The Toyota Tacoma models from 2000 to 2020 are excellent vehicles that are well-known for their off-road prowess. However, I noticed that they also have a respectable amount of towing power, and since I hadn’t heard anyone talk much about it, I decided to write a post to find out just how much they can tow.
I discovered that the 2000-2020 Tacoma’s actually have quite astonishing capacity attached to them and even better figures if they are loaded with extra addons, which I dive into in this article, after doing a little research, crunching the numbers, and putting all the data together. To find out what they are capable of, let’s look at some of the statistics!
Overview of the Toyota Tacoma’s Data:
There were six distinct engines available for these vehicles built between 2000 and 2020, and they were the 2TR-FE, 2GR-FKS, 1GR-FE, 2RZ-FE, 5VZ-FE, and 3RZ-FE.
In essence, you could choose between a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder engine, and the capacity varied slightly depending on which engine you installed in your Tacoma.
The capacity looked to be around 3,500 pounds whether you have a 4 or a 6 cylinder engine (without a tow kit attached). The towing capacity increased significantly to roughly 6,500 lbs if you had a 6 cylinder engine and tow kit.
There were options for 2WD and 4WD vehicles, but there wasn’t a significant weight differential like I see in some other automakers. In some of the charts, I did observe a “average” difference between the 2WD and 4WD models of between 200300 lbs, with the 2WD vehicles having a higher capacity.
Towing Capacity: I would think that the maximum trailer weight ratings maintained very much the same over the years, despite the fact that several Tacomas had somewhat different charts for models from 2000 to 2020.
When it came down to it, the majority of vehicles from 2000 to 2020 could tow between 3,500 lbs. and 6,500 lbs. Although there were some cases when the low number was 3,300 lbs. and the high number was 6,800 lbs., it mostly stayed within that range of 3,5006,500 lbs.
All of the specifications for the 20002020 models are for trailers with an installed brake system, which is a significant issue.
All capacities shown in the table do not apply if your trailer does not have installed brake systems; instead, the maximum weight permitted is 1,000 lbs.
In This Article...
Can a Tacoma with four engines tow a trailer?
Both the 4cyl and V6-powered Tacomas have a minimum towing capacity of 3500 lbs. The V6 engine’s towing power is only increased to 6400 pounds when the Towing Package is added.
A horse trailer can a Toyota Tacoma tow, right?
It’s a good idea to ask this question! A Tacoma is capable of pulling a horse trailer. This will depend on a number of variables. What kind of hitch is there on the trailer? The trailer: Is it empty? How much does the trailer weigh when it is loaded? You could even want to consider the number of axles it has.
Make sure you are aware of the weight of the animal or animals you will be towing while you are moving livestock. This will need to be taken into account when determining your weight and capacity. Be sure to secure your cattle, as movement may result in a weight shift that alters the truck’s and trailer’s balance. It is advised to use a trailer with a more secure hitching system.
For towing, which Tacoma is the best.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the most preferred option in the class of midsize pickup trucks, according to Downeast Toyota. With a maximum payload of 1,440 pounds and a competitive towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, Toyota Tacoma entrants equipped by the 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine perform admirably for the reasonably priced compact pickup truck. At Downeast Toyota in Brewer, get behind the wheel of a brand-new 2021 Toyota Tacoma right away.
What kind of engine does a 2000 Toyota Tacoma have?
Auto Overview As late additions to the 2000 Tacoma inventory, new StepSide models with flared rear fenders will be offered this spring in regular-cab and extended-cab configurations. The StepSide models are imitations of similar flared-fender models made by Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC that are well-liked by customers seeking sporty style.
Late this year, Toyota will launch the Tacoma Double Cab, a crew-cab vehicle with four conventional front-hinged doors, into the market. The 2001 Double Cab, which is scheduled to be on sale before the end of the year, will go up against crew cabs made by Chevrolet, GMC, and Nissan as well as the Explorer Sport Trac, a four-door sport utility vehicle with an open cargo bed.
Tacoma is currently available as an XtraCab, an extended cab without rear doors.
Exterior The XtraCab measures 203 inches in length on a 122-inch wheelbase, while the normal cab measures 184 inches in length on a 103-inch wheelbase. There has a 6.2-foot cargo bed on each.
PreRunner versions, which have two-wheel drive but are dressed up to look like 44 offroaders, account for about 20 percent of Tacoma sales. Mud guards, all-terrain tires, and greater ground clearance are included as standard features. Body-color bumpers and trim are offered as part of the new Full Color Key option package in place of chrome.
Interior bucket seats are an option on all models other than the XtraCab Limited, which comes standard with a three-seat bench. There are also two rear jump seats in XtraCabs.
Although the back jump seats are unpleasant, the front seats are excellent and have enough of capacity for tall passengers in all variants. The dual cupholders that slide out and obscure the climate controls are a major drawback in the otherwise well-designed and practical dashboard.
Within the Hood A 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 142 horsepower comes standard on all two-wheel-drive Tacomas, excluding the PreRunner. On four-wheel-drive variants and the PreRunner, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower is standard. A 3.4-liter V-6 with 190 horsepower is an optional engine for 2WD and 4WD vehicles. If 190 horsepower isn’t enough for you, the V-6 engine may be upgraded with a power-boost supercharger that can be fitted by a dealer and is covered by a factory guarantee.
The top-tier Limited model’s 4WD system, known as 4WDemand, enables drivers to shift into 4WD High at speeds greater than 50 mph using a transfer-case lever positioned on the floor. On the Limited, a dashboard switch to activate 4WD is an option. On all other 44 Tacomas, the 4WDemand function is an optional feature. The truck must be stopped for the manual front hubs in the normal system to lock or release in order to engage or disengage 4WD. On all variants, four-wheel antilock brakes are an option.
Performance The 2.7-liter engine in these vehicles is sufficient compared to the 2.4-liter four-mediocre cylinder’s and noisy performance. If you can afford the additional money, the smooth, powerful V-6 is the best option. Tacomas cost more than domestic pickups with comparable equipment, and even shift-on-the-fly is an extra-cost feature on 4x4s.
Tacoma receives high marks for overall sophistication and quality. These trucks are well-built and ought to be dependable and strong. The more expensive purchasing price can end up paying off in the long run.
A Tacoma is able to tow a camper.
The sizes and shapes of campers vary widely. Fortunately, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma can tow the majority of campsites. While campers that are 24 feet long may weigh approximately 4,400 lbs, smaller campers that are about 15 feet long typically weigh around 3,750 lbs. The weight of the typical camper is approximately 5,200 lbs. If you want to tow a camper with a 2020 Toyota Tacoma, make sure to choose the more potent V6 engine and keep in mind that the weight of your trailer can increase by roughly 1,500 lbs. due to water and gear.
What size boat can the 2020 Toyota Tacoma tow?
Boat sizes and weights vary, just like campers do. Let’s examine some of the guessed weights of various boat models to see if the 2020 Toyota Tacoma can tow them. Before attempting to tow, make sure to confirm the maximum towing capacity in the owner’s manual of your car and the weight of the trailer.
How many horsepower are there in a Tacoma?
A four-cylinder or a V6 engine is an option for the Tacoma. The four-cylinder engine produces 180 lb-ft of torque and 159 horsepower. The V6 has 265 lb-ft of torque and 278 horsepower.
The V6 can pull up to 6000 pounds, compared to the four-3500-pound cylinder’s towing limit. A six-speed automatic transmission is linked to both engines.
For people who don’t require the extra power of the V6 and want to save their fuel expenses, the four-cylinder is a viable option. For individuals who require more power and towing capacity, the V6 is a solid option.
The Tacoma can carry up to 1260 pounds of payload in total. This implies that the truck’s bed can accommodate a substantial amount of weight. The Tacoma is a terrific option for lengthy excursions because it also offers a great ride quality.
A Tacoma is able to tow 8000 lbs.
The Toyota Tacoma’s capacity to tow a cargo is a desirable characteristic (or any pickup). But each truck has its own limitations. Therefore, before connecting a trailer, it is a wise idea to be aware of the Toyota Tacoma’s towing capacity.
In light of this, we’ll use the Toyota Tacoma’s historical towing capacity as a useful benchmark. We’ll only discuss models made after 2000 for simplicity (although the Tacoma has been in the U.S. since 1995). Here are some key topics to check before moving forward.
- The contents in this page are not all-inclusive sources for information regarding a Tacoma truck; rather, they are a summary of pertinent information. For instructions on utilizing a Tacoma for towing, always refer to the Toyota-supplied owner’s manual and the certification label (found on the driver’s door jamb). An other source is a Toyota dealer that has been approved.
- The maximum weight that a Toyota Tacoma can pull is 1,000 pounds unless the trailer includes brakes. All model years are covered by this. The capacities listed in this page presumptively involve a braking system for the trailer.
- According to the restrictions placed by the trailer hitch and other relevant components, the towing capacity mentioned here and in the owner’s handbook may be lowered. Before hauling a load, always get advice from a trailer dealer or other qualified professional.
- Check to verify whether your Tacoma includes the towing package depending on the model year. This will have a significant impact on the truck’s ability to haul. This information can be found on the factory window sticker or by contacting a Toyota dealer.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is GVWR. the heaviest a vehicle may be with its occupants and cargo aboard (payload).
- Gross Trailer Weight, or GTW. the combined weight of a trailer and its cargo. Trailer weight rating, or TWR, is a comparable expression.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating is GCWR. the combined GVWR and GTW of a vehicle’s maximum towing weight.
- A 16-foot pop-up camper weighs 2,500 pounds.
- 20-foot powerboat with trailer at 5,000 pounds
- A 30-foot, dual-axle camper weighs 7,500 pounds.
- A fifth-wheel camper weighing 13,000 pounds is too heavy for a Tacoma.
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Toyota Tacoma
These Tacoma models have one of three engines:
Tacoma towing capability is directly influenced by the engine type and powertrain (two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The GTW of the two four-cylinder engines is 3,500 lbs, and the 5,000 lbs of the six-cylinder engine. In 2002, the GTW of a Tacoma with the biggest engine and 4WD is increased to 6,000 lbs by adding the towing package.
The GCWR for 2WD 2000-2004 Tacomas varies between 6,700 and 6,800 lbs. GCWR starts at 7,400 lbs and rises to 9,000 lbs with 4WD vehicles and the mid-level engine. The maximum is increased to 10,000 lbs. by adding the towing package (2002-2004).
As with other model years, Toyota expressly advises that sway control systems are necessary for any trailers (and trailer loads) weighing more over 2,000 lbs (which is part of the towing package or can be added on).
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Toyota Tacoma
Once more, the towing gear possesses a substantial degree of capability. Without this kit, the GTW is limited to 3,500 lbs. The GTW almost doubles to 6,500 pounds with the towing kit.
No matter what engine they have, 2WD Tacomas have a 7,500 lb GCWR. The GCWR of a 4WD Tacoma with a lesser engine is 8,000 lbs. The 8,100 lb GCWR or 11,000 lb maximum with the towing package is for the 4WD/six-cylinder Tacomas.
Toyota Tacoma
The same engines (2TRFE and 1GRFE) are still used, however the calculation for the Toyota Tacoma’s towing capability is now complicated by the inclusion of the cab style (standard, Access, or double). Specifics can be found in the owner’s handbook and certification label, but in general, GTW for Tacomas without the towing package starts in the 3,3003,500 lb range and goes up to 6,500 with this option. The GCWR starts at 7,440 lbs for the entry-level Tacoma and increases to 11,170 lbs for a double cab Tacoma with a large engine, 4WD, and a towing package.
Toyota now expressly states in writing that the Tacoma should not be used for fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing.
Toyota Tacoma
The 2014 Tacoma was largely a carryover year from the models from 2011 to 2013. Due to small weight reductions (or retesting) of the Tacoma itself, the GCWR capacity varied depending on the vehicle configuration.
Toyota Tacoma
For the 2016 model year, the third (and current) iteration of the Tacoma made its premiere. The normal cab was eliminated, leaving just the Access and double cab variants, along with a completely new design. From the previous version, the four-cylinder engine is still used. But the bigger engine is replaced with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is smaller but more potent (dubbed the 2GR-FKS in Toyota-speak).
Similar to preceding Tacomas, the design of the drivetrain, engine, and cab determines the GTW capacity (2WD or 4WD). GTW therefore starts at 3,500 lbs and ends at 6,800 lbs. The Tacoma’s GCWR can go as high as 11,360 lbs (for an Access cab model with 4WD and the larger engine) because to the new engine and other enhancements.
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Current Toyota Tacoma
With modest GCWR limit modifications, the Tacoma’s towing capacity has fluctuated in recent years. For instance, the previously mentioned 11,360 pound GCWR limit (with the fully equipped Access cab variant) is reduced to an 11,290 lb maximum. This is not unusual because manufacturers occasionally change out heavier (or lighter) components or have to retest a vehicle’s performance.
The truth is that if you’re concerned about a 70-lb variation in a truck’s towing capacity, your load is probably too heavy for a Tacoma, and you need to consider a larger vehicle.
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