Tacoma Towing Capacity
 

On a camping trailer, sticker says GVWR. Is that the weight of the trailer itself? I have a 06 Tacoma. Manual says I can tow 6500lbs. Any help would and suggestions would be great. Thanks.

The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of the trailer and it's contents... not necessarily the curb weight (actual weight). As long as the total weight of the trailer and its contents doesn't exceed the GVWR AND it doesn't exceed the hitch capacity AND the tongue weight of the trailer on the hitch is not exceeded, then you're good to go.

Before someone else chimes in here with stories about pulling 10,000lbs with their S10 I am speaking in terms of what is allowed by law, not what can be physically or stupidly done.

Here in NC we have to buy what's known as a "weighted tag". Essentially we have to declare the most weight that the truck would be carrying (the GVWR) plus whatever it could be conceivably towing (trailer GVWR). I had to declare 12,000 lbs for the Tundra and they get me for every dime... Dang Revenuers! :wallbash:

so If I understand you right, I can pull a 3500lb trailer 4 passengers at 600lbs which totals 4100lbs and still have room for gear. I dont want to max out but I dont think I have 2000lbs of gear.

You're not actually hauling people in the trailer are you??? :confused1: I don't know where you live but here it's against the law. None the less... your thinking is on the right track. The trailer and its contents whether it be people or soda pop, cannot exceed the GVWR.

Your truck should have a tag inside the driver's side door jamb. There will be front and rear axle rating, and the GVW that that specific vehicle can pull.
Your camper SHOULD have a tag stating the curb (empty) weight and the weight with tanks loaded, etc. Check inside the doors near the kitchen area. Often it's found on the door under the kitchen sink.

I am looking at a tag along trailer that says it it 4700lbs GVWR. My truck is rated for 6500 lbs towing capacity. I assume that means combined between people in the truck and the camper weight and gear?

Let's start over; Your truck has a GVWR rating sticker that can be found inside the driver's door. The GVWR value on the sticker is the maximum allowable weight of the truck and it's contents. Your camper has the same sticker which refers to the maximum allowable weight of the trailer and its contents... those are two separate and distinct items.

Here's an example; My Tundra has a GVWR of 6,010 lbs. I have a maximum trailering capacity of 7,000 lbs. So in theory I could load my truck up to it's almost maximum (6,010 lbs) and hook up a trailer and its load up to 7,000 lbs. That's a combined weight of truck and loaded trailer of 13,010 lbs.

Don't forget that the tonque weight of the trailer comprises a portion of the weight of your truck.

And to confuse you more, your truck will also have 2 GAWR ratings, one for the maximum allowable weight on each axle.

Does this make sense?

perfectly. one other question. I should probably have a transmission cooler installed and electric brakes?

If the trailer has electric brakes not to mention the weight you're hauling, then definitely install a controller! I put a Tekonsha Prodigy controller on mine back in 2002 and have been pleased with the performance.

If your Taco came with a towing package, chances are you already have an oil cooler and a tranny rated for the pull. Look on the front of your radiator and see if there is a small cooler there. I actually didn't know I had one until I started looking for it. If not and you're going to make towing a regular activity I'd get one, else if this is just a one shot deal I'd probably bypass the idea... but that's just my opinion. It also depends on the type of trip you're taking... like running 300 miles through Death Valley with an outside temp of 110 deg F. or climbing Pike's Peak.

So whera are ya going? :cowboy:

I would be towing the trailer 3-4 times a year, a few hundred miles each time. This is a good time to buy a used one, people are dumping them the end of the season is upon us. I will look for the tranny cooler, My truck does have the towing package. We just got back from Maine, we rented a camper and now we have the bug. Found a nice Prowler 19 foot for sale, looks like a good deal. Any tips on what to look for as far as potential problems?

thanks for all you help and advice. I love this forum, you are very kind and give great info.