Tacoma pulling a Bambi 2...

[TnMike]

Got a sweet deal on a 2016 Toyota Tacoma Limited V6 2WD 3.5L.
The Limited comes loaded with features and comes with a hitch but it only pulls 3500 lbs. max. My Bambi 2 loaded (wet weight) is between 2500-3000 lbs.
Will I be ok with that or do I need to add on a towing package?
Thanks, Mike

[Dennis C]

Maximum towing capacity is only one of the things you need to know about your tow vehicle to determine real world capacity. What’s the maximum cargo/payload rating? You’ll find that on the sticker in the door jamb. What’s your maximum hitch weight? What’s the tongue weight of your trailer? I tend to think you can make it work, but you’ll need a little bit more information to be certain. Unfortunately, the fully loaded tow vehicles tend to have low cargo capacity because of the weight of all the options.

[TnMike]

Thank you for your response. Below are some specs. for my Tacoma.
Tow capacity 3500 lbs
265 torque@4600rpm
278 horsepower@6000rpm
Wheelbase 127.4"
Payload Capacity for Trucks 5600 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight for Trucks 5600 lbs.

Does this help?
Thanks...
Mike

[LNBright]

Problem will be the tongue weight: your Tacoma is rated for, 350lbs? My Bambi's tongue weight is 630lbs?

Loved my 4Runner, but I traded it for a Sierra....

Good luck...


PS: let me amend this: I just noticed your Bambi is a '60s model... it'll be a lot lighter than mine.

You might be okay....

[Dennis C]

Originally Posted by TnMike

Thank you for your response. Below are some specs. for my Tacoma.
Tow capacity 3500 lbs
265 torque@4600rpm
278 horsepower@6000rpm
Wheelbase 127.4"
Payload Capacity for Trucks 5600 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight for Trucks 5600 lbs.

Does this help?
Thanks...
Mike

Yes, it helps but the payload capacity will be less than the GVWR. As mentioned above, the tongue weight of the trailer counts against your available payload capacity along with passengers and cargo. For example, my GVWR is 7,600 lbs and my payload capacity is 1,479 lbs. My trailer’s tongue weight is about 535 lbs., leaving me with 944 lbs. for passengers and gear.

Again - I’m guessing you’ll be fine but it’s always good to do the math.

[TnMike]

Thank you for your replies. I found the manual for my Bambi 2 (1964) and some more stats. The tongue weight is 250 lbs. Total weight of trailer (when new and dry) was 1950 lbs.
My father had some custom work done on the inside (removed the stove/oven and installed a microwave) and removed kitchen sink and replaced with just a countertop and a few other things I can't think of now. They had gotten the (unloaded) weight down to 1800 lbs. The (loaded but w/out water) weight was 2580 lbs.
Hitch ball height is 18 1/2".
Do you think I should be ok with my Tacoma truck?
Thanks again...
Mike

[Dennis C]

I love the lightweight construction of the older trailers. Based on what you’ve shared, it doesn’t seem that you’ll have any issues. This is obviously only one man’s opinion, but that sounds very reasonable to me. Perhaps others will offer opinions.

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by TnMike

Thank you for your replies. I found the manual for my Bambi 2 (1964) and some more stats. The tongue weight is 250 lbs. Total weight of trailer (when new and dry) was 1950 lbs.
My father had some custom work done on the inside (removed the stove/oven and installed a microwave) and removed kitchen sink and replaced with just a countertop and a few other things I can't think of now. They had gotten the (unloaded) weight down to 1800 lbs. The (loaded but w/out water) weight was 2580 lbs.
Hitch ball height is 18 1/2".
Do you think I should be ok with my Tacoma truck?
Thanks again...
Mike

With the Bambi being so light, I think you’ll be just fine. One tip: you want the loaded tongue weight to be 10-15% of the trailer weight. Keep that in mind when loading your stuff in the trailer.
When you’re loaded for camping, stop at a CAT scale and check the numbers to make sure.

[B. Cole]

Originally Posted by TnMike

Thank you for your replies. I found the manual for my Bambi 2 (1964) and some more stats. The tongue weight is 250 lbs. Total weight of trailer (when new and dry) was 1950 lbs.
My father had some custom work done on the inside (removed the stove/oven and installed a microwave) and removed kitchen sink and replaced with just a countertop and a few other things I can't think of now. They had gotten the (unloaded) weight down to 1800 lbs. The (loaded but w/out water) weight was 2580 lbs.
Hitch ball height is 18 1/2".
Do you think I should be ok with my Tacoma truck?
Thanks again...
Mike

To help avoid trailer sway, you want between 10%-15% ( closer to 15%) of total loaded trailer weight, on the tongue.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by TnMike

Got a sweet deal on a 2016 Toyota Tacoma Limited V6 2WD 3.5L.
The Limited comes loaded with features and comes with a hitch but it only pulls 3500 lbs. max. My Bambi 2 loaded (wet weight) is between 2500-3000 lbs.
Will I be ok with that or do I need to add on a towing package?
Thanks, Mike

It doesn't have the towing package? With tow package it is rated at 6,800. From what I can find the towing package is standard.
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tacom...eatures-specs/

[TnMike]

The stats on the 2016 Tacoma Lmited says:

V6
3.5L
2WD
Torque 265 torque@4600
278 horsepower@6000rpm
Wheelbase 127.4
Tow capacity 3500 lbs
Payload Capacity for Trucks 5600 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight for Trucks 5600 lbs.

This is what CARMAX says on their website. I'm picking it up tomorrow..

Does this sound right to you?

Thanks...
Mike

[LNBright]

https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tacom...eatures-specs/

Edmunds is saying it tows 6500, I think that’s right, the 4Runner towed 5000.

I think you’re okay...

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by TnMike

The stats on the 2016 Tacoma Lmited says:

V6
3.5L
2WD
Torque 265 torque@4600
278 horsepower@6000rpm
Wheelbase 127.4
Tow capacity 3500 lbs
Payload Capacity for Trucks 5600 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight for Trucks 5600 lbs.

This is what CARMAX says on their website. I'm picking it up tomorrow..

Does this sound right to you?

Thanks...
Mike

The 4 cylinder is 3500, Edmunds says the V6 is 6800. In the Edmunds specs it says tow package but the tow package wasn't standard until 2018.

If you have the VIN, or when you get it, create an account at Toyota.com then you can get details on the truck. I just can't imagine someone getting the V6 and not a tow package.

Does it have a frame hitch or some kind of bumper hitch? Look for the 4/7-pin connector to the left of the license plate. Mine is slightly angled with a spring loaded cover. If you have a second small radiator in front of your big radiator it’s the towing transmission cooler, part of the towing package. It would probably have a group-27 size battery, group-24 if no package.

[PA BAMBI II]

We have towed our '64 Bambi II many, many thousands of miles (including two trips from PA to FL) with a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country minivan. It tows the wee little trailer just fine.

When we put it behind our 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, we literally remind whomever is driving that there is a trailer back there.

Ours has some added weight over stock in that we added a gray water tank, small aluminum bumper storage box, spare tire/rack on the tongue, and a few other conveniences.

Still, there are original ads showing '61-'63 Bambis being towed by VW Beetles and BMW sports cars.

Don't overthink this one...

[Ted S.]

I have a 2020 Tacoma 4X4 TRD Off-road DCLB. It struggles on the Highway empty. I wouldn’t tow with it. It’s constantly searching for gears. I love Toyota’s but the tranny’s on these leave a lot to be desired. Maybe ok if it was a stick.

[TnMike]

Thanks again for your replies.

PA Bambi II I am happy to hear your advice to not over think this! My Bambi II (1964) has been customized by removing the stove/oven, kitchen sink, and seating booth...and adding a microwave and bed where booth and table went. This made the dry "unloaded" weight even less (1800 lbs.). My parents had it for years and they weighed it once when loaded up (w/out water) and it was 2580 lbs.

I have 30 days to return Tacoma when I pick it up tomorrow if it doesn't work out for towing, but I think it will. It has a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. but I think it has a towing package. I looked up the specs on Toyota.com using the VIN # and it said that the TO V6 Tow Package is factory installed equipment. However, the CARMAX (where I'm buying it) website says nothing about a tow package.

Oh well, I'll just have to see! Fingers crossed!

Mike

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by TnMike

I looked up the specs on Toyota.com using the VIN # and it said that the TO V6 Tow Package is factory installed equipment. However, the CARMAX (where I'm buying it) website says nothing about a tow package.
Mike

I would trust Toyota over Carmax. When you get the truck look for those things I mentioned earlier: transmission cooler in front of radiator, the 4/7 pin connector box left of center (left of hitch), and a frame hitch, probably tubular steel. Also, at the driver's left kick panel, at the top, there is probably a connector plug right at the top edge. This is for an electric brake controller. All of these are signs that it has the tow package.

If you just have a hitch ball mounted in the bumper and no other hitch, then you probably don't have the tow package. I had an '89 Toyota pickup (no Tacoma name, just 'pickup') that I pulled a 17' Ranger bass boat with, total weight around 2400 lbs. Truck had the 3.0L engine and not a lot of torque. Other than a lack of power there was no problem with towing; steady as a rock. I put 193,000 miles on the original clutch. It was a great little truck.

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by TnMike

PA Bambi II I am happy to hear your advice to not over think this! My Bambi II (1964) has been customized by removing the stove/oven, kitchen sink, and seating booth...and adding a microwave and bed where booth and table went. This made the dry "unloaded" weight even less (1800 lbs.). My parents had it for years and they weighed it once when loaded up (w/out water) and it was 2580 lbs.
Mike

Of course. You will get as many opinions on towing/tow vehicles/towing setups from this forum as there are members. It is hard to sift through it all.

I would never offer comments that would put anyone in peril. You have to keep in mind, though, that we are not talking about a 31' Sovereign weighing in at 8000 lbs. Bambi IIs (and the original series Bambis) were the lightest, skinniest, smallest Airstreams mass produced. With their 3" frame rails and bare bones but well-thought-out equipment, they offer just enough for civilized camping...and can be towed with just about anything.

I really do believe your Tacoma will walk away with it...and safely.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by PA BAMBI II

We have towed our '64 Bambi II many, many thousands of miles (including two trips from PA to FL) with a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country minivan. It tows the wee little trailer just fine.

When we put it behind our 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, we literally remind whomever is driving that there is a trailer back there.

Ours has some added weight over stock in that we added a gray water tank, small aluminum bumper storage box, spare tire/rack on the tongue, and a few other conveniences.

Still, there are original ads showing '61-'63 Bambis being towed by VW Beetles and BMW sports cars.

Don't overthink this one...

^
X2

We toed the single axle 'Frantic Banana', a 22' '63 Safari for 16 Seasons without knowing about the Forums telling us it shouldn't be done.

I would advise sway control on the light single axle Bambi though, friction bars helped a lot on the 'Banana'.

Bob
🇺🇸

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

^
X2

We towed the single axle 'Frantic Banana', a 22' '63 Safari for 16 Seasons without knowing about the Forums telling us it shouldn't be done.

I would advise sway control on the light single axle Bambi though, friction bars helped a lot on the 'Banana'.

Bob
🇺🇸

We are getting a single-axle 24' 1961 TradeWind ready for action...slowly, as it goes. The Pathfinder will be the tow vehicle, and we do plan on Eaz-Lift weight distribution and friction sway control. It towed home fine 250 miles with just the weight distribution...but for the long haul, I will definitely be using the sway control. I do not use it with the Bamib II as I was advised the tension wreaks havoc on the tiny frames. Never had a problem. Twenty-four feet with 4" frame rails is different, though.

I did a lot of things in my Airstream journey (camping in them since 6 days-old) before the Forums told me not to for this reason or that. If I make the best decisions and practice all due diligence to keep my family safe while towing, I feel I am good to go.