Tacoma for occasional towing?

[ironandsteel]

I need a general purpose truck for my farm use which includes occasionally towing a 16' trailer full of round bales. Don't know the weight, but pretty heavy- probably 2-3 tons. I've been thinking I should go for a Tundra, but I wonder if a Tacoma would do it?
Also- I prefer a stick shift, but will an automatic in these trucks last longer?
My budget is up to about $7-8k, hopefully less.

I used to own a nice '96 tacoma with the 22R engine. Alas, my son wrecked it. I wonder if I should look for another old Tacoma like this.

 

[tibadoe]

Can the Tacoma pull that kind of weight on occasion? Short answer is Yes. But I would not advise. Have to remember once you get that weight rolling you have to stop it. The braking power is enough for the truck but not a 2 - 3 ton trailer attached. Plus you have to look at the transmission -- even short trips on occasion is going to give the transmission a tough workout. The Tundra could do it better but it is still over its towing capacity. Let us know what you decide.

 

[ironandsteel]

The trailer does have brakes, of course, so it doesn't rely on the truck brakes.

I'm also considering the ubiquitous F150, but I'd feel more comfortable with a Toyota.