New Guy Checking In- Tow Que (toyota tacoma)

[teamgomez]

Howdy fellas-

Didn't think I'd get time for a boat this year hence the purchase last fall of an 07 tacoma dbl cab 4x4 auto longbed (funny thing, toyota, calling a 6' bed L-O-N-G). Anyhow- looks like a 24' Sea Ray Sundancer could be in my future and I've got the Tacoma (w/ tow pkg) and an '04 Sequoia Limited to choose from (wife's hauler). I like the idea of the tranny cooler on the Tacoma but unsure how it would handle a well balanced trialer (electric or surge brakes but some kind of brakes for sure!). Most trips only a couple miles w/ 1 or 2 400 milers possible over the lifespan. I'm mostly worried about wind gusts and punks diving in front of me causing hard braking...anybody out there with practical experience on towing w/ Tacoma or Sequoia? I've done the GVWR/GCWR numbers and I'll be bumping the limit (6500 tow rating...4300# dry weight + estim 1400# trailer weight + fuel/water/beer). I think the long bed will do lots for the handling on the truck but it just isn't the 450 dually I used to have to pull a 35' race car trailer (oh those were the days).

Thoughts, comments, and smart remarks appreciated!



Thanks all-

~John

[prober]

Manufacturer advertised weights for boats are usually a few hundred pounds light of the real world. They publish the weight dry, meaning no gas no oil no water. They also use the stripped down boat with the smallest engine/drive combo and no electronics or options. You will probably be at least 1000# over the published weight by the time you add fuel, water and safety gear. Then add toys, coolers and passengers and you will be way overloaded.

It may work fine for the short trips but you may have to go swimming for the truck if the ramp is steep and slippery. It is definately not enough for a trip of more than a few miles. You really need a 3/4 ton vehicle for that much boat.

[Major Woods]

I have a 2005 Tacoma, v-6, 6-speed, 4x4, double cab.

I agree with prober
I tow a 26WA five miles to the launch on relatively flat secondary roads. For that short slow speed tow the truck has been fine. On longer hauls or the highway I tow with a full sized Ram with a v-8.

My second boat is a 20'cc, I tow that everywhere on the highway @ 70mph. No issues at all with the Tacoma, handles it like a champ.

[ohiost90]

prober - 5/16/2007 10:10 PM

You really need a 3/4 ton vehicle for that much boat.

Im not so sure you are going to need a 3/4 ton, but I don't think you should be hauling it around in either of your current vehicles. I'm sure you COULD get away with it for a while, but its going to take a toll on those rigs.

What you SHOULD do, is take the boat to a scale loaded as heavy as you would ever haul it. Your Tacoma will do the job for that short of a trip.

Once you know the actual weight, get something that is 10~20% over. IE if that actual weight =6750, get a vehicle that has a limit ~7500. Many 1/2 ton pick-ups and full size SUVs with the right engine/rear packages will pull 7500+ pounds.

[millerecu]

I have a 2006 Tundra double cab with the 4.7 V8. I towed my 22' WA 3.5 hours this week with no problems. Truck stopped boat and trailer (with brakes on trailer) fine from 70 mph. The best thing was I used to tow the same trip with my old 17' boat and a F150 with a 5.4 V8 and would get home with only 1/4 tank. I got home with the Tundra tank 1/2 full. LOVED IT. And yes that was taking into account the difference in tank size.

[ohiost90]

millerecu - 5/17/2007 9:53 AM

I have a 2006 Tundra double cab with the 4.7 V8. I towed my 22' WA 3.5 hours this week with no problems. Truck stopped boat and trailer (with brakes on trailer) fine from 70 mph. The best thing was I used to tow the same trip with my old 17' boat and a F150 with a 5.4 V8 and would get home with only 1/4 tank. I got home with the Tundra tank 1/2 full. LOVED IT. And yes that was taking into account the difference in tank size.

a 24' sundance is a pretty heavy boat for its size. most crusiers are. the difference between it in a 22' WA could be several thousand pds.

[teamgomez]

Thanks all for the time and your thoughts. Had the tought last night of potentially swimming for the truck...steering towards electric brakes on the trailer just for this reason.

I guess that I know deep down I really need the upgrade to a new Tundra...worried about the loaded heat in the wife's nightstand tho if I come home with a new boat AND and a new truck! Right now we live in a place that has a slip two blocks away so local tows probably not an issue for me. The only long haul would be in case of relocation (military) and would like to be able to keep the newest addition to the family if possible. Heck- maybe after a couple trips in the Tacoma if I keep it under 45 mph she'll welcome the upgrade (how's it go- psychological ops must be continuous to be effective?).

All the best-

~John

[miike]

i borrowed my buddies taco (new body style) once to tow my boat. it did fine with about 5000 lbs, but what youre talking about is a bit heavier.

why not find a smaller boat?

[gf]

teamgomez - 5/17/2007 11:48 AM

Thanks all for the time and your thoughts. Had the tought last night of potentially swimming for the truck...steering towards electric brakes on the trailer just for this reason.

FireFly here has electric over hydraulic on his trailer for just that reason. He moves and launches his Scout 242 in the marina with a Jeep Wrangler.

[teamgomez]

Tried getting data on transmission temp light from Toyota...local dealer unable to produce temp that pops the light. Would like to know normal op temp, light temp, and probable damage temp. Anybody ever heard what conditions popped a transmission heat caution on a Taco? If truck is rated at 6500#, it should be expected to pull it w/o damage. But pulling uphill in a headwind...well...maybe not. Still rationalizing the Taco...