Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity (by Model & Year)

Choosing the appropriate tow vehicle is essential for safely arriving at your next camping spot.

One vehicle that often comes up in discussions among RV enthusiasts is the Toyota Tacoma. Many owners are curious if its towing capacity meets the requirements for their specific travel trailer dimensions.

So, how much can a Toyota Tacoma really tow in terms of power, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and hitch ratings? I’ve got all the answers right here. I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Toyota Tacoma’s towing capabilities and the sizes of camping trailers it’s equipped to handle.

Which New 2024 Toyota Tacoma Model Is Right for You? (Video)

The Toyota Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $26,400, which makes this a more affordable tow vehicle option for many camping enthusiasts.

Next, I break down each model for the 2021 lineup, and further down, I detail some of the older models for comparison shopping.

Model: SR 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB

Engine Type: 2.7 Liter 2TR-FE I4

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Payload Capacity – 1620 pounds
• Curb Weight – 4205 pounds

Model: SR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB

Engine Type: 2.7L 4cyl 6A

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Payload Capacity – 1620 pounds
• Curb Weight – 3915 pounds

Model: SR 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB

Engine Type: 3.5L 6cyl 6A

• Towing Capacity – 6800 pounds
• Payload Capacity – 1540 pounds
• Curb Weight – 4060 pounds

Models: SR & SR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB 4WD

Engine Type: 2.7 Liter 2TR-FE I4

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Payload Capacity – 1380 pounds
• Curb Weight – 4155 pounds

Model: SR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB

Engine Type: 3.5L 6cyl 6A

• Towing Capacity – 6800 pounds
• Payload Capacity – 1540 pounds
• Curb Weight – 4060 pounds

Models: SR & SR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB 4WD

Engine Type: 3.5L 6cyl 6A

• Towing Capacity – 6500 pounds
• Payload Capacity – 1295 pounds
• Curb Weight – 4305 pounds

Model: Sport 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB

Engine Type: 3.5L 6cyl 6A

• Towing Capacity – 6800 pounds
• Payload Capacity – 1540 pounds
• Curb Weight – 4060 pounds

Model: Sport 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB 4WD

Engine Type: 3.5L 6cyl 6A and 3.5L 6cyl 6M

• Towing Capacity – 6500 pounds
• Payload Capacity – 1540 pounds
• Curb Weight – 4060 pounds

Used Toyota Tacoma Years 1995-2020

The following list is what an older model Toyota Tacoma will offer in terms of towing capacity for different engine types, with and without towing packages, so you can easily compare ratings.

This list will note the engine types and gross combined weight rating, which include:

• Truck weight
• Truck passenger and cargo weight
• Trailer weight plus cargo

The total weight rating will make it easier to match your travel trailer needs with the suitable Tacoma model.

Toyota Tacoma Model Years 1995-2001

Engine Type: 2.4 L 2RZ-FE I4

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 6700 (2WD)

Engine Type: 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6

• Towing Capacity – 5000 pounds
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 8300 (2WD) 9000 (4WD)

Engine Type: 2.7 L 3RZ-FE I4

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 7400 (4WD)

Toyota Tacoma Model Years 2002-2004

Engine Type: 2.4 L 2RZ-FE I4

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 6700 pounds

Engine Type: 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds (without tow package) and 6000 pounds (with tow package)
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 6800 pounds (2WD – except the Prerunner) 7500 pounds (4WD and Prerunner without tow package) 10000 pounds (4WD and Prerunner with tow package)

Engine Type: 2.7 L 3RZ-FE I4

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 7400 pounds (4WD and Prerunner)

Toyota Tacoma Model Years 2005–2015

Engine Type: 2.7 L 2TR-FE I4

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 7500 pounds (2WD except Prerunner) 8000 pounds (4WD and Prerunner)

Engine Type: 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds (without tow package) and 6500 pounds (with tow package)
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 8100 pounds (4WD and Prerunner without tow package) 11100 pounds (4WD and Prerunner with tow package)

Toyota Tacoma Model Years 2016–2020

Engine Type: 2.7 Liter 2TR-FE I4

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 7810 pounds (2WD), 8020 pounds (4WD)

Engine Type: 3.5 Liter 2GR-FKS V6

• Towing Capacity – 3500 pounds (without tow package) 6800 pounds (with tow package, 2WD Access Cab, SR5) 6500 pounds (with towing package 4WD, Access Cab) 6700 pounds (with tow package, 2WD, Double Cab, TRD Off-Road) 6400 pounds (with tow package 4WD, Double Cab, TRD Pro)
• Gross Combined Weight Rating – 7890 pounds (without tow package, 2WD) 11310 pounds (with tow package 2WD) 8150 pounds (without tow package, 4WD) 11360 pounds (with tow package 4WD)

Best Travel Trailers for Towing with a Toyota Tacoma

What size travel trailer will a Toyota Tacoma pull safely? A model with the V6 tow package has a maximum towing capacity rating of 6,800 pounds.

When pulling a recreational vehicle, it will be helpful to have a general idea of the trailer weight a Toyota Tacoma can tow.

Most experts suggest never pulling a trailer more than 55% of any truck’s or vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. For Tacoma, this means you should try to stay at or under around 3,700 pounds for your fully loaded recreational vehicle.

While many RVers brag about pulling more than the recommended weight without issues, know that when towing under stressful conditions, such as on inclines or lots of merging or lane changes, the truck may not have sufficient power to perform quickly or safely.

You should also be aware that it’s illegal to tow more than your truck’s capacity, and if you get into an accident, insurance is likely to deny your claim.

Camper Type and Trailer Weight a Tacoma Can Pull

• A Pop-up Trailer can have a dry weight of 600-4,000 pounds
• A Teardrop Trailer can have a dry weight of 520-2,000 pounds
• A small Fifth-Wheel can have a dry weight of 2,400-4,000 pounds
• A Travel Trailer can have a dry weight of 1,500-4,000 pounds

7 Travel Trailers a Toyota Tacoma Can Tow

Below are popular travel trailers with a GVWR of under 3,500 pounds that can be towed by Tacoma with ease.

When you know the specific towing capacity of your Tacoma model, you’ll be able to expand your options on which lightweight travel trailers you can tow.

Jayco Hummingbird 10RK

• Dry Weight: 1545 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 180 pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 455 pounds

Riverside RV Retro RV 509

• Dry Weight: 1180 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 200 pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 500 pounds

Flagstaff E-Pro E12SRK

• Dry Weight: 1763 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 258 pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1135 pounds

Scamp 19′ Deluxe Lite

• Dry Weight: 1100 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 150 pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 560 pounds

Happier Camper

• Dry Weight: 1100 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 150 pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1000 pounds

TAXA Outdoors Cricket

• Dry Weight: 1732 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 240 pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 910 pounds

Intech Luna Lite

• Dry Weight: 1630 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 200 pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 500 pounds

Final Thoughts

The Toyota Tacoma has a decent towing capacity to handle smaller travel trailers, and I hope you find this quick reference guide helpful when shopping for the right camper or truck model.

When you understand what each engine type and features improve towing capacity on the Toyota Tacoma, you can look specifically for those models and not waste time on those that won’t work.

To ensure the longevity and safety of your RV and vehicle, it’s important to stay within your truck’s towing limits. This approach safeguards your investment, allowing you to relish many seasons of enjoyable camping adventures!

Watch This Before Towing With Your Tacoma (Video)