Decoding Model Codes

Hi -

I am new to this forum / community and hopefully will be a new owner of a Tacoma.

I am planning to buy a 2016 V6 Manual trans to use as a tow vehicle. The tow rating of Tacomas seem to vary quite a bit based on the model. Is there a document that describes each model code so that as I am looking at used vehicles I can determine their tow rating? I assume that the model codes relate to SR5, etc

Specifically, looking to know what each of these are:

Access Cab 2WD
GRN325L-CRTSHA

Access Cab 4WD
GRN305L-CRFSHA
GRN305L-CRTSHA

Double Cab 2WD
GRN325L-PRTSHA
GRN325L-PRTLHA
GRN330L-PRTSHA
GRN330L-PRTLHA

Double Cab 4WD
GRN305L-PRFSHA
GRN305L-PRTSHA
GRN305L-PRTLHA
GRN310L-PRTSHA
GRN310L-PRTLHA

Thanks

David

 

I would argue that the Tacoma is a great truck but towing isn’t one of its strong points. Towing =Tundra

 

They vary, but not by much when talking about max tow rating, as long as we are not comparing the 4cylinder vs the six cylinder. If all the trucks above are six cylinder, the one with the best tow rating is going to be the Access cab 2wd. The ones with the worst tow rating is going to be the double cab 4wd but really, it is only a few hundred pounds.

Four cylinder units are about half of the six cylinder units.

 

Generally agree, but I am towing a 2000LBS trailer with a 3000LBS car; figure 500LBS in other stuff so will be well under 6000LBS. The truck will be used to tow 6 weekends a year; the rest of the time will just be a general use truck. Tundra is overkill for my use case - plus I prefer the Tacoma look

 

Okay 6 cylinder with tow package can do 6500. Good luck, I agree the Tacoma look is very nice

 

2WD Access does have the highest rating, but would be interesting to understand what each of the code stand for. Here is an example:

 

Tacoma is not really the vehicle to regularly tow > 5k pounds

If you really are towing 6 times a year, and not headed through any larger passes, you should be fine, but know the limitations of the Tacoma before you make the purchase (and it sounds like you are doing your due diligence)

 

buy a tundra.

 

4 times a year will be through the flat corn fields of Ohio; 2 times a year will be some longer passes in the Smokies enroute to Road Atlanta and VIR. Those routes will be a bit more of a challenge but will just keep it in 4th gear (or whichever gear feels right) and crawl up the hill. My buddy has an old Jeep Grand Cherokee with similar tow rating (though probably a V-8) and he gets up the hills slowly but surely.

 

Eh. Can it be done? Sure.

But you are not buying the right tool for that job. Just know that before you make the purchase.

 

GR is for Gazoo Racing

 

No need for codes, it's simple physics. If two trucks have the same horsepower and one is 500 lbs lighter, the tow rating will be 500 lbs more given all the drivetrain is equipped for it.
2WD is lighter than 4WD. Access cab is lighter than a double cab.
Heaviest pig is double cab long bed 4WD.

 

probably 3rd gear, maybe 2nd

 

Befre you buy a manual to tow, I suggest you test drive one, and pay particular attention to the reverse gear. It is way tall, like too tall to back up a trailer without constantly slipping.

 

@hiPSI - good insight - would 4LO help at all /make any difference?

 

Yea, except now you can't turn easy on hard dry ground. I ended up trading the mt for an auto. Backing a trailer up a hill in a mt Tacoma is next to impossible, unless you can do it at 25 mph lol.

 

The 2 lo kit is really the only option for making backing a trailer up work reasonably.

 

I’ve never had any trouble backing up my 2300lb trailer and boat with my manual transmission. Typically I’m doing this on flat ground. No big deal. 4lo is a live saver when pulling the boat out of the water on a steep incline.

 

This info really has given me pause - I am a 3 pedal guy and also really prefer the Tacoma look over the Tundra but I might just need to give up and go with a Tundra. A Tundra won't really break a sweat towing 5500lbs.

I won't be towing the trailer a lot so won't really have a lot of practice time - sounds like backing up in a MT Tacoma is not for the inexperienced

 

If you want the manual Tacoma, just get it and get the 2Lo kit. It will be fine. I wouldn't say it's a reason to not get the truck.