How Can I Get The Most Payload Capacity Out Of My 2016 Toyota Tacoma?

Question:

Hi. This is confusing me. My truck has a max payload of 1,000 pounds. My wife and I and the dogs total 400 pounds. The trailer Im looking at has a hitch weight of 425 pounds. That takes us to 825. Say the propane takes us to 875. If I add a good hitch that weighs 100 pounds am I overloading my vehicle? That takes me to 975. Im driving a 2016 Tacoma with the tow package. Something like 660 pounds on the hitch and 6600 towing capacity. It seems to me that the payload really limits me to a trailer with a hitch of maybe 350 pounds or so. Which isnt much trailer. Am I missing something in my calculations? Thank you so much! Al Bohall

asked by: Al B

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track with calculating your payload. It sounds like you will be at about 875 lbs including fuel. There is no way to effectively increase your max payload rating.

One suggestion I do have would be to install a trailer hitch like our etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98905. The hitch itself weighs only 35 lbs and is rated for up to 6,000 lbs towing. This should allow you to stay just under capacity. We are going to be pushing your truck near capacity, so anything we can do to cut weight will be highly beneficial.

Since we are pushing your truck near its limit, I recommend adding a transmission cooler like the Derale Dyno-Cool Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler part # D12902. This will help to reduce heat in your transmission and will help your vehicle tow better overall.

I did read over the online owners manual for Tacoma and it looks like the payload capacities can vary depending on your specific model of truck. It may be worth contacting a Toyota dealership with your VIN to confirm these specs if you have not already.

expert reply by: Jesse M