How can I be confident on my towing capacity?

I have a 2021 Tacoma off road. I read online either 3500 towing or 6500 towing capacity. How can I know for sure? Also should I be concerned about a 4000 or 5000 gvwr trailer for a cross country trip? I read even if I have 6500 towing capacity, I shouldn’t want to get anywhere close to it?

 

The 3.5L V6 4x4 has a 6500 lb towing capacity. I imagine the other rating you saw was listed for the 4 cylinder engine.

I'm sure you'll be fine with that weight. Tow ratings are considering factors such as stopping. Trailer brakes certainly wouldn't hurt though.

 

Thanks

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/towing.34/

Lots of stuff to read up on. It will handle 5000# but there's ways to give yourself advantages.

Biggest is patience.

 

2wd or 4wd? V6? Long or short bed? Access or Double cab. It all matters. Then subtract lifts, larger tires, equipment such as racks or toppers and tongue weight. Here is an article for you to get an idea.
https://www.cars.com/articles/breaking-down-the-2023-toyota-tacomas-towing-capacities-460094/#

 

I believe there's a sticker on the B-pillar as well.

 

Yes sir there sure is. It will tell you your GVWR and max cargo capacity. 2013 TRD Sport with Towing Package gives me 1050 lbs to play with…that goes pretty quick with passengers and gear.

 

Towing anything more than 3,500 lbs with a Tacoma isn’t fun. Period.
You can do it. But the truck and yourself won’t like it.

If you’re pulling 5k you might as well stick it in the gear that puts you at/above 3,000 rpm.
Let the the engine do the work, you won’t hurt the engine. It’s the transmission you’ll kill first.

 

Agree 100%. The Tacoma is a best case scenario tower. I tried with a 17’ 4000 lb trailer and would not want to do cross country. If you want to keep the truck and have an enjoyable trip, look for tent trailers.

 

Picking up my 3000 lb dry, 4000lb loaded trailer today. I told my wife off the bat this is a regional camper for us, or we need a new truck if cross country is to be done. People have done it and say it can be done, good for them. I dont want to fight towing across the country.

Anyway, payload will be the limiting factor. if it is 1050 lbs, well subtract 500 lbs for your tongue weight off the bat. Now you have 550 left. Set up a simple spreadsheet, and add EVERYTHING you have in your truck. You, lady friend, kids, dog, tools stuck under your seat, cap if you have one. If it didnt come on the truck, it counts. you will see your limiting factor quite quickly.

 

thanks

 

Weigh whoever is going with you and your gear, take your truck and trailer to a weigh station [dump/truck stop, or talk with the staties at a weigh station and ask them to do you a solid when they are slow, add weights together. That is the total weight you will be loading your truck with.

 

Quick update. I know i have a second gen, but may help. The camper pulled heavy on inclines, really had to make it work but doable if your patient, stayed in 4, trans temps topped out low 190s on a very hot and humid day. long rolling hills up and down, steady inclines and declines. Honestly wouldnt want to travel across country with this, nevermind a 5000lb. Thats my opinion anyway

 

SAE J2807 Tow Tests - The Standard (motortrend.com)

 

Brakes very important in mountains Heavy trailer will need brakes

 

Small truck = small trailer, just my opinion. Far to many knuckleheads on the road, I don’t want to add to the mix.