As a Toyota Tacoma 4×4 owner, I use my truck for daily commutes and also for towing a travel trailer several times a year. While it might not be the ultimate tow vehicle for very large trailers, the Tacoma 4×4 performs admirably, and I appreciate not needing a full-size pickup for the majority of my driving needs when I’m not towing.
My setup includes a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4×4 Short Bed, equipped with an automatic V6 engine and the factory Tow Package. With just my wife and myself, I tow a Keystone Passport 2650BH 26ft travel trailer. This trailer has a dry weight of 4960lbs and typically weighs between 5600 and 5800 lbs when loaded for trips. To ensure safe and stable towing, I utilize an Equal-I-zer Brand 4-point weight distribution hitch with integrated sway control, along with a Prodigy P2 brake controller.
Despite the trailer’s weight being considerable for the Tacoma 4×4, at no point does towing feel unstable or unsafe. There’s no noticeable sway or excessive bouncing. For optimal performance, I typically tow in 4th gear, maintaining around 60 mph at 2500 rpm. On steeper inclines, downshifting to 3rd gear increases the rpm to about 3500. Fuel economy does take a significant hit when towing, dropping to between 10.5 and 12 mpg, depending on terrain and driving conditions.
Although a Toyota Tacoma 4×4 might not be the perfect tow vehicle for a trailer of this size, it handles the task adequately. The key is to drive patiently and avoid rushing. The Tacoma proves to be a robust and capable truck. It’s worth noting that the Passport trailer features a spread-axle design, which positions the front axle 10 inches further forward than standard trailers. This design helps distribute weight more effectively and enhances sway control. While there are times when more power would be appreciated, I’ve even overtaken full-size pickups struggling to tow smaller trailers on inclines.
As retirement approaches and with plans for more frequent and longer towing trips, I decided to upgrade to a 2013 RAM 1500 4×4 with a 5.7-liter Hemi engine. This full-size truck tows the trailer effortlessly and allows for carrying approximately 800 lbs more weight. However, if retirement wasn’t on the horizon, I would have likely continued towing with my trusty Toyota Tacoma 4×4 for the foreseeable future. It’s a testament to the Tacoma’s capability, even if Toyota has slightly reduced the official towing capacity on newer models.
