Question Tow question???

[msamora]

I'm looking at buyer a 2,000 lb boat... probably a rolling weight of 3,000 lbs with trailer and all... I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma, V6. I understand the vehicle has a tow rating of 3,500 lb.

My question is, does this tow rating include the bumper? Can I just hitch the boat to my factory bumper? ...or do I need to by a special tow hitch to tow this much?

[droolingmess]

You need to find out what the tongue weight and overall weight of the trailer is. Then look on the on the bumper (r/h side of license plate) or in the owners manual they both list the max tongue weight and trailer weight.

[sr5mike]

NO...NO...NO.... you will need a hitch installed. Make sure the boat trailer has good brakes. A 4x4 will be helpful on the boat ramps they can get slick.

[the.phantom]

you can buy a good hitch for about $150
and it will take you about 1 hour to install it ! ( save yourself about $45 and just 6 bolts)
no drilling, just using existing holes
i have a valley hitch ( sold by u haul) and there are several good ones besides valley

you can get "plug and play" wiring harness for about $45

[Bsktball55]

If you have the tow package on your truck the tow rating it actually 6,500 lbs so you shouldn't have any problem pulling it, but I would get a hitch and you may want to think about a transmission cooler as well.