• Welcome to Tacoma3G.com, a free resource for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma owners!

    This website is the passion-project of a USMC veteran/mechanic, @Tyler. I created Tacoma3G.com to share my knowledge of this subject with others and to provide like-minded folks with a comfortable space to ask questions and create 'build threads' within our Tacoma Forums. Now, if the format of this website is confusing to navigate for you, or if you're interested in my full mission and T3G's history, check out the Help and About pages.

Traveler trailer towing

Stocktaco

2️⃣ Bronze
Joined
Nov 16, 2019
Messages
2
Reaction score
2
Greetings everyone,


I hope this message finds you all well, this is my first post in the forum and it's regarding towing with the 3rd. Gen 2019 Tacoma 3.5 double cab with tow package. Can anyone be kind enough to share their experience while towing an RV-traveler trailer? I understand that mid size pick ups are not the best for this type of application, but there are RVs that can be towed with the Tacoma if one stays with the hitch weight, and the GVW of the trailer being towed. That being said, I have done some research on the web (mainly youtube) and found a mixture of good and bad. I have found people that are towing 4,500 Lbs. Travel trailers and are doing so with proper precautions of monitoring transmission temperature, and basically going easy if you will where it calls for. There are people that are full time RV travelers pulling trailers that are 3500-4000 lbs using cross over SUV's and are doing long hauls. But then again I have also seen others who don't have great things to say about the Taco, one in particular had negative comments about his experience; this person was disappointed about his truck slowing down going uphill and not going more than 65 mph, BRUH!!!!!!! Pulling a trailer even on a flat road is already tough, not to mention uphill and going to what I would consider unsafe speed. What concerns me are the people that have towed trailers that are considered within the tolerable specs and have addressed the need to upside to half ton pick ups. I would like to hear from anyone who's had experience while towing, and their trailer type, weight, and the whole enchilada. For your input, I thank you in advance CHEERS!!!!!
 
I would be interested to hear any feedback on this topic as well, personally I can't help you as I purchased the Tacoma with the intent to never tow with it, however I may need to do a cross country trip with a trailer in tow at some point to deliver a promise to my deceased father. The only input I have is if your not a manual transmission regearing to 5.29 will be your best friend!

Hope this helps....
 
I have a 2020 Taco Sr5 with tow package. I tow a 2020 apex nano 15x. Dry weight is 2900, gvwr is about 3300 pounds. I may be off a little on weight but you get it. Just did a trip from MA to NH, about 3 hours. Cruised around 55-60mph. You tow in S4 per manual. I do have the premium OVTUNE. The truck did great for the set up. I also have a WDH.
 

Attachments

  • 42F30EB3-0225-4AC3-8A02-F4E510D3FD28.jpeg
    42F30EB3-0225-4AC3-8A02-F4E510D3FD28.jpeg
    282.5 KB · Views: 234
Last edited:
I tow a Winnebago Hike 171DB coming in at about 4200 gvwr and it tows like a dream. Don't expect to have a ton of power to accelerate hard but theres plenty of torque to get you moving down the road and carry good speed. I've towed at 80 smoothly before (not that you should!!) but usually keep it around 65. Tows good up heavy grades as well but don't be afraid to put your foot in it and get the revs up! If you lean towards the towing capacity limit of the tacoma (~6000lb) i'd expect a bit more slowdown but it should still tow really well.

I recently upgraded to 33's and added some heavy rock sliders and other weight-adders and then got a KDMax tune and the truck drives just like stock even with the upgrades, towing included.

Long story short, it's capable for sure but I would shoot for 4500lb max GVWR just to keep driving smooth and easy!
 
I've towed all sorts of things, from way overloaded trailers to 4000lb boats. As long as you're ok going a bit slower, you'll be fine. The Tacoma is no powerhouse, but it's the little truck that could. It has been stable and reliable, and I've had no problems overheating or otherwise. Only hairy situation was one time I loaded a light utility trailer up with about 5000lbs of large logs and filled up my truck bed with another 2000lbs. The steering felt a little light due to the almost-wheelie I was pulling, but we did the highway at 55mph and the ol' boy never missed a beat.
 
Well... when I was driving home one snowy night I came across and F350 dually with a 5th wheel camper.. Stuck in the snow. Ig he slid a bit or whatever. Anyways, I pulled him out (both of us using 4WD ofc) no problems. So yea, Idk why people say we can't tow a leaf with these things. I also tow a 24' trailer with 2 Sportsmans' (and 850 and a 570) no problem, I'm sure it can fit my other 570 in the bed too with the trailer no issues
 
I have no problem towing my 18ft Jayco. I have air bags, brake controllers and all the other goodies. Slow and steady is the way to go anyways.
tempImagehOKgCh.png

Very interesting setup with the boat up top! What kind of MPG's are you getting with this setup?
 
Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences, I have found a common denominator on everyone’s opinion; take it easy where needed, monitor your transmission temp, stay within your gvwr.
 
That would be my advice too. Take it easy and stay within limits.

I towed 5k lbs with my truck for about 500 miles in one weekend. 15 mpg using 5th gear (manual). I would definitely do it again.
 
Hi, I echo what most have said above. Here are some items that I’d add to look at or consider. Apologize if it’s in another thread already):

1. Get a Scan Gauge 2 or 3, so you can monitor your actual transmission temp. There are other OBD bluetooth and more expensive gauge systems as well; this is simple and works.

2. Check your transmission fluid level! Most came from factory low, and when the dealer dos the transmission service, it will still be low. (Ask me how I know).

3. Brake controller. The truck is pre-wired, but you got to add it. I used the Tenkosha but it was in the way, so switched to the Redarc system. Nicer, even if the install is a little bit of a challenge.

4. Trailer weight. Stay within your GVWR. It’s easier on your truck.

5. Transmission cooler. Though I have the factory, going to add a second one. Toyota did away with Transmission coolers on 21+ for Tacoma and Tundras.

6. Pinning the Transmission. Read up on that one. Equals cooler temps.

7. Regearing. Just did it. Dropped some $$$, but it will be worth it. Had a long tow with factory gearing, 16’ box trailer @2700 lbs, and the series of grades from San Diego to Tahoe - sometimes there’s no place to get out of the way when the transmission temps climb.

Many of this is in other towing threads, or other web locations.

Note: Lifts, big tires, overland gear, etc. Just a cautionary word, that comes from years of driving 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks towing big trailers with sandrails or off road machines through Cali & AZ: The more stuff you put on your vehicle, the less you can legally tow. If there is an accident, and a death, the Highway Patrol & the Insurance companies have been known to piece it all together and make it extremely painful for a truck driver (not semi) who isn’t licensed correctly; running wrong tire type (C vs D vs E); way beyond GVWR; speed excess; no brake controller or trailer controls; etc. At one point, they started using mobile checkpoints in Cali during duning season - they’d flag you over, and check it all out; if something wasn’t up to snuff, impounding on the spot.
Not trying to scare anyone, just be aware of the risks. I see a lot of folks driving SUVs and Tacos/Rangers/Colorados with trailers too big or obviously overweight.

Be safe and have fun
 
Hi, I echo what most have said above. Here are some items that I’d add to look at or consider. Apologize if it’s in another thread already):

1. Get a Scan Gauge 2 or 3, so you can monitor your actual transmission temp. There are other OBD bluetooth and more expensive gauge systems as well; this is simple and works.

2. Check your transmission fluid level! Most came from factory low, and when the dealer dos the transmission service, it will still be low. (Ask me how I know).

3. Brake controller. The truck is pre-wired, but you got to add it. I used the Tenkosha but it was in the way, so switched to the Redarc system. Nicer, even if the install is a little bit of a challenge.

4. Trailer weight. Stay within your GVWR. It’s easier on your truck.

5. Transmission cooler. Though I have the factory, going to add a second one. Toyota did away with Transmission coolers on 21+ for Tacoma and Tundras.

6. Pinning the Transmission. Read up on that one. Equals cooler temps.

7. Regearing. Just did it. Dropped some $$$, but it will be worth it. Had a long tow with factory gearing, 16’ box trailer @2700 lbs, and the series of grades from San Diego to Tahoe - sometimes there’s no place to get out of the way when the transmission temps climb.

Many of this is in other towing threads, or other web locations.

Note: Lifts, big tires, overland gear, etc. Just a cautionary word, that comes from years of driving 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks towing big trailers with sandrails or off road machines through Cali & AZ: The more stuff you put on your vehicle, the less you can legally tow. If there is an accident, and a death, the Highway Patrol & the Insurance companies have been known to piece it all together and make it extremely painful for a truck driver (not semi) who isn’t licensed correctly; running wrong tire type (C vs D vs E); way beyond GVWR; speed excess; no brake controller or trailer controls; etc. At one point, they started using mobile checkpoints in Cali during duning season - they’d flag you over, and check it all out; if something wasn’t up to snuff, impounding on the spot.
Not trying to scare anyone, just be aware of the risks. I see a lot of folks driving SUVs and Tacos/Rangers/Colorados with trailers too big or obviously overweight.

Be safe and have fun
I'm considering regearing my 2020 Tacoma TRD 4x4 Off-Road to help with towing my 20ft 3200lb travel trailer up inclines. What did you add to yours? 5.29 Nitros or ? How much did it cost? I'm in San Diego and got a quote awhile back and it wasn't too crazy expensive but that was before supply-chain became a thing.
 
I'm considering regearing my 2020 Tacoma TRD 4x4 Off-Road to help with towing my 20ft 3200lb travel trailer up inclines. What did you add to yours? 5.29 Nitros or ? How much did it cost? I'm in San Diego and got a quote awhile back and it wasn't too crazy expensive but that was before supply-chain became a thing.
Short but sweet, imho you will never regret the Nitro 5.29 regear

P.S. I tow a 7X14 cargo trailer that weighs in at 4800#s loaded with my KD Max Tune 5.29 Nitros and 33” mud terrains…..WITH ZERO ISSUES

All over the North Idaho mountains

DOO ITT!!!!
 
I appreciate this thread because I’ve been searching for the answer on my life’s question: to regear or not regear and if not regear, then what?

FWIW, it’s been a minute since I’ve posted to the forums but I want to share my real world towing experience taking my 2021 Winnebago 2108FBS on a trip down to the Gulf Coast these past 5 days. I’m in the Mid-South and our route took us through Tupelo to Birmingham to Montgomery before meandering down to our beachly destination in the Destin area. There were some nice grades, particularly on I-22 between Tupelo and Birmingham, on I-65 through Birmingham, and lots of wind.

I have a 2019 TRD OR 6sp manual that’s still stock gearing (4.30) and rolling on 265/70/16 tires. I’m pretty much as-is from the dealer lot (but that’ll change at some point); not lifted and the only real mods I’ve done to date are add my Front Runner roof rack, Softopper, Redarc brake controller, and I did go lazy and put in a Peddle Commander (more on that later).

My TT is an easy 5,000lbs with what we have in it, and in the truck it’s just me, my wife and our dog. We are within the towing numbers/overall GVWR weight so I’m not concerned that I’m outta specs. I’m also using a weigh distribution hitch which I would not tow my TT without.

BLUF: can the (my) Tacoma do it? Yes, even with stock gearing. Was it enjoyable? Ehhh…no.

(I’m grateful that I’m a 6spd manual and not an automatic because I know already I would HATE the experience of towing my rig with a stock 3G auto Taco.)

Most of the time I was cruising in 5th gear. I never went to 6th because it didn’t feel like it had the torque needed to keep going so 5th became my default overdrive gear. Up and down grades was a 3rd/4th gear experience - again totally doable but I appreciated being able to shift back to 5th when I could.

I never went past 70mph on the interstates and normally kept it around 65mph on average. Gas mileage sucked but that’s a combo of weight, grades, wind resistance, phase of the moon, etc. I budgeted an 8mpg tank and came out in the 8.5-9mpg range.

The enjoyable factor came in when my wife asked me a total set-up question: “Would you want to get a bigger truck (e.g. Tundra)?”

But of course! (But all I hear is “It’s a trap!” in my head…)

I would rather put in $10k worth of upgrades before trading it in for something 1/2-ton or bigger where I simply end up spending $20k because it’s just “bigger.” The fact that I don’t have any vehicle payments is what keeps me looking for upgrade solutions rather than going the tempting trade-up path. (But…I’m also looking at the future so do I go bigger now or later…?)

I’m very, very interested in pulling the regearing trigger with hopes that it makes the enjoyability factor of towing my TT go up because if I do regear, then I’m totally, for realz no cap, all-in on keeping the Tacoma because with the regear comes new suspension setup, (slightly) bigger tires, retune, and a snorkel so I can look cooler than all my other fellow GenX-ers I see in the RV parks these days driving Gladiators.
 
I appreciate this thread because I’ve been searching for the answer on my life’s question: to regear or not regear and if not regear, then what?

FWIW, it’s been a minute since I’ve posted to the forums but I want to share my real world towing experience taking my 2021 Winnebago 2108FBS on a trip down to the Gulf Coast these past 5 days. I’m in the Mid-South and our route took us through Tupelo to Birmingham to Montgomery before meandering down to our beachly destination in the Destin area. There were some nice grades, particularly on I-22 between Tupelo and Birmingham, on I-65 through Birmingham, and lots of wind.

I have a 2019 TRD OR 6sp manual that’s still stock gearing (4.30) and rolling on 265/70/16 tires. I’m pretty much as-is from the dealer lot (but that’ll change at some point); not lifted and the only real mods I’ve done to date are add my Front Runner roof rack, Softopper, Redarc brake controller, and I did go lazy and put in a Peddle Commander (more on that later).

My TT is an easy 5,000lbs with what we have in it, and in the truck it’s just me, my wife and our dog. We are within the towing numbers/overall GVWR weight so I’m not concerned that I’m outta specs. I’m also using a weigh distribution hitch which I would not tow my TT without.

BLUF: can the (my) Tacoma do it? Yes, even with stock gearing. Was it enjoyable? Ehhh…no.

(I’m grateful that I’m a 6spd manual and not an automatic because I know already I would HATE the experience of towing my rig with a stock 3G auto Taco.)

Most of the time I was cruising in 5th gear. I never went to 6th because it didn’t feel like it had the torque needed to keep going so 5th became my default overdrive gear. Up and down grades was a 3rd/4th gear experience - again totally doable but I appreciated being able to shift back to 5th when I could.

I never went past 70mph on the interstates and normally kept it around 65mph on average. Gas mileage sucked but that’s a combo of weight, grades, wind resistance, phase of the moon, etc. I budgeted an 8mpg tank and came out in the 8.5-9mpg range.

The enjoyable factor came in when my wife asked me a total set-up question: “Would you want to get a bigger truck (e.g. Tundra)?”

But of course! (But all I hear is “It’s a trap!” in my head…)

I would rather put in $10k worth of upgrades before trading it in for something 1/2-ton or bigger where I simply end up spending $20k because it’s just “bigger.” The fact that I don’t have any vehicle payments is what keeps me looking for upgrade solutions rather than going the tempting trade-up path. (But…I’m also looking at the future so do I go bigger now or later…?)

I’m very, very interested in pulling the regearing trigger with hopes that it makes the enjoyability factor of towing my TT go up because if I do regear, then I’m totally, for realz no cap, all-in on keeping the Tacoma because with the regear comes new suspension setup, (slightly) bigger tires, retune, and a snorkel so I can look cooler than all my other fellow GenX-ers I see in the RV parks these days driving Gladiators.

I think you've got too small a truck for what you're using it for. I just regeared my 2020 auto on 33's with a bunch of overlanding gear, and while it's way better in town and on the highway, it still struggles a good bit at 70mph plus and I only went from 11mpg to 13. A 5000lb trailer is just a bit much with this engine to be "enjoyable."
 
True. I had a 2008 with the 4.0 that I now wish I had kept.

And “enjoyable” is subjective to be sure but a regear has to at least make it gooder.
 
I just purchased a 20' Rockwood Geo Pro with a 3,900 gvwr, everything well within the general towing spec for my 2020 4D TRD Off Road 4x4 long bed. I haven't towed it yet, so I've been very interested in your comments. I've got an added leaf to the rear springs for towing a lighter UTV/Trailer combo and have had no problems with that, but I think the TT will be another story. I'm considering some of the mods that have been mentioned here (regear, air bags, pinning the thermostat, scan gauges, transmission cooler, etc). Question about a recommended WDH. What works best for this situation in your opinion?
 
I just purchased a 20' Rockwood Geo Pro with a 3,900 gvwr, everything well within the general towing spec for my 2020 4D TRD Off Road 4x4 long bed. I haven't towed it yet, so I've been very interested in your comments. I've got an added leaf to the rear springs for towing a lighter UTV/Trailer combo and have had no problems with that, but I think the TT will be another story. I'm considering some of the mods that have been mentioned here (regear, air bags, pinning the thermostat, scan gauges, transmission cooler, etc). Question about a recommended WDH. What works best for this situation in your opinion?
I use the husky centerline for my trailer. It’s been great, if you set it up correctly. I say that because where I bought my camper did not. They set it up with little weight on the hitch ball. Never felt right on highway. Plenty of YouTube videos out there that make it easy to set up.
 
Last edited:
I use a Haul Master 10,000 lb WDH that was relatively inexpensive (which is why I bought it). Right now, it meets the need and does the job well - when set up correctly like PlainTaco stated - but the thing is heavy. 80lbs of weight just for the hitch and bars.

That's why I'm now looking at/researching the Anderson Hitch for a lot of the reasons I seem to like: less bounce, weighs less, and is just easier to attach/detach compared with my current setup. (Feels like I'm learning the lesson of coulda bought once and cried once.)
 
You're right that staying within the hitch weight and GVW of the trailer is crucial. It's also essential to consider factors like the terrain you'll be towing on and how well your vehicle can handle it. Some people have had positive experiences towing 4,500 lbs. travel trailers with their Tacomas by taking proper precautions, as you mentioned.
For more specific advice and experiences, you might want to check out forums or communities that are dedicated to Tacoma owners and towing. Additionally, if you ever need car parts or accessories for your Tacoma, you can explore this truck parts shop. I hope you receive valuable insights from fellow members here, and may your towing adventures with your Tacoma be safe and enjoyable!
 
Last edited:
You're right that staying within the hitch weight and GVW of the trailer is crucial. It's also essential to consider factors like the terrain you'll be towing on and how well your vehicle can handle it. Some people have had positive experiences towing 4,500 lbs. travel trailers with their Tacomas by taking proper precautions, as you mentioned.
I don't believe it's been mentioned, but do explore the EFT button while towing. It delays gear shifts to higher RPMs in the AT.
 
Back
Top