Towing Class question...

[Martinjmpr]

I've only used a trailer a few times and I'm wondering something about the Taco and towing:

My truck had a frame-mounted 2" receiver hitch when I bought it in January. I got the window sticker with the truck and it says "class II tow hitch" (a $359 option.)

But for some reason I always thought a 2" frame-mounted receiver meant a class III, minimum? Or is it maybe that the receiver is class III but the Tacoma is only rated to tow up to class II by virtue of engine/brakes/frame?

So what are people towing with their Tacos?

[mountainpete]

I believe it has to do with your 5 speed transmission. Toyota rated the manual tranny less than the auto. 3500 lbs for the manual and 5000 lbs for the auto. The actual hitch is a Class III.

Do you plan on towing more than 3500 lbs?

Pete

[FortyMileDesert]

The manual versus automatic rating difference is typical for most trucks. Automatics are almost always higher rated.

[Nuclear Redneck]

Do you have the owner's manual? Mine is fairly clear about the requirements for towing. For the 2007 model year there is no difference between the capcities of an automatic and a manual. It is based on whether or not you have the factory tow package.

Remember to base your towing capcity on the lowest rated component in use.

Cheers,

[Martinjmpr]

The only thing I've towed so far was a big 16hp rototiller on a flatbed trailer, and I only took it a couple of miles. Not really planning on doing much towing but I was curious about the Class II/Class III thing because I'd always thought that a frame-mounted receiver was a Class III. I'm sure you're right about the tranny being the weak link. Of course, I can't imagine towing much more than a lightweight trailer anyway - the 3.4l V-6 isn't exactly anemic but it's not a monster, either.

Pretty sure the main thing I'll be attaching to the reciever is a rack to hold a couple of bicycles. I'm sure that will be less than the Class II limits! :rolleyes: