2019 Toyota Tundra — Towing Capacity & Payload Guide

The 2019 Toyota Tundra can tow between 6,400 and 10,200 pounds when properly equipped, per SAE J2807.

Quick answer

• Max conventional tow capacity (SAE J2807): 6,400–10,200 lb depending on engine, cab/bed, and drivetrain (highest with 5.7L V8, 4x2, Double Cab long bed, Tow Package)
• Max payload: about 1,440–1,730 lb (varies by trim/equipment; your door‑jamb tire and loading sticker governs)
• GVWR: approximately 6,900–7,200 lb (varies)
• GCWR: approximately 14,800–16,000 lb (verify in owner’s manual/towing guide for your exact configuration)
• Curb weight: roughly 5,100–5,700 lb depending on cab/bed/trim and 4x2 vs 4x4
• Factory hitch: Class IV receiver with 7‑pin/4‑pin wiring; typical tongue weight target is ~10% of trailer weight and must not exceed the receiver’s label (commonly ~1,000–1,100 lb with a weight‑distributing hitch)

Tow ratings by engine & trim

These are representative SAE J2807 ratings for common 2019 Tundra configurations. Exact numbers vary by cab/bed, axle ratio, drivetrain, and options. Always verify the trailer weight rating (TWR) and payload on your specific truck’s labels and in the owner’s manual.

Notes:

• Toyota adopted SAE J2807 for Tundra years before 2019, so these ratings are J2807‑compliant. If you see different figures in older materials or forums, they may reflect pre‑J2807 methods.
• Your payload (on the yellow door‑jamb label) and the lowest‑rated component (hitch, ball mount, ball, tires) always limit what you can actually carry and tow.

Tow package contents

Availability can vary by trim. For 2019, the 5.7L V8 generally includes the Tow Package; some 4.6L trucks may have it as equipped.

• Class IV receiver hitch integrated into the frame
• 4‑pin flat and 7‑pin RV‑style trailer wiring connectors
• TOW/HAUL shift mode with revised shift mapping
• Heavy‑duty alternator and battery
• Cooling: radiator and transmission fluid heat exchanger (2019 models typically do not have a separate external trans cooler; the truck uses an integrated cooler)
• Trailer Sway Control (software feature via VSC/ABS) is standard across the lineup
• Integrated trailer brake controller: not factory on 2019 Tundra; use a quality aftermarket controller for electric brakes

5th‑wheel & gooseneck

The 2019 Tundra is a 1/2‑ton (light‑duty) pickup and was not offered with a factory 5th‑wheel/gooseneck prep package. Aftermarket rail or under‑bed systems can be installed, but you are payload‑limited long before reaching typical 5th‑wheel trailer GVWRs. Keep pin weight (often 15–25% of trailer weight) within the truck’s available payload and stay within GVWR/GAWR/GCWR.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

• Toyota guidance: use a weight‑distributing hitch (WDH) and a sway control device when towing heavier trailers (commonly at or above 5,000 lb) to restore front‑axle load and stability.
• The factory receiver’s maximum rating is higher when using a WDH (check the label; many are ~10,000–12,000 lb GTWR and ~1,000–1,100 lb tongue with WD).
• Adjust the WDH so the front suspension returns close to its unladen height; keep the trailer level to slightly nose‑down, and target about 10–12% tongue weight.
• Never exceed the lowest rating among truck GVWR/GAWR, receiver, ball mount, hitch ball, tires, or the trailer coupler/axle ratings.

Real‑world towing tips for this vehicle

• Use TOW/HAUL on grades to reduce gear hunting and improve engine braking. Manually select lower gears when descending.
• Monitor transmission temperature, especially on 2019 trucks without an external cooler; consider an OBD‑II gauge. If temps climb on long grades, slow down or pause to cool.
• A quality aftermarket trailer brake controller (e.g., proportional type) is essential with electric‑brake trailers.
• Payload goes fast: account for the tongue weight plus passengers, tools, bed cargo, and accessories.
• For stability, run proper tire pressures and consider LT‑rated tires if you tow near max regularly. Rear air springs or helper leafs can help level the load (does not increase ratings).
• Extendable tow mirrors improve rearward visibility, especially with 8–8.5 ft‑wide trailers.

Common towing‑related issues

• Transmission heat under sustained grades or heavy loads due to the lack of an external cooler on many 2019 models.
• Rear‑end squat with heavier tongue weights; address with WDH setup and/or helper springs/airbags (within ratings).
• Brake fade if overworked on long descents; downshift for engine braking and keep speeds moderate.
• P‑metric tires and plush rear springs on some trims can feel soft when loaded; LT tires and correct WDH tuning help.
• Confusion around ratings: forum posts may cite non‑J2807 or different‑year numbers. Always go by your door‑jamb payload label and the owner’s manual/towing guide.

Before you hitch up, verify your specific truck’s door‑jamb payload, the receiver label, and the exact tow rating for your VIN and configuration in Toyota’s towing guide.

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