2020 Toyota Tacoma with 5.0TA

[Mikeym475]

Hello All,
We are looking at using out 2020 Toyota Tacoma to tow an Escape 5.0TA Fifth Wheel? Any comments or suggestions? Or should we be looking at bumper pull Escape?

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

I think you will run into two issues


1. payload of the truck will not be sufficient for the pin weight and cargo

2. finding a fifth wheel hitch for the composite box

[camp4528]

You may find this thread by JeffreyG useful.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...les-19339.html

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Mikeym475

Hello All,
We are looking at using out 2020 Toyota Tacoma to tow an Escape 5.0TA Fifth Wheel? Any comments or suggestions? Or should we be looking at bumper pull Escape?

Hi: Mikeym475... It might work. The composite box requires a special saddle under it on the frame for the rail and hitch, and the suspension would likely need some help too. All of this is IMHO. We did tow for years with a 4L. V6 Nissan Fronty.(1100# tow cap w/ driver and a full tank of fuel inc.) None of the extras were required for it though!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Mikeym475]

Thank you to the 3 replies so quickly. Yes it's definitely an issue with the Composite Box? Something I did not think would come into play. The truck payload says approximately 1100 lbs so I imagine that would not give much for the loading of the truck (2 people, 2 dogs and some extra gear). I guess bumper pull may be the way we should go?

[gbaglo]

As you age, the stairs in a 5.0TA might come into play.

[JeffreyG]

1100 lbs is not enough for an Escape 5.0 unless you travel alone. You should figure you need 850 for the pin and hitch. That leaves only 250 more pounds in the truck.

You'll be overweight, near certainty. If you want a higher cargo limit in a Tacoma, you have to spec 2x4, access cab, or both.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

1100 lbs is not enough for an Escape 5.0 unless you travel alone. You should figure you need 850 for the pin and hitch. That leaves only 250 more pounds in the truck.

You'll be overweight, near certainty. If you want a higher cargo limit in a Tacoma, you have to spec 2x4, access cab, or both.

From my experience with a 2017 21C & a 2016 Tacoma Off Road, it isn't enough truck (towing or payload). Great for a 17B, maybe for a 19...

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

I have a 2013 Tacoma and a 19'. I almost up sized to a 21NE. I took Jon advise and stuck with the 19 and am glad I did .I did find away to increase my cargo capacity of the Tacoma, But it requires salad for lunch for a year.

[noblets]

We have a 2017 Tacoma pulling a 17A. About 20,000 miles of trailering before the pandemic (sigh!!). The truck labors up hills (in the 4-5000rpm range).
My take is that the truck is a wonderful 4 wheel vehicle, but not great as a tug

[1200bruce]

I just ordered a 2021 Tundra to tow my future 5.0....
What is a composite box.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by 1200bruce

I just ordered a 2021 Tundra to tow my future 5.0....
What is a composite box.

Plastic

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

As you age, the stairs in a 5.0TA might come into play.

Hi: gbaglo... AGE... is good for wine & cheese among other things!!! I've never been allowed to play on the stairs. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

Originally Posted by 1200bruce

I just ordered a 2021 Tundra to tow my future 5.0....
What is a composite box.

I believe the tundra is still steel.

[fudge_brownie]

Originally Posted by NEWYORKHILLBILLY

I have a 2013 Tacoma and a 19'. I almost up sized to a 21NE. I took Jon advise and stuck with the 19 and am glad I did .I did find away to increase my cargo capacity of the Tacoma, But it requires salad for lunch for a year.

[Ooshkaboo]

I have owned a Tundra, and will be buying another just before the new model comes out.
Everyone has their brand of vehicle they prefer, for me I hate break downs and repair cost so I stick with Toyota. Pros and cons with them all.
I currently own a Tacoma-for the fifth wheel you’ll need the Tundra.
Maybe your dealer can help you out on a trade in, there are some decent ones out there.

[noblets]

Going a little sideways on this discussion: The plastic bed on the Toyota Tacoma is really pretty good. You might not be able to put in a 5th wheel hitch, but you can sure toss in the tools or a load of gravel without worrying about the paint. Also, it has gotta be lighted than a steel bed.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by noblets

The plastic bed on the Toyota Tacoma is really pretty good. You might not be able to put in a 5th wheel hitch...

The rails or other structure which support a fifth-wheel hitch are bracketed to the frame, not just supported by the bed floor.

The Tacoma doesn't have enough payload to be a good choice for towing an Escape 5.0, but the bed material is not the problem.

[Donna D.]

Boy, did this thread go sideways. Enough. I've edited some posts and deleted others. I'll remind all to read the Community Rules. Bulling members will NOT be tolerated.

Feel free to report any post to the moderators that break the Community Rules. This is found under every member's profile in posts.

[Mark James]

Originally Posted by Mikeym475

Hello All,
We are looking at using out 2020 Toyota Tacoma to tow an Escape 5.0TA Fifth Wheel? Any comments or suggestions? Or should we be looking at bumper pull Escape?

I looked seriously at doing this. Was advised by Toyota and my Cap It dealer not to do it. You will two issues: You would need serious modifications to the composite bed and in my opinion the configuration would be underpowered. Payload was also an issue. Our Cap It guys told me to get a Tundra which I did.

I really like Tacoma but it is not really up to the task at least in the views of the professionals.