Could I tow long distance with a Toyota Tacoma?

[Allen Der]

On 4/9/2021 at 6:44 PM, gimruis said:

That’s the point I was trying to make. Towing my boat minimally affects the mileage.

 

Do you normally drive "city" miles and when you tow it's more highway?  that would make sense if the mileage was about the same. 

 

I tow my 17ft Lund with a Chevy Traverse no problems, before that I had a 4 cylinder Nissan Frontier and got by OK on 6 hour trips.  You don't always need a full size pickup to tow a boat, but make sure you read the manual to see the true towing capacity with and without trailer brakes.  Most of the specs you see online are the best case scenario, without trailer brakes I've seen tow ratings go down to 1000-1500lbs

[TnRiver46]

I wish I had a picture (It was before cell phone cameras) but the guy that used to rent our lake house would pull our fish n ski boat (a heavy one) out of the lake before winter with his v6 Tacoma and would tie the trailer to a tree on the side of a cliff. We thought he was crazy for even attempting to drive a car there, much less with a boat behind it. He did it for years and years and the tires never even slipped 

[gim]

46 minutes ago, Allen Der said:

Do you normally drive "city" miles and when you tow it's more highway?  that would make sense if the mileage was about the same. 

My driving habits are similar whether I’m towing or not. Similar mix of city and highway driving. I will admit that I don’t drive as fast and I also brake sooner when towing simply as a safety precaution.

[slonezp]

4 hours ago, Junk Fisherman said:

I have a 2008 Tacoma with the 4.0 L and I have towed my X-190 for the last 5 years all over the midwest.  The X-190 is a 19' glass, deep V which Tuffy said weighed 1500 lbs which I now question.  I think it weighs more than that.  On flat roads, my Tacoma tows my boat fine but on hilly terrain it struggles.  I just took a 600-mile round trip a couple weeks ago and it was fine on the flat roads of northern and central Illinois but it labored in the hills of southern Illinois.  I've never had an issue getting out of a launch.  My next truck is going to be the newly redesigned Tundra.  If it was out today, I would buy one.

 

Before my Tuffy X-190, I had a 17.5' semi-deep V Lowe.  The Tacoma towed that boat very well so I have no doubt that it would tow any tin bass boat in the 17' to 18' range.  I definitely would not hesitate to get have a Tacoma and a RT188.  The approximate boat weight is 1240 lbs.  The RT178 is only 30 lbs less.  But if you were getting an 18' glass boat, I'd recommend getting a full size pickup.  Good luck.  

They've been redesigning the Tundra for 15 years. I couldn't wait any longer when I traded in mine back in 2018. 

[slonezp]

On 4/10/2021 at 5:52 PM, WRB said:

A friend of mine has a Toyota V6 TRD 4 x4 “rice burner” as he calls it as tows a 19’ Ranger dual axle w/brakes trailer all over the state. The vehicle can easily haul your boat, launch and recover it. 

If Gary can tow over the I5 Ridge route 900 miles to lake Shasta with his Tacoma you can.

The Ram and Fords are like luxury vehicles, pricy but very comfortable. It comes down to budget.

Tom

 

 

The midsized Toyota powertrains are bulletproof. What I don't like about them is the gas mileage is no better on the 6 banger than it is on the V8 Tundra and there isn't a big enough difference difference in the price point for me to justify the Tacoma or the 4Runner over the Tundra. 5 grand is less than a $100 a month addition to the note over 60 months for a much superior vehicle. A no brainer for me.

 

I'm more function over fashion. I can't justify paying $20K for options that have little to do with the functionality of the truck. IMO, the only "modern" truck technology that is a Godsend for me is a backup camera. This is my first vehicle that has one and, while I was about 85% success on the first try with the mirrors on the Tundra, I'm at 99% with the Ford. 

 

Fun fact, my Ford has been trouble free for the first 50k. I can't say that about the Tundra I had before this which had plenty of warranty work done during the first 36k. I'm not opposed to Toyota by any means but, they aren't the perfect vehicle like they are portrayed to be.  

[Junk Fisherman]

14 minutes ago, slonezp said:

 

 

Fun fact, my Ford has been trouble free for the first 50k. I can't say that about the Tundra I had before this which had plenty of warranty work done during the first 36k. I'm not opposed to Toyota by any means but, they aren't the perfect vehicle like they are portrayed to be.  

 

I can't wait much longer for a Tundra.  If Toyota came out tomorrow and said the redesign was pushed back another year to 2023, I would start looking for a used Tundra.  Sounds like you got unlucky with your Tundra.  My family has had 3 Toyota trucks, a Camry, and a Corolla since 1989 for a combined 60 years of ownership with nothing but routine maintenance.  We definitely cannot say that about the F150 I owned and the 3 Explorers my father owned during that time frame before he finally got a Tacoma.  I wish you continued good fortune with your F150.  

[TnRiver46]

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

My driving habits are similar whether I’m towing or not. Similar mix of city and highway driving. I will admit that I don’t drive as fast and I also brake sooner when towing simply as a safety precaution.

Smart man!! Everyone always accuses me of driving like a grandma. I drove fast as a youngster and hit some things, not any more 

[slonezp]

16 minutes ago, Junk Fisherman said:

 

I can't wait much longer for a Tundra.  If Toyota came out tomorrow and said the redesign was pushed back another year to 2023, I would start looking for a used Tundra.  Sounds like you got unlucky with your Tundra.  My family has had 3 Toyota trucks, a Camry, and a Corolla since 1989 for a combined 60 years of ownership with nothing but routine maintenance.  We definitely cannot say that about the F150 I owned and the 3 Explorers my father owned during that time frame before he finally got a Tacoma.  I wish you continued good fortune with your F150.  

I bought my 2008 Tundra SR5 new in December of 2007. The 2007 model was the first year of the last redesign. I had previously only owned Dodge and had both Chevy and Ford 3500 series vans for work. At that time, I bought Toyota because it was less expensive than the Ford the way the packages were set up. I had zero intention, at that time, of buying Dodge or GM based on past experience and still feel the same way. 

 

As far as the Tundra, Under warranty, I had the front differential rebuilt, replaced bumpers for chrome issues 4 times, 3 stereos, recalled for power windows, recalled for the "mysterious acceleration" issues, maybe some more stuff, I don't remember. Out of warranty, water pump, 2 radiators, and just maintenance stuff like u joints, shocks, struts and so on. At 10 years, I put 225K on the motor when I traded it in. I had electrical gremlins and a bed that had rusted thru. A broken seat and other misc. broken stuff. There had been rumors of a Toyota redesign and a diesel option. It never happened. I love the Super Duty even though the women in the family don't. The Super Duty is a truck. It's not a car and will never ride like one and the girls don't care for it.

[WRB]

The ? can I! The is yes.  Is it the best option? Yes if that is what you currently have. Beyond that is everything else on the market.

I towed my bass boat the past 7 years with a MB GL450 AWD because that is what I owned. Excellent tow vehicle, more comfortable then my previous GM Suburbans that could tow 10K without any issues. Use what works for you.

Tom 

[Michigander]

On 4/9/2021 at 4:40 PM, A-Jay said:

See now, 

I must not be holding my mouth right  ?

A-Jay

 

 

Me too. They must not have an MPG stabilizer on 2019 F150's. Have to check for that on my next one, lol.

[Junk Fisherman]

9 hours ago, slonezp said:

I bought my 2008 Tundra SR5 new in December of 2007. The 2007 model was the first year of the last redesign. I had previously only owned Dodge and had both Chevy and Ford 3500 series vans for work. At that time, I bought Toyota because it was less expensive than the Ford the way the packages were set up. I had zero intention, at that time, of buying Dodge or GM based on past experience and still feel the same way. 

 

As far as the Tundra, Under warranty, I had the front differential rebuilt, replaced bumpers for chrome issues 4 times, 3 stereos, recalled for power windows, recalled for the "mysterious acceleration" issues, maybe some more stuff, I don't remember. Out of warranty, water pump, 2 radiators, and just maintenance stuff like u joints, shocks, struts and so on. At 10 years, I put 225K on the motor when I traded it in. I had electrical gremlins and a bed that had rusted thru. A broken seat and other misc. broken stuff. There had been rumors of a Toyota redesign and a diesel option. It never happened. I love the Super Duty even though the women in the family don't. The Super Duty is a truck. It's not a car and will never ride like one and the girls don't care for it.

 

As someone who closely monitors and reads a lot of forums about Toyota trucks, I can definitely tell you that you got very unlucky with your Tundra and that is not the norm.  Like I wrote earlier, my family has 60 years of Toyota ownership and the only marginally questionable problem whether it should failed or not was a front bearing that I had go out at 95K on my Tacoma.  Nothing other than oil changes, brake jobs, and other normal maintenance.  Now, on my F150 I needed a new transmission, fuel pump, and I had faulty oxygen sensors when I unloaded it at 75K miles.  On my father's Explorers he had transmission issues, expensive problems with the air conditioner, and some other non-maintenance issues.  I understand that these are all anecdotal and our individual experiences often outweigh data and the experience from others such mechanics.  Like I said, I hope you have continued good luck with your Ford.  

[slonezp]

13 minutes ago, Junk Fisherman said:

 

As someone who closely monitors and reads a lot of forums about Toyota trucks, I can definitely tell you that you got very unlucky with your Tundra and that is not the norm.  Like I wrote earlier, my family has 60 years of Toyota ownership and the only marginally questionable problem whether it should failed or not was a front bearing that I had go out at 95K on my Tacoma.  Nothing other than oil changes, brake jobs, and other normal maintenance.  Now, on my F150 I needed a new transmission, fuel pump, and I had faulty oxygen sensors when I unloaded it at 75K miles.  On my father's Explorers he had transmission issues, expensive problems with the air conditioner, and some other non-maintenance issues.  I understand that these are all anecdotal and our individual experiences often outweigh data and the experience from others such mechanics.  Like I said, I hope you have continued good luck with your Ford.  

I was going to buy another Tundra but price was the main determining factor. Also, the crew cab is only available with a short bed which was another deal breaker. I also didn't care that were I to buy, at that time, a 2018 Tundra, that hadn't changed cosmetically very much from my 2008. Let's face it, the Tundra is the ugliest design compared to the big 3 and even Nissan. 

[Junk Fisherman]

36 minutes ago, slonezp said:

I was going to buy another Tundra but price was the main determining factor. Also, the crew cab is only available with a short bed which was another deal breaker. I also didn't care that were I to buy, at that time, a 2018 Tundra, that hadn't changed cosmetically very much from my 2008. Let's face it, the Tundra is the ugliest design compared to the big 3 and even Nissan. 

 

I pretty much like the looks of all the full size trucks.  I don't particularly like the look of the leaked and mocked up 2022 Tundra but I'll end up getting one anyways.  Granted, I greatly disliked the redesigned Mercury cowling when it came out but that has grown on me.   

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, slonezp said:

Let's face it, the Tundra is the ugliest design compared to the big 3 and even Nissan.

Ouch!

[Deephaven]

18 hours ago, J Francho said:

1500 sounds about right for the hull dry weight.  Add batteries, gas, an outboard, rigging, etc. plus all your gear and it's probably more like 2500.  You'd have to figure on the trailer as well.

Before I picked up my boat I was contemplating what it'd be.  Lots of compromises and guesses in my numbers here, but the range puts things in perspective.  1725lb boat is over 4k on the trailer.

[Blacktail 8541]

I have a 2018 Tacoma trd 4x4 . I use it to tow a Ranger 198p. I travel a little over 100 mi each way to fish clear lake and have to go over a section of mountains with big uphill and down hills. I Do not even notice that I have my boat behind me. It does have electric brakes. The biggest downfall to my set up is I loose about 4 mpg

[J Francho]

Can't tell it's there...

[Blacktail 8541]

There's a court jester in every crowd.

[slonezp]

31 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Can't tell it's there...

Until there is high mileage on the Tundra. Granted, i never had the transmission serviced in 225k miles, the last 50k it would hunt gears on the highway with the boat in tow.

[TOXIC]

In 2016 when I bought my Silverado High Country, I looked at a King Ranch Ford and a 1794 Tundra.  All 3 were in play so I test drove them all.  When I drove the tundra, I was shocked.  I have a fun v8 SC430 Lexus hardtop convertible I got when I lived in Florida. It’s a 2002 model, the first year they were made.  All of the controls in the cab are the exact same.  Heat, air, wipers, high beams.....everything.  I was shocked.  

[J Francho]

The controls in my GMC aren't too far off from what's in a Cadillac. I'm not surprised  at your Lexus. They're made from the same parts bin as a Corolla. Those SC were pretty cool when they came out. 

[Junk Fisherman]

22 hours ago, Blacktail 8541 said:

I have a 2018 Tacoma trd 4x4 . I use it to tow a Ranger 198p. I travel a little over 100 mi each way to fish clear lake and have to go over a section of mountains with big uphill and down hills. I Do not even notice that I have my boat behind me. It does have electric brakes. The biggest downfall to my set up is I loose about 4 mpg

 

I calculated my mileage one time towing with my Tacoma on my old, lighter boat.  I never did it again since it was so depressing.   

[Way2slow]

One more time, it does not matter as long as you do it smart

As transmission temps get above 200f, the life of the transmission is shortened.  At 210f, you cut it's life and half, at 220, it's cut in half again. For each 10 degree increase you add another half life.

 

When you try start trying to tow much of anything at interstate speeds and especially if you try it in overdrive, the transmission temps are going to rise drastically. 

 

Yea, you might be able to tow the Queen Mary with a Tacoma, but for how far, how fast, and how long.

 

The ONLY way to know what and how you can safely tow (that's not accounting for stopping it) something is with a temp gauge installed in the transmission.  Without that, you are playing Russian Roulette with your transmission, and if you keep the vehicle for a few years, you will learn the hard way.

 

If you listed to what a some of these post say, you are going to have an expensive lesson to learn if you keep the vehicle.    Now, I'm not saying you can't or you can easily tow what ever you want with a Tacoma, I'm just saying don't go at it like a blind man, do it smart and have a temp gauge to monitor the transmission.  Like the old saying, pay a little now or a whole lot later.  With over 50 experience with this stuff, I know I would never tow without a temp gauge.  I've done it long enough to know just how fast the transmission can start to over heat.

Of course there is the old saying about advise "A wise man usually doesn't need it and a fool doesn't listen to it" so don't waste you time giving it.

 

 

[TOXIC]

19 hours ago, J Francho said:

The controls in my GMC aren't too far off from what's in a Cadillac. I'm not surprised  at your Lexus. They're made from the same parts bin as a Corolla. Those SC were pretty cool when they came out. 

Yeah but with 14 years difference in age???  Just bought my wife a 2016 Highlander and looked at new ones as well.  The only differences were in trim levels, the same trim level on the new one vs the 2016 were so minimal we saved the extra coin and bought the low mileage 2016.  I’ll be interested to see what the tundra redesign looks like.  I really liked the Tundra but the dealership lost that sale.  Underpriced my trade, “lost” my keys while we were negotiating, had to sign and drive right then, brought the “Manager” into the negotiation, all the things I dislike about dealerships.  ?

[J Francho]

"lost your keys" ... yeah, I'd walk out when got them back.  The worst is negotiating the deal, then sitting in the hot box with the finance dudes.