Published Date: August 13, 2020
Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Camper Front
Can a Toyota Tacoma pull a fifth wheel? If you’ve been thinking about this too, like many other truck and RV lovers, a straight answer is YES!
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the largely sold compact pickup trucks and is well known for its durability, storage, offloading capability, and long-term dependability.
Recent modern Tacomas can handle a fifth-wheel RV. But several factors must be considered, such as towing capacity, etc.
Read on to see what to consider before hitting the road with a trailer rolling behind your truck.
Table of Contents
The Toyota Tacoma Tow Specifications
With regards to towing, the Tacoma’s capability remains unquestionable, with its ever-evolving specs and features. The Toyota Tacoma is a competent truck with excellent motor efficiency in different models.
When it comes to the Toyota Tacoma and towing, this truck does two things: There are transmission choices of a six-speed automated or a six-speed manual; two motor alternatives, two cab arrangement, the twofold Cab or access taxi; and two-bed lengths, a 5-foot short bed or 6-foot long bed.
All Access-Cab arrangements utilize the 6-foot-long bed, while the twofold taxi can be had with either the short bed or the long bed depending upon trim.
As seen in the 2012 Tacoma, which offers the options of two motors: A 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder that yields 159 horsepower and a standard 180 pound-feet of torque. A 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that gives 266 pound-feet of torque and 236 horsepower is the available choice of the motor.
The two motors have incredible adaptability over the rpm run, and this is due to the variable valve timing with the ability (VVT-I). The best matchup for the V6 would be with either a five-speed or six-speed manual, automated transmission.
The four-cylinder models offer an option between a four-speed and a five-speed manual, automated transmission, which is suitable for towing.
Can a Toyota Tacoma Pull a Fifth Wheel?
Tacoma is a reliable and robust truck with capacities ranging from 3,500 pounds to 6,800 pounds. For 2020, Tacoma’s trailer ratings are the same since 2019. A Tacoma can, without a doubt, tow a 5th wheel.
The 2020 model is switching things up a bit with higher standards and alternatives for users. The optional Tow Package for the third-era Tacoma includes a transmission cooler class-IV towing hitch recipient, a beefier 130-amp alternator, 4 and 7-pin connector with converter, Trailer-Sway Control, and a power-directing cooler.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, which is the second least towing limit in its group, beating the main Nissan Frontier.
The setup required to arrive at the maximum tow rating is the two-wheel-drive Access Cab with the V-6 and automated transmission. This setup can be had in the SR, SR5, and TRD Sport trims.
How do all these specifications help a Toyota Tacoma pull a fifth wheel? Right from the production line, trucks are intended to pull some stuff in the bed and do well without concrete.
Whenever you add a significant load behind your truck, despite the model or make, your truck needs to work harder to pull the weight.
The motor and transmission need to exert more force and work harder, the alternator needs to draw more power, and this generates heat.
Introducing a coolant and increasing electrical force is essential to permit your truck to pull the most it can, and securely.
For other trucks, all these features can be joined to your truck with secondary selling parts, but Toyota Tacoma gives precisely what the truck needs to perform its pulling duties.
Also, given that the Toyota Tacoma is a half-ton truck, there are certain factors to consider, being on the safe side, you need to ensure you have the correct arrangement on your vehicle to tow the correct weight.
You have to consider your “tongue weight” or “tongue load.” Tongue load is the static power a trailer tongue puts on the hitch ball.
Apart from knowing the fifth wheel weight and size, you will also need to take note of the tongue weight, towing, payload capacity, and more of your truck.
Factors to Consider Before Towing
As said earlier, there are various factors to consider before towing. Read on to know the specifics your Toyota Tacoma needs to have to pull a fifth wheel.
Tongue Weight
Tongue Weight is one of the most important things to consider in a truck. In basic terms, it could be defined as the measure of static force or weight that the hitch exerts on your truck.
In simple terms, the more weight there is and the more weight that is in the front of the trailer more tongue weight you have. This assists the overall weight and stability between the truck and the trailer.
For example, the 2019 Tacoma has an estimated tongue heap between 640 pounds to 680 pounds on the V6 and 350 pounds on the four-chamber trucks. An authentic tongue weight, or burden, is around 10 to 15 percent of the overall trailer weight.
Payload
Usually, the average payload is 2,000 pounds. So, if you exert 1,000 pounds for passengers and gear, that means you have 1,000 pounds of tongue weight. It is very vital to pay attention to both tongue weight and payload.
Although the number varies slightly according to truck make and model, this is why it is important to always refer back to your user’s manual.
Conclusion
With all the features and double options on the third-generation Tacoma Yes, your Toyota Tacoma can pull a fifth wheel and all other types of loads on trailers.
Once you can calculate what your load weighs and measure it up with your truck, you are good to go. Your Tacoma is a mechanical wonder, fun to drive, and versatile as a day-to-day vehicle.
So, hopefully, the question: Can a Toyota Tacoma pull a fifth wheel has been answered. Do let us know if you have further questions.
