Towing

[TFL16]

Was looking for some towing feedback.  I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7.  The truck is rated for towing 3500# and a tongue weight of  350#.  I was looking into purchasing a 2002 Pro Craft 165 with a 75 Merc. The boat seems small enough for the Tacoma to handle it, however, I am a little nervous.  Any suggestions, expierences?  Thanks.

[iabass8]

Trailer brakes. Get em'. I'm more worried about stopping than the actual towing.I can't imagine the towing being an issue for you though.

[FD.]

Brakes, Brakes, and more Brakes...  You might want to look into a transmission cooler if your going to pull it far.

[TFL16]

the towing will be relativley short distances; 5-20 miles.  I may have to tow it home, 200 miles.  I am worried about breaking and the tongue weight on the suspension as well.  I dont have an exact weight for the tongue, makes me nervous.  The truck has been great and I dont want to abuse it. 

[Crappiebasser]

IMO it's not enough truck. I had a '08 Tacoma and a 17' fisher aluminum crappie boat. The boat would slide the truck a little backing down the ramp when it was wet.

[BassnChris]

I had a 2011 Nissan Frontier and it pulled and stopped my 2001 procraft 185pro without any issues at all.

[WIGuide]

Although it's not ideal, you should be ok especially since you'll be traveling such short distances. #350 is quite a bit of tongue weight for a boat that size and I think the trailer would have to be set up way out of wack for the tongue weight to be that high. Just know that in towing anything your stopping distance is going to be longer and adjust accordingly.

[Amarley]

I think you should be fine. It's not ideal, but make sure to give yourself plenty of stopping distance when braking. I have an f-150 and brake extremely slowly in most situations, especially if you don't have trailer brakes.

[TFL16]

I appreciate the feedback. 

[Pa Angler]

Was looking for some towing feedback.  I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7.  The truck is rated for towing 3500# and a tongue weight of  350#.  I was looking into purchasing a 2002 Pro Craft 165 with a 75 Merc. The boat seems small enough for the Tacoma to handle it, however, I am a little nervous.  Any suggestions, expierences?  Thanks.

 

Here's an article about tongue weight and trailer weight.

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/information/tongue-weight.htm

 

Tight Lines

Pa Angler