Towing Capacity // 2012 Tacoma Prerunner V6 SR5 and Towing package

Hi there,

I'm looking into purchasing a 2012 Tacoma Prerunner V6, SR5 Package and Towing package, but I'm seeing mixed things about 3,500 vs. 6,500 towing capacity since it's a 4x2.

We are purchasing a 19' Bigfoot fiberglass trailer.

Specs:
Unhooked weight: 3720 lbs.
Hooked weight: 3500 lbs.
Tongue weight: between 520-650 lbs.

Will this Tacoma have enough "mmph" to pull us uphill if we are traveling from the LA area to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Salt Lake City, Boise, various cities throughout Oregon, San Francisco, then back down to the LA area?

Many thanks!

RF

 

Without towing package = 3500 lbs

With towing package(adds engine oil cooler, trans cooler on automatic, higher amp alternator, larger battery, and frame mounted hitch) = 6500 lbs.

 

It's has a towing package, yay.

It's a 4x2, does that matter?

Thank you!

 

6500lbs 2wd/4wd doesn't matter as long as it has the towing package (items listed above)

 

Not if u stay on pavement or maintained dirt roads.

 

Yes, the truck will pull the camper.
I’m in the minority here, as I personally don’t think the Tacoma is best suited for camper towing.
At lest not much more than a pop up.
It does t take much to add up in weight when you account for items in the camper and truck.
All the stuff you take with you adds weight. Even the stuff INSIDE the truck counts.
You’ll also need be sure you can stop all that extra weight.


If you haven’t all ready bought the Tacoma, I’d look at a full size truck.
If you are set on a Tacoma, then by all means buy it and tow it.
Maybe look into a weight distributing hitch.


I’m sure there are plenty here that will and do disagree.
And some will even post picture of rigs much larger than yours being towed.

My point is, there are better options, especially if you have NOT already purchased a truck.

 

Yes, a 4X2 can tow at least 1000 lbs more in the real world if everything else is the same.

The real limit on towing is your trucks payload. You can almost forget about towing ratings. The tow rating is how much weight your trucks drive train will PULL. Payload is how much weight your suspension will CARRY. Virtually all trucks from all manufacturers will go over payload before they reach max tow capacity. In the real world a Tacoma is probably about 4000-4500 lbs max towing before they go over payload.

Your truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. My 2007 is 5450, yours will be close if not the same. My truck has a payload of 1200 lbs. GVWR (5450)- Payload (1200) means my truck weighed 4250 lbs when it rolled off the assembly line. My truck is a DCSB 4X4 with skid plates and other options which runs weight up. A 4X2 Access cab will still have the same GVWR, but since it is lighter will have more payload. I also have a fiberglass cap that weighs 180 lbs. When I run it over scales, including myself and wife in it my truck weighs 4700 lbs. I only have 750 lbs of usable payload left over. Without the cap, and 4X4 I'd have about 400 lbs more payload to work with and could tow a heavier trailer. You'll just have to look at the stickers on the drivers door jamb on your truck to see what your truck is rated for. They are not all the same.

Figure 13% of the trailers weight as tongue weight then add 100 lbs for a weight distribution hitch. With a 3700 lb trailer you'll have about 600 lbs on the tongue. Subtract that from your payload and see if you have enough left over for you, passengers, and cargo in the truck. My guess is that you'll be fine with a 3700-4000 lb trailer, but any heavier and you may have problems. With MY 4X4 truck with the cap on it 3700 lbs is pushing things pretty close to the limit even though it is rated to TOW 6500 lbs.

 

I have towed with my Tacoma, my late model F150 and my 3/4 ton Suburban.

I would not, with that hitch weight, people, full tank of gas and all the stuff you will put into the truck/camper you will likely blow right through your payload and be slamming the suspension bump stops the whole trip.

If towing is important get more truck.

If you must tow with Tacoma get a good WDH (I like Equalizer, to each their own). Learn how to set it up and adjust it carefully for you truck and trailer.

You have a brake contoller - right? I like Tekonsha.