2014 Toyota Tacoma and 16 Foot Bambi Sport

[mxfamily]

We are rated to tow 6500 pounds and have the factory tow package. The dealer mentioned take 20% off the 6500 for elevation (we live in the Denver area). Do you have an advice or suggestions?

[CRH]

Have a good time.

[rmkrum]

We easily tow a 22' 2007 International with a 2012 Toyota Tacoma crew cab short bed 4x4 with no issues. Have a ProPride hitch for sway and WD, YMMV on that part. We're hauling two or three adults, 4 smallish dogs and a crap-ton of stuff in the truck and trailer. I have not had any issues other than sloppy driving on my part collecting a bent step in a tight gas station.

I wouldn't debate it--just take it easy.


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[dkottum]

Get a good tapered bar weight distribution hitch with sway control bars, get it set up right, and take it easy until you get the feel of it. You will need a brake controller, learn to set it right. Plan on using the transmission as needed to climb grades, and shift down as needed and let the engine rev to get engine compression braking when descending. Load the bed of the truck lightly, especially behind the rear axle, for better weight distribution results.

Sounds like a nice, maneuverable rig. Have a great time.

[remphoto]

You should have no problems. We tow our 16' Bambi Sport with a Honda Pilot rated for 4,500 and have no problems and don't even use a weight-distributing hitch or sway bar. That Tacoma won't even know the Bambi is back there.

[DaKarch]

I had a 93 Toyota Truck....could tow anything with it....stopping was another story.

Its all about stopping. Never about get up and go. So working brakes will be crucial in a smaller tow vehicle.

I am a strong advocate for load leveling and sway hitches. Dont care which brand just use one.

As for elevation, did a trip out west with a 3/4 ton burb. Was very concerned about elevation.....you just go slower.

The physics behind elevation are real. 20% power loss is a safe number at 10K above sea level....but again you just go slower.

I have family out in Denver...just spoke to them today and was told a great bear story from a hiking trip last week they took. Seems bears have been an issue this year out there...

So post some pics of the Rockies, watch the brakes, get a hitch and watch out for bears!

[rmkrum]

Yep. Absolutely true. Going is optional, as is the speed. Stopping is vital. Good brakes on the truck plus a good trailer brake controller and trailer brakes that can stop the trailer is what you need to put emphasis on. Maneuverability is second. That's where a good anti-sway hitch setup and weight distribution to keep the steer axle firmly planted is vital. Gobs of power to climb hills is not that important. You can always downshift, get to the slow lane, and be patient as long as you are not straining the engine beyond what it can handle. A smallish trailer and a half-ton pickup will work, detractors to the contrary.


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[Ron A]

Enjoy your airstream. I have a 16 foot Bambi and pull with a Honda Ridgeline. Smoky mountains to Disney in Florida. Have not had any issues going or stopping. Usually go around 60 MPH, that is a speed I feel comfortable with and of course slower in the mountains. Be safe enjoy.


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[PaulnGina]

Sounds like a good combination to me. As others have said....... drive accordingly. Don't get in a hurry, use the transmission going up AND down the hills. Work the brakes but don't lay on them. Although you might have people who know nothing about towing indicate that you are #1, just drive and have fun. One of the scariest things is to be going too fast downhill and try to slow down. Can be very exciting. Start in to the downhill grades at a slower speed, manage your engine with the transmission, and don't worry if you are going too slow. Get "there" safely.

[Mageliza]

I have a 2015 Tacoma TRD 4X4 w/tow package, Tekonsha brake controller, Andersen 3350 hitch and a 2015 16' Bambi. Have towed about 5000 miles and it feels like a perfect combo. No sway at all when passing large vehicles. Happy trails to you and yours.

[Sodbust]

I agree with all said above,, but wish to add that the combo you have should work out just fine. Its like I told our 6 kids learning to drive in mud.. Dont go faster than you wish to wreck..

Sodbust

[Doc Foster]

It should pull just fine. You might want to think about upgrade your brake pads on the front. Don't know if you can do anything about the rear drum brakes? Might be an upgrade there as well.

[ColoradoLady]

I, too, live in Denver metro area (Centennial). I have 2015 Bambi 16' Sport. Tow with 2015 Pathfinder with full factory tow package,and anti-sway bar. I've towed to Durango, over Wolf Creek pass , on 285, 160, 550. Agree, approach downhill, slower speeds, also on curvy roads, take your time, adjust trailer brakecontrol, to meet demands. You'll be fine. I've had no problems, and smooth ride. We have such a beautiful state. Enjoy the journey!

[m.hony]

Advice?
Enjoy your rig.
Get out there and go campin'!

[j-ten-ner]

Originally Posted by mxfamily

We are rated to tow 6500 pounds and have the factory tow package. The dealer mentioned take 20% off the 6500 for elevation (we live in the Denver area). Do you have an advice or suggestions?

I think that your dealer gave you a good advice.
It's my personal opinion not to exceed 75-80% of the max tow capacity.
Just for the sake of safety and to compensate for all eventualities.


so long
j-ten-ner

[wvstreamer]

A Tacoma and an Airstream means go! Have had several Toyota vehicles and the Tacoma is quite capable. There are some great brake upgrades that are worthwhile...rotors and pads especially. Check the Toyota forums. Have fun!
Dave

[jtwind]

I think it's a good idea to knock off 20% just for a safety margin, doesn't make sense to be towing at the limits, at least in my mind, and I'd knock off more if I was in the mountains a majority of the time. It's stressful towing at times anyway and then to be barely getting up the mountains and wondering about braking downhill, doesn't help.

I towed my 2014 Bambi for awhile with a Nissan Frontier crewcab, 6000lb towing capacity so well within limits, yet it never felt like it had what it took. I now tow the Bambi with a Ram 4 door pickup with the eco diesel. Supposedly only a 1200 lb towing capacity increase, but what a difference! Recently went out to Yellowstone from Madison WI and besides feeling very comfortable at 65-70 mph, passes over the Big Horns were no issue, could accelerate at any time, braking was good and never felt like the trailer might take charge. Wish I had gotten a truly adequate tow vehicle sooner. Not to mention the ecodiesel did better than 18 mpg for the whole trip! The point! Even though a vehicle is capable on paper it doesn't mean much when you are near the limits and it's on your mind as a issue every second on the highway. The fun factor goes down really fast.