'13 13QBB to '16 21RBS w/ '13 TACOMA

[oleo]

Hi,
We are looking to upgrade from our 2013 QBB to a 2016 21RBS.  Tow vehicle is 2013 Tacoma, 4x4, 4.0 v6, 236hp, tow cap=6400lb, tongue=640lb.  Not really want to bump up tow vehicle as we have only 18k miles, yet a Tundra may be in the future.  We absolutely love the 2013 QBB, have enjoyed it for 3 seasons.  But we would like a little more room.  We initially thought the 16DBS would be the perfect for us, with the U-shape dinette.  Yet, we are told the U-shape dinette is not available in the 16DBS (confusing because the specs show it).  Anyway, if we bump up to the 21RBS, we are concerned we are at the upper limit of the TACOMA's tow capabilities and tongue.  Also, adding the weight distribution / sway control has its +/-.  We are looking for any help / advise with respect to us using the TACOMA as a tow vehicle for the 21RBS.  Especially now that many of you have a lot of miles on your 21RBS.  Thanks for your help.
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[charliem]

[font size="3"]As you can see by my signature I tow a 2014 21RBS with a 2013 Tacoma 4L 4x4 DCSB. It works very well. We just returned from a 9-1/2 week, 8500 mile trip from east to west and back. We camped in 10 states. I use an E2 WDH that I consider essential. I added a TRD belt driven supercharger to the Taco specifically for the high altitude climbs in Colorado. It worked well, but I could have survived without it if I would accept a slower climb. If you don't do much mountain towing the stock Taco will do just fine. The Taco/21RBS is safe and comfortable in every way. WDH and a good brake controller are a must.
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[pinstriper]

Our 4Runner is built on the Taco frame, and while I'm sure it could do it, if we were to go any larger than a CL16, I believe we would go for the Tundra/Sequioa.  I think it would be more comfortable, wider margin of safety.

TANSTATMTV

[daplumbr]

Who told you the U-shaped dinette was not available in the 16DBS? Not that I'm pushing the 16, but double check on that with the factory if you haven't already. It may not be standard or a standard option, but I "think" (not sure) that the slide-out in the 21 and the 16 are the same dimension, so I don't know why they couldn't fit a U-shaped dinette in either? So, if it was a dealer that told you that, run the question by the factory (our dealer had no idea about even standard options, let alone possible custom work). 

[oleo]

Thanks Charliem and Pinstriper for your input about the Taco...and also, thanks Merlin...we haven't given up on the 16DBS.  We too feel that the 16DBS has the same U-shaped dinette.   We think the 16DBS better fits our needs.  So we are running parallel paths with the 16 and 21.  We have emails into the dealer and factory for clarification about the U-shape dinette.  The specs and pricing sheet calls it out as the same.  

[lanell]

 We completed 5000 miles through 14 states in August with our 16Db Tacoma TRD combo . Would have loved to have had Charlie's TRD supercharger for the hills. This combo towed great with stock hitch and light packing . But it is slow on the western mountain passes ,while I never felt that we wouldn't make it up it would be nice to have more HP / Torque . I am looking forward to next years promised release of the new Nissan Frontier with Cummins diesel.  Btw down hill and stopping were no problem at all .
             Len

[oleo]

Thanks Len!  Good to know.  We are still looking at the 21RBS but looking like it will be the 16DBS.  We have 3 seasons of trailering the 13QBB with just the stock hitch, no sway, no weight distribution.  No issues at all.  To be clear, do you have sway or wt distribution with your Tacoma 16DB setup?  I realize every setup is different, just trying to gather as much data prior to purchase.  Thanks.

[lanell]

 We are running with the stock TRD Offroad hitch , the truck has the Toyota towing package , no add-ons at all . I drive 60 to 65 on the interstate highways and the only noticable wind problems from trucks is from car carrier semis,  I dont know how the turbulence can be so different from them but it is , It is just much more noticable from them. Personally I would not care to repeat our trip with a 21' trailer on our Tacoma without the added supercharger.
 Len

[charliem]

[font size="3"]Just to clarify a few points: I added the supercharger strictly to recover the lost performance at altitude, not to add HP. At lower altitudes the stock 4.0L engine is perfectly adequate to tow the 21RBS, but all naturally aspirated engines lose ~2.5% per thousand feet in altitude. So at 10,000 feet you've lost 25%. Most of that is recovered with a super or turbo charger.

Secondly, the WDH falls into the " You may not NEED it, but you'll WANT it" category. I smooths out the porpoising and greatly improves the ride.

Thirdly, the demise of the beloved Taco. TRD/Toyota discontinued the supercharger for 2014. Now I see they have dropped back to a 3.5L V6, all in the interest of "fuel economy". They advertise increased HP, but now at 6000 RPM. Guaranteed to last until the warranty expires. Even Edmunds notes the lost performance.
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[jerrybeaird]

I agree with Charlie based on my experience towing my 21RBS with my Tacoma that does not have a supercharger.  I am in Texas and not at altitude and it tows just fine.  I can easily keep up the pace on the highways where the speed limit is 75.  However, I prefer to stay at 70.  

I did install an Andersen WD hitch, primarily for sway control because I go over a tall bridge to Galveston and the crosswinds were very noticeable without it.

I hope this helps.