Toyota Tacoma 4x4 and a fiberglass boat? Advice?

skotch40 · Post by **skotch40** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 1:27 pm

I am just trying to get some feedback on whether anyone has tried pulling their 18.5 fiber glass boat with a Toyota Tacoma? If so, how does it perform?
I haven't seen too may Tacoma's pulling anything, but I know their specs say they can.
I am just curious about horse power and handling.

Thanks.

Scott

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:05 pm

If that's what you have and you aren't in the market for a full sized pick'emup then a small V6 powered truck like the Tacoma or Ranger will tow a 17-18 foot glass boat fine. It's not really the towing--it's the stopping. With an 18 footer behind you I'd be a little more mindful about anticipating sudden stops though...

Jason C. · Post by **Jason C.** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:29 pm

Skotch,
I tow my 18ft Ranger with a 150hp Merc. with my Ford Ranger. It works just fine with no problems. So you shouldnt have anyproblems with your Tacoma. My Ranger has even pulled my dad's skeeter wich is longer I think by 1ft. and has 25extra horses with no problems. I hope this helps.

Gator · Post by **Gator** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:32 pm

As R70 said, braking distance is the main concern. You should have no problem with the HP to pull it, just be mindful of stops and prepare to stop earlier. I tow with a F-150 SuperCrew and still have to remember that I have a boat behind me and need to leave a little extra room for stopping.

Paul W · Post by **Paul W** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 3:47 pm

Old Tacoma or the new one w/ the bigger v6??? I had a 98 2wd w/ the 3.4L v6. It was a great little engine but I wouldnt really want to haul a midsized bassboat around with it. It would pull fine on the level, but would really get a workout going up hills. A tranny cooler and trailer brakes would be a MUST. The 5,000 lb rating for that truck is a joke IMO. The new Taco on the other hand is a different story, that boat would be no problem.

Paul

skotch40 · Post by **skotch40** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:40 pm

That's great news, thanks everyone!

CORAL 96 · Post by **CORAL 96** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:05 pm

Like above have said, power is probably not too much an issue, but braking would be. Does the boat trailer have brakes? That would definetly help. I used to tow an 18' Procraft fish&ski behind an S-10 blazer. Power was no issue as that 4.3 V-6 is like having an 8 cyl in that small of a vehicle. Stopping was another issue. I could feel my ABS kick in on a few panic stops. That trailer had no brakes, and after having one with now, I'd NEVER go back!!

Jason Wood · Post by **Jason Wood** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:52 pm

Hey Scott,
I pull my 19' 6" Pantera Classic 200hp with a 04 Prerunner 2wd V6... I have no problems with the truck for what I am doing with it...
Pulling the boat out of the water is no problem at all on decent ramps i.e. Orwood or Russo's on the Delta, Spanish Flat at Berryessa...
Towing the boat isn't bad unless it is for long distances up hills... From Brentwood to Berryessa is about as far as I'd go...
Stopping is the big issue... Though not terrible, (you can still stop), you do have to start slowing awhile before your intended stop... Brakes do warm up quite a bit over long distances also...

rocksetter · Post by **rocksetter** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:41 am

I had a T-100 and I have a Tundra now I can tell you it will handle it without any issues. I tow a ranger 374. Steve

fishwithron2 · Post by **fishwithron2** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 12:45 pm

I have a 96 4/2 4 runner V6 and have no problem pulling my 18' champ all around the delta ramps in or out. Going to Clear lake, you'll need to know where the steep hills are to maintain your speed. Brakes on the trailer would be nice.
Getting 16-17 mpg pulling the rig.