Towing Capacity of a 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4.0 Double Cab 4x4 with Factory Tow Package
Question:
Retiring soon and I want to be able to travel the country towing a TT Lance or Airstream with my new 2013 Tacoma 4L, Dbl.door, 4WD, long bed, with tow package. Ive read the books, Ive read the forums, and now Im more confused than ever. Those that tow with the Tacoma say its great, those that dont and never have say its a disaster waiting to happen. Ive tried to work the math the GV this and GW that minus the Angle of the Dangle equals ???. Specifically, I have been looking at the Lance 1685 and the 1885 plus the Airstream FC19s and FC23s. But any suggestions on other trailers would be appreciated also. Ive looked at so many Im getting cross-eyed. Could you please help me figure this out. I realize its a numbers game, but all things being equal, I should be able to tow something more than a childs little red wagon. I know Ill need to purchase a WDH, brake controller, etc. No problem. Whatever it takes.
asked by: Phil P
Expert Reply:
I can help you out, no problem. What you are going to want to look at is the towing capacities of the truck. You need to know the gross combined weight rating. This is the most the vehicle, including cargo and occupants, plus the trailer can weigh. This information is usually in the owners manual or on a sticker in the door jamb.
Looking at an online copy of the owners manual the 4 liter V6 model of the 2013 Toyota Tacoma with 4-wheel drive could have one of several capacities depending on the model code and whether or not it has the tow package. If it does not have the factory tow package then across the board the gross trailer weight capacity is 3,500 pounds. But since yours does have the tow package there are other capacities it could have.
If you have the factory tow package then the gross trailer weight capacity is 6,500 pounds unless you have model GRN250L-PRADKA. Then it is 6,400 pounds.
The gross combined weight rating for model GRN245L-PRADKA is 11,170 pounds with tow package. For model GRN245L-PRFDKA it is 11,150 with tow package. And for model GRN250L-PRADKA, it is 11,140 pounds with tow package.
This means the combined weight of the trailer and vehicle when loaded and ready to tow, including occupants and cargo, cannot exceed the numbers listed above. The model code is located on the certification label. You just have to figure out which model number you have and then it will be pretty easy to get a good estimate of how much trailer you can tow.
Weight distribution should be chosen based on the total tongue weight. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. You can estimate what it might be but really you want the most accurate figure you can get to choose the right system. This means it might be best to wait until you have the trailer to determine which system will work for you.
A brake controller is easy. If your truck came with a factory 7-Way trailer connector then I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885, and wiring harness # 3040-P. You will just need to mount and plug in the controller and then the harness to the vehicle and ground the white wire to a metal surface.
If the truck did not come with a trailer connector you will first need to install a 4-Way, # 118496, and then a 4 and 7-Way installation kit, # ETBC7. You will not need harness # 3040-P because this is a hardwire installation. I have included some links that explain the ETBC7 installation for you.
Once you have determined the probable total tongue weight I can make some weight distribution recommendations. I have included various links for you on weight distribution, tongue weight, and brake controllers.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
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Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Toyota and Lexus
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Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
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Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
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- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
SuperSprings Custom Suspension Stabilizer and Sway Control Kit
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
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