Observe the following information regarding storage precautions, cargo capacity, load limits, and proper load distribution when carrying items in the Toyota Tacoma:
Deck rails
To use the deck rails properly, genuine Toyota accessories or equivalent accessories designed for the deck rail system must be installed.
When installing a genuine Toyota accessory or an equivalent component, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions, specified installation method, and all applicable precautions.
- Side rails
WARNING
When you secure cargo with the deck rails
Follow the instructions below whenever cargo is secured to the deck rails to reduce the risk of the load becoming loose or shifting unexpectedly.
- Do not install accessories, including tie-down
cleats, storage boxes,
or similar equipment, at more than the following
number of mounting locations on each deck
rail.
- Side rail:
Short deck-ax. 3 locations
Long deck-ax. 4 locations
- Side rail:
- Distribute the tie-down and support locations as evenly as practical along the length of the rails rather than concentrating them in one area.
- Do not exceed a combined tensile load of 440 lb. (200 kg) on any individual deck rail.
- To keep luggage or cargo from sliding forward during braking, confirm that deck rail accessories, such as a storage box, are firmly and correctly attached to the Toyota Tacoma deck rails before driving.
Capacity and distribution
The amount of cargo that can be carried safely depends on the combined weight of all occupants riding in the vehicle.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) - (Total weight of occupants)
Use the following steps for determining the correct load limit for the Toyota Tacoma -
(1) Find the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on the vehicle placard.
(2) Calculate the combined weight of the driver and all passengers who will be riding in the vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from the specified XXX kg or XXX lbs. value.
(4) The remaining figure represents the available cargo and luggage load capacity that can be added to the vehicle.
For example, if the "XXX" value is 1400 lbs. and five passengers weighing 150 lb each will be riding in the vehicle, the remaining cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750 (5 X 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the total combined weight of all luggage and cargo that will be placed on or in the vehicle.
This combined cargo weight must not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If the Toyota Tacoma will be towing a trailer, part of the trailer load will be transferred to the vehicle and must be included when determining the available carrying capacity.
Refer to the appropriate section of this manual to determine how trailer load reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of the vehicle.
Calculation formula for your vehicle
- Cargo capacity
- Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)
When 2 people with a combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in the Toyota Tacoma, and the vehicle has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg), the remaining amount available for cargo and luggage will be C lb. (kg), calculated as follows:
B*2 lb. (kg) - A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb.
(kg)
*1:A = Weight of people
*2:B = Total load capacity
*3:C = Available cargo and luggage
load
Under these conditions, if 3 additional passengers with a combined weight of D lb. (kg) enter the vehicle, the remaining cargo and luggage capacity will be reduced to E lb. (kg), as shown below:
C lb. (kg) - D*4 lb. (kg) = E*5 lb.
(kg)
*4:D = Additional weight of people
*5:E = Available cargo and luggage
load
As demonstrated in the example above, an increase in the number or combined weight of occupants reduces the amount of cargo and luggage that can be carried by the same amount. If the additional occupant weight causes the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and luggage to exceed the total load capacity of the Toyota Tacoma, the amount of cargo and luggage must be reduced until the vehicle is within the specified load limit.
WARNING
Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following items can create a fire hazard if they are carried in the luggage compartment:
- Containers or receptacles holding gasoline
- Aerosol cans
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions when loading cargo or personal belongings.
Failure to follow them may prevent the pedals from being operated properly, obstruct the driver's field of vision, or allow unsecured objects to strike the driver or passengers, potentially causing an accident or serious injury.
- Do not stack cargo or other items behind the front seats higher than the top of the seatbacks, as elevated items may shift during vehicle movement.
- Do not place cargo, luggage,
or loose objects in or on the following locations.
- At the driver's feet or anywhere that could interfere with pedal operation
- On the front passenger or rear seats when items are stacked
- On the instrument panel
- On the dashboard
- On an auxiliary box or tray that does not have a lid
- Secure all loose items carried in the occupant compartment so they cannot move unexpectedly while the Toyota Tacoma is being driven.
- Never permit anyone to ride in the rear deck. This area is not designed or equipped for passenger use. All occupants should ride in designated seats with their seat belts correctly fastened. A person riding in the rear deck is much more likely to suffer death or serious bodily injury during sudden braking, abrupt steering, or an accident.
Capacity and distribution
- Never exceed the specified maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle weight rating.
- Even when the combined occupant weight and cargo load remains below the total load capacity, do not distribute the load unevenly. Poor weight distribution can adversely affect steering and braking control, increasing the risk of death or serious injury.
