How much weight can a Toyota Tacoma carry in the bed?
The bed of a Toyota Tacoma can typically carry about 1,300 to 1,700 pounds of cargo, depending on the model year, cab configuration, and bed length. For an exact figure, check the vehicle’s payload rating on the door jamb sticker and subtract any occupants or additional cargo from that total.
Understanding payload and bed limits
Payload is the total weight the vehicle can carry, including cargo in the bed and passengers inside the cabin. The Tacoma’s practical bed-load limit is constrained by its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the vehicle’s curb weight. The official payload for a given configuration is listed on the door jamb label, and it represents the maximum combined weight of passengers and cargo the truck can safely carry.
How to determine your exact bed payload
The following steps show how to compute the precise payload you can carry in the bed for your specific Tacoma configuration.
- Find the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) on the driver’s door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual. This is the maximum weight the fully loaded vehicle may safely support, including passengers and cargo.
- Look up the curb weight (the vehicle’s weight without passengers or cargo) for your exact model and trim.
- Calculate the total payload capacity: GVWR minus curb weight.
- Estimate the weight of occupants and any factory-installed accessories, then subtract that from the total payload to determine the bed’s available cargo capacity.
- Compare your planned bed load to the resulting figure to ensure you stay within limits. If you’re unsure, consult a Toyota dealer or refer to the owner’s manual for your year and trim.
Using these steps will give you a precise bed payload value for your Tacoma configuration.
Common ranges by bed length and cab configuration
While exact numbers vary by model year and trim, these rough ranges reflect typical Tacoma configurations. Always verify with the door sticker or Toyota’s official specs for your exact truck.
- 5-foot bed, Access Cab: approximately 1,300–1,600 pounds
- 5-foot bed, Double Cab: approximately 1,400–1,700 pounds
- 6-foot bed, Double Cab: approximately 1,350–1,700 pounds
These figures illustrate general expectations. Your exact payload depends on equipment, options, and manufacturing year, so confirming with official documentation is essential before loading heavy cargo.
Safety and best practices
Never exceed the stated payload for any Tacoma configuration. Overloading can affect braking, handling, suspension, and overall safety. Distribute weight evenly in the bed, secure cargo with appropriate tie-downs, and consider using protective bed liners. If towing, remember that total weight includes both cargo and trailer tongue weight, which is a separate consideration from bed payload.
Summary
In short, a Toyota Tacoma typically handles about 1,300 to 1,700 pounds in the bed, but the exact limit depends on year, bed length, and cab setup. To obtain your truck’s precise bed payload, consult the door-jamb GVWR/curb weight data, perform the payload calculation, and account for occupant weight and other cargo. Always operate within Toyota’s published limits for safe, responsible loading.
How much weight can you put in the bed of a 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
A 2018 Toyota Tacoma can carry a payload of up to 1,685 pounds in the bed, but this varies significantly by configuration, trim, and optional equipment. To find the exact amount for a specific truck, you must check the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb or consult the owner's manual.
- General range: The payload capacity for the 2018 Tacoma can range from approximately 1,120 to 1,685 pounds.
- Maximum payload: The highest payload capacity of 1,685 pounds is available on certain configurations, such as the Access Cab SR model with the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive.
- Important factors: The specific weight capacity depends on the truck's configuration, such as the cab style (Access Cab or Double Cab), bed length (5-foot or 6-foot), engine, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), and any optional packages.
- Payload capacity includes: The payload capacity is the total weight of passengers, cargo, and any accessories in the truck, not just the bed.
What happens if I put too much weight in the bed of my truck?
You would be exceeding the suspension and braking designs of the truck. It will take you longer the stop. Handling would be impacted. Increased strain on the engine and drivetrain.
How much weight can I put in the back of my tacoma?
The payload capacity of a Toyota Tacoma varies significantly by model and configuration, generally ranging from about 1,120 to 1,685 pounds. This weight limit includes passengers, cargo in the bed, and any accessories. For the most accurate information, always check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb of your specific truck, as the capacity is influenced by factors like cab size, bed length, and drivetrain.
Factors affecting payload capacity
- Configuration: Different versions of the Tacoma have different payloads. For example, a Double Cab has a different capacity than an Access Cab.
- Engine: The engine choice can also affect the payload. The 2.7L engine might have a slightly higher payload than the 3.5L V6 on certain models, but the difference is often not significant.
- Drivetrain: Four-wheel-drive models often have a slightly lower payload capacity due to the added weight of the drivetrain components.
- Accessories: Any aftermarket accessories, such as a truck cap or bed rack, reduce the available payload. The sticker on the door jamb will reflect the specific capacity for your vehicle, accounting for factory options.
How to find your truck's exact payload capacity
- Locate the tire and loading information sticker: This is typically found on the driver's side door jamb.
- Read the "Maximum Load" or "Payload" weight: This figure is the total weight (passengers + cargo) your specific truck can handle and is the most accurate measurement for your vehicle.
- Subtract the weight of passengers and accessories: Use the maximum load number as a starting point. Subtract the weight of everyone in the cab and any gear to determine how much weight you can safely put in the bed.
Can a tacoma carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood?
Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Toyota Tacoma, but the tailgate will have to be left open and the material will stick out past the back of the truck. To do this safely, you will need to use tie-downs to secure the load and consider creating a platform using the built-in bed slots for support.
This video shows how to carry 4x8 sheets of plywood in a Toyota Tacoma: 50sManiataYouTube · Aug 7, 2022
How to carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood
- Use the bed slots: There are built-in slots in the bed walls and wheel wells that can be used to support the sheet.
- Create a platform: Place 2x6s or 2x4s in the bed slots to create a level surface for the plywood to rest on. This also provides a flat support across the wheel wells.
- Use tie-downs: Secure the sheet of plywood with straps or ropes to prevent it from shifting or falling out while driving.
- Lower the tailgate: The tailgate will need to be down to carry the full sheet. You can also use the tailgate as an extra support point by placing a 2x4 or other material across it.
- Be aware of visibility: Be mindful that the load will stick out past the back of the truck, and ensure you can still see what is happening behind you. You may need to use a flag or other marker to indicate the load is over-sized.
