If you’re antsy to get started camping this season but aren’t sure what size travel trailer a Toyota Tacoma can pull, you’ve come to the right place. With the V6 towing package, a Toyota Tacoma has a towing capacity rating of 6,800 lbs. But keep in mind that rating is simply the maximum towing capacity of a Tacoma. To pick the best trailer, you really want to know the maximum travel trailer weight that a Tacoma can safely and efficiently tow. This article not only answers that question, but also presents eight lightweight trailers for Toyota Tacoma trucks that provide a safe and effective towing experience.
Toyota Tacoma V6 Towing Capacity: 6,800 lbs.
Before we dive into the specs of the eight travel trailers a Toyota Tacoma can pull, let’s take a look at this truck’s rated towing capacity. It’s important to know that the towing capacity differs according to which Tacoma model you get.
The Tacoma has a towing capacity of between 3500-6400 lbs. The contrast in towing capacities is dependent on the engine that’s equipped and whether or not the towing package is added. The minimum towing capacity of 3500 lbs is for both the 4cyl and V6 powered Tacoma. It’s only when you add the Towing Package to the V6 engine that the tow power is expanded to 6400 pounds. Despite its smaller size, the Tacoma is one competent hauler and can tackle more than you would think.
Sterling Mc-Call Toyota, Houston, TX
As of the date of this article (June 2023), the V6 Tacoma with the Towing Package has a towing capacity of 6,800 lbs. The towing package includes the following:
- A Class-IV towing hitch receiver
- ATF cooler (not available on the manual transmission)
- Engine oil cooler
- Power steering cooler
- 130-amp alternator
- 4- and 7-pin connector with converter
- Trailer-Sway Control (TSC)49
My research on the Toyota Tacoma forum is that generally, you want your total travel trailer weight to be 50% – 55% of the truck’s maximum towing capacity. That’s a general rule that can be applied to any towing vehicle.
The recommended maximum travel trailer weight pulled by a Toyota Tacoma should be no more than 3,400 to 3,740 lbs, fully loaded weight including gear and liquids.
What happens if you overload a Toyota Tacoma?
Any travel trailer weight above that, even if you stay below the maximum towing capacity of 6,800 lbs., may lead to poor fuel economy, poor handling, insufficient power for merging and highway driving, and practically no power to climb steep roads.
Travel Trailer Weight Definitions
When considering the total weight of your travel trailer, you need to consider several weights. Here are those weights, and their definitions.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum that the GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) should not exceed. Most manufacturers will list that GVWR; some do not.
GTW
Gross Trailer Weight is the actual weight of a fully-loaded travel trailer, including all cargo, fluids, propane tanks, batteries, and optional equipment. A portion of the weight is transferred to the tow vehicle via the hitch when connected to a tow vehicle. You will need to include Tongue Weight as well.
Tongue Weight
The weight pressing down on the hitch ball by the trailer.
GAWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum gross axle weight of a single axle that should never be exceeded.
Curb Weight
This is the actual weight of the trailer. This includes all standard equipment, full freshwater, full propane bottles, and all other fluids. Does not include cargo.
Dry Weight
This the weight of the travel trailer with standard but without fluids or optional equipment.
UVW
Unloaded Vehicle Weight is the vehicle’s weight as manufactured at the factory.
Cargo Weight or
Cargo Carry Capacity
This is the weight of all items added to the Curb Weight of the travel trailer. Cargo weight includes all personal belongings, optional equipment, and Tongue Weight. Cargo weight is an important number to know as it determines just how much stuff you can pack in your travel trailer safely. Everything you want to take with you is added.
Before we proceed with some recommended travel trailers that a Toyota Tacoma can tow, let’s look at some standard weights you will need to know to calculate total trailer weight.
8 Travel Trailers That a Toyota Tacoma Can tow
Ready to go camping? Here’s a list of the top eight bumper pull travel trailers with a GVWR of fewer than 3,500 pounds that the Tacoma can tow.
nuCamp Barefoot
Here’s a fun little travel trailer Toyota Tacoma trucks can pull, the nuCamp Barefoot retro camper. Made in a similar fiberglass style as Casita trailers, the Barefoot travel trailer features a U-shaped dinette that converts into a bed. Enjoy a kitchen with RV refrigerator, basin sink with a folding faucet, and a glass top for extra counter space. It even has a wet bath featuring a cassette toilet and a retractable showerhead for indoor/outdoor use. An Alde® central heat and hot water system rounds out the package.
Weight Specifications
- Dry Weight: 2109 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 215 lbs.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: ~ 676 lbs
- Fresh Water: 23 Gallons: ~ 191 lbs.
Riverside RV Retro 511
The Riverside RV Retro 511 travel trailer is the smallest of the “retro” floorplans. It is lightweight with an 1780 lbs dry weight and fairly short in length at 12’ 8”. Within that small space, you will find a queen bed, storage, a sink, and a two-burner range. It has a cargo-carrying capacity of 500 lbs. A freshwater tank of 17 gallons is also included.
Weight Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1780 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 100
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 500 lbs
- Fresh Water: 17 Gallon – ~ 142 lbs
Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB
The Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB model is another lightweight travel trailer that the Toyota Tacoma can tow. The interior of the E-Pro has a nice king-size bed (or two twins), shelf, sink with a single-burner stove, convetion/microwave oven, and TV/Entertainment center with overhead storage. An outdoor griddle and 10′ awning round out the E-Pro package.
Weight Specifications
- Dry Weight: 2,667 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 357 lbs
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,210 lbs
- Fresh Water: 31 gallons – ~ 257 lbs
Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
The Jayco Hummingbird 10RK is another travel trailer for Toyota Tacoma V6 trucks with a towing package. Last made in 2019, this is an awesome little trailer with a full-size bed, overhead storage, and flip-up shelves. Outside is an outdoor kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, and microwave.
Weight Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1545 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 180
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 455 lbs
- Fresh Water: 25.6 gallon – ~ 215 lbs
TAXA Outdoors Cricket
The TAXA Cricket is not your typical travel trailer. The Cricket is a great blend of sophisticated design and ruggedness that can sleep two adults and two kids. It features four swing doors for superior cross-ventilation, a V-berth bed, lounge, and storage system.
The Taxa Cricket also includes 32”x20” picture windows and a kitchen with a large countertop with a covered sink. Many standard features on the Cricket make it an excellent travel trailer.
Weight Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1,732 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 240 lbs
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 910 lbs
- Fresh Water: 15 gallons – ~ 124.5 lbs
- Two 20 Gallon Propane Tanks – 74 lbs when both full
Roulotte Prolite Plus S
The Roulotte Prolite Plus S is the smallest model that offers a toilet and shower (wet bath). It easily accommodates two people, and the table-bench converts to a full-size bed. This model has a stove, fridge, heating, and an optional AC.
Weight Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1390 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 145 lbs
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: Not specified by the manufacturer
- Fresh Water: 10 gallons – ~84 lbs
- Propane Tanks; 1 size not specified
Intech Luna Lite
The Intech Luna Lite is a uniquely shaped travel trailer. It’s an all-aluminum frame with a Dexter torsion axle.
The interior has vinyl walls with carpeted accents, a rear entertainment center with storage, under-floor storage compartments, a premium 28” x 78” mattress, and 32inch LED TV with a wall mount.
Weight Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1,775 – 1,850 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 260 – 270 lbs
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 550 – 625 lbs
- Fresh Water: 8.5 gallons ~ 71 lbs
- Propane Tank1: 5 lbs ~ 21 lbs
Happier Camper HCT
The Happier Camper HCT is where retro meets modern, with a shell that’s all fiberglass inside and out. The flexibility of the interior due to its Modular Adaptiv System is unsurpassed. Inside features are easily customizable with blocks that include seating, kitchen, desk, etc. Most of the block can be used outdoors as well. It features a huge rear hatch door, an independent torsion axle, and can sleep up to five. The GVWR of the Happier Camper is 3500. You should be fine if you don’t exceed this total weight.
Weight Specification:
- Dry Weight: ~ 1100 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 150 lbs
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: ~ 700 lbs
- Fresh Water: N/A
- Propane: N/A
Little Guys MeerKat
The Little Guys MeerKat is a unique lightweight travel trailer with a dry weight of only 1,180 pounds. It offers a stand-up headroom, porta-potty, icebox, and roll-out bedding. In addition, it features a sink, table, and lots of storage. A Toyota Tacoma can easily tow this one.
Weight Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1180 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 120 lbs
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: ~ 700 lbs
- Freshwater: N/A
- Propane: N/A
Summary Of What Size Travel Trailer Can a Toyota Tacoma Pull?
The list of 8 travel trailers above is what we think are some of the best campers for a Toyota Tacoma. There is quite a number of things you need to consider when towing a travel trailer. In addition to what travel trailer a Toyota Tacoma can pull, you need to consider the weight bearing down on your travel trailers axle, hitch, and on your vehicle. We do advise you to take precautions when towing, know your maximum weight ranges, and learn to tow safely. Get with your dealer to make sure you understand what it takes to tow your travel trailer.
Further reading: Can a Kia Sedona Tow a Camper?
