2016 Toyota Tacoma - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Towing and Hitching
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 10-31-2015, 10:49 AM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Sandia Park, New Mexico
Trailer: 2017 Escape 17B
Posts: 8
2016 Toyota Tacoma

Has anyone towed with one of the new 2016 Tacomas? I'm shopping for a new tow vehicle for a 17B I'll be picking up next year. After reading all the posts from you fine folks on this forum, the Tacoma has become my first choice. Wish it were possible to test drive while towing.
kmk7580 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 11:24 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Devil Dog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Steveston B.C., British Columbia
Trailer: 2012- 17'B.... 2016 Tacoma SR5 TRD
Posts: 504
I picked up a TRD 2016 access cab last sat. Probably won't tow till next spring . For a 17' It should be capable if not over loaded . My 06 Tacoma managed OK . For a 19' or 21' I would think V-8 would be the better way to go .
__________________
I've almost been everywhere man.
Almost been everywhere.....
Devil Dog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 12:24 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Bobbito's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
Trailer: 2015 Escape 21
Posts: 699
My 2005 Tundra has about 7000 lb towing capability and carries only about 300 lbs more than some Tacomas. I find towing our Escape 21 a breeze. If your Tacoma has anywhere near our 285 hp the Escape 17 will be a very easy tow. You may have to rev the engine a bit on steep grades, but you are actually pulling a trailer. I would replace my Tundra with a newer Tacoma if I didn't need the extra load capacity for boat, motor, etc.

Bob K
Bobbito is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 12:52 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia
Trailer: 2008 Escape 17b
Posts: 1,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by kmk7580 View Post
Has anyone towed with one of the new 2016 Tacomas? I'm shopping for a new tow vehicle for a 17B I'll be picking up next year. After reading all the posts from you fine folks on this forum, the Tacoma has become my first choice. Wish it were possible to test drive while towing.
You may have to wait a few months for a review, in Canada, they only just showed up in the show rooms.
J Mac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 04:39 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Dave Walter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 2013 19' & 2013 15B
Posts: 2,634
Quote:
Originally Posted by Devil Dog View Post
I picked up a TRD 2016 access cab last sat. Probably won't tow till next spring . For a 17' It should be capable if not over loaded . My 06 Tacoma managed OK . For a 19' or 21' I would think V-8 would be the better way to go .
Many six cylinders are perfectly fine for towing a 19'. My FJ works very well as a tow for my 19'. Others have used a Tacoma , Pilot, Highlander, 4Runner and various others. Thee concept that you need to have an 8 cylinder to tow an Escape is simply not true. For the 17' that the OP is buying, the Tacoma is would be fine.
__________________
2013 19' \ 2013 15B, 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad

"It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it." - 1907, Maurice Switzer
Dave Walter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 05:23 PM   #6
Commercial Member
 
tractors1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21 - "Felicity"
Posts: 2,945
Later Tacomas with the tow package have a much greater towing capacity than earlier ones. My 2013 is rated at 6300 lbs (long bed 4 dr, 4x4 V6) and tows our 21 (4200 lbs loaded) just fine. I expect the 2016 should do as well.
__________________
Charlie Y

Need custom storage to your design? Don't drill holes!
www.RVWidgetWorks.com
tractors1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 05:37 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Trailer: 2008 Escape 17B
Posts: 226
I tow a 17b with a 2011 Tacoma Access Cab, V6, standard 6 speed transmission. No problems.
Buddy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 07:25 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Vermilye's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oswego, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21C, 2018 Ford F150
Posts: 5,363
I don't think you can compare the new 2016 Tacoma to any of the previous models. The engine (a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine) in the 2016 Tacoma is new. Slightly less torque, but more horsepower (2015 = 4.0L, 236HP, 266 lb-ft of torque) vs (2016 = 3.5L, 278HP, 265 lb-ft of torque).

I doubt one lb-ft will make any difference, particularly with the 2016 having a 6 speed vs 5 speed transmission, but I'm also interested in any towing experience with the new Tacoma. The RAV4 is getting a bit long in the tooth!
__________________
Jon Vermilye My Travel Blog
Travel and Photo Web Page ... My Collection of RV Blogs 2018 F150 3.5EB, 2017 21
Vermilye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 07:37 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Bruce Wray's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Pollock Pines, California
Trailer: 2009 Escape 19
Posts: 453
I as well am awaiting info on the new Tacoma, primarily in the area of ride quality while towing. I've towed our '09 19 since it was new with my '06 Tacoma Access Cab (4WD V6 Auto) and power has never been a problem. I had to add upgraded shocks, rear air bags, and a WDH to get a decent ride out of it while towing, however. Without these improvements, the rear suspension used to bottom out while driving on bad pavement.

Bruce
Bruce Wray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 07:57 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
gbaglo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
Old Bag says if I get a new Tacoma I have to get a new wife, one that's about 40 years younger with three kids.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
gbaglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 08:34 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
sturski's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Jamestown, Colorado
Trailer: 2015 Escape 19
Posts: 232
I test drove one in case my 2009 was considered totaled (it will be repaired).

I'm glad I don't have to choose right now, the Atkinson cycle engine has a different feel to it. On paper, it seems more appropriate for the Prius crowd, than the Tacoma one. I have 110,000 miles of bias going; but I prefer my 2009.
sturski is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 09:45 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Devil Dog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Steveston B.C., British Columbia
Trailer: 2012- 17'B.... 2016 Tacoma SR5 TRD
Posts: 504
Ya , the day after I picked up the 2016 I kind of wanted the 06 back ... kind of .
The 2016 has a different power ban that will take some getting use to . After it clicks over 1000k I'll take on the hi-way for a little performance test .
There doesn't seem to be a user friendly place to put the brake controller . Will check at the dealer and see where it is suppose to go .
__________________
I've almost been everywhere man.
Almost been everywhere.....
Devil Dog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 10:06 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Trailer: 2008 Escape 17B
Posts: 226
Just checked the specs for the 2016 Tacoma's. They've dropped the tow rating to 3500 lbs. I think mine (2011) is somewhere over 6000.
Buddy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 10:42 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Phoenix Metro Area, Arizona
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19
Posts: 767
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buddy View Post
Just checked the specs for the 2016 Tacoma's. They've dropped the tow rating to 3500 lbs. I think mine (2011) is somewhere over 6000.
That is without the towing package. With it the rating is 6400-6800 pounds - depending on the model and configuration.
jamman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 10:45 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Iowa Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Benton County, Iowa
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,234
Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
Old Bag says if I get a new Tacoma I have to get a new wife, one that's about 40 years younger with three kids.
I got a new outboard motor for my wife


Good trade
Dave
Iowa Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2015, 11:55 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1700
Posts: 14,935
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vermilye View Post
I don't think you can compare the new 2016 Tacoma to any of the previous models. The engine (a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine) in the 2016 Tacoma is new. Slightly less torque, but more horsepower (2015 = 4.0L, 236HP, 266 lb-ft of torque) vs (2016 = 3.5L, 278HP, 265 lb-ft of torque).

I doubt one lb-ft will make any difference, particularly with the 2016 having a 6 speed vs 5 speed transmission...
I expect it will be nearly interchangeable with the previous version in many ways. The new engine is actually from the same family (the GR series) and an update of the 2GR-FSE used in various Lexus models; the biggest difference will likely be the speed it needs to run to deliver a given amount of power:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
2005-2015
  • 1GR-FE
  • 236 hp (176 kW) @ 5200 rpm
  • 266 lb·ft (361 N·m) of torque @ 4000 rpm
2016-
  • 2GR-FKS
  • 278 hp (207 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
  • 265 lb·ft (360 N·m) of torque@ 4,600 rpm
It would be interesting to see how much power the 2016 engine can produce at the earlier engine's speed for peak power (5200 rpm), or how much torque the 2016 engine can produce at the earlier engine's speed for peak torque (4000 rpm). Who knows - maybe the new one is just like the old one plus more power for a bonus at higher speeds.
For more technical detail on the GR engines, this is an interesting article: From FSE to FKS: the evolution of Toyota's 2GR 3.5-liter V6 - Kaizen Factor

One more gear in the manual transmission will be useful, but I doubt it will make much difference while towing - it depends on whether it is a closer-ratio box or a 5-speed plus one more higher gear.

The rest of the mechanical design hasn't changed much, because like almost every light pickup it still has double A-arms for the front suspension and a beam axle with leaf springs for the rear... it's hard to make much meaningful improvement without real change. Most of the update is presumably fancier electronics.
Brian B-P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2015, 12:07 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1700
Posts: 14,935
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buddy View Post
Just checked the specs for the 2016 Tacoma's. They've dropped the tow rating to 3500 lbs. I think mine (2011) is somewhere over 6000.
The Toyota Canada specs for the 2016 Tacoma indicate that the 3500 pound rating is for the 4-cylinder models; the V6 models all have at least 6000 pounds of towing capacity.
Brian B-P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2015, 06:45 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Phoenix Metro Area, Arizona
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19
Posts: 767
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
The Toyota Canada specs for the 2016 Tacoma indicate that the 3500 pound rating is for the 4-cylinder models; the V6 models all have at least 6000 pounds of towing capacity.
Looking at the brochure I think Toyota Canada includes the towing package standard on the V6.
https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/secu...acoma/brochure

In the US the V6 without the towing package is rated for only 3500 pounds.
Toyota PDF Brochure | Download Free PDF Brochures for Toyota Vehicles
jamman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2015, 12:06 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1700
Posts: 14,935
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamman View Post
Looking at the brochure I think Toyota Canada includes the towing package standard on the V6.
https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/secu...acoma/brochure

In the US the V6 without the towing package is rated for only 3500 pounds.
Toyota PDF Brochure | Download Free PDF Brochures for Toyota Vehicles
That makes sense.
In other Toyota models (such as our Sienna), the towing preparation package has been standard equipment in Canada, presumably to simplify inventory for our smaller market.
Brian B-P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2015, 09:21 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Trailer: 2008 Escape 17B
Posts: 226
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
The Toyota Canada specs for the 2016 Tacoma indicate that the 3500 pound rating is for the 4-cylinder models; the V6 models all have at least 6000 pounds of towing capacity.
Good to know.... Thanks!
Buddy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:53 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.