I am totally new to the truck scene. I need to purchase a truck to use as a tow vehicle (to tow no more than 4000lbs. = race car + trailer + tools and stuff) and somewhat of a daily driver because I live in a city.

I am thinking of a 1997 Tacoma V6 4X4, 5speed.

Is 4000lbs too much for this truck, even though it is rated at 5000lbs? Does someone have first hand experience?

I am sorry if this is too simple of a question, if someone can direct me to the right place to find the answers, that would be great.

 

David:

Will you be constantly towing? Or is it just to tow the toys on the weekend? Alot of towing uphill?

If yes to any of the above, the supercharger wouldn't be a bad thing to have. Search "supercharger" and enjoy the reading.

This is not to say that a normally aspirated Taco V6 isn't up to the job. It really depends on your driving style, conditions, and what you are towing.

Bob

 

Whoops, didn't post my anticipated habits:

Towing from NYC to VIR (Virigina Racetrack) or Watkins Glen (upstate NY) or to Limerock (Conneticut).

At the most these long distance trips about 5 times a year.


Local towing about 15 times a year.

Towing most likely on highways with small amount of hills.

I am worried more about safety:
- enough power to tow. I will be happy trolling along at 65mph.
- enough weight of tow vehicle to counter wind sway or other swaying
- enough braking power

Thanks for the reply.

 

I live in Tampa, FL. and I tow my 3,800lb boat + cargo all the time down to Miami and I have no problems. It's probably clost to 400 miles each way. Although there arent many hills here in Florida, she never struggles, I just set the cruise and let her do the rest. My truck too is rated at 5000lb capacity and she can shure handle it. I have a tranny cooler on mine to keep it safe.

 

I am curious to know what you guys think here as well. I am going to be traveling to washington state in a couple weeks and towing a 4000lbish boat back to AZ. I added the SC and tranny cooler just for this task (and the obvious fun ), but I am still curious how its going to do up and down the passes in Oregon and northern CA. Anyone have any trouble braking? I do have a highlander, which came with slightly bigger brakes (so I was told), so hopefully that helps.

 

If you will be regularly towing that much weight I would plan on adding a supercharger. With that said, it seems that later model Tacomas take to the s/c with less trouble.

The trouble is mainly problems with pinging. There's no general rule as to if you would run into that with a '97, but you should keep it in mind. Fixes to the pinging usually consist of fuel mods (bigger injectors, better fuel pump, etc.).

The alternative to the s/c is to get a better gear ratio for towing. That will cost you about 1/2 the price of an s/c...so it may be a better option. (most people who have had both would probably recommend the s/c though...)

For stopping power with that much weight, you will want brakes on the trailer. Since you will be very close to (or right at) the capacity of the truck, the brakes on the truck will wear very fast. Of course you could do bigger rotors, etc. on the truck, but I would just do it right and have brakes on the trailer.

(Note: this is knowledge that I've picked up while reading boards here and there...I don't have any hands-on experience with any of this...I have a '98 I-4, 5-speed, no s/c, never towed anything).

Good luck,
Jim

 

PhxTRDRunner,
I think you should be Ok for that trip. Sounds like your 'Runner has enough power to tow. Braking might be a little tough, but just be sure and make use of lower-gearing & engine braking (the tranny cooler will help keep things under control, so that is good).

Jim

 

How about aftermarket trailer brakes.. The little black box with a lever on it to slow your load down manually from inside your car. In case your load is heavier than your vehicle..

 

Thanks for your help guys.

I will soon be a new owner of 1998 Xtracab V6, 5sp, 4X4, with a bed cap and carpeted sleeper conversion in the bed, 58000 miles and tow hitch installed.

I will be looking into trailers soon.