Minimum towing requirements

[check 6]

Hopefully i will get more responses with this then I am with the other thread.

I plan to tow aprox. 4500 lbs on the highway. 1200 lbs alum trailer with surge brakes and at most 3200 lbs of cargo (sports car or tractor) My current tow vehicle is a 2007 Toyota Tacoma 2 wheel drive pick up with towing package. It has the V6 with 236 hp and 260 ft lbs of torque. While I think it will tow the trailer OK on relatively flat terrain I'm concerned more with the brakes on the truck and so far I cannot find any upgrades. So looking for comments ie minimum capability currently or not an issue? Thanks

 

[Dmace]

I assume you have the Pre-Runner model since you say it's 2wd and a V6. If so then the tow capacity is 6,500lbs with the tow package so you should have no problem. Just make sure those surge brakes on the trailer are working properly.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree. Just make sure the hitch is up to the task. Also, if you are renting the trailer like I think you may be, make sure they will allow it behind your truck. I know Uhaul will not allow some trailers behind some trucks. For example, my bosses son wanted to use the tandem 12' trailer behind his Grand Cherokee with a V6 and about 6K tow rating. They would not allow it so he borrowed my neighbors 2 horse trailer that was basically the same size to move his stuff.

My book also shows the Tacoma with the V6 has a 6,500# tow rating.

Chris

 

[check 6]

I agree. Just make sure the hitch is up to the task. Also, if you are renting the trailer like I think you may be, make sure they will allow it behind your truck. I know Uhaul will not allow some trailers behind some trucks. For example, my bosses son wanted to use the tandem 12' trailer behind his Grand Cherokee with a V6 and about 6K tow rating. They would not allow it so he borrowed my neighbors 2 horse trailer that was basically the same size to move his stuff.

My book also shows the Tacoma with the V6 has a 6,500# tow rating.

Chris

It's my trailer, a Trailex dual axle all alum open car trailer. Was towing with a Porsche Cayenne but thanks to a young man that was texting rather than watching the road his Suburban mated with the rear of the Cayenne ( he was going between 25 and 30 and we were stopped at a red light) As I said in my first post I'm more concerned with the brakes on the Toyota. They are not a good as I would like. The trailers surge brakes are good. I truly appreciate the comments as we plan a long distance haul next Spring.

 

[Diamondpilot]

It's my trailer, a Trailex dual axle all alum open car trailer. Was towing with a Porsche Cayenne but thanks to a young man that was texting rather than watching the road his Suburban mated with the rear of the Cayenne ( he was going between 25 and 30 and we were stopped at a red light) As I said in my first post I'm more concerned with the brakes on the Toyota. They are not a good as I would like. The trailers surge brakes are good. I truly appreciate the comments as we plan a long distance haul next Spring.

Do not seem many personal trailers other than boat trailers with surge brakes. By the way I like surge brakes.

I think you will be fine. Just take it slow and easy and plan your stops. Think of all the idiots out there 25 year old worn out trucks and no trailer brakes. You are miles ahead with a modern truck and a good trailer with working brakes.

Chris

 

[Dmace]

You want better brakes? Pick up a set of EBC yellow brake pads and some premium rotors. Bleed the brakes properly and hold on tight when you first hit that pedal. EBC is the #1 brake pad, I've had them on everything from a 1-ton dump truck to a 600hp turbo charged race car.

I typically order them from AutoAnything.com and for your truck their about $100 a pair but well worth it. They last 2-3 times longer than the $30 pair pads you get at a parts store.

 

[check 6]

You want better brakes? Pick up a set of EBC yellow brake pads and some premium rotors. Bleed the brakes properly and hold on tight when you first hit that pedal. EBC is the #1 brake pad, I've had them on everything from a 1-ton dump truck to a 600hp turbo charged race car.

I typically order them from AutoAnything.com and for your truck their about $100 a pair but well worth it. They last 2-3 times longer than the $30 pair pads you get at a parts store.

Thanks, I will look in to better pads and rotors. I'm also considering stainless steel braided brake lines. I do like this truck and with only 61,000 miles on it I'm not really excited about purchasing a new vehicle.

 

[JCB]

Check,

You should be fine. Your Tacoma should already have really good brakes, and you've got trailer brakes.

My brother in law worked for a parts supplier, and he always mentioned to me how proud they were of the Tacoma braking system.

More is always better, but I was always impressed with the Tacoma brakes too.

 

[Ford tractor]

Make sure the rear bumper drops no more than a couple inches. Most small trucks have weak springs and will overload quickly. Leads to little traction with the front wheels, poor steering and worse braking.

Use a tape on the back bumper before attaching the trailer. You do want some drop, but not more than a couple inches.

 

[Renze]

...I plan to tow aprox. 4500 lbs on the highway. 1200 lbs alum trailer with surge brakes and at most 3200 lbs of cargo (sports car or tractor) My current tow vehicle is a 2007 Toyota Tacoma 2 wheel drive pick up with towing package. It has the V6 with 236 hp and 260 ft lbs of torque.

4500lbs is a bit over 2 ton... Why do you even question it ?
I haul 2 ton tractors on 1000 pound trailers frequently with little problems. Behind my 140hp, 300Nm 2.5 TDI. on flat ground i keep it in 5th, it gets me a km more per liter. It takes off in 1st gear without playing the clutch, just release it slowly at low idle.
Your Toyota will weigh 1800kg or so, which is 400 more than my Volvo. it should do it with ease.