Toyota Tacoma Towing

[Razndaz20]

I am looking at purchasing a 2013 Roo 21SS, dry weight roughly 4,300 pounds. I own a 2017 Toyota Tacoma 4 door w the 6' bed. The truck has the factory tow package with it and can pull 6500. I am planning on getting the weight distribution hitch and break control system. I was wondering if anyone has towed this type of camper with a Tacoma and if so how did it do? I understand the truck wasn't built to be a towing vehicle but I'm curious as to how well it will pull it?

[jaymemiller]

I have a 21dk, 4000 dry. I have a 2014 dclb 4.0. Tow package. I use a harbor freight wd hitch with a sway controller. I also have roadmaster active suspension add on. It's not going to pull it 80mph. 65 to 70 is a pretty good speed. I pull it up a mountain pass that has 42 turns and 8% grade at 40mph no problem. Like I said, not a speed demon, but then I love my Tacoma. Prodigy 2 brake controller. I almost went 21ss, but then went 21dk to save a few hundred lbs, and I like the bigger kitchen and layout.

[rsdata]

I don't have a Tacoma anymore, but

IMO... limiting factor is the payload capacity of the Tacoma... probably posted on the door frame or on a spec sheet...

that number, say 1400# will be passenger weights, cargo, tongue weight of the TT (close to 600#) and the weight of your WDH, (probably close to 75#) all added together

the toughest thing sometimes is NOT the weight of the trailer, but sometimes the wind loading of the trailer front... pulling in the wind.

For short, level hauls you will probably be OK... long hauls and mountains might be questionable.

[jaymemiller]

Oh you will get about 9 miles per gallon

[Razndaz20]

Thanks for the info. Worth getting the camper? Or should I be looking at something smaller?

[jaymemiller]

I bought it because it was the biggest camper that met our needs and I felt I would be safe to tow.... the dealer of the 21ss was kind of a dink, so I bought the 21dk two states over online. Had it delivered halfway, then towed it 400 miles home.

Most of the places we go are under 300 miles...but I'm not afraid to go further.

[jaymemiller]

We like ours a lot. The slide out and bunks makes it feel bigger. The smaller ones without slide outs would probably be to cramped, but OK for just two people I guess.

[rsdata]

quick search gives me this...

2017 Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds and haul up to 1,620 pounds when properly equipped.Sep 24, 2016

BUT look for YOUR truck payload posted on the truck...

load the truck and camper carefully as to weight...

4300# dry... add propane tanks and a 12 volt battery to that weight, plus lawn chairs, some food, etc... and your up to 4600# easy... tongue weight should be about 13-15% of trailer weight 4600 x 13% = 600#... what else you going to add to that??? passengers? a bike? do the math and answer your own question...

like jaymemiller said... your not gonna do 80 MPH, but it should work for you.

[Razndaz20]

I appreciate the help. We don't go very far camping. Mostly in state and the occasional neighboring states. I live in NH. I plan on keeping it as light as possible. Never really towed anything that big before so just a little nervous and want to make sure I'm not making a mistake before purchasing. These forums are great. Thanks for the help.

[jaymemiller]

I think they are worth the money.

https://activesuspension.com/

[Lootraiders]

I hate to say it but you are going to be like a snail on the hwys as soon as you hit the slightest incline you'll drop gears like a semi. Just cause the tow capacity is 6500lbs and you are around 5000lbs all in, you are pushing the limits of what that truck can do. Example, I'm pulling the 23ikss close to 6000lbs with a 1/4 ton which is rated for 10500 lbs and I have to say I wouldn't want anymore weight then that to feel comfortable.
Fyi. Keep an eye on your tranny.

[jaymemiller]

Not sure on the 17 mirror optuins, but I also switched my stock mirrors with Tyger tow mirrors that flip out. Well worth the investment. Also wired in a back up cam on the camper that in just swap the plugs under the tailgate and it plays in the entune.


A lot of.people will say those Tacoma can't tow. I was hesitant too, but when I picked the camper up having not towed more than a heavy pop up, I was pleasantly suprised how well it did with the roo. But like I said your not going to fly down the highway at 80mph like those other idiots. 65 is what the Tacoma manual says anyways. I think the 2017 has more hp. If you have the tow package, you will have a transmission and oil cooler, along with a bigger alternator. Your brake controller will just plug in with the right pigtail.

[hinkle_e]

Watch your tongue weight! I was towing a 2014 Palomino 209BH with my '08 Taco (with tow package) for a year. Towed great, even in the mountains. Advertised dry weight of 550#...Taco has a limit of 650. Add 2 tanks, a battery, and a WDH and I was well over my limit and that doesn't include anything in the camper or the truck bed. Ignorance was bliss for a bit until i found forums like this and actually realized what was included in "dry weight". I was very comfortable pulling it until i knew the truth, then i realized that safety was paramount for my family, other drivers, and myself. Upgraded last week to a 1794 Tundra.

[TT233S]

Post ur PAYLOAD.....it is the most important thing......you will go over this before anything else!!!!!

You can have more HP - trans oil cooler - tow package - but ur payload will limit you!!!!!