Need quick help with towing advice!

[wolf146]

Originally Posted by britta315

Will a 2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD with a towing package tow a 1981 Airstream Excella II with a center bath?

We are looking at it right now, and it looks like the weight (listed online) is 5600lb for the AS, but the seller seems to think it's 7700lb for some reason...

Thanks! Need advice/help quick.

I had a Tacoma and picked up a 2004 Classic 30 footer in Florida back in 2006. The Tacoma definitely was not enough truck to pull the Classic. Luckily it was I 95 all the way and no hills to deal with.

I ended up buying a new 2007 Tundra and it has been an excellent tow vehicle for my Classic for the last 10 years. Wolf146

[KK4YZ]

Give yourself plenty of margin between what tow weight the truck is rated for and what the trailer actually weighs. You will never regret doing so.
Be safe!

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by britta315

Thanks to everyone who replied! We've been driving for 4+ hours now, and it seems to be doing fine. (We've been stopping regularly to make sure everything is going well - checking the heat of the tires, engine, etc.) We have roughly 4 hours left to drive, and it's all flat & primarily highways.

Hope you are home safely!

Have fun with your new toy

[JCWDCW]

We have members who pull an 89 29-ft with the old size Tundra that is about the same size as the newer Tacoma. Doesn't say it is good practice but they have full timed between Canada and Mexico with their rig. Lots of us pull heavier trailers than the truck specs suggest...same old argument...Your truck needs 12 inch discs all round IMO and enough weight and wheel base to make a stable TV.
JCW

[Ronman]

Too much trailer for this truck. Factor in everything you plan on taking. Have you looked at Tacoma payload?
I towed our 27FB at 5300 dry with a 2001 Tundra with the 4.7L V8 for four years. It worked for a while. It REALLY worked! I never felt completely safe.
REMEMBER: you can tow it on a flat road in a straight line and be OK. But wait until you have to stop it coming downhill. That's where safety for you, your family and the general public comes into play.
Don't get caught up in just the towing capacity. There are many other factors. Good luck.

[USAtraveler]

Originally Posted by Ronman

Too much trailer for this truck. Factor in everything you plan on taking. Have you looked at Tacoma payload?
I towed our 27FB at 5300 dry with a 2001 Tundra with the 4.7L V8 for four years. It worked for a while. It REALLY worked! I never felt completely safe.
REMEMBER: you can tow it on a flat road in a straight line and be OK. But wait until you have to stop it coming downhill. That's where safety for you, your family and the general public comes into play.
Don't get caught up in just the towing capacity. There are many other factors. Good luck.

Good point. Braking power is more important than pulling power. Make the trailer brakes do their share plus a bit, regardless of whether its going down hill or stop & go traffic. You do that with the brake controller of course. Make sure you take the time to adjust it properly. Some newer model trucks and SUV's may have finally begun to include controllers with the tow pkg. New Tundras, a truck more suitable IMO for the size and weight of your AS, may have it. If not, its an easy plug-in addition.

Happy and safe towing!