4 replies to this topic

[zoie]

I recently bought a stock 2003 Tacoma Extra Cab with E-locker to replace my 1992 stock Toyota pickup.  I have a phoenix popup camper that I will move from my old truck to the Tacoma.  The camper loaded weighs around 1000 lbs. and nothing hangs over the back of the truck bed.

I've read in some forums that the frame can bend on the 1st generation tacomas and there may be a need to strengthen the frame such as welding plates on the outside of the frame over the rear axle or boxing in that part of the frame.

I wanted to know if anyone has had a frame problem with a small camper on the back of their 1st generation Tacomas and if this a real issue. I don't do any jumping or rock crawling obivously but I do like to go off road like going over Elephant Hill or Lockhart basin in Moab.  

The frame has no rust issues as has always been in Colorado.

I noticed that the GVW on the 2003 Tacoma is 250 lbs less than the 1992 toyota with the same payload capacity.  Looks like toyota saved some weight by lightening the frame that's for sure.  I've never had any problems with my 92 toyota.  It's been a great truck. Seems bullet proof.  The reason I bought the 2003 Tacoma was to get a little more power and a rear locker.  And the bedsize is the same for my camper unlike the 2nd generations.  .   

Anyway any experiences or advice would be  greatly appreciated. 

 

[chnlisle]

#13 lqhikers
Senior Member

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440 posts
Posted 27 September 2013 - 04:43 PM
do not count on getting any response from firestone i cracked a frame
way back when i had a toyota w/fwc i felt it was caused by poor design
as toyota of that year did not have boxed frame in location of mounting point

after repair to frame (boxed it in) called factory rep to explain that bracket
needed to be modified to support air bag, got blown off big time,told they never saw this
problem before.

but on next toyota i installed bags on low and behold new bracket design go figure!

Les,lqhiker

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[potterjon]

I am tagging along as I have a 1998 tacoma and am considering putting a 1000 lb camper on it. I had no idea people had bent their frames doing this.

[RC Pilot Jim]

Potter,

If I recall Toyota had a problem with some of the 1st gen Tacoma's but not all of them and I think there was a recall in 2001 - 2004 time frame. We had a 1999 Tacoma for 14 years with both a Flip Pac (450 pounds) and our current Eagle (1,000 pounds) and had NO frame issues......Just performance probs over 60 miles an hour. The 4 cylinder totally inadequate. 

 

If your '98 is a V6 you have enough power. You need to upgrade the springs to carry 1500 pounds (added new 5 spring pack)  or air bags if your going to remove camper between trips. and E rated tires and it should work fine.

 

Check Toyota recall though on your vin # before buying a camper.

[potterjon]

My tacoma actually does fall in that category for the recall and I have had the frame checked by toyota and it hasn't started rusting. I check the frame periodically now. It actually came from the factory that has the recalls. Anyhow, I did end up purchasing an 89 sunlite skyhawk that weighs 1030 lbs loaded. I have only driven it about 450 miles but the 4 cylinder handled it fine and I got 22 mpg on the way home. 28 mpg empty on the way up to buy it. I am sure a 6 cylinder would be better by I like my mpg. I mean you can tell it's back there, but the engine can do it just fine. Time will tell of course, but I am happy with the set up. I am updating shocks and some helper springs right now, because that is the weak point at the moment.