Owners Feel that the Toyota Tacoma Is “Underpowered” When It Comes to Towing Campers

Say what you want but the Toyota Tacoma has been cemented as the truck for everyone. Of course, if you plan on towing big trailers and such this is not for you but for the everyday Joe who just wants something to thrash around and not pay a monthly mechanic fee for his transmission, the Tacoma needs to be in his garage.

Granted, it’s not a truck that you can expect to tow your house in like the RAM 2500 could. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s a sedan with a box in the back. These Tacoma’s are known to be pretty rigid for regular towing like a jet ski or maybe a light flatbed. According to Toyota it has a rating for up to 6800lbs.

However according to a recent post on Facebook’s Toyota Tacoma TRD Trucks group, Dakota Bennett asked, “Does anyone pull a camper if so, how much does it weigh?” Now I think this is an important question because like any smart buyers, you want to wait until the next generation comes out to buy a used new pre-gen truck. A lot of people did that with the Tundra and now 2018-2021 Tundra prices are soaring. Let’s take a look an see what some owners said.

Ryan Burkholder said, “I used to pull one that was about 5500lbs loaded. Did well as far as sway was concerned, but the Taco couldn’t go above 45 in the mountains of West Virginia.” I also saw a lot of people write about this in forums. Most of the time, the Tacoma has trouble in twisty uphill roads with even slight loads. That’s something to think about if you plan on towing near mountains.

Les Farmer said, “About 4300 loaded for a trip. Load Distributing Hitch and trailer break. No issues with this set up. Pulled about 4800 previously with the same set up and issue with that one either.” It seems as if on flat surfaces and in dry weights, the Tacoma can do pretty well.

I say just keep it under the rated maximum weight rating. It seems that even though it can pull more than 6800lbs, it doesn’t do it well even if it is above or near that number. In any case, the Tacoma is a great truck and it would serve you well. I will definitely get one if the Lord permits. It’s just your generic minimalist do-it-all truck.

What do you think? Share your experience towing with the Tacoma in the comments below.

Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun and on YouTube at Toyota Time for daily Toyota news.