What size travel trailer can a Toyota Tacoma pull? With the V6 tow package, a Toyota Tacoma has a towing capacity rating of 6,800 lbs. However, that rating is simply the maximum a Tacoma can tow. The correct question should be:
“What is the maximum travel trailer weight you can efficiently and safely tow with a Toyota Tacoma”.
Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity
Before we dive into the specs of each of the ten travel trailers we list as being able to be towed by a Toyota Tacoma, let’s take a look at Tacoma’s towing capacity.
As of the date of this article (9/2020), the Toyota Tacoma has the following towing specifications.
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.
In the case of the Toyota Tacoma, the recommended maximum travel trailer weight should be no more than 3,400 to 3,740 lbs, fully loaded weight including gear and liquids.
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. They are:
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 the 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 – Is 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.
Water – A gallon of water weighs approximately 8.3 lbs. So if you fill your 30-gallon freshwater tanks before your trip, you will need to add about 250 lbs to your total travel trailer weight.
Propane – a gallon of propane weighs 4.2 pounds, and a 20 lb propane tank weighs about +/- 17 pounds. A full 20 lbs tank should weigh about 37 pounds.
RV Battery Weight – an RV battery can weigh as much as 65 lbs. each. If the batteries and propane tanks are mounted on the hitch, you will need to consider those weights.
Caution – Don’t always trust the specifications given by an RV manufacturer as there may be stipulations in those weight ratings. For example, you may have a tongue weight rating where the manufacturer calculates one full propane tank and one empty whereas you might be thinking both can be full. Also, make sure you understand how the manufacturer is calculating weight rating as variations among manufacturers exist.
8 Travel Trailers That a Toyota Tacoma Can tow
Below are eight travel trailers with a GVWR of fewer than 3,500 lbs that the Tacoma can tow.
- Retro RV 509
- Flagstaff E-Pro E12SRK
- Jayco 10RK
- TAXA Outdoors Cricket
- Roulotte Prolite Plus S
- Intech Luna Lite
- Happier Camper
- Little Guys Meerkat
Riverside RV Retro 509
The Riverside RV Retro 509 travel trailer is the smallest of the “retro” floorplans. It is lightweight with an 1180 lbs dry weight and fairly short in length at 13’ 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: 1180 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 200
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 500 lbs
- Fresh Water: 17 Gallon – ~ 142 lbs
Flagstaff E-Pro E12SRK
The Flagstaff E-Pro E12SRK model is another lightweight travel trailer that falls within 50% of the Toyota Tacoma towing capacity. The interior of the E-Pro has a nice full-size bed, shelf, wardrobe, singe with a two-burner stove, and TV/Entertainment center with overhead storage. An outdoor kitchen with a two-burner stove, sink, microwave, and refrigerator round out the E-Pro package.
Weight Specifications:
- Dry Weight: 1,763 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 258 lbs
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,135 lbs
- Fresh Water: 20 gallons – ~ 168 lbs
Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
The Jayco Hummingbird 10RK is another travel trailer with an outdoor kitchen. The interior of the 10RK features a full-size bed, overhead storage, and flip-up shelves. Outside is an outdoor kitchen with a sink, microwave, and slide 2-burner cooktop.
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. It can sleep two adults and two kids. It features four swing doors for superior cross-ventilation, a V-berth bed, lounge, and storage system.
It 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 Specification:
- 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 Specification:
- 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 Specification:
- Dry Weight: 1630 lbs
- Hitch Weight: Not specified by the manufacturer
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: Not specified by the manufacturer
- Fresh Water: 10 gallons ~ 84 lbs
- Propane Tanks: 20 lbs ~ 37 lbs
Happier Camper
The Happier Camper is where retro meets modern. The shell is all fiberglass inside and out. The flexibility of the interior due to its Modular Adaptiv System is unsurpassed.
The interior is 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: Not specified by the manufacturer
- 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 fewer than 1,000 lbs. It offers a stand-up headroom, porta-potty, and an icebox.
In addition, you’ll find inside a sink, a full-size bed, a table, and lots of storage. A Toyota Tacoma can easily tow this one.
Weight Specifications:
- Dry Weight: 900 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 100 lbs
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: Not specified by the manufacturer
- 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.
Towing Caution – There is quite a number of things you need to consider when towing a travel trailer. In addition to what your 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.
Resources Used For This Article
- Orange Coat – Information on propane tank weights
- Changing Gears – This is an excellent site with loads of information on RVs, including excellent definitions of weight rating terminology. He has some weight calculators that you may find useful.
- Tacoma World – A forum where you can ask questions and get answers from other Tacoma owners.
- Tacoma Forum – Another excellent forum for Tacoma truck owners.
Further reading: Can a Kia Sedona Tow a Camper?
Thank you for this info. I have a 6,000 lb travel trailer (Fleetwood) Pioneer. I have a V6 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner. Hopefully, I can pull it without any problem.
Hi Lupe, I do recommend you check with your dealer. If your camper is 6,000 you need to also include the stuff you are going to put in it. Clothes, food, etc., and if your holding tanks will have water. If you have propane tanks that are filled that too will add weight. Best of luck and be safe.
I am thinking of buying a 5,570 dry weight travel trailer and I have a 2013 V6 TT to pull it. How was your experience with your Pioneer trailer?
so a dry weight of 4900 lbs should be ok for my 2019 Tacoma sport ? Purchased a TT and puck it up next week… Im wondering if I should have stayed in the 4k lbs mark instead…
Timothy, the dry weight is just one of the factors to consider. You need to take into account, cargo carrying capacity, hitch weight, as well as the weight of water unless you intend to fill your fresh tanks when you arrive at your destination. In addition, if you purchase your TT with a towing package or not. I recommend you talk to your travel trailer dealer and your truck dealer to be on the safe side. You can also ask the questions to TT owners who are intimately more familiar with the capabilities of the Tacoma than I. Here is an excellent forum for Tacoma owners.