DID search for this a bit but without much luck. If its been done I apoligize.

In the process of shopping for a 4th gen. Likely 04/05 model year.

Planning on eventually adding bumpers, winch, lift, slightly larger tires, rack, lights, and possibly some sort of drawer system in the cargo area.

Will also be loading it down fairly heavy a few times a year for extended trips.

With all this extra weight will a v6 seem terribly underpowered?

Obviously I like the price and slightly better gas mileage of the 6...but if its something Im going to really regret in a fairly short time span I will just suck it up and get the 8.

Any input or experiences with this would be appriciated.

Thanks

 

my dad has an 06 with the V6 for gas mileage reasons, to me it would definitely be able to handle all the mods. Only, I drive a 3.slow so anything is better. But right now the way gas is headed I would stick with the V6

 

I guess a secondary Q is with all the weight will there even BE a mpg diff?

 

but wouldn't you have the same weight with the V8? The V8 would be able to deal with the weight better but i think it would still use more gas.

 

Yes all the added weight would be the same.

However if the 6 has a hard time with it and the 8 an easier time....maybe it evens it out?

I dont really know, just speculating.

 

I would go 4.7. I feel the extra grunt will be nice to have with all the goodies you plan to add. If you dont get the 4.7 you may be dumping extra cash into the 4.0 to get more power. Just my 2cents

 

The V6 should be fine.

It will by no means be underpowered. The V6 in my Tacoma has plenty of power. In about 2 weeks, I'll be towing my trailer with my 2 ATVs and my motorcyle on it 850 miles to Kentucky. The total weight will be around 2700 pounds, and the Tacoma will handle it just fine. This is with the stock gearing and 33" tires.