Type of vehicle used to tow.

[fireweed]

I have a 2012 Tacoma 4x 4 4cylinder. Have just ordered a 17B package. It seems to me that a V6 is required from most comments I have read.

The towing capacity listed for my vehicle is 3500lbs. Near the limits of a loaded trailer.

Anybody using a 4 cylinder?.


Fireweed.

[dbailey]

I'm not using a 4 cylinder, but I would be happy to do so with a 3500lb trailer.

I assume that the manufacturers have done due diligence, and if they say the truck can pull a 3500lb trailer, then I assume it can. I'm not one who believes in derating manufacturer specifications.

But, make sure you won't exceed the recommendation. That 3500lb rating on your truck probably includes cargo and passengers in your truck. Figure out the "typical" weight of your 17B and all your gear (both in trailer and in truck) and make sure you're within Toyota's specs.

Just my take...

[Devil Dog]

You live in a mountainous area, I would trade up to or down to a V6,
Your 4 cyl. will have to work hard where ever it goes.

[bledsoe3]

I have an '07 Tacoma with the V6 and a 17B. I lost 5+ MPG towing. Your 4 cyl may pull it, but not very fast IMO. I would get at least a V6.

[PAB4]

I have ordered the. 19. I have a 06 Tacoma TRD 6 cyl w towing package but not 4 W /D. I am concerned about the lack of the 4W/ D. Comments?

[paulw]

Our TrailBlazer is rear wheel drive and it hasn't been any problem - saves $ on maintenance too.
It's lousy in the snow, so we don't go there with it. When I boondock, I pay attention to where I park it.

[John G.]

I have towed my Casita 17 which I think weighs close to an Escape 19 for 5 years and I have not longed for 4 wheel drive at any time. I have an 08 Tacoma TRD 6 cyl (2WD) with towing package.

[blond1]

I'm thinking about a Ford Escape 2.0L FWD with EcoBoost and a tow package. Rated for 3500 lb. Just thought an Escape towing an Escape would be special.

[padlin]

The 2.0 Eco has a bit higher hp and torque then the V6 Tacoma, with the 6 speed it looks to me like you'd be okay with it. There's also a lot of head room between the dry wight and gvwr of the 17b.

[Donna D.]

I wouldn't even attempt to provide an answer to this question. There are so many variables. Your only vehicle? Do you need it for daily transport to a job? What are THOSE conditions like? WHERE do you live... flats, mountains, hills. WHERE do you plan to tow... flats, mountains, hills?

I live in a valley. Can't go anywhere without driving over a mountain range. Whether the Oregon beach, desert or even to California.

ALL that needs to be taken into consideration.

I've buying a V8 truck to tow my new 5er. If I lived in San Antonio, TX I could probably get by and be happy with a V6.

YMMV

[blond1]

I'm planning on a 15B, so a little less weight than the 17. I live in the flatlands on the east coast, and the Escape will replace my Prius and will be my main car, though I have a fun little Miata for non-tow days.

Hate to give up the Prius, which has served as my car camper, and which took me to California and back a couple of years ago. But it wouldn't tow a skateboard.

[amirie]

My 06 Ford Escape has towed my 17B Escape since 09---from Vancouver to Yosemite, Yellowstone and other mountain passes--
Would be no trouble with the 15...

[Rossue]

My tow car is a 2011 4X2 Murano that is rated at 3500 lbs. towing. It seems fine with the load levelers; have towed about 1500 miles so far however am somewhat concerned about the CVT transmission. Changed fluid recently by dealer at 30K. Am I ok with this vehicle?

[LeonardS]

Finally found (and got) my Scamp! - Fiberglass RV

A bit bigger than a skateboard...check out the picture in the first post.

Yes I know it isn't rated to tow even a skateboard.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Rossue

My tow car is a 2011 4X2 Murano that is rated at 3500 lbs. towing. It seems fine with the load levelers; have towed about 1500 miles so far however am somewhat concerned about the CVT transmission. Changed fluid recently by dealer at 30K. Am I ok with this vehicle?

If the vehicle is operated within the limits and procedures specified by Nissan (especially the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and the type and replacement interval for transmission fluid), I don't know of any reason to be concerned about the transmission.

These CVTs transmit power by traction - parts rolling on other parts under lots of force so they grip by friction - rather than gears or hydraulics. That leads to a legitimate concern that they will slip and as a result overheat or wear if overloaded. Nissan knows that, and will have set both the loading limits and the transmission controls appropriately.

I note that the car's tires pressing on the ground and driving the vehicle forward is also a traction drive, which seems to work. The parts in the transmission are working in a much better controlled environment. Transmissions of this design have been used for decades, so it's not an unproven technology.

[blond1]

Wow, Leonard! Maybe I could keep the Prius. Was there any special equipment you added? What kind of tow rig did you use?

And thanks, Anna-Marie. When the Prius gives out, I'll get the Escape.

Funny how you get attached to cars.

[LeonardS]

That wasn't me with the Prius!! Some guy named Ken over on the FGRV site. Those folks tend to be very "creative".

[gbaglo]

Remember your parents asking you if you would jump off a cliff if your friends did?

baglo

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by blond1

Maybe I could keep the Prius. Was there any special equipment you added? What kind of tow rig did you use?

There's a reason Toyota advises not towing (assuming that's what the say). If you think you know what the limiting feature of the Prius might be, that would indicate what equipment might be appropriate. I would start by examining each operating rating; each which might be limiting would indicate a potential weak point to be addressed:

• Gross Axle weight Rating (possibly limited tires or suspension - weight-distributing hitch could reduce load on rear axle)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (possible structural limitations - no fix other than to limit tongue weight)
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (typically limited ability of drivetrain to withstand sustained load - added cooling of engine or transmission may be required)

Jumping to a possible conclusion... the similar Corolla is allowed to tow 1500 pounds, so the Prius is likely limited by cooling for the motor-generators and their drive electronics. I doubt that's easy to improve; careful temperature monitoring would likely be appropriate if working the drivetrain hard. These components are part of the Synergy Hybrid Drive transmission, and the other components are simple and robust.

[blond1]

Thanks Brian - I was thrilled to see that someone was using a Prius to tow a 19' Escape. If I could rig my existing car to tow the 15' Escape, I'd be closer to owning one. Probably not a good idea. I'd decided on either a Nissan Xterra or a Ford Escape - both with dealer-installed tow packages. The Xterra is rated for 5000 lbs, and the Escape for 3500 with the packages. All I have to do now is get the dang house sold!