WTB:Pickup Full Size 4 Door 4x4(~2008+)

I know that the newer 1/2 tons will tow 8K lbs, but their brake systems are not designed for stopping a heavy load. If the trailer is 7K lbs, go with a 3/4 tons truck. Especially since you will be going to the coast withit; highway 1 is a truck break workout! You also have to consider the whole family and all your gear. Don't get the minimum truck size, it's not the right choice for what you be doing.

Good advice.  The trailer is actually 5300 dry, but can be loaded up to 7k. I don't think I will have the confidence to take it to a GS event, but will test the waters at Albion this year.  Its tough to say what is the right size truck, because unfortunately aside from the 5% of the time towing the TT, 95% of the time a midsize would be the right one!

i know you mentioned 08+, but i love my '01 f250 crew cab 7.3l for towing on family trips (4 passengers, 2 kayaks, & toy hauler) to albion.  when not towing, it hauls hay, dirt bikes, and kayaks.  good luck on your search!

I've towed with 1/2 tons, 3/4 tons, and now have a Tacoma V6 with the tow package (6500# rated) to tow my 3700# dry wt (45-4700#) total wt trailer.

You may already know all this and didn't ask for it, but I'll put it out there,

Maybe it'll help with your truck buying choices.

Of course all IMO,

First, make sure your trailer brakes and controller are in top condition and properly adjusted,
Unless you go 3/4 ton and maybe even then get a load leveling hitch setup,
If it doesn't have a trans cooler, put one in, unless it's a rare manual trans,
Make sure the engine cooling system can handle the excess heat from towing,
Cover all the bases, tires, belts, hoses, (I say this because I used to gloss over some of this stuff)

I recently got a new trailer and weighed everything as I moved stuff from one to the other, just for the GF and I we had about 650# over the dry wt sticker, remember that sticker is "as built" and doesn't include the battery or propane tanks,

I am NOT recommending a Tacoma, but the above is what I did, since the Tacoma I got had a standard suspension (pretty soft) I added air bags and a top of the line brake controller. (already had the load leveling hitch)

Last year we went thru the southwest, starting here going thru Bakersfield, Las Vegas and thru the Utah Canyon Country, I was a little concerned but while dragging that trailer from sea level to over 8000 ft the setup performed flawlessly.

 

I've towed with 1/2 tons, 3/4 tons, and now have a Tacoma V6 with the tow package (6500# rated) to tow my 3700# dry wt (45-4700#) total wt trailer.

You may already know all this and didn't ask for it, but I'll put it out there,

Maybe it'll help with your truck buying choices.

Of course all IMO,

First, make sure your trailer brakes and controller are in top condition and properly adjusted,
Unless you go 3/4 ton and maybe even then get a load leveling hitch setup,
If it doesn't have a trans cooler, put one in, unless it's a rare manual trans,
Make sure the engine cooling system can handle the excess heat from towing,
Cover all the bases, tires, belts, hoses, (I say this because I used to gloss over some of this stuff)

I recently got a new trailer and weighed everything as I moved stuff from one to the other, just for the GF and I we had about 650# over the dry wt sticker, remember that sticker is "as built" and doesn't include the battery or propane tanks,

I am NOT recommending a Tacoma, but the above is what I did, since the Tacoma I got had a standard suspension (pretty soft) I added air bags and a top of the line brake controller. (already had the load leveling hitch)

Last year we went thru the southwest, starting here going thru Bakersfield, Las Vegas and thru the Utah Canyon Country, I was a little concerned but while dragging that trailer from sea level to over 8000 ft the setup performed flawlessly.

Speaking as another tacoma driver, dear lord I can't imagine your fuel economy. With my rack and kayak on I drop down to 15 mpg highway, and I thought that was bad. Great advice!

i know you mentioned 08+, but i love my '01 f250 crew cab 7.3l for towing on family trips (4 passengers, 2 kayaks, & toy hauler) to albion.  when not towing, it hauls hay, dirt bikes, and kayaks.  good luck on your search!

Those are nice, my buddy had a couple of those 7.3 international motors.  I'm not set on 08+, but it is just a bit harder finding one in good condition (especially diesels) that old.

I've towed with 1/2 tons, 3/4 tons, and now have a Tacoma V6 with the tow package (6500# rated) to tow my 3700# dry wt (45-4700#) total wt trailer.

You may already know all this and didn't ask for it, but I'll put it out there,

Maybe it'll help with your truck buying choices.

Of course all IMO,

First, make sure your trailer brakes and controller are in top condition and properly adjusted,
Unless you go 3/4 ton and maybe even then get a load leveling hitch setup,
If it doesn't have a trans cooler, put one in, unless it's a rare manual trans,
Make sure the engine cooling system can handle the excess heat from towing,
Cover all the bases, tires, belts, hoses, (I say this because I used to gloss over some of this stuff)

I recently got a new trailer and weighed everything as I moved stuff from one to the other, just for the GF and I we had about 650# over the dry wt sticker, remember that sticker is "as built" and doesn't include the battery or propane tanks,

I am NOT recommending a Tacoma, but the above is what I did, since the Tacoma I got had a standard suspension (pretty soft) I added air bags and a top of the line brake controller. (already had the load leveling hitch)

Last year we went thru the southwest, starting here going thru Bakersfield, Las Vegas and thru the Utah Canyon Country, I was a little concerned but while dragging that trailer from sea level to over 8000 ft the setup performed flawlessly.

Looks like you are doing everything right, and are well within your towing limits. Before we got our TT, my next upgrade was going to be to a 4 door Taco.

I think my "ideal" truck now is the new 2016 GMC Canyon with the baby diesel in it.  It has a towing capacity of 7600 lbs and comes standard with engine compression braking and an integrated brake controller/sway control, and people I know are getting close to 30 mpg ( not towing of course)  .   I just have to do enough research to know if it can safely tow the TT within ( not at or above) the limits.  Ideally I would also like to wait a couple years for GM to get a better tune of the engine and work out the first year bugs if there are any. Would also be great to not have to pay 40+k for it which is what most dealers are asking if they even have one on their lot.