Towing question

[LawlerClan]

I have a 2004 DC, V6, auto, 4wd Tacoma. Bought it used and did not get the towing package. I would like to be able to flat tow my 97 TJ with it occasionally.

The manual says 3500 lbs without the tow package and 6000 with it. What does the tow package add besides wiring and the hitch. I think a tranny cooler but is that it? I don't want to push my luck.

Thanks.
Chip

 

[MountainBiker]

I have a 2004 DC, V6, auto, 4wd Tacoma. Bought it used and did not get the towing package. I would like to be able to flat tow my 97 TJ with it occasionally.

The manual says 3500 lbs without the tow package and 6000 with it. What does the tow package add besides wiring and the hitch. I think a tranny cooler but is that it? I don't want to push my luck.

Thanks.
Chip

This has been discussed quite a bit on the Tacoma forums, and the consensus (if there is one) is that the tow package only includes the different radiator fan/fan clutch assembly. It might also include a different fan shroud. You can easily add a trans cooler, and it is a good idea to do so.

To "legally" get the 6000 towing capacity, you may want to get Toyota to sell you the fan, but good luck finding a Toyota Parts guy that knows what you need!

 

[mountainpete]

It all depends on the weight of what you are going to tow and weather conditions - mainly wind. From experience, I can tell you that our generation of Tacoma's while rated in the 5,000 lb range, are not at all happy anywhere close to that.

The 3.4 just doesn't have enough torque to pull that kind of weight up a grade without slowing to a crawl. If you have larger tires and have not re-geared, forget it. If you are serious about towing with the truck, seriously consider adding a TRD supercharger.

Attached is a pic of me pulling a cargo trailer through Crowsnest Pass (actually the pic is at Frank Slide). It's not exactly a steep pass compared to others, but I can tell you that with any sort of headwind slowed me down terribly. The trailer was less than 3,000 lbs and had my BMW and a Yamaha V-star bike in it, along with a bunch of other stuff and fuel.

If you are going to two over 3,000 lbs or over any steep grades, just get a Hayen tranny cooler. There are many install reviews on the web. Don't worry about the rest of the items...

Hope that helps!

Pete

 

[BogusBlake]

As they said, it's been discussed, but Ill tell you what I did anyway!

I flat tow my rock buggy with my Taco and I found the lack of brakes was much worse than the lack of power. I bolted on a set of Tundra front brakes- problem solved. I also have a trans cooler and HD fan clutch.

Long hills are still slow, so a supercharger is in the plans.

 

[Rockcrawler]

I haven't towed w/ a Tacoma, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

Seriously though, I used to flat tow my Scrambler behind my S10 ZR2, which for this discussion is close enough. I still flat tow my Scrambler on occasion behind the Dodge as well. Either way, flat towing has a few issues to be aware of as far as safety. One is just sheer maneuverability... There is also the issue of power that was mentioned with a compact/midsize truck, the total weight that is being towed, controlled only by the brakes on the truck as well as the weight differential between the towing truck and the towed truck. I guess, what I'm getting at is that I was young and stupid flat towing my Scrambler behind my S10 and really would not recommend it there were several times where the Jeep would start pushing the truck around at speed either from wind or from the grooves from semi trucks in the road. Even though you "can" do it... the question of should you comes to mind. I still get nervous flat towing my Jeep w/ the Ram and it outweighs the Jeep 2 to 1, has plenty of power and MUCH better stopping power, but it still gets pushed around once and awhile by the Jeep... a trailer for the Jeep is on the short list for purchases. Flat out... flat towing just isn't very safe compared to trailering.

Kyle

 

[Super Doody]

This has been discussed quite a bit on the Tacoma forums, and the consensus (if there is one) is that the tow package only includes the different radiator fan/fan clutch assembly. It might also include a different fan shroud. You can easily add a trans cooler, and it is a good idea to do so.

To "legally" get the 6000 towing capacity, you may want to get Toyota to sell you the fan, but good luck finding a Toyota Parts guy that knows what you need!

You ever tried any of the ttora parts sponsors? dealer parts barely knows how to use their computer.

 

[MountainBiker]

You ever tried any of the ttora parts sponsors? dealer parts barely knows how to use their computer.

Yeah, I usually buy from Toyota of Dallas. They are way more helpful than the local dealer!

 

[VtFly]

Along with transmission cooling issues, what type of suspension best supports hauling a trailer similar to MountainPete's?

 

[mountainpete]

I was stock... it all has to do with tongue weight. That trailer was overall pretty light in the front - less than 200 lbs. I was careful to load all the weight on that one over the axle.

Otherwise any upgraded Deaver suspension will help. Very high weights work well with airbags - there are some treads on that subject on the board (just search airbags or air suspension).

Pete