Towing with a Tacoma

[Easygoing81652]

Has anyone installed a 5th-wheel hitch on a 2nd Generation Tacoma (plastic bed)? I know it can be done, nay-Sayers need not respond. What I'm interested in is how did you distribute the weight over the frame...Did you use available universal stock supports and modify or did you fabricate your own attachment/weight distributing member for the bed?

[GearHead]

Tacomas just aren't deigned to tow a large trailer. That being said, I'm sure there is someone who has done this and has had some degree of success...

[Easygoing81652]

You are correct, the Tacoma is not designed to tow a large trailer. But, they are rated to tow 6500 lbs when properly equiped. That said, there are a couple of 5th wheel trailers that are built light enough to tow with a Tacoma. I can always pull a tow-behind toy-hauler, but my thought is to be able, with a 5th wheel, to tow something else behind it that wouldn't fit in a toy-hauler...If that makes any sence. I know, a Tundra would have solved any issues that I am questioning, but I didn't nor need the added size of a full size truck.

[GearHead]

Sure, makes sense. I'll look around and see if I can find any examples of this having been done; hopefully someone else on the forum here has some ideas.

[Easygoing81652]

Thank you, I appreciate your efforts on the matter.

[tbplus10]

Never seen it done but with a little work I dont see why it wouldnt be possible.
The Tacoma frame is plenty strong enough and set-up right directly to the frame it shouldnt affect the bed at all.

[Easygoing81652]

That's my thought exactly. It just helps me to see it done. Your comment has helped me rethink the idea as a good option. Thanks

[tbplus10]

Heres some info I dug up on the subject:
If you scroll down the first site has a picture of a newer Tacoma towing a fifth wheel.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tow...fth-wheel.html

http://www.autoanything.com/towing/T...A17A173A1.aspx

Try googling "tacoma trailering 5th wheel" or variations and look at all the hits you get.
Really the only valid negative points I've seen yet may be with the brakes and the pin weight for certain trailers, but if you get a trailer with brakes and stick to smaller trailers these arent an issue anymore.

[Easygoing81652]

tbplus10, thanks for the sites. The tacomaworld looks like the best of the 2. Regarding the brake issue, no one should tow more than a 1,000lbs without brakes. As far as pin weight, the truck, with the factory hitch, has a 500lb tounge weight rating. So 500lbs plus over the axle should present no problems IMHO.

[GearHead]

Once again, tb comes to the rescue with some good insight. Easy, will you upload some pics for us once you get everything set up? I want to see this .