Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

[MH Hawker]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

I want to get one of these to tow with :lol:

 

[bigdee]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

I want to get one of these to tow with :lol:


View attachment 179202

According to some on this forum that might not be enough either! Macho vs common sense.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Towing is always a huge discussion when it comes to boating, camping and/or trailers!

I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma DC SR-5. 4x4 V6 with factory tow package. When I purchased it back 2007, I had a off-road style pop-up camper. We decided we needed a hard-side trailer (long story) I made the mistake to tell the wife that the towing capacity was 6,500#. So, she looked at GVWR of the campers, and as long as the camper fell within that range, we could tow...

We ended up buying a max GVWR of 6,200# camper...we have towed it for 5 years all over Colorado (all in excess of 4,300' but average of 7,000'), up in the mountains, to out on the eastern plains. While I would agree it's not a powerhouse while towing the camper, it has zero issues powering up to interstate speeds (70+) and stopping as well. The V6 in the Tacoma is 4.0L and it puts out horsepower (236) and torque (265lb/ft) higher than most late 90's full size 1/2 ton pick-ups. I've installed a TRD cold-air intake and it "adds" 10% (?). I also run nothing but synthetic fluids in my diffs/transfer case and motor (I haven't changed transmission fluid at all and according to Toyota and local experts, there's no reason too as they're lifetime transmissions.) I'm not naive enough to think lifetime means forever; however, So far so good! I have about 114K miles with no major repairs, nothing to the drive train other than u-joints/brakes/tires. I still get 17-18mpg w/o trailer and 10-12mpg with.

For the OP, towing in NH (most is slightly above sea level) towing shouldn't be an issue based on the stats that were posted. Also, pay attention to the GCVWR (I believe 11,300#?)

For those who disagree, I'm not changing your mind and you're not changing mine...

 

[bigdee]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Towing is always a huge discussion when it comes to boating, camping and/or trailers!

I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma DC SR-5. 4x4 V6 with factory tow package. When I purchased it back 2007, I had a off-road style pop-up camper. We decided we needed a hardside trailer (long story) I made the mistake to tell the wife that the towing capacity was 6,500#. So, she looked at GVWR of the campers, and as long as the camper fell within that range, we could tow...

We ended up buying a max GVWR of 6,200# camper...we have towed it for 5 years all over Colorado (all in excess of 4,300' but average of 7,000'), up in the mountains, to out on the eastern plains. While I would agree it's not a powerhouse while towing the camper, it has zero issues powering up to interstate speeds (70+) and stopping as well. The V6 in the Tacoma is 4.0L and it puts out horsepower (236) and torque (265lb/ft) higher than most late 90's full size 1/2 ton pick-ups. I've installed a TRD cold-air intake and it "adds" 10% (?). I alos run nothing but synthetic fluids in my diffs/trnasfercase and motor (I haven't changed transmission fluid at all and according to Toyota and local experts, there's no reason too as they're lifetime transmissions. I'm not naive enough to think lifetime means forever; however, So far so good! I have about 114K miles with no major repairs, nothing to the drive train other than u-joints/brakes/tires. I still get 17-18mpg w/o trailer and 10-12mpg with.

For the OP, towing in NH (most is slightly above sea level) towing shouldn't be an issue based on the stats that were posted.

For those who disagree, I'm not changing your mind and you're not changing mine...

That what this forum is all about...real world testimonials. The arguments on this topic could go on forever but the diversity is amazing. My city friend uses a dually to tow a ski boat and a 26hp mower to cut 1/4 acre and my farmer neighbor tows a livestock trailer with an old six cylinder chevy 1/2 ton PU and mows 30 acres with a 8 hp farmall cub!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

I haven't changed transmission fluid at all and according to Toyota and local experts, there's no reason too as they're lifetime transmissions

Toyota may say lifetime transmissions but you should change it anyway. Heat is a killer on transmission fluid and judging from what you have done, you should definitely change it.

Curious if you have ever weighed your trailer. Just because the trailer says GVWR of 6,200# does not mean that is what you are actually towing unless you load it up to that weight. Not sure how long your trailer is but I bet the dry weight of that thing is less than 5000#

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Toyota may say lifetime transmissions but you should change it anyway. Heat is a killer on transmission fluid and judging from what you have done, you should definitely change it.

Curious if you have ever weighed your trailer. Just because the trailer says GVWR of 6,200# does not mean that is what you are actually towing unless you load it up to that weight. Not sure how long your trailer is but I bet the dry weight of that thing is less than 5000#

In regards to the transmission. I spoke with a leading transmission expert out of Denver, Colorado. He did say there's no factory endorsed way to change the transmission fluid; however, there is a way by dropping the pan. Also, on tacomaforums.com there are many people that change theirs according to the "drop the pan" method. On a brighter note, the expert in Denver (which I have listen to on the radio on a consumer advocate show called "the troubleshooter" it's on 630AM KHOW). He said it's a stout transmission, he's not had to rebuild one yet and they have very few issues. I do agree with you assessment, it should be changed (hence why I know so much about it?!).

On the camper: the placard on the front side door says "4,980 Dry weight" and "1,310# GVWR" to included 46 gallons fresh water (404.8#), propane tanks, batteries, food, beer, clothing, utensils, coolers...etc! Which I'm there. The local trailer experts recommend allowing 10% less for elevation...I'm over that, but elevation has zero effect on brakes and handling...only power...hence the TRD cold-air intake. I should also add that I've weighed the trailer and truck (minus gear and an extra battery), it came in with a GCVWR of 10,080# so, I'm most likely over that fully loaded :facepalm:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Most people with your transmission either suck the fluid out of the dipstick or take off the pan and have a drain plug welded in place.

Cold Air intakes don't do much. Only time they may is when you drive your truck with the pedal the the floor. You do that ever?

 

[lrak]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Most people with your transmission either suck the fluid out of the dipstick or take off the pan and have a drain plug welded in place.

That's really strange since the transmission has no dipstick. Why would you weld your drain plug in place? Its much easier to change your own oil than worry that the quick lube place will accidentally drain the transmission fluid - I don't know why they used the same bolt for transmission drain plug and oil drain plug, but the transmission one is 3' behind the engine so its fairly obvious its not the oil pan!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

You are right, there is no dipstick on the newer Tacomas. Drain tranny through drain plug and fill through refill hole. I was stating to add a drain plug(weld one to the pan) if there wasn't one there already.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Irak, there is no drain plug on the tranny. You remove the pan and have a drain plug INSTALLED. Does that help?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Irak, there is no drain plug on the tranny. You remove the pan and have a drain plug INSTALLED. Does that help?

Why are we talking about trannies, any way? Cross dressers don't usually even like trucks, and when they do they don't drive Toyotas!:facepalm:

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Op,
Your Taco will pull the boat.
Will it stop it in a timely fashion is the question. I would guess you have a lot of hills around you that should be taken into consideration.

lncoop:
Does this imply that i am ok because i drive a Toyota?

Cross dressers don't usually even like trucks, and when they do they don't drive Toyotas!

 

[lrak]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Irak, there is no drain plug on the tranny. You remove the pan and have a drain plug INSTALLED. Does that help?

1) There already is a drain plug on the bottom of the pan ... and a fill plug on the side. They take a 14mm wrench.

2) I guess that does help because I didn't consider welding a drain plug meant welding nut to the inside of a drain pan to hold a drain plug... because there already is one... and a good bolt on kit is $7.50 Automatic Transmission Drain Plug Kit | B&M Racing and Performance Products.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Can we just have the OP go out and buy a Ford F-150 and be done with it? :noidea:

 

[NYBo]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

Can we just have the OP go out and buy a Ford F-150 and be done with it? :noidea:

I'm sure if we all chipped in...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

I was looking at a Toyota Tacoma DC 4x4 that is in my parking lot the other day. I am looking at it thinking there is no way I would pull my boat with this thing...its so darn short. I looked up the specs to compare with my Silverado. Length was 40" shorter and wheelbase 34" shorter...3 foot shorter wheelbase!!!

I once towed my old 21' boat with a Chevy s10 Blazer. Was a miserable experience because of the wheelbase issue...just didn't feel safe and its tow rating was over 1000# over of the boat I was towing!

 

[tazrig]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

See how these kinds of threads go??? Some say yes, some say no. . . So what is the answer :noidea:

The proper answer is by knowing your boat, trailer, and gear weight and looking up the capacity of your particular tow vehicle in the Owner's Manual.

What he said. Also keep in mind if you get into an accident and are pulling more than the truck is rated for (what the owners manual says) Your insurance may well not pay the claim. It's not whether or not the truck CAN OR CAN NOT pull the boat that matters it is what the truck was designed to do and what is safe that matters. JMHO

 

[lrak]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

I was looking at a Toyota Tacoma DC 4x4 that is in my parking lot the other day. I am looking at it thinking there is no way I would pull my boat with this thing...its so darn short. I looked up the specs to compare with my Silverado. Length was 40" shorter and wheelbase 34" shorter...3 foot shorter wheelbase!!!

I cringe enough when my wife parks the 141" wheelbase Tacoma in a tight parking lot. It might be "safer" but I would have much higher insurance premiums if my truck had a 175" (14'7") wheelbase. Her whole car is 171"!

Also how the heck do you back up a short trailer with a 175" wheelbase? IME, backing up a 4x8 utility trailer is trivial with my wife's 100" wheelbase car but requires a lot of concentration with a 141" wheelbase.

What he said. Also keep in mind if you get into an accident and are pulling more than the truck is rated for (what the owners manual says) Your insurance may well not pay the claim.

Your state insurance commissioner wouldn't let them sell insurance in your state if they did that. If they agreed to take the liability, they have to pay out for the damage up to the limits of the policy. You'll likely be dropped at the next policy renewal though.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

I cringe enough when my wife parks the 141" wheelbase Tacoma in a tight parking lot.

So what Tacoma has a 141" wheel base?

I was incorrect before. I believe the actual wheelbase difference between the Tacoma DC and a Silverado is shorter than 3'. Still a considerable difference and enough to make me not want to use one for a 24' boat.

 

[lrak]

Re: Will My Truck Tow My Newe Boat

The 4 door with 6' bed. I believe it was 141" from 2005-2009, but due to some minor steering & suspension changes in 2010(?) it is now 'only' 140.6" on new models.

I've found it long enough to make pulling a 25' boat stable and short enough to make backing up a 13' boat easy. Its powered like a 90s half-ton not a current generation half-ton, so I wouldn't mind a little more power on uphill highway entrance ramps. But most vehicles are like that at over 80% of the tow rating.