My dad just bought a 2005 Fleetwood E1 and wants to leave it at my place here in Truckee, CA. My question is it to heavy for my Tacoma to safely pull it? I have a 2003 double cab Tacoma with 270K miles on the original engine and transmission. From reading the specs on the E1 it weighs in at a hefty 3500lbs with nearly 300lbs of tongue weight.
Pulling a fleetwood E1
- Thread starter SNOWDOZER
- Start date
HenryJ
Expedition Leader
It will be a bit much. Drop half a ton and it is manageable. That said...maybe.
What is the max tow rating for your Tacoma? In my experience the Tacoma rear springs are pretty light. You might need to beef them up a little for towing. Brakes will be a must. Flat terrain will help.
My E1 tows very nice with a 6k plus Avalanche. Not sure I would want to do it at half that
What is the max tow rating for your Tacoma? In my experience the Tacoma rear springs are pretty light. You might need to beef them up a little for towing. Brakes will be a must. Flat terrain will help.
My E1 tows very nice with a 6k plus Avalanche. Not sure I would want to do it at half that
Just as a general FYI, the spec weight on most things is dry. The actual weight in 'as used' condition will likely be much higher.
I would say you Tacoma will be waaay overmatched, especially in Truckee. Can you do it? Probably. With a good sway control hitch and brake controller. Can you do it legally? Maybe - you'll certainly be closing in on your max tow rating. Can you do it comfortably? No, especially in the mountains.
As for the FJ80, It has the heft to handle the weight of the trailer better, but my (very limited) experience tells me they can barely get out of their own way on flat ground at sea level. I've heard plenty of owners complain about not being able to maintain highway speeds in the mountains WITHOUT a trailer. Put 4500 lbs behind it at 7000 ft pulling a grade, and let's just say I hope your dad has a thick skin as there might be some unpleasant gestures shot his way by the 1,865 cars backed up behind him on the road.
A half ton or better truck would be my preference.
I would say you Tacoma will be waaay overmatched, especially in Truckee. Can you do it? Probably. With a good sway control hitch and brake controller. Can you do it legally? Maybe - you'll certainly be closing in on your max tow rating. Can you do it comfortably? No, especially in the mountains.
As for the FJ80, It has the heft to handle the weight of the trailer better, but my (very limited) experience tells me they can barely get out of their own way on flat ground at sea level. I've heard plenty of owners complain about not being able to maintain highway speeds in the mountains WITHOUT a trailer. Put 4500 lbs behind it at 7000 ft pulling a grade, and let's just say I hope your dad has a thick skin as there might be some unpleasant gestures shot his way by the 1,865 cars backed up behind him on the road.
A half ton or better truck would be my preference.