I need to transport several loads of topsoil to my Dad's house and had a few questions...

I've heard that a yard of topsoil can weigh anywhere from 1300lbs to 2500lbs. Does anyone disagree with that? Anyone have a better average?

What would happen if I hauled, say, 2000 lbs? It would only be about 7 miles with no major hills, except maybe the highway on/off ramps and my Dad's driveway (steep, but I could put it in 4-low).

We are also thinking about renting a dumping trailer that can hold 6000lbs (tandom axle). So that would need to be added into the equation...

I have an '04 V6 SR5 4x4 WITHOUT the tranny cooler. How much damage would I be likely to do? Should I just do several small loads?

This is all for a wedding, and we really don't want too many tire tracks in the yard. We want to move all this in as few trips that we can.

Thanks!

I've never seen those dump trailers pulled by anything less that 3/4 ton trucks. So I personally wouldn't do it with a Taco.
Top soil can vary quite a bit in weight. I take it that you are buying it some place that loads it for you. Just get out of your truck and watch as they load it. Tell the guy running the loader to watch you, that you will give him a signal when to stop. That way you can judge how much the load is compressing your springs and stop where you feel safe. Yes do several smaller loads it will be better for your truck.

Thanks for the input! Your response is what we were afraid of.

We are preparing for a wedding, and have a few areas in the yard that have been retaining water, so we want to fill and sod them. The last thing we need is a dump truck leaving big ruts in the yard! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

I'm afraid too many trips with my taco will leave ruts too, hence the trailer idea.

Thanks again!

About 6 months ago, I carried about 50+ pieces of sods from Homedepot back to my Dad's condo. My '02 Tacoma DC V6 rear leaf springs were almost straight, luckily the trip was not far. However, when I was there, I saw an older exrta cab Tacoma, 2000 back, pulled about 100+ pieces of sods. His leaf springs were barely spread out.

I take 1.5 yards of topsoil in my '04 Taco std cab 4-cyl 5-spd. It pulls and handles fine. The only issue is those darn rear springs, they are so flimsy. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> 1.5 yards and mine is hard on the bumpstops.

Maybe try humus instead of topsoil, it's lighter and seed takes to it very well. So you could get more per load.

Hey, thanks for all the great info!

Any wonder I scour this forum almost everyday, so many helpful people here!