Will I have any issues towing 4200lbs on a long trip?

Hi all. I am looking at getting a tundra but have a quick question that will help me decide on which one to look for. I am looking for a 05/06 double cab 2wd with the 4.7L and factory tow package. My main concern is should this truck be able to tow a car on 16ft trailer (about 4200lb total, trailer and car) on a 2500 mile trip without too much issue? I would be coming from down south up to around the New Jersey area and back (hills are definitely going to be encountered). As long as normal maintenance is done should I be good to go?

 

Consult your vehicle manual in the glove box. Internet search it if not. There are towing senarios in the manual with weights etc that will help you.

 

No

 

I drove an 1800 mile road trip in my tacoma (4.0) with 600+ pounds in the bed towing ~3200 lb trailer. You should be good.

 

Yeah, I am not sure the truck I have in mind has the manual but I can see. I know the truck can tow up to 5000lb and this is not at that upper limit, and will actually be less if my maths are right. That is why I was asking for some knowledge from the board and maybe someone has tried it before and could share some knowledge.

Any particular reason why not?


I am debating between an 05/06 and the 07+ double cab w/ 5.7. I know the 07+ will easily do it but it is almost out of my price range unless I get one with half a million miles on it.

 

Thanks for the firsthand experience. What year taco if I may ask?

If my maths are right the car will be around 2100lb and the trailer is like 1700lb. So roughly 3800lb total trailer. Either way I go I will make sure the transmission is up to snuff and the engine has had regular maintenance.

 

It was an 08 Tacoma. I also used to have an 03 tundra 4.7 great truck @ 185k miles. All in all it’s a Toyota and I wouldn’t worry too much.

 

Sorry, I misread this I thought you were saying I would not be able to tow it. But in fact you were saying I shouldn't have issues.

 

Should be no problem, not sure how much tongue weight you'll have, I'd get Air Bags if the rear sags. It'll keep your nose down, steering planted and you won't purpoise over bumps.

 

Airbags just put more weight on the rear of the truck, a weight distribution hitch is the proper way to correct a sagging rear end while towing.

 

True, using a WDH is a given, I wouldn't tow without one and have a Blue Ox, but it won't correct additional sag and nose bobbing over potholes/bumps. Not a nice feeling before I added Timbrens (Air Bags are more comfortable for long distances).

 

You're more likely to have trouble with the trailer than the truck. Does the trailer have brakes?

 

It will. Neither truck nor trailer has been purchased yet. The trip is still a few months away so I'm doing all my homework first.

Definitely looking at weight distribution hitch and possibly rear airbags. I had a '00 4runner and the bags helped tons!

 

Get some stabilizers/sway controlers for it and you'll be good.

 

Thanks for all the input yall. It has really put my mind at ease on this. Can't wait to get my tundra!

 

You'll be fine. We tow our camper(4650 lbs dry) no problem with our 06 crew cab 4.7. And we're in Colorado and go over the passes a lot. Truck is all stock besides a brake controller and a WDH.

 

Just use the tow haul mode. If the truck squats to much consider a weight distribution hitch. Anything heavy you put in the bed with the trailer attached will make it squat more. Like already mentioned, make sure the trailer is in good working order.

 

If you are still in confusion and have towing issues, then either you can check vehicle manual or else you can consult Florida Transporter who can explain you in detail and can help you in clearing all your issues regarding towing a car. Moreover, you can hire their service too if you need hauling or towing service in future.

 

Only issue you'll have is finding gas stations along the way. Expect to refill at 250 miles max.

Also make sure you leave plenty of room between you and anything in front of you. Your truck only weighs about 500 pounds more than your tow load. Braking will be your main concern.

 

The car is a 1985 Toyota MR2. Already light but I put an engine swap in it that is 100lb lighter than stock plus lighter 2000+ MR-s wheels.

I am actually going to pick up a tundra today if all goes well. Found a nice 2012 double cab that I think will do nicely! I will update once I know for certain.

 

Yeah I think the curb weight on the 85 was like 2300 or something. I've had many MR2's. Even had 2 91' turbos. The white one was especially crazy as I imported a Gen4 3sgte and put it in there before it was "a thing". lol

Thanks! I really hope this goes well and I have a new (to me) member of the family tonight.

 

Mission accomplished! Picked up my 2012 TSS double cab yesterday.