Towing Review: 4th Gen Tacoma + Airstream Sport 22' Trailer

[Stéphane]

I wanted to share some feedback after taking the new rig out for its first real pull. I’m towing an Airstream Sport 22' (roughly 4,500 lbs loaded), and honestly, the truck handled it like an absolute champ.

I’ve seen a few posts from people who weren't impressed with the towing specs on the 4G, but I beg to differ. I was actually on the fence and almost pulled the trigger on a Tundra, but after this trip, I have zero regrets about sticking with the Tacoma.

A few things that really surprised me:

The Tow/Haul mode logic in this trim is spot on. It made pulling the trailer feel effortless, with the shift points exactly where you’d want them. While the landscape wasn't too steep for BC standards, the hills I did encounter were no problem. I was able to keep the speed limit with the engine barely hitting 3,000 RPM.

I also have to mention the sound—hearing that turbo spool up while under load is beautiful. It’s got plenty of heart.

The suspension felt planted and composed, and the tech features are definitely useful. The cameras, the auto light check, and the backup assist were all tested and performed perfectly. The trailer assist system in particular was a breeze to set up and is a total game-changer for maneuvering.

Finally, the gas mileage was the biggest shock. I expected it to tank, but it remained surprisingly good—definitely better than I had anticipated for a brick-shaped load.

If you’re debating between the mid-size or moving up to a full-size just for towing a sub-5,000 lb trailer, don’t sleep on the 4G. It’s more than capable!

Sponsored

 

[Cappaworks]

Good input! My towing results are similar. I pull around 4,000 pounds. My truck has a manual transmission, which I really like for towing. It will hold 5th gear almost everywhere, but I’ll drop to 4th on the steeper California climbs. I can use 6th on the flats and downhills, but it generally puts you well beyond the posted speed limits. The engine makes plenty of torque between 2,000-3,000 rpm, so that’s usually where I’m at. Fuel economy while towing for me is around 12-13 mpg. I’m usually towing in and out of the desert up and down the mountains.

The one disappointment is the suspension load capacity. I suspect with a trailer as large as yours you likely have a weight distributing hitch, which would help with that. I don’t have a weight distributing hitch, so if I throw a large cooler, firewood, generator and other camp gear in the back of the truck, then hitch up the trailer, the suspension is pretty sacked out near the bumpstops. I can feel it bottom out over common road bumps. The solution? Maybe heavier springs or airbags along with some firmer or adjustable shocks, but I have not addressed it yet. A weight distributing hitch would be sort of overkill with my trailer.

 

[lauren01]

That’s awesome. Our trailer is less than 1300 pounds dry. We are probably towing and hauling around 2000 pounds, plus 2 adults and dog. So far our Trailhunter has been fantastic. We are leaving today for a trip that will be 500 miles each way over the California mountains and up to Flagstaff. This will be our second time towing long distance and we really look forward to it because we know how easy it is. Like you, I’m really glad I got the Tacoma instead of the Tundra for our needs.

 

[Gearman]

I agree that it tows as well as my 2017 Tundra.
Personally I just don’t like towing more than 3k lbs with any (1/2ton, tundra, F150/1500) or smaller vehicles.

I do tow a trailer with mowers/yard maintenance around town each week with the Tacoma and it does well, I just won’t take on the highway, if I do, will take my F350

 

[Planoman]

Nice post! Thank you !

 

[Will721]

Personally I just don’t like towing more than 3k lbs with any 1/2ton or smaller vehicle.

Something to keep in mind with that train of thought, the 1/2-3/4-1 ton markers are meaningless and have been for decades.

Due to government regulations with cafe standards, and safety standards specifically, all cars and trucks are getting both bigger and heavier. In trucks this translates to larger payload and towing capacity as time goes by aswell. The Tacoma is no longer thr light duty slouch it once was.


To put it into perspective, a 2007 the Tundra officially became a full size "1/2 ton" truck. With the 4.7L (the 5.7 is higher) it had almost the same towing capacity, weight, and payload as a current gen Tacoma. All within a few hundred pounds. The F150s from the triton years were also comparable depending on generation. However the Tacoma does so with better brakes, traction control, tire technology, and overall safety. Really, as long as you keep an eye on Trans temps I wouldn't bother worrying about towing right at capacity at all.

 

[rvalloric]

Good input! My towing results are similar. I pull around 4,000 pounds. My truck has a manual transmission, which I really like for towing. It will hold 5th gear almost everywhere, but I’ll drop to 4th on the steeper California climbs. I can use 6th on the flats and downhills, but it generally puts you well beyond the posted speed limits. The engine makes plenty of torque between 2,000-3,000 rpm, so that’s usually where I’m at. Fuel economy while towing for me is around 12-13 mpg. I’m usually towing in and out of the desert up and down the mountains.

The one disappointment is the suspension load capacity. I suspect with a trailer as large as yours you likely have a weight distributing hitch, which would help with that. I don’t have a weight distributing hitch, so if I throw a large cooler, firewood, generator and other camp gear in the back of the truck, then hitch up the trailer, the suspension is pretty sacked out near the bumpstops. I can feel it bottom out over common road bumps. The solution? Maybe heavier springs or airbags along with some firmer or adjustable shocks, but I have not addressed it yet. A weight distributing hitch would be sort of overkill with my trailer.

I wanted to share some feedback after taking the new rig out for its first real pull. I’m towing an Airstream Sport 22' (roughly 4,500 lbs loaded), and honestly, the truck handled it like an absolute champ.

I’ve seen a few posts from people who weren't impressed with the towing specs on the 4G, but I beg to differ. I was actually on the fence and almost pulled the trigger on a Tundra, but after this trip, I have zero regrets about sticking with the Tacoma.

A few things that really surprised me:

The Tow/Haul mode logic in this trim is spot on. It made pulling the trailer feel effortless, with the shift points exactly where you’d want them. While the landscape wasn't too steep for BC standards, the hills I did encounter were no problem. I was able to keep the speed limit with the engine barely hitting 3,000 RPM.

I also have to mention the sound—hearing that turbo spool up while under load is beautiful. It’s got plenty of heart.

The suspension felt planted and composed, and the tech features are definitely useful. The cameras, the auto light check, and the backup assist were all tested and performed perfectly. The trailer assist system in particular was a breeze to set up and is a total game-changer for maneuvering.

Finally, the gas mileage was the biggest shock. I expected it to tank, but it remained surprisingly good—definitely better than I had anticipated for a brick-shaped load.

If you’re debating between the mid-size or moving up to a full-size just for towing a sub-5,000 lb trailer, don’t sleep on the 4G. It’s more than capable!

 

[rvalloric]

My 2024 Limited also pulls my ~5000 lbs camper as well without any hesitation. Have not done large hill but grades I have done I not seen any strain at all. Love It!

 

[epnk]

I was definitely surprised at towing our 3500lb dry weight trailer last week, the 5th gen 4Runner I traded for my new sr5 couldn’t even compete on BC passes, I was able to pass semis etc on Kootenay pass which is 5820 feet at summit and gas mileage was still better overall. I will
say the day we came home was rougher we had some crazy crosswinds going on in Fort Steele and Cranbrook but once I got back to the pass it went much smoother.

 

[Gearman]

After watching TFL Truck video, they do a great job of explaining my thoughts on towing with a tacoma. I personal opinion stays, I wont tow more than 3k lbs with my tacoma, but to each their own.....

They push it up around 6k lbs on steep grade. Interesting watch.

TFL Truck - Tacoma Tow Test

 

[lauren01]

Agreed. The truck won’t last as long when pushed like that. I’d have bought a Tundra if that was our trailer weight.
Our trailer weighs 1245 lbs dry. We added up our attachments and are safely under 1800.

Sponsored