Two car hauler/trailer?

[Grant Heathman]

Would like to tow two cars on one trailer, both cars are small (miata and bmw 2002) and each is less that 2,000 lbs. Plan to tow with a 2007 Toyota Tundra (rated at 7.500 lbs) So the trailer could be up to 3,000 lbs. Any ideas?

would this need to be a 5th wheel or could you do this with a cat 3 type tow point on the toyota?

TIA

grant

[Craig Naylor]

Have a bit of experience towing with the Tundras... need some more details to answer your question.

Starting with no version has a "7500lbs" towing capacity. In that range are:

7700lbs - 4.7L Double cab 8.1' bed 4X4 (Tundra grade SRS, Limited)
7700lbs - 4.7L Crewmax 5.5' bed 4x4 (SR5, Limited)
7800lbs - 4.7L Doublecab 6.5' bed 4x4 (SR5, Limited)

(The above numbers are different if you have the "sport" package.)

As you can see different cab bed / combos in that aprox tow capacity range, and the answer varies for each. If your truck us other than above, your tow capacity is also. Post what you have, and I'll let you know what I know for your version.

Additionally, if your looking at a 5th wheel, or gooseneck, Payload capacity actually becomes the primary driver vs. tow capacity.

Craig

P.S The factory hitches are class 4. The tow package is standard equipment on all but the very early 5.7 trucks. It was an option on all 4.7L V8's & 4.0L V6's. If you do not have the factory hitch, I would recommend it over any aftermarket hitch. I'd be happy to explain if you care, or don't have it

[Grant Heathman]

7800lbs - 4.7L Doublecab 6.5' bed 4x4 (SR5, Limited)

It's not my truck but it's all stock and I think it's the one above, so tell me about what type trailer will haul both cars...

[Steve Ekstrand]

http://www.kaufmantrailers.com/heavy-eq ... r-p67.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A good load distributing hitch/bars would be mandatory. Probably want to use a sway slide bar too. Call this manuf for a weight of their trailer, that will give you an idea if its possible.


These look kinda nice
http://www.imperialtrailer.com/carhaulers.asp#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Christine Grice]

Paul Whitehead used a two car trailer to tow his former civic and our former BSP 96 Corvette out to nationals on year. I think he was pulling it with some sort of Chevy truck.

I agree with Steve, leveling bars would be almost mandatory. I would also take quite a bit of time considering how to load them on the trailer. (both forwards, both backwards or one forwards and one backwards.)

[Steve Ekstrand]

I think Paul pulled Taka's trailer with his old Ferd Diesel 1-ton with the tranny of infinite slippage and bacon smells.

[Craig Naylor]

7800lbs - 4.7L Doublecab 6.5' bed 4x4 (SR5, Limited)

It's not my truck but it's all stock and I think it's the one above, so tell me about what type trailer will haul both cars...

I was hoping you would come back with an answer that it had the 5.7, and your payload number was off. Based upon the above truck payload is either 1435 (SR5) or 1415 (Limited)

A quick look at a few trailer sites, and your probably looking at an open trailer due to weight.

In following Christine's post about loading, with such a low tongue & payload capacity (compared to what is on the market, even in the Tundra line, you would probably have to look at loading the lightest car in the front, backwards, just to move that weight aft.

So far as 5th wheel & gooseneck hitches, there are a few sliders on the market for that bed. But your limitation is going to be payload capacity. Most manufactures (inc Toyota) include driver & passengers stuff in the cab, ect. in that payload capacity. One of the reasons for the upwards creep in payload capacity figures. So keep that in mind when looking at that payload number. Typically 20% tongue weight on these trailers would necessitate a VERY light trailer if one was even available in the weight range.

Another thing to watch (most don't) is your GCWR. The Tundras max is 16000, lots of trailer ratings will put you way over that, even if the actual cargo is well under it. (And AZ and Utah, are both sticklers for this!!!) I know everyone on this forum will tell you that they run the entry points.... (pulling on a personal level I probably would too) but an open trailer is a little harder to hide the contents than an enclosed trailer. (just and FYI!) Some manufactures will lower the rating, for a fee, something to consider in CA if you have a class C license (Limited to 9,999lbs for regular hitch, 15,000 for a gooseneck/5th wheel).

On a side note, I can tell you that the Tundra w/ 5.7L tows a 27' 12k lbs (well over the listed rating, like most people do...) trailer over the Rockies at posted, and at ease. The Chevy 6.0L Vortex Max (Max tow package setup) with an identical trailer & contents, struggles, and can't keep up. And, the Chevy with a 3 gallon larger tank, sets the gas stop locations.