If you own or are considering a Toyota Tacoma and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Toyota Tacoma pull a camper?
Yes, a Toyota Tacoma can pull a camper or travel trailer up to 3500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper with your Toyota Tacoma which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Camper With A Toyota Tacoma
So, can a Toyota Tacoma tow a camper? Yes: the Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is 3500 to 6400 pounds depending on the engine size and towing package. As long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 3500 lbs your Toyota Tacoma can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing your camper using your Toyota Tacoma.
Toyota Tacoma Tow Package Details
Does The Toyota Tacoma Come With A Tow Package?
Some Toyota Tacoma models come with an optional tow package included that adds and engine cooler, automatic transmission cooler, trailer sway controller, and class IV receiver hitch.
The Tacoma towing package is offered on the V6 models only.
If your Tacoma is a V4 (or a V6 without the towing package), you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
What Do I Need To Tow A Travel Trailer With A Toyota Tacoma?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Toyota Tacoma.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Camper With A Toyota Tacoma?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Toyota Tacoma Tow Package Cost
Toyota Tacoma Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Toyota Tacoma trailer hitches run between $120-$300.
- Designed to complement today's trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles, attach directly to the frame with no drilling or welding necessary
- 2 inch square receiver tube opening and solid all-welded construction for maximum strength and durability
- The A-Coat base with black powder coat finish is resistant to adverse weather conditions and corrosion, ensures an attractive appearance for years to come
- Computer-Aided design and fatigue stress tested to ensure perfect fit and top towing performance, backed by Draw-Tite's Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty. No drilling required
- Rated at 1,050/7,000 lbs. (TW/GTW) weight carrying (WC) and 1,200/8,000 lbs. (TW/GTW) weight distributing (WD), always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for actual weight capacities
A Toyota Tacoma trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $50-$75.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Toyota Tacoma
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Toyota Tacoma Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Toyota Tacoma (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Toyota Tacoma Brake Controller Cost
Toyota Tacoma brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Toyota Tacoma Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on the trailer hitch installation for a 2020 Tacoma:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Camper With My Toyota Tacoma?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Toyota Tacoma, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Size Camper Can I Tow With My Toyota Tacoma?
Your Toyota Tacoma can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 3,500 pounds which is going to be most lightweight campers.
The Toyota Tacoma V6 with the towing package can safely tow the following camper and travel trailers under 6,400 lbs:
- Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
- Lance 1685 Travel Trailer
- Airstream Caravel 20FB
- Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 25BH
- Forest River Flagstaff Micro Lite 22TBS
- Keystone Passport SL 240BHWE
The Toyota Tacoma V4 and V6 without the towing package can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 3,500 lbs:
- Forest River Wolf Pup 16FG
- Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFG
- Vintage Cruiser 19CSK
- Forest River R-POD RP-180 & RP-172
- Oliver Legacy Elite
- Aliner Ascape Camp
- Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD
- Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
- 17’ Deluxe Casita Travel Trailers
- Scamp 13’, 16’, and 19’ Deluxe Models
- Droplet Camper
- Taxa Outdoors Cricket
- Airstream Nest
- Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples that will be great for towing a camper with a Toyota Tacoma.
What Size Travel Trailer Can A Toyota Tacoma Pull?
It’s not an exact science when determining how big of a trailer can a Tacoma pull, but there are travel trailers reaching nearly 30 feet that still come in under the Tacoma’s towing capacity, which gives you a really wide range of selection if you’re working with a towing capability of up to 6400 lbs like on the V6 Tacoma with the towing package.
Whatever you choose, make absolutely certain that you know which engine model and limitations your vehicle has so you don’t damage your truck.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Toyota Tacoma, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 3500 lbs so your Toyota Tacoma can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your Tacoma pulling trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 3500 pounds.
How Much Weight Can A Toyota Tacoma Pull?
So, what’s the Toyota Tacoma towing capacity?
How much weight can a Toyota Tacoma pull varies by whether or not your Tacoma is a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder and if it has the towing package added.
Refer to the following chart to find the towing capacity of your Toyota Tacoma.
Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity Chart
| Toyota Tacoma Model | How Much Weight Can A Toyota Tacoma Pull |
| V4 Tacoma | 3,500 lbs |
| V6 Tacoma (without Towing Package) | 3,500 lbs |
| V6 Tacoma (with Towing Package) | 6,400 lbs |
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Toyota Tacoma can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Toyota Tacoma GVWR or Toyota Tacoma towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Toyota Tacoma Tow A Travel Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a Toyota Tacoma as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 3500 pounds if a V4 or V6 without towing, and under 6400 pounds if a V6 Tacoma with a towing package).
Since all Toyota Tacoma models don’t come with a towing package installed, you may need to add one to the vehicle, and after that, you’re ready to hit the road and start camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Toyota Tacoma, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go?
Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
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