Can a Toyota Tacoma pull a fifth wheel?

In general, the Toyota Tacoma is not designed for fifth‑wheel towing, and Toyota does not publish a fifth‑wheel rating for the model. Payload limits and bed/frame design make such towing impractical for most trailers.

Understanding how fifth‑wheel towing differs from conventional towing

Fifth‑wheel trailers transfer most of the tongue weight to the bed of the tow vehicle, behind the rear axle, which changes braking, steering feel, and overall stability compared with a conventional bumper‑pull trailer. Because the weight sits in the truck bed, the payload and rear axle load become the limiting factors for the tow vehicle.

Why the Tacoma isn’t rated for fifth wheels

Toyota’s official specifications for the Tacoma focus on conventional towing with a ball hitch in the bumper area. There is no published fifth‑wheel towing rating from Toyota for the Tacoma, and the truck’s payload and frame design are not optimized for the higher pin weights and load distribution of most fifth‑wheel trailers. In practice, attempting fifth‑wheel towing with a Tacoma can push payload and braking limits, and it isn’t something many dealers will support or warranty.

Key weight and compatibility factors

The following factors influence whether a Tacoma can safely handle a fifth‑wheel trailer. Each one matters because exceeding any one limit can compromise stability, braking, and control.

• Payload capacity: Typical Tacomas offer roughly 1,100–1,750 pounds of payload depending on configuration. This is the total reserve for passengers, cargo, and the pin weight of a fifth wheel.


• Pin weight (tongue weight for fifth wheels): Usually 15–25% of the trailer’s GVWR. Heavier fifth wheels place more load in the bed and on the rear axle.


• Conventional towing limit: Many Tacomas can tow up to about 6,800 pounds when properly equipped, which is separate from fifth‑wheel considerations and does not guarantee safe fifth‑wheel operation.


• Bed and frame geometry: The Tacoma’s short wheelbase and bed dimensions aren’t optimized for the higher pin load and leverage of typical fifth‑wheel rigs.

Taken together, these constraints mean that even relatively small fifth wheels can exceed the Tacoma’s payload or handling limits. This is why fifth‑wheel towing is generally not recommended or supported by Toyota for the Tacoma.

Numbers and what they mean in practice

Understanding concrete figures helps illustrate why a fifth wheel is rarely feasible on a Tacoma. The numbers below reflect common ranges you’ll encounter in specs and trailer data.

• Payload capacity: roughly 1,100–1,750 pounds, depending on cab/bed and trim.


• Maximum conventional tow rating: up to about 6,800 pounds with the right equipment.


• Typical fifth‑wheel pin weight: about 15–25% of the trailer’s GVWR.


• Examples:
  
  
  
  • A 7,000‑lb GVWR fifth wheel would typically place 1,050–1,750 pounds of pin weight on the Tacoma (7,000 × 0.15 to 0.25).
  
  
  • A 9,000‑lb GVWR fifth wheel would place about 1,350–2,250 pounds of pin weight (9,000 × 0.15 to 0.25).
  
  
  
  

In most configurations, the pin weight and cargo together would exceed the Tacoma’s payload ceiling, compromising safety and vehicle performance. This is the core reason why Tacoma buyers are advised to use conventional towing or consider a larger truck for fifth‑wheel setups.

Safety, legality, and practical considerations

If you’re still evaluating options, keep these practical steps in mind: check the trailer’s pin weight rating, confirm your Tacomas payload with the door jamb sticker, verify braking requirements, and consider professional installation of weight‑distribution and brake systems. Always follow both vehicle and trailer manufacturer guidelines and local regulations. If in doubt, consult a Toyota dealer or towing specialist before attempting fifth‑wheel towing with a Tacoma.

Safer alternatives and what to do if you need to tow with a Tacoma

If you need to tow a trailer with a Tacoma, these safer approaches help you stay within limits and maintain safety:

• Choose a lighter fifth‑wheel trailer with a pin weight well within the Tacoma’s payload capacity, and confirm total payload with cargo and passengers included.


• Prefer conventional bumper‑pull trailers within the stated towing rating, and use a weight‑distribution hitch if recommended for the trailer’s size and axle setup.


• Upgrade to a larger vehicle (such as a Toyota Tundra or a full‑size pickup) if your use case routinely requires fifth‑wheel towing.


• Work with a dealer or axle/braking professional to verify hitch installation, weight calculations, brake controller requirements, and insurance implications.

These steps emphasize that while occasional light use might be possible in carefully planned scenarios, a Tacoma is not a practical platform for the majority of fifth‑wheel setups and should be treated as such by buyers and installers.

Summary

Bottom line: The Toyota Tacoma is not officially rated for fifth‑wheel towing, and its payload and bed design generally limit safe operation to very light trailers, if any. For most buyers, fifth‑wheel towing with a Tacoma should be avoided or reserved for trailers well within payload limits, or else pursued with a larger vehicle designed for this purpose. For longer trips or heavier systems, upgrading to a more capable truck remains the safer, more reliable path.

How big of an RV can a Tacoma pull?

A Toyota Tacoma can pull a camper with a gross weight of up to 6,800 pounds, though the specific capacity depends on the model year, trim, and engine. For example, the base SR trim may have a lower capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the highest-capacity configurations can tow up to 6,800 pounds. You should always check the specific towing capacity for your vehicle and ensure it has the necessary tow package and equipment, such as a brake controller and weight distribution hitch, especially when towing near the maximum weight.
 
This video explains the different RVs that can be towed by a Toyota Tacoma: 59sMyles RVsYouTube · Apr 28, 2022
Factors to consider

• Towing capacity: The maximum weight your Tacoma can tow, which varies by model year, trim, engine, and drivetrain. 
• Trim level: Lower trims like the SR have lower capacities, while higher trims like the TRD can have much higher ratings. 
• Engine and drivetrain: Engine choice (e.g., i-FORCE or i-FORCE MAX hybrid) and drivetrain (RWD or 4WD) affect towing capacity. 
• Trailer weight: You must know the gross weight of your camper, including all gear and fluids, and ensure it is below your truck's towing capacity. 
• Safety equipment: For safe towing, consider adding accessories like a brake controller, trailer sway control, and a weight distribution hitch, especially for heavier loads. 

This video discusses the towing performance of the new Toyota Tacoma: 59sBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · Nov 12, 2024
Examples of campers you can tow

• Riverside Retro RV 509: 1,850 pounds (2021 Tacoma) 
• Taxa Cricket: 2,700 pounds (2021 Tacoma) 
• Flagstaff E-Pro E12SRK: 3,156 pounds (2021 Tacoma) 
• Jayco 10RK: 2,000 pounds (2021 Tacoma) 
• Intech Luna: 2,200 pounds (2021 Tacoma) 
• A-frame or teardrop trailers: Typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds and are easy to tow. 
• Small travel trailers: Many small travel trailers under 4,000 pounds can be towed, but always check the specific model's weight and your vehicle's capacity. 

What Toyota truck can pull a 5th wheel?

Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity
Whether you're towing a heavy trailer or bringing recreational gear, the Toyota Tundra's towing capacity of up to 12,000 lbs * lets you bring a truck full of fun on any adventure.

What size truck bed do you need to pull a fifth wheel?

An 8-foot (long) bed is ideal for towing a 5th wheel because it provides the most clearance for turning and prevents the trailer from hitting the cab. While shorter beds (6.5 to 6.75 feet) can work, they almost always require a sliding hitch to provide necessary clearance during sharp turns. 
This video explains how to measure your truck bed and trailer for 5th wheel clearance: 59sCURTYouTube · Jan 24, 2020
Long beds (8 feet)

• Ideal choice: This is the best option for towing a 5th wheel. 
• More clearance: You get the most turning clearance, which makes towing and maneuvering easier. 
• No sliding hitch needed: A standard hitch can be used without needing a special sliding version. 
• More space: There is more room in the bed for other items like a toolbox or auxiliary fuel tank. 

Short beds (6.5 to 6.75 feet) 

• Possible with adjustments: It is possible to tow a 5th wheel with a shorter bed, but it requires extra equipment and care. 
• Requires a slider: You must use a manual or automatic sliding hitch to move the hitch back during turns and avoid hitting the cab. 
• Increased cost: The cost of the sliding hitch is an added expense. 

This video demonstrates how to tow a 5th wheel with a short bed truck: 51sJaunt JunkiesYouTube · Jun 4, 2019
Which is right for you?

• Choose an 8-foot bed if you want the easiest and safest towing experience and don't want to deal with extra equipment like a sliding hitch. 
• Choose a shorter bed if you prefer a smaller truck for daily driving and are willing to purchase and use a sliding hitch. This setup may also be more cost-effective if you find a good deal on a short-bed truck. 

Can you pull a 5th wheel with a Tacoma?

Most Tacomas simply don't have the mass and stance to handle RV towing. Trailer brakes are great but you should be able to rely on the towing vehicle brakes. Not to mention lack of payload capacity and typically having a low hitch/bumper height.