Towing with a Taco

[quailchaser]

So we got this little Taco ('06 DC Prerunner TRD Offroad Package) to haul the bikes out on a 3 rail trailer.

I love the truck for around town and hauling the bikes out to the desert. It rocks in traffic and hauls 3 dirt bikes like their not even there. Our last club race was somewhat close to town, so the wife and kids came out for the day. They had a ball and were hooked, but opted not to stay the night as we had brought no camping gear. As I froze my *** off sleeping in the back of the truck, I thought...man it would be so nice to have a nice warm (or cool in our 100+ degree summers), private place to crash while attending these type events. As soon as I got home, the wife, kids and I decided that we really want to camp (and ride) and attend more of these events. Cool! Well, sort of cool.

My dilema...we purchased the Taco less than a year ago and if we opt to get a tow vehicle in the 3/4 or 1 ton capacity, we are going to get soaked on the depriciation and Sales Tax. Not to mention having to drive a large truck as a commuter and park the thing in an increasingly compact vehicle parking environment.

There are several TT that fall within the Taco's towing capacity and GCVW ratings. However, where would we put the bikes? Putting even one Adult bike in the bed would crush the tongue weight ratings. So, toyhauler seems like the best looking option. Except that even the 19' TH are heavy! This one looks like it could be within acceptable limits 2008 Warrior Supercross Toyhauler

If thier numbers are accurate, it appears with 2 Adult bikes (250 lbs each) and two kids bikes (~120 lbs each), water, propane and stuff...plus 400 to 500 lbs of options, we'll be right around 5600 lbs. 2 adults, 2 kids (6 and 9) in the truck. Nothing in the bed. We are in AZ and many of our trips will be up and down 6 or so mile long 6% grades. Am I wasting my time looking at TH? Time better spent looking for a class C MH or a good deal on a 3/4 or 1 ton truck?

[j4x4ar3]

Don't do it. A toy hauler is way to much for a Tacoma no matter what size you get. Guarenteed your 5600# estimate is under what it needs to be. "Toys" add up really quick and you'll soon find that you'll want to pack more than you estimated origionally... like extra fuel for the bikes.

I'm speaking from experience here. I have a 26' TT that is dry at 4200#. When I'm loaded I'm just about at the 5000# mark. Short trips that I take (under 200 miles one way) and staying below 3000 feet and the truck does very well and I've been happy with my setup. I definitely though would want a larger truck if I were much heavier though or if I decided to take longer distance extended trips. I watch my weight and only carry about 1/4 tank of fresh water for emergencies. Things add up really quickly. I have two small kids under the age of 4 and I've already considered getting a larger truck in a couple years when they get older and heavier and start wanting to bring more stuff with us. That and when they get old enough to take longer trips.

I just reread your post and noticed that you said you would be doing a lot of 6% long grades. I've done the Grapevine in SoCal and did really good but man the gas mileage was awfull. I've gotten down as low as 7mpg. The advantage of a larger truck would be a larger tank. I'm lucky to go 175 miles before needing a fillup. I've gone as little as 125 miles before needing to fuel. That's about 1/2 of what I get as a daily driver of 20mpg.

[Marazzito]

I tow a 1967 Land Cruiser and with the trailer and gear it's pretty close to 6,000lbs. The Tacoma handles the weight well (for a midsized truck) even up high altitude steep grades to Tahoe. I really think the Tacoma will handle anything well all the way to it's Limit's, just don't exceed any of them. I am not a Toy hauler expert but these look to be a good set up for the Tacoma... Carson Trailer - FA Front Bath
Carson Trailer - FR Front Kitchen
Carson Trailer - Home of the Fun Runner RV Sport Trailer I just got a Carson open car trailer and I love it.