Horse trailer towing

Hi! I'm considering selling my 4Runner 2003 V8 and getting a demo Tacoma TRD 2015. Because the 4R is getting older (over 200k) and is gas-thirsty for everyday use. I'd be using it mainly for daily commute to work (20 daily miles dirt and bad country roads).

I also tow 4-6 times a year, short 1-3 hours trips on my own. My trailer is just under 3000lbs. With one horse and loaded stuff (water, hay etc) , trailer is around 4000-4200lbs. I live in hilly country, short but steep hills.

When I tow with the 4R, I hardly feel anything behind. I use a WDH, trailer brake-controller, and anti-sway, plus added air springs. Will I regret the switch? I'm afraid less torque might be an issue on gravel hills.

I've read everything in this towing section, more than once! I'm even more confused after reading, as I saw both "Tacoma can handle anything" to "this would not be fun or safe". Safety is my biggest criteria, as I carry a live priceless (to me) animal behind.
Thanks to anyone wiling to share an opinion on this.

 

I've towed a similarly equipped horse trailer many times with 2nd gen Tacomas ('09 and '13 DCSB TRD Sport V6's).

You're really going to feel it back there, but it will get the job done.

Make sure your trailer brakes are working, you'll need them.

Tongue weight was never an issue.

Since you don't tow often, you won't regret the switch. If you hauled that load everyday, you'd want a Tundra.

 

Thanks KB Voodoo.
I forgot to mention, I also want to switch because... well... I love the Tacoma!!!

 

Who doesn't?

 

True!
This is my rig now with the 4R.
And then, the Taco I want to get.

 

Dew eeeeeet!!!!

 

It can be done!

Fit 2 warm bloods 1@16.2 the other 15.1 hands .


Lets go!!!

 

Nice!
Do you know your trailer's weight? With 2 big horses, it's likely heavier than my rig. My horses are tiny like me!

 

I've just gone on fairly level roads so far.
I would expect to slow way down on hills tho.
An f-250 would be ideal.

 

I dont hesitate to haul/tow the same weight as my tacoma.


you dont find v8 4runners around much….dont know the difference but ive hauled same weight loads on a 03 v6 4runner and feels the same.

 

It certainly can be done! We tow a CM Dakota 2 horse trailer with one horse in the unit. Loaded weight is around 3800 lbs. Have a properly-sized w/d hitch with sway control along with the requisite brake controller. The taco will work hard towing up steep hills, and it will slow down on the ascent, but it will get you to where you need to go. On open and flat roads, the Taco does just fine.

If you are only towing a handful of times per year, the Taco will be sufficient. Anything more, you should consider a larger truck.

The 2016 Taco can tow up to 300 more lbs, and has a slightly higher tongue weight capacity. If I was buying a new Taco, I'd get a 16 with the slightly higher capacities.

Enjoy the horses!

 

I tow 3500 lbs routinely in the winter. A 16' inline snowmobile trailer. It's a great tow vehicle until about that 4000lb range. And you won't be passing many people on the hills.

 

Pulled two horses in the trailer this weekend. Taco did fine!

 

So, you were closer to 5000lbs? Hills or no hills?
I don't mind truck slowing on hills as long as it gets there and we don't become a danger to faster traffic.
The demo truck is still available and price dropped this week. I expect another drop when the 2016 arrives, if nobody snatches it before.

 

Yea, closer to 5k in total weight for trailer, tack, and horses.

Route was mostly flats with some rolling hills - nothing steep. On steeper hills, you can always move into 4th gear to keep the transmission from hunting.

Even at 5k, you are still 1500lbs below rated capacity. The Taco will do fine.

 

If it's an auto, the manual tells you to only use 4th when towing. I do so even when towing my boat which is less than 2000.

 

So, it's a done deal! There is a bright red Tacoma in my near future. When I get the keys, I can do a proper introduction. Thanks for sharing your experiences in towing. Believe me, more questions will come...

 

Got it today! Very happy lady here . Now that I'm officially in the Taco family, I can properly introduce myself on the intro thread.

I'll have more questions about towing later. Or now... I had Ride-Rite air springs installed on my 4Runner. I saw on the towing bible thread the 2nd gen Tacoma needed improved springs for towing but it was written years ago. Is the 2015 better? Do I need to add something?
Here's my new ride.

 

Use a weight distribution hitch for the horse trailer along with sway controller.
Brake controller etc.
Nice looking Rig!
I see it's a long bed ,4 door = longest wheel base .. great for towing.
I also have the racks .. use them once in a while..
Good luck!