Need Help

[Cesar L]

I am looking to save gas and trade in my GMC Sierra for a Toyota Tacoma. Does anybody tow with a v6 Tacoma? I found one that's not 4x4. Is that going to be an issue pulling out of steep ramps? I have a Ranger 170vs so it's a lightweight boat. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[mxwrench]

I recently downgraded from my Ford F250 4x4 to a 2000 Tacoma v6 4X4. I tow my 18'4 Champion everywhere with it. It has enough power to get the job done but don't think you will win any drag races while towing! My Ford would pull that boat up the Cajon pass without you even feeling the boat back there, the Toyota on the other hand has to work for it, but it will pull the grade in 4th gear @ 55mph. As for ramps... I have seen small trucks spin badly due to lack of weight and lack of traction (especially if the rear tires are wet), Luckily I avoid all that drama and use 4 wheel low when pulling up ramps with the boat attached (Saves the clutch more importantly)

Now here's the kicker, My Ford got roughly 18-20mpg highway and 12-13mpg city (Diesel) and the Toyota gets about 18-20mpg hwy and 14-15mpg city. The Ford would still get 19mpg hwy. when towing but the Toyota only gets about 12mpg hwy. when towing.

So as for gas savings, I don't think the swap will get you where you want to be while towing. You might save some in everyday driving though. I swapped mine primarily because the $750 payment (with 2 years to go on the note) was burying me financially and I had enough equity in the truck to trade straight across keys for keys with the dealership and now I own it outright with 0.00 payments to deal with.

So I'll take the hit in gas mileage while towing (which is every weekend!) for the savings of getting rid of that ungodly truck payment! I think if I do the math for the past 18 mo. since I did the trade I will find myself oh... roughly $12,110 ahead of the game.
(18mo. x $750=$13500) - (50 miles less mileage per weekend trip/12mpgx$4.25 per galx72 weekends since the deal went down)

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... Insurance is less than half too!!

Sorry for the long rant, perhaps too much info... I kinda got carried away with my story.

BK

[Cesar L]

Thanks for the info, thats the kind of info I was looking for. Unfortunately the tacoma I tracked down is a 2 wheel drive. I also forgot to mention that I commute 180 miles a day so the better gas mileage will help. I guess I am mainly worried about spinning out at ramps.

[Rod Martin]

I down sized to a chevy colorado inline 5 2wd I added a camper shell and have zero problems towing or ramps. I think the extra weight from the shell helps on ramps and doesnt hurt mileage. I dropped from a 202 champion to a 177tr Ranger works fine

[lobinaloca]

I had a 2wd Colorado with the inline 5 and never had a problem at a ramp, even with a light dusting of snow on the ground. Get a good set of all terrain tires and you're good, Pro Comps were my choice and I was very satisfied with both sets. That was a great truck and the gas mileage was not bad pulling my 188 Champion. Pulling grades was kind of tough and more so during the hot months, but it did it. I think the Tacomas put out a bit more power, so you'll be good.

[bayscotter]

Being a true american, I burn as much gas as possible. Self hazing is what I call it. Just drive the rig you like, and love it. There is much more confidence towing your pride and joy with a full size rig.

[bassindon69]

I pull my 17' with my Tacoma 2WD, No spinning out here.

[blkdog812]

you can always put a posi trac in the rear end to help the 2wd get up the slippery ramp

[corn griffin]

on a rainy day, i once had to pull my 20ft javelin out while it was halfway sinking (the ol' plug trick) .... with my 90 2wd toyota pickup... tires and clutch smoke 4sure, but it pulled it out...

this truck was cool for towing around town but not cool on the freeway or on real steep ramps

ended up buying a full size van so i can lock up my gear instead of havin a truck bed i hardly use. Downside: you look like a creep.

[npangler]

Some people say if you got the power to pull and the brakes to stop then its a go, but having hauled heavy equiptment for ten years I can tell you this when dodo hits the fan and you have to do emergancy moves YOU WILL REGRET THE DOWN SIZE keep this in mind before making your decision.And yes I have hauled boats with a tacoima and it can be done but I wouldnt do on a regular basis.

[Matt Lisiewski]

Downside: you look like a creep.

Hahaha!

[trophyfish]

I recently downsized from a 2004 GMC Yukon Denali AWD with a 6.0 litre V-8 320 hp to a 2009 Tacoma TRD off road 4x4 V-6 236 hp. I tow my 19ft Champion with 200hp no problems but real test was towing my buddies 22ft Nitro with 225 and although it pulled both fine on level roads and out of ramps, but I certainly was aware that both boats were behind me vs. the Yukon. Good thing is that both trailers have surge brakes. On the flip side i'm not worried about gas mileage during towing but more so while not towing. I averaged 15-16 mpg with the Denali and the Tacoma averages 20-21 mpg plus (knock on wood) the Tacoma will likely have fewer issues than the Denali.