In January 2021 I bought my first pickup truck. I bought a 2021 Toyota Tundra (pictured above towing our Hewescraft boat).
Short answer: The Toyota Tundra can tow 8,800 to 10,200 pounds. I didn’t buy it for towing capacity. Fortunately, our boat weighs about 3,000 to 3,500 pounds with trailer and motor. I had no problem whatsoever hauling our 18′ aluminum pilothouse boat. I have not tried towing anything heavier. I probably wouldn’t tow to the limit.
I didn’t buy the truck for towing a boat. At the time I had no idea I was going to buy a boat. I bought it for hauling stuff around… bikes, gear, etc.
The fact is a pickup truck is a versatile, practical, and useful tool. It is more than a vehicle but rather a way to help move large and bulky items from place to place. The strong and durable design can handle a heavyweight in the truck’s bed and tow a great deal of weight behind the truck. If you are in the market for a new truck, consider the Toyota Tundra. This large truck boasts a comfortable and spacious interior, a high towing capacity, and a smooth ride. Below, let’s take a closer look at the Toyota Tundra and its ability to tow.
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Toyota Tundra Models
The Toyota Tundra is a large pickup truck made by Toyota. There are several models available, each with different styles and features. The standard Toyota Tundra is a work truck capable of seating two people comfortably, with the addition of two small jump seats in the cab. The Toyota Tundra is available for added space in a double-cab model, which provides plenty of space for your entire family. The double cab provides a comfortable bench seating arrangement for up to three people. The seats can also conveniently fold down, leaving more cargo room.
There is also the sporty TRD Pro version with added performance features. The Toyota TRD Pro offers an enhanced suspension, a larger fuel tank, an upgraded interior package, and a dual exhaust system. The truck enthusiast will be pleased with the upgraded package offering more style and performance from your Toyota TRD Pro.
Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity
When it comes down to towing, the Toyota Tundra has the edge over the competition. This large truck can tow up to 10,200 pounds with its highest available model and towing package. Smaller versions of the Toyota Tundra will still be able to tow up to 8,800 pounds. This weight is plenty enough to tow a large open trailer, a large enclosed trailer, a large camper, or even a large boat. With this high towing capacity and available towing features, this truck can tow large and heavy vehicles, including a boat and trailer.
Comparable Models
Toyota takes its towing game seriously and offers plenty of comparable models with a high towing capacity. If you want to stay in the truck family, Toyota has a Tacoma. This truck is smaller, and it follows that it has a smaller towing capacity. The Tacoma will reach its maximum range at about 5,000 pounds.
Other comparable vehicles include the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner. Both of these models are SUV models and have a limited towing capacity. Expect a 5,000-pound weight capacity from both the Highlander and the 4Runner. When it comes to trucks, the Toyota Tundra has a clear edge. On a smaller scale, the Toyota Rav4 maxes out at 3,500 pounds.
Available Features
The Toyota Tundra has plenty of available features to help assist with towing. The large 381 horsepower engine is easily able to tow large trailers and boats. One of the best features of this Toyota model is the trailer sway assist. This trailer braking is helpful if you are carrying a heavy load. If the car senses a trailer begins to sway, additional support is sent to the brakes, helping to brake and realign a shifting trailer.
Further, the Toyota Tundra comes with an available Toyota Tundra tow package. This package comes with a towing hitch receiver, TOW/HAUL mode switch, trailer brake controller, and 4.300 rear axle ration. Additionally, it is possible to get tow mirrors installed to help see around large loads, extending further to either side of the truck.
Where Can I Buy a Toyota Tundra?
A Toyota Tundra can be purchased from a Toyota dealership. Here, you will be able to compare a 2019 Toyota Tundra to a 2020 Toyota Tundra. Further, you will be able to custom design a new Toyota with the packages and features you want in your truck. You may also have luck finding a Toyota Tundra at a used car dealership or even in private sale markets. Always be sure to see the mechanical history of a car before purchasing a used Toyota Tundra. Be sure to test drive a truck fully, used or new, before purchasing.
FAQs
Choosing a new truck is difficult, especially with so many options available on the market. How do you know which truck is best for you, especially if you are interested in the towing capability and maximum towing capacity? Being able to tow your horse trailer or camper is vitally important to allow you to do the things you love. Below, we have put together a list of commonly asked questions to help give you the right information to decide on your new truck purchase.
What is the towing capacity of a Toyota Tundra?
At a minimum, the Toyota Tundra will be able to tow 8,800 pounds. Higher-end models will have a larger towing capacity and be able to handle up to 10,200 pounds. Towing is made easy with the strong engine and integrated trailer brake control feature that helps to prevent a trailer from swaying as it rides behind your truck. Compared to other similar models like the Chevy Silverado that can pull a maximum of 9,700 pounds, the Tundra is a leader in the truck’s weight class.
What can you haul with your Toyota Tundra?
The powerful engine in a Toyota Tundra allows you to pull a wide range of trailers, boats, and campers. Many Tundras will be able to pull a medium to large trailer or camper or a medium-size boat. When towing a large trailer, the payload capacity will max out at about 9,000 pounds.
Can a Toyota Tundra pull a horse trailer?
The Toyota Tundra is a powerful truck and has plenty of torque to handle heavy towing and large trailers. Usually, a Toyota Tundra will be able to tow a horse trailer with two horses inside. This truck can also tow a trailer with one horse and changing area in the trailer.
Is a Toyota Tundra considered a half-ton truck?
The Toyota Tundra is considered a half-ton truck. The only other truck that is in this category is a Ford F-150 model. The Toyota truck, though, compared to the Ford, is a much different model and has other benefits and features when it comes to riding comfortably in the cab and towing large and heavyweights.