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Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity (How Much Can Each Year Tow?)

If you are looking to buy a Toyota Tacoma and also want to be able to tow a variety of trailers, campers, boats, etc. then you will want to know the Toyota Tacoma’s towing capabilities. Of course, exactly how much the Tacoma can tow will depend on the exact configuration of the vehicle, how much cargo you are carrying, and whether you have the Toyota Tacoma tow package equipped or not.

In general, the Toyota Tacoma can tow between 3,300lbs and 6,800lbs. Exactly how much it can tow will depend on which model you have, whether it has a single cab (access cab) or double cab as well as which model year you have purchased and whether it comes equipped with an available tow package (on some model years). 

All of these variables will determine the maximum towing capacity of your Tacoma. 

This article not only will I give the towing capacity for the current model year Tacoma but also the towing capacity for each model year that it has been made. 

Neither the trim options nor the bed length (5-foot bed, 6-foot bed, or 8-foot bed) matters when it comes to the towing capacity of the Toyota Tacoma. Although sometimes the trim level, type of battery, receiver hitch, etc. will affect the gross trailer weight that you can tow, this is not the case with the Tacoma. 

The different Tacoma engine options will affect how much your Tacoma can and cannot tow. The towing capacity of the four-cylinder Tacoma is 3,500lbs while the 6 cylinder has an increased towing capacity of over 6,000lbs (when you get the towing package).

The 4-cylinder engine will give you much better gas mileage than the larger engine. The 4-cylinder engine will give you 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. If you get the Tacoma with a hybrid configuration it will give you 30mpg combined fuel efficiency.

The Tacoma hybrid actually has 265 lb-ft of torque so it certainly is no slouch.

Another thing that will affect how much you can tow with your Tacoma is whether you have heavy cargo in your bed. Whether you have a short bed or a long bed, your payload capacity counts against the amount that you can safely tow.

For example, if you have the latest model of the Tacoma and the towing capacity is 6,500lbs but you are hauling 3,000lbs of rock in your truck bed to the job site that means you can actually only tow 3,500lbs safely. The more weight that you have in your Tacoma (people and cargo) the less weight you can actually tow.

You have to consider the total maximum rating in regard to weight so you don’t tax your brand-new Tacoma’s engine and end up breaking something.

Of course, there are many different trim levels that you can get in the Tacoma lineup. Some of the most popular ones are:

  • Tacoma TRD Pro
  • Tacoma TRD Sport Trims
  • Tacoma SR
  • Tacoma TRD Off-Road Sport

However, no matter which trim level you choose it won’t affect the Tacoma’s towing capabilities. The only things that affects its towing capacity are the engine type and whether it has the optional towing package.

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What Can You Tow With Your Toyota Tacoma?

Exactly what towing jobs you can do with your Tacoma will depend on the different configurations that you get and the specs for that model. If you have the performance features on your Tacoma like the towing package you will be able to tow more.

The Tacoma not only offers powerful performance but also tons of versatility. With its impressive horsepower (159-278hp) and sport-tuned suspension, it can tow almost anything that you could ask it to.

The Tacoma’s double cab or access cab will allow you to travel in comfort while you are towing or hauling.

At a minimum, your Tacoma will be able to tow 1,000 pounds (without trailer brakes). With trailer brakes, you can tow a minimum of 3,500 pounds.

So based on that 3,500lb towing capacity what can the Tacoma tow?

The Toyota Tacoma can town the following items without any issue:

  • A 24-26 foot deck boat
  • A ski boat (can actually tow a twin jet ski with a trailer easily)
  • A 25-30ft boat (boats like the Sea Hunt Triton weigh around 2800lbs)
  • A dirt bike (or multiple) with a trailer
  • A 22ft travel trailer (A Jayco SLX7 model has a dry weight of 3,460lbs)
  • ATVs (the Tacoma can haul multiple ATVs on a trailer)

Of course, this is with the 3500lb towing weight limit. Certain Tacoma models have a 6,800-pound towing capacity so they can handle much bigger travel trailers, boats, trailers, etc.

How Much Can Each Model Year Toyota Tacoma Tow?

Below are the maximum towing capacities of each Tacoma model as well as which model codes have what towing capacity. These numbers are when Tacoma is equipped with the towing package (when available) but does not include any aftermarket modifications like an engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, etc. 

I will give both the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and the trailer weight rating (TWR). These maximum tow ratings are important as not only do you need to know how heavy of a trailer you can tow (the TWR) but also how much weight in total you can have in your Tacoma combined with the amount you are towing (the GCWR). 

Of course, when towing using any vehicles you need to have certain things such as trailer sway control, a proper trailer hitch, and trailering wiring. So just make sure that your Tacoma has all of those on it before you are wanting to start towing.

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How Much Can A 2020-2023 Toyota Tacoma Tow?

Below are the maximum towing capacities and GCWR of 2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023 Toyota Tacoma models according to the Toyota Owner’s Manual. These numbers are with trailer brakes equipped. Without trailer brakes, Toyota recommends that you don’t tow more than 1,000lbs. 

Toyota also does not recommend towing with a gooseneck or fifth wheel with the Toyota Tacoma. 

The maximum towing capacity and GCWR stayed the same during these model years. 

2020-2023 Tacoma Drive Train2020-2023 Tacoma Model Code2020-2023 Tacoma Cab Size2020-2023 Tacoma GCWR2020-2023 Tacoma TWR
2WDTRN265L-CRTSKAAccess Cab7,740lbs. 3,500lbs
4WDTRN245L-CRTSKAAccess Cab7,980lbs3,500lbs
2WDGRN325L-CRTSHA Access Cab11,270lbs6,800lbs
4WDGRN305L-CRFSHA Access Cab11,230lbs6,500lbs
4WDGRN305L-CRTSHAAccess Cab11,310lbs6,500lbs
2WDTRN265L-PRTSKA 2Double Cab7,870lbs3,500lbs
2WDGRN325L-PRTSHA Double Cab11,300lbs6,700lbs
2WDGRN325L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,250lbs6,600lbs
2WDGRN330L-PRTSHADouble Cab11,240lbs6,600lbs
2WDGRN330L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,290lbs6,600lbs
4WDGRN305L-PRFSHADouble Cab11,260lbs6,400lbs
4WDGRN305L-PRTSHADouble Cab11,240lbs6,400lbs
4WDGRN305L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,300lbs6,400lbs
4WDGRN310L-PRTSHADouble Cab11,290lbs6,400lbs
4WDGRN310L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,040lbs6,000lbs

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How Much Can A 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma Tow?

Below are the maximum towing capacities and GCWR of the 2018 & 2019 Toyota Tacoma models according to the Toyota Owner’s Manual. These numbers are with trailer brakes equipped. 

Without trailer brakes, Toyota recommends that you don’t tow more than 1,000lbs. 

Toyota also does not recommend towing with a gooseneck or fifth wheel with the Toyota Tacoma. 

The maximum towing capacity and GCWR stayed the same during these model years. 

2018-2019 Tacoma Drive Train2018-2019 Tacoma Model Code2018-2019 Tacoma Cab Size2018-2019 Tacoma GCWR2018-2019 Tacoma TWR
2WDTRN265L-CRTSKA Access Cab7,740lbs3,500lbs
4WDTRN245L-CRTSKAAccess Cab7,980lbs3,500lbs
2WDGRN325L-CRTSHA Access Cab11,240lbs6,800lbs
4WDGRN305L-CRFSHA Access Cab11,210lbs6,500lbs
4WDGRN305L-CRTSHAAccess Cab11,290lbs6,500lbs
2WDTRN265L-PRTSKADouble Cab7,860lbs3,500lbs
2WDGRN325L-PRTSHA Double Cab11,270lbs6,700lbs
2WDGRN325L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,220lbs6,600lbs
2WDGRN330L-PRTSHADouble Cab11,210lbs6,600lbs
2WDGRN330L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,260lbs6,600lbs
4WDGRN305L-PRFSHA Double Cab11,240lbs6,400lbs
4WDGRN305L-PRTSHADouble Cab11,220lbs6,400lbs
4WDGRN305L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,270lbs6,400lbs
4WDGRN310L-PRTSHADouble Cab11,260lbs6,400lbs
4WDGRN310L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,020lbs6,000lbs

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How Much Can A 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma Tow?

Below are the maximum towing capacities and GCWR of the 2016 & 2017 Toyota Tacoma models according to the Toyota Owner’s Manual. These numbers are with trailer brakes equipped. 

Without trailer brakes, Toyota recommends that you don’t tow more than 1,000lbs. 

Toyota also does not recommend towing with a gooseneck or fifth wheel with the Toyota Tacoma. 

The maximum towing capacity and GCWR stayed the same during these model years. 

2016-2017 Tacoma Drive Train2016-2017 Tacoma Model Code2016-2017 Tacoma Cab Size2016-2017 Tacoma GCWR2016-2017 Tacoma TWR2016-2017 Tacoma Towing Package
2WDTRN265L-CRTSKA Access Cab7,810lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDTRN245L-CRMSKA Access Cab8,020lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDTRN245L-CRTSKAAccess Cab8,050lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN325L-CRTSHA Access Cab7,890lbs3,500lbs Without Towing Package
2WDGRN325L-CRTSHA Access Cab11,310lbs6,800lbsWith Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-CRFSHA Access Cab8,150lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-CRFSHA Access Cab11,280lbs6,500lbsWith Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-CRTSHA Access Cab8,130lbs3,500lbs Without Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-CRTSHA Access Cab11,360lbs6,500lbsWith Towing Package
2WDTRN265L-PRTSKADouble Cab7,920lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN325L-PRTSHADouble Cab8,010lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN325L-PRTSHADouble Cab11,330lbs6,700lbsWith Towing Package
2WDGRN325L-PRTLHADouble Cab8,060lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN325L-PRTLHADouble Cab11,280lbs6,600lbsWith Towing Package
2WDGRN330L-PRTSHA Double Cab8,060lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN330L-PRTSHA Double Cab11,280lbs6,600lbsWith Towing Package
2WDGRN330L-PRTLHA Double Cab8,110lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN330L-PRTLHA Double Cab11,330lbs6,600lbsWith Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-PRFSHA Double Cab8,270lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-PRFSHA Double Cab11,300lbs6,400lbsWith Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-PRTSHA Double Cab8,250lbs3,500lbs Without Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-PRTSHA Double Cab11,280lbs6,400lbsWith Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-PRTLHA Double Cab8,310lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDGRN305L-PRTLHA Double Cab11,330lbs6,400lbsWith Towing Package
4WDGRN310L-PRTSHA Double Cab8,310lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDGRN310L-PRTSHA Double Cab11,330lbs6,400lbsWith Towing Package
4WDGRN310L-PRTLHA Double Cab8,360lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Packages
4WDGRN310L-PRTLHA Double Cab11,090lbs6,000lbs With Towing Package

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How Much Can A 2015 Toyota Tacoma Tow?

Below are the maximum towing capacities and GCWR of the 2015 Toyota Tacoma models according to the Toyota Owner’s Manual. These numbers are with trailer brakes equipped. 

Without trailer brakes, Toyota recommends that you don’t tow more than 1,000lbs. 

Toyota also does not recommend towing with a gooseneck or fifth wheel with the Toyota Tacoma. 

2015 Tacoma Drive Train2015 Tacoma Model Code2015 Tacoma Cab Size2015 Tacoma GCWR2015 Tacoma TWR2015 Tacoma Towing Package
2WDTRN225LCRMDKA Access Cab7,440lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDTRN225LCRPDKA Access Cab7,470lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDTRN245LCRMDKA Access Cab7,860lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDTRN245LCRPDKA Access Cab7,880lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDTRN265LCRPDKA Access Cab7,640lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN225LCRFDKA Access Cab7,460lbs3,300lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDGRN245LCRADKA Access Cab7,970lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDGRN245LCRADKA Access Cab11,100lbs6,500lbs With Towing Package
4WDGRN245LCRFDKA Access Cab7,930lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDGRN245LCRFDKA Access Cab11,070lbs6,500lbsWith Towing Package
2WDGRN265LCRADKA 2WD Access Cab7,730lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN265LCRADKA 2WD Access Cab10,860lbs6,500lbsWith Towing Package
2WDTRN225LPRPDKA Double Cab7,450lbs3,400lbsWithout Tow Package
2WDTRN265LPRPDKA Double Cab7,720lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN245LPRADKA Double Cab8,050lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN245LPRADKA Double Cab11,180lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package
4WDGRN245LPRFDKA Double Cab8,020lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN245LPRFDKA Double Cab11,160lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package
4WDGRN250LPRADKA Double Cab8,010lbs3,400lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN250LPRADKA Double Cab10,960lbs6,200lbsWith Tow Package
2WDGRN265LPRADKA Double Cab7,810lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
2WDGRN265LPRADKA Double Cab10,950lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package
2WDGRN270LPRADKA Double Cab7,900lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
2WDGRN270LPRADKA Double Cab11,030lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package

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How Much Can A 2011-2014 Toyota Tacoma Tow?

Below are the maximum towing capacities and GCWR of the 2011-2014 Toyota Tacoma models according to the Toyota Owner’s Manual. These numbers are with trailer brakes equipped. 

Without trailer brakes, Toyota recommends that you don’t tow more than 1,000lbs. 

Toyota also does not recommend towing with a gooseneck or fifth wheel with the Toyota Tacoma. 

The maximum towing capacity and GCWR stayed the same during these model years. 

2011-2014 Tacoma Drive Train2011-2014 Tacoma Model Code2011-2014 Tacoma Cab Size2011-2014 Tacoma GCWR2011-2014 Tacoma TWR2011-2014 Tacoma Towing Package
2WDTRN225LCRMDKA Regular Cab7,150lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDTRN220LTRPDKA Regular Cab7,170lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDTRN240LTRMDKA Regular Cab7,540lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDTRN240LTRPDKA Regular Cab7,590lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDTRN225LCRMDKA Access Cab7,440lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDTRN225LCRPDKA Access Cab7,470lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDTRN245LCRMDKA Access Cab7,860lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDTRN245LCRPDKA Access Cab7,880lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDTRN265LCRPDKA Access Cab7,640lbs3,500lbsWithout Towing Package
2WDGRN225LCRFDKA Access Cab7,460lbs3,300lbsWithout Towing Package
4WDGRN245LCRADKA Access Cab7,970lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN245LCRADKA Access Cab11,1006,500lbsWith Tow Package
4WDGRN245LCRFDKA Access Cab7,930lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN245LCRFDKA Access Cab11,070lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package
2WDGRN265LCRADKAAccess Cab7,730lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
2WDGRN265LCRADKAAccess Cab10,860lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package
2WDTRN225LPRPDKA Double Cab7,450lbs3,400lbsWithout Tow Package
2WDTRN265LPRPDKA Double Cab7,720lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN245LPRADKA Double Cab8,050lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN245LPRADKA Double Cab11,180lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package
4WDGRN245LPRFDKA Double Cab8,020lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN245LPRFDKA Double Cab11,160lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package
4WDGRN250LPRADKA Double Cab8,010lbs3,400lbsWithout Tow Package
4WDGRN250LPRADKA Double Cab10,960lbs6,200lbsWith Tow Package
2WDGRN265LPRADKA Double Cab7,810lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
2WDGRN265LPRADKA Double Cab10,950lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package
2WDGRN270LPRADKA Double Cab7,900lbs3,500lbsWithout Tow Package
2WDGRN270LPRADKA Double Cab11,030lbs6,500lbsWith Tow Package

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How Much Can A 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma Tow?

In the newer model years of the Toyota Tacoma, the amount that they can tow varies depending on which model you own. As you can see from the many different sections above the towing capacity varies a decent amount from model to model. 

However, that isn’t the case with the older Tacomas. 

If your Toyota Tacoma is from 2005  to 2010 then it can tow 3,500lbs without the towing package and 6,500lbs with the towing package. Which model of Tacoma that you have doesn’t change the towing capacity as it does with the newer models of this truck.

Toyota also recommends that the trailer tongue load not exceed 350lbs without the towing package and 650lbs with the towing package.

However, unlike newer Tacomas, Toyota actually does not tell you not to tow with a gooseneck or 5th wheel with these older models. Instead, they just recommend that you are careful not to hit the cabin or deck when turning. 

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How Much Can A 2002-2004 Toyota Tacoma Tow?

If you own a Toyota Tacoma that is the model year 2002, 2003, or 2004 then you might want to know how much it can tow. For these model years, it doesn’t matter what model type you have as the towing capacity stays the same. 

The towing capacity for the Toyota Tacoma from 2002 to 2004 is 3,500lbs when the model is not equipped with a towing package and 6,00lbs when it has a towing package equipped. 

Toyota recommends that you not exceed 350lbs tongue load without the towing package. With the towing package, Toyota recommends the tongue load not exceed 600lbs. If the trailer is over 1,000lbs Toyota recommends that you use trailer brakes. 

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How Much Can A 1995-2001 Toyota Tacoma Tow?

If you own a Toyota Tacoma from 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, or 2001 and you want to know the towing capacity that it has then you are in the right spot. 

The Toyota Tacoma from 1995 to 2001 has a towing capacity of 3,500lbs for two-wheel drive models (excluding the Pre Runner) and models with the 3RZ−FE engine. 4WD models with the 5VZ−FE engine have a towing capacity of 5,000lbs. 

Although engine options don’t change the towing capacity of the newer Tacoma models, that isn’t the case with the older Toyota trucks. For these older model years, it varies depending on if it has a more powerful engine or not. 

Toyota recommends not having a tongue load of more than 9-11% of the total trailer weight. So if the trailer you are towing is 3,500lbs then you won’t want the tongue weight to be more than approximately 350lbs.