How much can the 2008 Toyota Tacoma tow?

In your article on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, you state that "When properly equipped, a Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds." What is needed to be properly equipped?

Tom B., Newport News, Va.

Tacomas with a 6,500-pound towing capacity are V-6 models with an optional towing package. The towing package includes a 130-amp alternator, heavy-duty battery, seven-pin trailer hitch connector with converter, auxiliary engine oil cooler, auxiliary transmission cooler plus a Class IV hitch. With the towing package, the gross combined weight rating is 11,100 pounds.

The package is combined with a more expensive option package, however, and isn’t available by itself. You can build your Tacoma at Cars.com, found here. Although you asked about the 2008 Tacoma, 2009 Tacomas are hitting dealerships and they can be built at Cars.com as well. You can also read about the 2008 Toyota Tacoma’s road test by our friend’s over at Pickuptrucks.com, here.

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Answered by Joe Bruzek on September 25, 2008 in I'm Just Wondering , What Car Should I Buy? | Permalink

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Joe,

I am looking at buying a used 2008 tacoma, 4.0L-V6, 4X4, crew cab, long bed. I intend to tow a travel trailer and need it to tow more than 3500 lbs. This vehicle does not have the tow package option and I am wondering if the necessary items can be added on to make the tow package (see your sept. 25, 2008 reply to the towing capacity of the tacoma). Me and my wife have been looking for this vehicle for a couple of months and it seems to be a rare item in our area (tucson, az)with the model/features we are looking for.

The price is right and I would only consider buying it if it is possible to add the tow package items to the existing vehicle so I can increase the tow capacity from 3500 lbs to 6500 lbs.

David


(Tacomas with a 6,500-pound towing capacity are V-6 models with an optional towing package. The towing package includes a 130-amp alternator, heavy-duty battery, seven-pin trailer hitch connector with converter, auxiliary engine oil cooler, auxiliary transmission cooler plus a Class IV hitch. With the towing package, the gross combined weight rating is 11,100 pounds.

The package is combined with a more expensive option package, however, and isn’t available by itself. You can build your Tacoma at Cars.com, found here. Although you asked about the 2008 Tacoma, 2009 Tacomas are hitting dealerships and they can be built at Cars.com as well. You can also read about the 2008 Toyota Tacoma’s road test by our friend’s over at Pickuptrucks.com, here.)

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