Toyota Tacoma (N400, 2024-2026) Owner's Manual: Trailer Towing Guide and Safety

Your Toyota Tacoma is designed primarily for carrying passengers and cargo. Towing a trailer changes the way the vehicle responds and can affect handling, performance, braking capability, durability, and fuel consumption.

Contact your Toyota dealer if you need more information about additional towing requirements, including the possible need for a towing kit or other applicable equipment.

 Before towing

Before connecting a trailer and beginning your trip, check that all of the following conditions have been satisfied:

• Make sure the Toyota Tacoma tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
• Inflate the trailer tires according to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer.
• Verify that all trailer lights operate as required by applicable law.
• Check the trailer lights every time the electrical connection is made to confirm that they are functioning correctly.
• Make sure the trailer ball is positioned at the proper height for the trailer coupler.
• The trailer should remain level when hitched to the vehicle. Do not drive if the trailer is not level. Check for possible causes such as incorrect tongue weight, overloading, worn suspension components, or another condition affecting trailer position.
• Make sure all trailer cargo is properly loaded and securely restrained so it cannot shift while traveling.
• Confirm that the rear view mirrors comply with all applicable federal, state/provincial, and local requirements. If the installed mirrors do not meet these requirements, install rear view mirrors that are suitable for towing.

WARNING

Trailer towing precautions

Trailer towing requires extra caution. Operate the Toyota Tacoma according to the trailer's handling characteristics, load, and current operating conditions.

Failure to drive appropriately while towing could lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury. The stability and braking performance of the vehicle-trailer combination depend on trailer stability, brake adjustment and effectiveness, and the hitch system. Expect the vehicle to handle, accelerate, and stop differently when a trailer is attached.

To avoid accident or injury

• Never exceed the specified TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR, or GAWR limits.
• If the gross trailer weight exceeds 2000 lb. (900 kg), use a sway control device with adequate capacity for the trailer.
• If the gross trailer weight exceeds 5000 lb. (2200 kg), a weight-distributing hitch with sufficient capacity is required.
• Keep the tongue weight within the specified range and distribute the trailer load appropriately. Position heavier items as close as practical to the trailer axle.
• Do not drive faster than 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit, or the maximum speed specified in your trailer owner's manual, whichever is lowest. Reduce speed well before entering a turn, when driving in crosswinds, or when traveling on wet, slippery, or otherwise difficult road surfaces to reduce the risk of an accident.

  If the Toyota Tacoma and trailer begin to show signs of instability at a particular speed, reduce your speed gradually and keep the vehicle below the speed at which the instability occurred.

• Avoid abrupt steering inputs, jerky maneuvers, and sharp turns while towing.
• Do not brake suddenly unless necessary, as abrupt braking can cause the trailer or vehicle to skid, possibly leading to jackknifing and loss of control. The risk is especially high on wet or slippery roads.
• Do not exceed the allowable trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight, or trailer tongue weight capacities specified for the Toyota Tacoma.
• Be aware that certain Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 functions may operate differently or may be unavailable while towing.
• Before descending a steep or extended downhill grade, reduce speed and downshift as appropriate. Avoid making sudden downshifts while traveling down a steep or long descent.
• Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely to occur on steep, extended downhill grades, so additional caution and careful speed control are required.

  Before descending a steep or extended downhill grade, reduce speed and downshift before beginning the descent. Do not make abrupt downshifts while traveling down steep or long downhill grades. Avoid keeping the brake pedal depressed continuously for too long or applying the brakes repeatedly more often than necessary.

  Excessive brake use on a long descent can cause the brakes to overheat and may lead to reduced braking performance and longer stopping distances.

• Do not tow a trailer when a temporary spare tire is installed on the Toyota Tacoma.

When towing a trailer

Toyota recommends using trailers equipped with brakes that comply with all applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.

• If the gross trailer weight exceeds the unbraked TWR, the trailer must be equipped with brakes. Toyota recommends using a trailer braking system that meets all applicable federal and state/provincial requirements.
• Never connect or tap into the Toyota Tacoma hydraulic brake system for trailer braking purposes, as doing so can reduce the vehicle's braking effectiveness and compromise safe operation.
• Never tow a trailer without a safety chain securely connected to both the trailer and the vehicle.

  If the trailer coupling assembly or hitch ball becomes damaged or separates, a properly attached safety chain can help prevent the trailer from moving freely into another traffic lane.

Towing related terms

 GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)

GCWR is the maximum permitted gross combination weight. Gross combination weight is calculated as the combined total of the complete Toyota Tacoma vehicle weight (including all occupants, cargo, and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) plus the weight of the trailer being towed, including all cargo carried inside or on the trailer.

 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

GVWR is the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight. The gross vehicle weight represents the total actual weight of the vehicle. When the Toyota Tacoma is towing a trailer, this includes the vehicle itself, occupants, cargo, any optional equipment installed on the vehicle, and the trailer tongue weight applied to the hitch.

 GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

GAWR specifies the maximum allowable gross axle weight. Gross axle weight is the actual load carried by each individual axle, including the front and rear axles.

1. Front GAWR
2. Rear GAWR

 TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

TWR is the maximum permitted gross trailer weight. Gross trailer weight includes both the weight of the trailer itself and the total weight of cargo carried by the trailer.

The Toyota Tacoma TWR is calculated on the basis of a base vehicle carrying one driver, one front passenger, the applicable towing package (if available), and the required hitch and hitch systems.

Any additional optional equipment, extra passengers, or cargo carried in the vehicle reduces the available trailer weight rating as necessary to keep the combination within the specified GCWR, GVWR, and GAWR limits.

If the gross trailer weight is greater than 3000 lb. (1360 kg), Toyota recommends using a trailer equipped with 2 or more axles.

1. With brakes

 Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)

Unbraked TWR is the maximum trailer weight rating applicable when towing a trailer that does not have its own trailer service brake system.

1. Without brakes

 Tongue Weight

Tongue weight is the downward load that the trailer places on the trailer hitch ball when connected to the Toyota Tacoma.

Weight limits

• The actual gross trailer weight must never exceed the applicable TWR specified in the table.
• The combined weight of the vehicle and trailer must never exceed the GCWR listed in the table.
• The gross vehicle weight of the Toyota Tacoma must never exceed the GVWR shown on the Certification Label.
• The gross axle weight carried by each axle must remain within the GAWR shown on the Certification Label.
• If the gross trailer weight exceeds the unbraked TWR, the trailer must be equipped with service brakes.
• If the gross trailer weight exceeds 2000 lb. (900 kg), a sway control device with adequate capacity is required to control trailer movement.
• If the gross trailer weight exceeds 5000 lb. (2200 kg), a weight-distributing hitch with sufficient capacity is required.

GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR

Before towing with the Toyota Tacoma, verify that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight, and trailer tongue weight all remain within their specified limits. Each applicable rating must be respected when determining whether a particular trailer and load can be towed safely.

 GCWR* and TWR*

Double Cab models

*: The applicable model code can be found on the Certification Label.

Xtra Cab models

*: Refer to the Certification Label to identify the vehicle's model code.

 Unbraked TWR*

The Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating is 1000 lb. (453 kg).

*: These models satisfy the tow-vehicle trailering requirements established by SAE International under SAE J2807.

Trailer Tongue Weight and Trailer Kingpin Weight

• The recommended tongue weight or kingpin weight depends on the type of trailer and the towing configuration being used, as described below.
• To obtain the recommended weight values shown below, load the trailer according to the following guidelines and verify the distribution before towing.
  • Conventional Towing

For conventional towing, distribute the gross trailer weight so that the tongue weight is between 9% and 11% of the gross trailer weight. (Tongue Weight/Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%). Correct load placement is important because moving cargo within the trailer changes the amount of weight applied to the hitch.

1. Gross trailer weight
2. Tongue Weight

When a weight distributing hitch is used for towing, adjust the system so that the front axle returns to the same weight it carried before the trailer was connected.

If the front axle weight cannot be measured directly, measure the height of the front fender above the front axle before attaching the trailer. After connection, adjust the weight distributing hitch torque until the front fender returns to the same height recorded before the trailer was connected.

Do not adjust the weight distributing hitch in a way that lowers the front fender height below the original measurement.

The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight, and tongue weight can be checked using platform scales, such as those commonly available at highway weighing stations, building supply companies, trucking companies, junk yards, or similar facilities. Measuring these values provides a practical way to confirm that the Toyota Tacoma and trailer remain within the required towing limits.

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies are produced with different weight capacities. Toyota recommends using a Toyota hitch/bracket designed for your vehicle. Contact your Toyota dealer for information about the appropriate hitch components for the Toyota Tacoma.

• If you plan to install a trailer hitch, consult your Toyota dealer before installation.
• Use only a hitch whose rated capacity meets the gross trailer weight requirements applicable to your vehicle and towing setup.
• Follow all installation and operating instructions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
• Apply a light coating of grease to the hitch ball and kingpin where specified.
• Remove the hitch ball whenever the Toyota Tacoma is not being used to tow a trailer. If the trailer hitch itself is no longer required, remove it as well.

  After the hitch has been removed, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body so that water, dirt, or other substances cannot enter the vehicle through the exposed openings.

WARNING

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different maximum weight capacities, and those limits are established by the individual hitch manufacturer.

Even if the Toyota Tacoma itself is capable of towing a greater load, the driver must determine the maximum weight rating of the specific hitch assembly being used and must never exceed the rating specified for that trailer hitch. Exceeding the manufacturer's hitch weight limit can cause component failure, loss of trailer control, or an accident resulting in death or serious personal injury.

NOTICE

When installing a trailer hitch

Install the trailer hitch only in the mounting position recommended by your Toyota dealer for the Toyota Tacoma.

Do not attach the trailer hitch directly to the bumper, as an incorrect mounting location may cause damage to the vehicle body or related components.

Selecting trailer ball

Select a trailer ball that is correctly sized and rated for the trailer and towing application being used with your Toyota Tacoma.

1. Trailer ball load rating
   The trailer ball rating must match or exceed the gross trailer weight rating of the trailer being towed.
2. Shank length
   The shank must extend beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2 full threads after installation.
3. Shank diameter
   The shank diameter must match the diameter of the ball mount hole.
4. Ball diameter
   The trailer ball diameter must match the required size of the trailer coupler.

   Most trailer couplers are stamped or marked with the correct trailer ball size, making it possible to verify compatibility before connection.

Positions for towing hitch receiver

1. Weight carrying ball position: 50.2 in. (1276 mm)
2. Hitch receiver pin hole position: 43.8 in. (1113 mm)

 Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

Regardless of the tow hitch class being used, the trailer ball must be positioned at the proper height relative to the trailer coupler. Correctly matching these heights provides a more secure and appropriate trailer connection before towing with the Toyota Tacoma.

1. Coupler
2. Trailer ball

Connecting trailer lights

Connect the trailer lighting system using the wire harness located at the rear of the vehicle.

The Toyota Tacoma tow lighting system is designed to provide up to 64 watts/5 amps of electrical current per side, right and left, for the trailer brake/turn signal light functions.

If you have questions about the trailer lighting connection, wiring capacity, or proper installation, contact your Toyota dealer.

 Auto current cut-off function

If an overcurrent condition occurs, the automatic cut-off function interrupts electrical power to the affected trailer lights, protecting the vehicle's electrical system from possible damage.

The function activates when the rated current limit for any of the following trailer lighting circuits is exceeded:

• Stop/turn signal light (right): maximum 5 A
• Stop/turn signal light (left): maximum 5 A

 When the auto current cut function is activated

If a trailer light fails to illuminate because the auto current cut function has activated, the affected lighting system must be reset before normal operation can be checked again.

Perform the appropriate reset procedure described below.

• If a tail light does not illuminate, turn the headlight switch off.
• If the right-side stop/turn signal light does not illuminate, return the turn signal to the off position or remove your foot from the brake pedal.
• If the left-side stop/turn signal light does not illuminate, return the turn signal to the off position or remove your foot from the brake pedal.

If the emergency flashers fail to operate, press the emergency flasher switch to turn the flashers off before resetting the system.

After the lighting system has been reset, operate the corresponding light switches again and confirm whether the trailer lights now function normally.

If normal trailer light operation is not restored, have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer.

 Trailer lights operation check function

The trailer light operation check can be started using the meter control switches. Follow the display instructions for the applicable Toyota Tacoma meter configuration.

Vehicles with 7-inch display

1. Press or on the meter control switch to select .

2. Press or to highlight "Vehicle Settings", then press and hold the required control to open the corresponding settings menu.

3. Press / to move through the menu and select "Trailer Light Check", then press to confirm the selection.

4. Press to begin the trailer light check sequence.

Vehicles with 12.3-inch display

1. Press and hold until the cursor appears in the content display area at the center of the multi-information display.

2. Press or on the meter control switches to select " Settings", then press to enter the menu.

3. Press or until "Vehicle Settings" is highlighted, then press and hold to access the available vehicle settings.

4. Press or to locate and select "Trailer Light Check", then press to confirm.

5. Press to start the trailer light check.

The trailer light check automatically runs through the following cycle: Brake lights Left turn lights Right turn lights. Observe the trailer during the sequence to verify that each corresponding light operates correctly.

 The trailer light check is operational when

The Toyota Tacoma trailer light check can be used only when all of the following operating conditions are satisfied:

• The vehicle is completely stopped.
• The shift lever is in P on vehicles with an automatic transmission, or in N as applicable.

NOTICE

Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not connect trailer lights by directly splicing them into the vehicle wiring.

Directly splicing trailer light wiring may damage the Toyota Tacoma electrical system and can result in improper operation or an electrical malfunction.

Trailer towing tips

The Toyota Tacoma will respond differently when a trailer is attached, particularly during turning, braking, acceleration, and reversing. To reduce the risk of an accident, death, or serious injury, observe the following precautions whenever towing:

• Trailer towing speed limits vary between states and provinces.

  Always observe the applicable posted towing speed limit for the road on which you are traveling.

• Toyota recommends limiting the vehicle-trailer combination to 65 mph (104 km/h) on a flat, straight, and dry road. Never exceed this recommended speed, the posted towing speed limit, or the maximum towing speed specified in your trailer owner's manual, whichever value is lowest.

  Vehicle-trailer instability and trailer sway become more likely as road speed increases. Traveling too fast for the conditions can lead to loss of control of both the Toyota Tacoma and the trailer.

• Before beginning a trip, inspect the trailer lights, trailer and vehicle tires, and all connections between the vehicle and trailer.

  After traveling a short distance, stop in a safe location and check these items again to confirm that the connections remain secure.

• Before towing in normal traffic, practice turning, stopping, and reversing with the trailer attached in a safe area away from other vehicles. Continue until you are familiar with how the Toyota Tacoma and trailer respond as a combined unit.
• Reversing with a trailer attached requires additional care and practice. Hold the lower part of the steering wheel and move your hand toward the left when you want the trailer to move left. Move your hand toward the right when you want the trailer to move right. This steering technique is generally opposite to the movement used when reversing without a trailer. Avoid abrupt, sharp, or prolonged steering movements, and when possible have another person guide you while reversing to reduce the risk of a collision or other accident.
• Because the distance required to stop increases when towing a trailer, leave more space between the Toyota Tacoma and the vehicle ahead. A larger following distance provides additional room for controlled braking with the added trailer load.

  As a general following-distance guideline while towing, allow at least one combined vehicle-and-trailer length for every 10 mph (16 km/h) of vehicle speed. Increase this distance whenever road, weather, or traffic conditions require more room for safe braking.

• Avoid sudden or hard braking, as the Toyota Tacoma or trailer may skid, which can cause the trailer to jackknife and may lead to loss of vehicle control. The risk is greater on wet, icy, or otherwise slippery road surfaces.
• Avoid abrupt starts and rapid acceleration while towing. Apply power smoothly so the trailer load remains as stable as possible.
• Do not make abrupt steering inputs or sharp turns. Reduce speed before entering a turn and steer smoothly through it.
• Remember that during a turn, the trailer wheels track closer to the inside of the corner than the Toyota Tacoma wheels. Allow for this difference by using a wider turning radius than you would when driving without a trailer.
• Reduce speed before turning, when driving through crosswinds, or when traveling on wet, slippery, or otherwise unstable road surfaces.

  Higher vehicle speed can make the trailer less stable and increase the likelihood of sway.

• Use additional care when overtaking or passing other vehicles. A vehicle-trailer combination requires considerably more distance to complete the maneuver. After passing, remember the full length of the trailer and make certain there is sufficient clearance before moving back into the lane.
• Vehicles with an automatic transmission: When using engine braking, avoid using the transmission in D if greater engine-braking efficiency and charging system performance are required. When S mode is selected, use a transmission shift range of 5 or lower.
• Vehicles with a manual transmission: When relying on engine braking, do not use sixth gear. Selecting a lower appropriate gear preserves stronger engine-braking effect and the specified charging system performance.
• Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely when descending steep or extended downhill grades.

  Before beginning the descent, reduce speed and select a lower gear. Avoid sudden downshifts while traveling down steep or long grades, as smooth speed control is especially important when towing.

• Do not keep the brake pedal depressed continuously for an excessive period or apply the brakes repeatedly without allowing them to recover. Prolonged brake use can cause overheating and reduce braking effectiveness.
• Because a trailer places an additional load on the Toyota Tacoma, the engine may overheat on hot days, particularly at temperatures above 85ºF (30ºC), while climbing a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge shows that the engine is overheating, immediately switch off the air conditioning if it is operating, carefully move the vehicle off the road, and stop in a safe location.
• Whenever parking with a trailer attached, place wheel blocks under the wheels of both the Toyota Tacoma and the trailer. Firmly apply the parking brake and place the transmission in P on vehicles with an automatic transmission, or in 1 or R on vehicles with a manual transmission. Avoid parking the vehicle-trailer combination on a slope whenever possible. If parking on an incline cannot be avoided, complete the following procedure carefully:

1. Apply the brakes firmly and keep them depressed so the Toyota Tacoma and trailer remain stationary.

2. Have another person position wheel blocks securely under the wheels of both the vehicle and the trailer.

3. After confirming that the wheel blocks are correctly positioned, release the brakes slowly and allow the weight of the vehicle-trailer combination to settle against the blocks.

4. Apply the parking brake firmly and confirm that the vehicle remains securely held.

5. Shift the transmission into P on vehicles with an automatic transmission, or select 1 or R on vehicles with a manual transmission, then turn off the engine.

• When starting the Toyota Tacoma again after it has been parked on a slope, use the following sequence:

1. With the transmission in P on vehicles with an automatic transmission, or with the clutch pedal fully depressed on vehicles with a manual transmission, start the engine. On automatic-transmission vehicles, continue holding the brake pedal firmly while the engine is started.

2. Select the appropriate forward gear. If you need to move backward, shift the transmission into R.

3. If the parking brake is operating in manual mode, release the parking brake only when you are ready to move the Toyota Tacoma and trailer safely.

4. Release the parking brake (and the brake pedal as well on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission), then slowly move the Toyota Tacoma forward or backward away from the wheel blocks. Once the vehicle is clear of the blocks, stop and firmly apply the brakes again.

5. Have another person remove and retrieve the wheel blocks only after the vehicle and trailer are securely stopped.

 Break-in schedule

If the Toyota Tacoma is new or has been fitted with new power train components such as an engine, transmission, transfer on 4WD models, rear differential, or wheel bearing, Toyota recommends avoiding trailer towing until the vehicle has been driven for more than 500 miles (800 km). This initial driving period allows the new components to operate under normal loads before additional towing demands are introduced.

After the vehicle has accumulated more than 500 miles (800 km), trailer towing may begin. During the following 500 miles (800 km), however, keep the Toyota Tacoma below 50 mph (80 km/h) while towing and avoid full-throttle acceleration or other unnecessarily heavy power demands.

 Maintenance

• Regular trailer towing places additional load on the vehicle, so the Toyota Tacoma may require maintenance at more frequent intervals than during ordinary driving.

  Refer to the "Owner's Warranty Information Booklet" or the "Scheduled Maintenance Guide" / "Owner's Manual Supplement" for the applicable maintenance information.

• After approximately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing, check and retighten the fixing bolts for the towing ball and bracket. These fasteners should remain properly secured after the initial period of towing use.

 If trailer sway occurs

Trailer instability can be caused or intensified by crosswinds, passing vehicles, uneven or rough roads, and other driving conditions. These influences can affect the handling of both the Toyota Tacoma and the connected trailer and may cause trailer sway.

• If trailer swaying occurs:
  • Grip the steering wheel firmly and maintain steady control.

    Keep the vehicle pointed straight ahead. Do not attempt to correct trailer sway by repeatedly or sharply turning the steering wheel.

  • Immediately begin easing off the accelerator pedal in a slow, gradual manner to reduce speed. Do not accelerate in an attempt to pull out of the sway, and do not apply the vehicle brakes while the trailer is swaying.

If you avoid abrupt corrections with the steering wheel or brakes, the vehicle-trailer combination should gradually stabilize as speed decreases.

(If enabled, Trailer Sway Control may also assist in stabilizing the Toyota Tacoma and trailer.)

• After the trailer sway has stopped:
  • Pull over and stop in a safe location. Have all occupants exit the vehicle before inspecting the combination.
  • Inspect the tires on both the Toyota Tacoma and the trailer for any obvious condition that could have contributed to the instability.
  • Check how the cargo is positioned in the trailer and confirm that the load has not shifted during travel.

    If possible, verify that the trailer tongue weight remains within the appropriate range.

  • Inspect the load carried in the vehicle as well.

    After the occupants re-enter, confirm that the Toyota Tacoma is not overloaded and that the carried weight remains within the applicable limits.

If no mechanical, tire, or loading problem can be identified, the speed at which the trailer began swaying may be too high for that particular vehicle-trailer combination under the prevailing conditions.

Continue the trip at a lower speed to reduce the likelihood of further instability. Trailer sway generally becomes more pronounced as towing speed increases, so choose a speed that keeps the combination stable and predictable.

Dinghy towing

The Toyota Tacoma is not designed for dinghy towing with all 4 wheels remaining on the ground behind a motor home.

NOTICE

To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

Do not tow the Toyota Tacoma with all four wheels on the ground, as this towing method is not intended for the vehicle.