What size trailer can I tow with a Toyota Tacoma?
In practical terms, a Toyota Tacoma can tow up to about 6,800 pounds when properly equipped with the V6 engine and Tow Package; base 4-cylinder models typically top out around 3,500 pounds. The exact limit depends on model year, drivetrain, and whether you have the factory towing enhancements installed.
To understand what that means for real-world trailers, it helps to know how towing ratings are calculated, what your truck’s payload can handle, and how trailer weight is distributed. The following guide breaks down the key factors, typical configurations, and steps you can take to determine a safe trailer size for your specific Tacoma.
Key factors that determine towing capacity
The main variables that affect how large a trailer your Tacoma can safely tow are listed below.
- Engine choice (2.7-liter four-cylinder vs. 3.5-liter V6).
- Tow package availability (hitch components, cooling, wiring, and related equipment).
- Drivetrain configuration and axle ratio, which influence torque delivery and cooling needs.
- GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and GCWR (gross combined vehicle weight rating).
- Payload capacity (the weight you can carry in the cab and bed, which reduces how much you can tow).
Understanding these factors helps you translate the official numbers into a realistic trailer choice for your truck and how you plan to use it.
Towing capacities by engine configuration
The following figures reflect typical maximum trailer weights for common Tacoma configurations. Always verify your exact numbers from the window sticker or owner's manual for your year and trim.
- 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (often paired with a manual or automatic transmission): up to about 3,500 pounds of trailer weight.
- 3.5-liter V6 with the factory Tow Package (usually with automatic transmission): up to about 6,800 pounds of trailer weight.
These maxima assume a properly equipped truck with a Tow Package and adequate payload. If you carry heavier loads in the cab or cargo bed, your usable trailer capacity will drop accordingly. Additionally, GCWR and other limits may apply on specific trims or model years.
How to pick a trailer size safely
Use a systematic approach to select a trailer size that matches your Tacoma’s ratings while leaving a safety margin for real-world conditions.
- Find your truck’s GCWR and curb weight from the owner's manual or window sticker.
- Subtract curb weight from GCWR to determine the maximum trailer weight you could still tow with that truck, not accounting for payload.
- Determine your expected payload (passengers, cargo, fuel, and gear) and subtract it from the truck’s payload limit to see how much you have left for tongue weight.
- Choose a trailer whose GVWR does not exceed the remaining towing capacity and whose tongue weight (typically 10-15% of the trailer’s GVWR) fits within the hitch and the truck’s payload.
- Consider braking requirements, weight distribution, and whether you’ll use a weight-distribution hitch or a brake controller for larger trailers.
Following these steps helps ensure your Tacoma, trailer, and overall load stay within safe limits while preserving handling and braking performance.
Practical towing tips with a Tacoma
To maximize safety and reliability when towing with a Tacoma, keep these tips in mind:
- Install and use a trailer wiring harness and, if needed, a trailer brake controller.
- Use a weight-distribution hitch for heavier loads to improve stability and steering.
- Check and adjust tire pressures on both truck and trailer; loading changes can affect handling.
- Maintain extra stopping distance, especially in crosswinds or uneven pavement.
- Aim for tongue weight in the typical 10-15% range of the trailer’s GVWR.
Always align your trailer choice with local regulations and your vehicle’s limits, and consult your dealer if you’re unsure about your specific configuration.
Common trailer sizes to consider with a Tacoma
In everyday practice, Tacoma owners tow a variety of trailer types that generally fall within its practical maximums. The ranges below are general guidelines to help you visualize what “up to 6,800 pounds” can translate to in trailer form.
- Travel trailers: many compact to mid-size models with GVWR around 4,000-6,500 pounds are common options for Tacoma owners, particularly with the V6 Tow Package.
- Small to mid-size toy haulers or campers: some models sit in the 5,000-7,000 pound range; always verify GVWR and tongue weight.
- Boat trailers: various boats on single- or tandem-axle trailers can be in the 3,500-6,500 pound range, depending on hull and trailer specs.
Ultimately, the right trailer size depends on your exact Tacoma configuration and how you load the vehicle. If you’re unsure, start conservatively with a lighter trailer and confirm handling and braking performance before increasing toward the upper limits.
Summary
A Toyota Tacoma can tow a broad range of trailers—from smaller travel trailers and boats up to the widely cited maximum of about 6,800 pounds when equipped with a V6 engine and Tow Package. Always verify the precise ratings for your model year, account for payload, and follow safe towing practices to ensure reliable, safe operation.
Are tacomas good for pulling trailers?
Yes, Tacomas are good for towing, especially for mid-range needs, with towing capacities up to 6,500 lbs on many models when properly equipped. However, they are a mid-size truck, so they are not ideal for very heavy loads and may have a lower payload capacity, which can be a limiting factor. For maximum towing performance, look for a Tacoma with the available tow package, which often includes a more powerful engine.
This video reviews the 2024 Toyota Tacoma's towing capacity at its maximum rating: 1mOut MotorsportsYouTube · Feb 22, 2024
What to know about Tacoma towing
- Towing capacity varies: The maximum towing capacity depends on the specific model, engine, and whether it has the tow package. For example, some models are rated for up to 6,500 lbs, while others may be lower.
- Check the specific model: Always confirm the exact towing capacity for your vehicle's configuration, as it can differ between trims and model years.
- Payload can be a limiting factor: Payload capacity refers to the maximum weight your truck can carry in its bed, including passengers and cargo. For some towing scenarios, the payload can be the limiting factor, not the towing capacity.
- Proper equipment is crucial: For trailers over 5,000 lbs, a weight-distribution hitch is recommended to prevent sagging and improve stability. For trailers over 2,000 lbs, a sway control device is recommended.
- Consider engine and drivetrain: Models with the V6 engine and a tow package have significantly higher towing capacities than those without, making them more competent haulers.
- Fuel efficiency: Expect lower fuel efficiency when towing, especially with turbocharged engines.
You can watch this video to see how the 2024 Toyota Tacoma's turbo 4-cylinder engine performs when towing 5,300 lbs: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Sep 21, 2025
When a Tacoma might not be the best choice
- For very heavy loads: If you need to tow multi-ton loads or large, high-frontage trailers, you may need a full-size truck.
- If you plan to maximize payload: If your trailer's tongue weight plus the weight of passengers and other cargo exceeds your Tacoma's payload capacity, it may not be suitable.
This video discusses some of the features of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma that can assist with towing: 1mMuscle AmericanYouTube · Jul 9, 2024
How big a trailer can a Toyota Tacoma pull?
6,500 pounds
A Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. As long as the trailer and the car being towed do not outweigh the Tacoma truck's max tow rating, towing a car behind this pickup is possible.
Can a Tacoma really tow 6500 lbs?
Toyota Tacoma SR5 Towing Capacity
The Tacoma SR5 includes the best balance of everything and can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. This maximum rating is achievable in any Tacoma SR5 with the XtraCab configuration – SR5 Double Cab models tow up to 6,400 pounds.
What is the 80% rule for towing?
The 80% rule for towing is a safety guideline that recommends the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of a vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for unpredictable conditions and reduces stress on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, helping to ensure better handling and a longer lifespan for components.
How it works
- Calculate your vehicle's limit: Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.
- Calculate 80% of the limit: Multiply the maximum towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your safe towing limit. For example, if your vehicle can tow 10,00010 comma 00010,000 pounds, your limit is 8,0008 comma 0008,000 pounds.
- Account for all weight: Ensure the total weight of the fully loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers in both the vehicle and the trailer, stays below this 80% limit.
Why it's important
- Safety margin: It provides a buffer for real-world factors like hills, curves, and sudden stops.
- Vehicle longevity: It reduces strain on key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, which can extend their lifespan.
- Handling: Maintaining a margin helps ensure your vehicle can be steered and controlled effectively, even under load.
