2020 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck that offers a balance of capability and everyday usability. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma can tow between 3,500 and 6,800 pounds, depending on the configuration. This makes it suitable for towing small boats, ATVs, utility trailers, and some smaller travel trailers.

Quick Answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 6,800 lbs (V6, 4x2, Tow Package)
• Max Payload: 1,685 lbs (V6, Access Cab, 4x2)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 5,600 lbs
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 11,300 lbs
• Curb Weight: 3,915 lbs (4-cyl, 4x2, Access Cab) to 4,550 lbs (V6, 4x4, Double Cab Long Bed)
• Hitch Class: Class IV receiver (standard with V6 Tow Prep Package), 680 lbs max tongue weight

Tow Ratings by Engine & Trim

Toyota offers the 2020 Tacoma with two engine options: a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. The V6 engine, especially when equipped with the optional Tow Prep Package, provides the highest towing capacity. All 2020 Toyota Tacoma towing capacities are rated to SAE J2807 standards, ensuring consistent and comparable ratings across manufacturers.

Note: Payload capacity can vary significantly based on cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and installed options. Always check the specific vehicle's door jamb sticker for exact payload capacity.

Tow Package Contents

The most significant factor in maximizing the 2020 Tacoma's towing capability is the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro Tow Package (standard on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited V6 models, optional on SR5 V6). This package includes several crucial components to enhance towing performance and safety:

• Class-IV Towing Receiver Hitch: Provides a robust connection point for your trailer.
• Engine Oil Cooler: Helps maintain optimal engine temperature under heavy loads, especially important for the V6 engine.
• Power Steering Cooler: Prevents overheating of the power steering system during demanding towing situations.
• 130-Amp Alternator: Provides additional electrical power to handle the demands of trailer lights and accessories.
• 4- and 7-Pin Connector with Converter: Allows for correct wiring of trailer lights and charging of the trailer battery.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): An electronic safety feature that helps mitigate trailer sway, improving stability. It works in conjunction with the vehicle's stability control system.
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: P(Not factory integrated; typically an aftermarket add-on for the Tacoma. The Tacoma does come pre-wired for a brake controller, simplifying installation.)

5th-Wheel & Gooseneck

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck and is not designed for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. These types of trailers are significantly heavier and require a heavy-duty truck chassis with a specialized in-bed hitch system. Attempting to tow a 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailer with a Tacoma would exceed its structural and towing design limits, leading to dangerous operating conditions and potential damage to the vehicle.

Weight Distribution & WDH Requirements

For trailers approaching the upper limits of the Tacoma's towing capacity (generally over 5,000 pounds), or those that result in excessive tongue weight, a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) is strongly recommended. A WDH helps distribute the trailer's tongue weight more evenly across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer, improving stability, braking, and steering control. It can also help restore the proper ride height of the tow vehicle.

Always ensure that the WDH you choose is rated for your specific trailer weight and tongue weight. Consult your owner's manual or a towing specialist to determine the appropriate WDH for your setup.

Real-World Towing Tips for This Vehicle

• Know Your Weights: Before every trip, verify your trailer's loaded weight and tongue weight. Never exceed your Tacoma's max towing capacity, GCWR, GVWR, or GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). Also, be mindful of your tire's load ratings.
• Payload Matters: Remember that anything you put in the truck — passengers, cargo, and the trailer's tongue weight — counts against your vehicle's payload capacity. Exceeding payload can negatively impact handling and braking.
• Check Tire Pressure: Ensure your Tacoma's tires (and the trailer's tires) are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressures for towing.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Before heading out, check trailer lights, brakes, safety chains, and coupler connection. Make sure all items in the truck bed and trailer are secured.
• Drive Conservatively: Allow for increased braking distances, accelerate gradually, and maintain lower speeds, especially in adverse weather or on challenging terrain. Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Transmission Mode: If your Tacoma has a "Tow/Haul" mode or similar, engage it. If not, consider manually selecting lower gears on descents to help with engine braking and prevent your transmission from "hunting" for the right gear.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, especially of the brakes, transmission, and cooling system, is crucial when frequently towing.

Common Towing-Related Issues

• Overheating: While the Tow Package includes coolers, heavy loads in hot weather or on steep grades can still stress the cooling system. Monitor your temperature gauge.
• Reduced Fuel Economy: Towing significantly increases aerodynamic drag and engine load, leading to a noticeable drop in MPG.
• Brake Wear: The added weight of a trailer puts more strain on your Tacoma's brakes. Ensure they are in good condition and consider replacing pads more frequently if you tow often.
• Tire Squat and Stability: An improperly loaded trailer or inadequate tongue weight can lead to rear-end squat, reducing steering control and stability. A WDH can help mitigate this.
• Trailer Sway: While Trailer Sway Control helps, strong crosswinds, uneven roads, or improper loading can still induce sway. Slow down and make smooth steering corrections.

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