4,300 Weight range. Can anyone share their experience towing a similar size or larger with same engine.

Our kids are grown so it will be just my wife and I so not too much in the way of added stuff or better yet weight.

Hope to get some insight before I take the plunge and purchase the RV.

thanks much

Rich Messler
Powhatan, VA

[Kim Gass]

Don't have your exact same setup but we towed a 195RB all over the US and Canada literally with a Honda Ridgeline rated at 5000 lbs. It even did OK crossing the Rockies several times. The only issue we had was with trailer brake wiring breaking several times and putting a lot of stress on the tow vehicle until we could get to a repair area. Make sure your brakes are up to towing. The 195 loaded came in at around 3600 lbs.

Now we have a 2021GMC Canyon v6 rated at 7000 lbs and while we haven't been to the Rockies yet it tows the 212 QB quite well. We do always have kayaks on the truck and this seems to actually help the airflow. We have gotten 14 mpg towing. The Honda did less well towing in a headwind.

Try to avoid overloading and travelling with unnecessary fresh water. I think were we to have a bigger RV than the one we have we would have to have a bigger truck. ( and start a snowplowing operation to pay for it agh) the 212 comes in at a potential load of 5500 total( 1200 allowed for water propane and battery and stuff). Our load so far has ( been less than 500 lbs as we do not carry water)

[Colorado]

The biggest problem you’re going to run into is payload maxing out. Also make sure you get mirror extensions or tow mirrors… don’t be that guy that tows a trailer wider than their mirrors are…

[powhatanone]

Are you speaking of the additional weight of whatever I add in addition to the trailer?
So if the trailer is 4000 lbs, I need to add everything in the trailer and the truck, correct?
Two people, everything packed, in the cabinets etc. Does that sound right.
With just us two at total 340 lbs, and approximately say 700 in supplies, assume I would take the sum of that 1,040 lbs plus 4000 lbs for trailer equaling 5,040 lbs. At 6,800 capacity I am 1,760 under max. Does that sound correct.
Thanks much for your input.

[GarlicDude]

I tow this trailer with a 2012 Double Cab Tacoma Pre Runner with a V6:


https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2016-...-18rbm-tr26020


I added Timbren bump stops, a larger transmission oil cooler, and recently added a CSF radiator, the core is twice as thick as stock, and a Scan Guage to monitor trans and water temps.


We've been to Yellowstone and back and all over California and over many passes over the Sierras. We could use more power at times over the higher mountain passes but pull it into 3rd gear gets us in a better torque range.

Here is an excellent link to towing with a Tacoma

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/...ng-bible.4031/

[Kim Gass]

Originally Posted by powhatanone

Are you speaking of the additional weight of whatever I add in addition to the trailer?
So if the trailer is 4000 lbs, I need to add everything in the trailer and the truck, correct?
Two people, everything packed, in the cabinets etc. Does that sound right.
With just us two at total 340 lbs, and approximately say 700 in supplies, assume I would take the sum of that 1,040 lbs plus 4000 lbs for trailer equaling 5,040 lbs. At 6,800 capacity I am 1,760 under max. Does that sound correct.
Thanks much for your input.

The payload is whatever you have in the truck. Some include fuel. Always include people and whatever else you are carrying
The tongue weight changes with whatever you are carrying in the trailer.
I believe your tow vehicle payload is around 1400 lbs. The tongue weight will probably come in at 700 lbs with your stuff in the trailer and the battery and propane. That 700 is directly part of your tow vehicle payload. So you will have used about 1100 lbs.

Do not bring your MIL...

edit. The most important figure is your tow vehicle payload. That number is often exceeded before the weight of the trailer gets above what you can tow.

[GarlicDude]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCkBmiZV09w

[Jacjayco]

I tow our 212qb with our 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum. V6, full tow package. Rated at 6,000 lbs. TV payload is 1,149. TT weighs 4,403 from the factory. TT hitch weight is 470 lbs. empty.Tt payload is 1,097 lbs.

Trips with 2 of us, our gear and five gallons of water. I weigh everything that goes in the TT and TV. (OK, except DW).

We've never exceeded payload, even on extended trips of several weeks.

Our biggest issue is fuel capacity. Tank holds 20 gallons, we have a usable range of 170 miles or so. We've been from Maine to South Florida and several places in between, including over Fancy Gap on I81.

Would I like something more powerful? Sure, but as we are all aware, prices are crazy.

I hope this helps....

[Kim Gass]

Originally Posted by Jacjayco

I tow our 212qb with our 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum. V6, full tow package. Rated at 6,000 lbs. TV payload is 1,149. TT weighs 4,403 from the factory. TT hitch weight is 470 lbs. empty.Tt payload is 1,097 lbs.

Trips with 2 of us, our gear and five gallons of water. I weigh everything that goes in the TT and TV. (OK, except DW).

We've never exceeded payload, even on extended trips of several weeks.

Our biggest issue is fuel capacity. Tank holds 20 gallons, we have a usable range of 170 miles or so. We've been from Maine to South Florida and several places in between, including over Fancy Gap on I81.

Would I like something more powerful? Sure, but as we are all aware, prices are crazy.

I hope this helps....

You need to haul kayaks. Seems we are getting 320 miles on 21 gal. The boats I believe influence airflow. The feeling of dragging a high box is not there. I think the boats deflect air up and over early. We were very pleasantly surprised as the 212 is tall up there.

They moved Fancy Gap? Three years it was on I 77. Just before the looooong descent. It never fails to be fog or high winds.

To the OP I think you will be fine!

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by powhatanone

snip....... towing with a Toyota Tacoma 6 cylinder. The truck is a 2019 and rated for 6,800 tow capacity. I plan to purchase a trailer in the 3,500 to 4,300 Weight range........snip

I would take your Tacoma under loaded conditions (full fuel, passengers, 'stuff') to a CAT scale and weigh it (3 minutes and $9).

Subtract the CAT weight from your Tacoma's specified GVWR....., the remaining weight is your actual "available payload capacity"...... not all 'loaded' Tacoma's are created equal .

Knowing your actual "available payload capacity" will be helpful when evaluating TT loaded weights. The majority of 'scaled' loaded TT tongue weights fall in the 13% to 15% range of the gross loaded weight (and/or GVWR)....., closer to 15% enhances TV handling in less than ideal towing conditions.

Just food for thought.

Bob

[ultrarider]

Hello , I have a 2012 Tacoma, crew cab, 6ft bed, with factory tow package. (Tow weight capacity 6500)The only thing I did was I added an extra leaf spring. These Tacoma’s are noted for having weak springs, especially after hauling heavy loads over the years. I tow a 16 XRB which has a weight is about 3,025 lbs empty. It does have a heavier tongue wt then listed as I weighed it at about 500lbs. Like everyone agrees with, your “Load Capacity” is the issue. I have a cap on my truck which weighs about 225 lbs, that with 500lb tongue weight I’m already at over 700 lbs. I know I over load my truck way over it’s rating, but the extra spring, and weight distribution system help a lot. I use the Equilizer WD system. The trailer pulls great with the WD. No sway or bouncing, however pulling up hills with the weight, my truck is like “The little engine that could”.

[Dkastner]

We too had a 2012 Toyota Tacoma V-6, double cab with 5' bed with a tow package. Using a WDH, we pulled a Jayco 166FBS which comes in right around 5,000 lbs. As others have stated, payload was the issue. With careful loading, we had no problem pulling it, but it was still not the best towing experience. Any larger vehicle (even a panel van) that passes you will create the wave of air that pushes you all over the lane. Pulling in fourth gear (out of 5) gave us 9-10 mpg which I did not consider that bad for a smaller truck. However, the small fuel tank did require more more frequent stops.

[Jacjayco]

Kim, you are correct, of course! Nope, they didn't move Fancy Gap. We travel from I77 to I81 a lot. Seems like I had another Senior Moment......

[Kim Gass]

Originally Posted by Jacjayco

Kim, you are correct, of course! Nope, they didn't move Fancy Gap. We travel from I77 to I81 a lot. Seems like I had another Senior Moment......

Fog is apt in that area.. Also snow! Nope I don't think you had a senior moment. If you travel that route alot its like forgetting your car keys.. Where you put them often doesn't register with your brain..

I always wondered going downhill with the TT if anyone has used those runaway truck ramps with a trailer.... just woolgathering now.

[deepsea5]

Powhatanone: you should be fine, based on my experience with our 2018 4Runner. The 4Runner has similar running gear as the Tacoma, but is limited to towing 5,000 pounds. Our 4Runner does a great job at towing our JayFlight 175RD camper (3,800ish pounds), especially considering it has the oversized TRD Pro wheels/tires.
Having said that, we are in the process of trading the 4Runner for a 2019 Tacoma Limited. Our pontoon boat & trailer combination weighs about 4,800 pounds. That is too close for comfort to the 4Runner's max weight capacity for me. The Tacoma will give us a higher margin of safety in regards to towing capacity.
I do love our 4Runner and will miss it!

[Emchris528]

Hi, I have. 2020 Tacoma 4x4 OffRoad towing a 183RB (21 ft) This truck tows the TT well. My only issue is long uphill grades (maybe 6%). The revs are at about 4000 which is a bit noisy. And it guzzles gas pretty well to under those conditions. I kinda figure this is due to the transmission gearing for it being the 4x4 off road. I live in Arizona so it’s pretty mountainous around here.

[deepsea5]

Originally Posted by deepsea5

Powhatanone: you should be fine, based on my experience with our 2018 4Runner. The 4Runner has similar running gear as the Tacoma, but is limited to towing 5,000 pounds. Our 4Runner does a great job at towing our JayFlight 175RD camper (3,800ish pounds), especially considering it has the oversized TRD Pro wheels/tires.
Having said that, we are in the process of trading the 4Runner for a 2019 Tacoma Limited. Our pontoon boat & trailer combination weighs about 4,800 pounds. That is too close for comfort to the 4Runner's max weight capacity for me. The Tacoma will give us a higher margin of safety in regards to towing capacity.
I do love our 4Runner and will miss it!

Originally Posted by Emchris528

Hi, I have. 2020 Tacoma 4x4 OffRoad towing a 183RB (21 ft) This truck tows the TT well. My only issue is long uphill grades (maybe 6%). The revs are at about 4000 which is a bit noisy. And it guzzles gas pretty well to under those conditions. I kinda figure this is due to the transmission gearing for it being the 4x4 off road. I live in Arizona so it’s pretty mountainous around here.

We ended up going with a 2016 Tundra, vs the Tacoma. There is only a couple MPG difference between the Tundra & Tacoma. Figured the extra towing capacity of the Tundra might come in handy.
Plus, the Tundra was lower priced and only has 23,000 miles.

Another consideration for us: we may be headed towards Arizona & other areas in the SouthWest within a couple years. I was concerned the Tacoma might not like towing in the less dense air at the higher elevations.

[Kim Gass]

You will be fine. We towed four times to California and back to Maine via various mountain routes through AZ ID UT with a Honda Ridgeline with less tow capacity. with our 3500 lb trailer It only struggled out of Oak Canyon in AZ which has a 12 percent grade. We moved up in truck as the new trailer could be over 5000 lbs.

We used to have a Tundra(2000) and won't have one again but not for tow capacity..it just won't fit in the garage . The later models got rather bloated.

For a nice inaugural pull go from Rumford to Eustis and return. There are many grades there worse than in the West, but shorter. It will give you a feel for how things will handle.

[deepsea5]

Originally Posted by Kim Gass

For a nice inaugural pull go from Rumford to Eustis and return. There are many grades there worse than in the West, but shorter. It will give you a feel for how things will handle.

Yep. Height of Land area is real fun in winter due to the frost heaves. Gives the Mission snowmobile trailer a good workout.

Real good times when riding in a Central Maine Power Co bucket truck...only if you like having your kidneys pounded up into your neck! LOL

[Kim Gass]

yep. And I love Saddleback..by the time I get there I feel like I have ridden a bronc.It was marginally better last week. Beware the in the woods pop up traffic light. Good test of trailer brakes.

Where in almighty god did you find a late model Tundra barely broken in?