2002 V6 Tundra Towing...

Hi there,

I'm a relatively new Tundra owner, bought a low mile (100k) 2002 V6 almost a year ago. I'd really like to tow a small travel trailer or toy hauler but I'm worried about pushing the weight limit. I can find trailers with a GVWR of under the max towing capacity listed (#4900) but I'm not sure how close I wanna take it. Can the trunk handle #4800 of towing? I'd love to keep this truck for a bit longer, it runs great. Thanks for any help and advice! I haven't been able to find much online regarding the V6...

 

I towed all over creation with mine and had no problems at all but I also limited myself at the time to about 5K max probably.
I got into tiny fiberglass trailers when I had mine and kept getting 1 foot itus and getting heavier with each upgrade for sure.
I ended up with a 17' Casita almost like the one I have now and towed it everywhere including through the Rockies in Colorado and across the country a few times too.

I traded mine for a similar V8 4wd truck and while it is noticable the difference in power and capability I still felt entirely safe with the V6 too.

As you get into bigger trailers look into a WDH too,I don't really need one now maybe but I aslo do not see myself leaving mine at home either!

The V6 made towing easy but the V8 made it even easier.

 

Check T-100, towing with a V6.

I hauled bottled water out of the hills of Dahlonega, Georgia for years with my '96 4x4 V6 T-100; 2000 lbs in the bed while towing a trailer with another 2000 lbs. Your Tundra is basically the same truck. I replaced the T-100 with a V8 2002 Tundra, and the bottler I was hauling for went out of business right as I was about to install the air bag kit

 

Can it handle it? Yes. Can you handle the way it’s gonna drive with max weight? Do a test run If you already have the trailer. hook it up, see how it feels.

 

Sounds like the WDH would certainly help. The trailers I'm looking at are around 2800-3200 unladen. I'd hope to only add 1k in dirt bikes (2) and water/supplies...not sure how reasonable that sounds. I'm assuming the Casita is close in weight?

 

Unfortunately, no trailer yet... Trying to figure that out before I buy lol. I don't know anyone with a trailer that light, all my friends have much bigger trucks and rigs .

 

Rent one from Uhaul for the day.

 

Towing 4-5K with that V6 is gonna be absolutely terrible, Ask me how I know..

 

I'm guessing...a not so great towing experience?

 

Yep, I towed a smallish Closed uhaul trailer with a 4.0 tacoma. Long story short, I’ve never towed anything with it again

 

2002 V8 here. Been towing/hauling for years. Hauling loads in the bed is max 1400 lbs which puts the frame about 1” from bump stops. Any bounces and the truck bumps hard.

Towing a single axle trailer, one can go up to the max allowable weigh as long as things are centered/distributed properly. I don’t like towing more than 4000lbs due to braking, though. She does well in the 2000-3000lbs ranges.

I have used a double axle trailer with electric brakes and that helps tremendously. I’d go the double axle with brakes route if pushing the limits. Can’t speak for your V6, as I’ve not had the experience of one.

 

Hard to imagine that the V6 wouldn't have a hard time at 4k if the V8 did... Darn. I'm really hoping to not have to sell up for a V8

 

If I’m not mistaken, OP has the 3.4 liter which makes it worse..

 

Yup. 02 has the 3.4.

Also, it may or may not be relevant, but I do tow a lot with my E-250 work van. 7700lb van with the 5.4. When I pull a 26' scissor lift on a tilt trailer (about 5k lb I'm guessing), it's a chore. Not so much handling, but accelerating. You become a rolling chicane. I imagine that v6 with 4k lb will be the same, if not worse.

 

If your going down the street to the local lake or someplace close, You'll be ok. But try pulling that weight a long distance.

 

Well then, how much could I get for a 02 V6 Tundra with 110k miles? Asking for a friend

 

V6 - are we talking 3.4 or 4.0? Kinda matters.....

Hills, mountain passes, what typical elevation? Kinda matters.....

Upgraded brakes on truck? Kinda matters.....

 

3.4 V6, it's a 2002. No upgrades, all stock. Realistically, would definitely want to be able to handle a mountain pass. I'm from socal, to get to many good camping areas you have to get up some grade. Unless you go to the dessert.

 

The 3.4 (5vz) is the same one on 3rd gen 4runners, no site has more information on them than: So just pay attention to engine and transmission stuff.

I'd make sure the cooling system is updated, meaning a newish radiator to ensure you don't get the 'pink milkshake' of death. Perhaps an additional external transmission cooler should be a consideration for the mountain passes. If not familiar already, learn to use the OD override switch when going uphills, it will cool the tranmission down 20-30 degrees (locks trans into 3rd gear to avoid slipping TC), increase RPMS and thus power.

Get Torque Pro and a ODB2 bluetooth connector to more accurately monitor engine coolant and transmission TC temps, try to keep the trans under 220 preferrably 200.

This is going to be a heat containment issue even without towing on mountain passes, so plan to aid it in cooling. 4900#s is pushing it on the 5vz. It only has 187 hps and about 220# of torque then for every 1000 ft of elevation it will loose 3% HPs/torque. Luck and enjoy.

 

With only those miles, you would come out pretty good I think. With price and the condition of used first gen v8’s, you’re better of putting your money towards a 5.7 tundra.

 

Why is 1st Gen Tundra V6 Tundra limited to 5k lbs?. 2nd Gen Tacoma’s with the 4.0 we’re good for up to 6500lbs. 05-06 Tundra had the same engine.