Travel trailer?
- Thread starter Vanspark4
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ajordan1975
New member
it'll drink the gas!
i wouldn't tow anything more then a pop up camper w/ a V6
i wouldn't tow anything more then a pop up camper w/ a V6
AlamoRunner
New member
Suitability depends much on the details ... what would work for a couple at sea level for weekend trips might not be suitable at all for a family of 4 on mountain passes and extended touring. If at all possible make the TT purchase contingent on a successful test tow with your vehicle.
My wife and I use a '11 TE with a Lexus GX frame mount receiver, Equalizer 4 point hitch for load equalization and sway control, and a Primus brake controller to pull a '12 Airstream 23' (4800#). I did a 1 1/2 hour 60 mile test tow on all types of roads before finalizing my purchase. Acceleration is leisurely but I don't have a problem with freeway speeds, crosswinds, or buffeting from 18wheelers. Our trips at this point have been 3-4 hour trips in hills and flats. That might change if I was towing a flat sided box trailer our using a cheaper equalizing hitch or loading down my 4R on top of towing. We look forward to our monthly weekend trips because the towing part of the equation is not something we dread at all.
My wife and I use a '11 TE with a Lexus GX frame mount receiver, Equalizer 4 point hitch for load equalization and sway control, and a Primus brake controller to pull a '12 Airstream 23' (4800#). I did a 1 1/2 hour 60 mile test tow on all types of roads before finalizing my purchase. Acceleration is leisurely but I don't have a problem with freeway speeds, crosswinds, or buffeting from 18wheelers. Our trips at this point have been 3-4 hour trips in hills and flats. That might change if I was towing a flat sided box trailer our using a cheaper equalizing hitch or loading down my 4R on top of towing. We look forward to our monthly weekend trips because the towing part of the equation is not something we dread at all.
towing a trailer
I towed a 22´96 sportsmaster travel trailer with dry weight of 3750 and usually had quite a bit of things in it with my 06 Taco with the 4.0 V6 with the 6-sp manual tranny. On all flat grounds it was just fine, it did drink quite a bit of gas though!
On the passes I was down to 2nd gear sometimes by the time I hit the top, but as long as I did not try to win any land-speed races it did the job just fine.
However make sure you have a good balanced tow system: you will need a good electric brake actuator (controller), a balanced weight distributing hitch setup, and an anti-sway bar. Make sure if you have never towed before that someone who knows (a.k.a. experienced travel trailer towers, or a rv dealership service person) shows you how to hook up the trailer, take notes if necessary and always remember to do a last walk-around to make sure everything is hooked up properly and nothing is loose.
Other than having to go slow on the hills the v6 should be fine for that size of a trailer.
:thumb3:
I towed a 22´96 sportsmaster travel trailer with dry weight of 3750 and usually had quite a bit of things in it with my 06 Taco with the 4.0 V6 with the 6-sp manual tranny. On all flat grounds it was just fine, it did drink quite a bit of gas though!
On the passes I was down to 2nd gear sometimes by the time I hit the top, but as long as I did not try to win any land-speed races it did the job just fine.
However make sure you have a good balanced tow system: you will need a good electric brake actuator (controller), a balanced weight distributing hitch setup, and an anti-sway bar. Make sure if you have never towed before that someone who knows (a.k.a. experienced travel trailer towers, or a rv dealership service person) shows you how to hook up the trailer, take notes if necessary and always remember to do a last walk-around to make sure everything is hooked up properly and nothing is loose.
Other than having to go slow on the hills the v6 should be fine for that size of a trailer.
:thumb3:
TechWrench
Senior Member
I occasionally tow a 26' Coachmen TT. Loaded, it weighs in at 5,200lbs. But, if you still have the oem V6 receiver hitch on the vehicle, I wouldn't even think of towing anything that heavy. Any trailer over 3,000lbs will probably need a weight distribution hitch system with sway control to make the tow workable. And, the oem V6 receiver hitch is NOT recomended for use with any Weight distribution system. You would need to upgrade the receiver hitch to a frame mounted system, invest in a good weight distribution system with sway control, a good electronic braking control system, and an aux transmission cooler for starters. Then, the driver needs to be sure they are comfortable towing a trailer that big. I have a lot of experience towing all types of trailers, and a trailer that size needs practice to be able to tow safely. You can also expect a serious hit on your gas mpg, expecially if you have to tow on any inclines. I generally average 8-10 during my trips to the hunting areas I frequent, and that is only with moderate hills. More serious climbs would be worse.
I would say too heavy. But who knows. My camper is about 3k dry and my 04V6 has no problems. I do use a weight distributing hitch. Depending on manufacture dry weight may be with or without added equipment such as AC or other options. You than have to add whatever else you take, food, bedding bikes etc. For short distances you may be OK but I would be hesitant if any hills or windy roads are involved.
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The V6 will pull more than that.
I am still looking for proof of this, something from Toyota. I went to a Toyota dealer and talked to the service manager and parts manager, while I was having new tires installed. Neither could find any info about not using a weight distributing hitch as long as you didn’t' go over the recommend weight of 5k.
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V-6 and WD hitch
This the only info I find from Toyota:
Towing capacity (trailer weight + cargo
weight), kg (lb.):
For weight carrying hitch 2268 (5000)
Also for weight distributing hitch2UZ- FE engine only
Two- wheel drive models
3311 (7300)
Four- wheel drive models
3175 (7000)
What it says here is the max the V6 can pull is 5k and that is with a weight carrying hitch meaning all the weight is carried on the ball of the hitch.
For the V8 if you use a weight distributing hitch you can carry up to 7300lbs.
There is nothing saying or implying you cannot use a weight distributing hitch on the V6. They are saying on the V8 you can carry up to 7300 lbs with a WD hitch with the V8.
This is all the info I can find from Toyota on the subject.
This the only info I find from Toyota:
Towing capacity (trailer weight + cargo
weight), kg (lb.):
For weight carrying hitch 2268 (5000)
Also for weight distributing hitch2UZ- FE engine only
Two- wheel drive models
3311 (7300)
Four- wheel drive models
3175 (7000)
What it says here is the max the V6 can pull is 5k and that is with a weight carrying hitch meaning all the weight is carried on the ball of the hitch.
For the V8 if you use a weight distributing hitch you can carry up to 7300lbs.
There is nothing saying or implying you cannot use a weight distributing hitch on the V6. They are saying on the V8 you can carry up to 7300 lbs with a WD hitch with the V8.
This is all the info I can find from Toyota on the subject.
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