Towing a 22 cruiser

Asuaviator · Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2021 3:29 pm Post subject: Towing a 22 cruiser

I’ve got a 4.0 Tacoma and wondering if anyone has towed their 22 cruiser with one? I know I’m going to need to upgrade the rear suspension as the stock 3 leaf pack is negative Embarrased

what suspension upgrades did you make?

ATPNW · Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2021 6:40 pm Post subject:

So we just bought our Venture 23 (by my math im roughly 5k fully loaded) and I tow with a 2010 4.0 Double Cab Tacoma 4x4. I think ive towed it probably 100 miles so far. It gets around ok, we have EOH brakes which helps a lot. As far as suspension my truck was already lifted before the boat. I have the OME leaf pack + AAL which is very stiff (its meant for overlanding with lots of gear/weight in the bed). If my truck was stock id be looking into the Firestone airbags or something similar.

Knipet · Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2021 9:19 pm Post subject:

Two years ago I towed my new-to-me Cruiser 22 from AZ to WA with my 2005 Tacoma Prerunner 4.0L. It it towed remarkably well - even up and over the Tehachapi and Siskiyou summits. I even had about 600 lbs of other items in the bed. I took my time and tried not to exceed 65 mph and kept it out of overdrive. My truck has the tow package with a transmission and oil coolers. I also had an additional leaf springs added a few years prior when I had a truck bed camper. The standard Tacoma leaf springs are notoriously weak and should be upgraded.

Also, since the Tacoma's have drum rear brakes its important that they be properly adjusted. Not long after my big tow I found my drum brakes were so far about of adjustment they were almost not engaging. My mechanic told me this was not uncommon with drums.

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Asuaviator · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2021 1:22 am Post subject:

Thanks for the input guys! As said I’m planning on upgrading the rear suspension as well as the brakes. It’s good to know the taco can handle it tho. Obviously when I’m towing it I’m not going to be in a hurry to go anywhere fast, just so long as we make it there!

hardee · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2021 3:56 am Post subject:

I first towed my 22 Cruiser home with a Tacoma, a 99, so a bit smaller than the current version size. I only had about 3-4 miles and I knew it was a full load back there. The trip 30 some miles over to the mechanics over some small hills, and down the other side with some 35 mile curves were managed at very slow. like 30 mph because it was obvious that the boat was doing the steering, and any braking on a curve was going to result in getting pushed backwards into the ditch or over the bank.

Pullin is rarely the issue, stopping is way more of an issue. Controlling is the issue. EOH brakes are a plus, especially in curvy steep mountain towing. Tow vehicle weight is a plus, but if you don't have the weight, gearing ratio and brake enhancement can make the difference.

Be sure the boat is fully secured to the trailer. Stop and check often.

Stay safe.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Asuaviator · Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2021 2:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks hardee, good points indeed. I wish my trailer had eoh instead or surge brakes, but still better than none! I will just proceed with an abundance of caution!