"The Tundra tows 12,000 pounds" is true for exactly one family of configurations. Others are rated thousands of pounds lower, and the biggest swing factors are packages (the SR Package on a 2022+ truck, the tow package on a 2007 to 2021 truck) rather than cab or drive. Toyota prints a rating for every model code in the owner's manual, so this guide lays them out by era instead of repeating the headline.
Where these numbers come from. The "GCWR and TWR" tables in Toyota's owner's manuals for the 2013, 2016, 2020 (2nd gen), 2024, 2025 and 2026 Tundra (3rd gen). TWR is the maximum trailer weight, loaded; GCWR is the maximum for truck and trailer together. The 2025 manual covers both the gas truck and the hybrid, and the 2026 gas table matches 2024 and 2025.
2022+ Tundra (3rd Gen)
Gas i-FORCE V6, from the 2024, 2025 and 2026 owner's manuals. Toyota rates the truck two ways: with the SR Package (8,300 lb on every cab, bed and drive) and without it (the higher numbers). The 2024 manual lists every model code; the 2025 and 2026 manuals list the same ratings except for one CrewMax code (VXKA71L-PRUZZA) that no longer appears.
| CAB | BED | DRIVE | WITH SR PACKAGE | WITHOUT SR PACKAGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cab | Standard | 2WD | 8,300 lb | 11,400–12,000 lb |
| Double Cab | Long | 2WD | 8,300 lb | 11,370 lb |
| Double Cab | Standard | 4WD | 8,300 lb | 11,110–11,200 lb |
| Double Cab | Long | 4WD | 8,300 lb | 11,090 lb |
| CrewMax | Short | 2WD | 8,300 lb | 11,310–11,400 lb |
| CrewMax | Standard | 2WD | n/a | 11,180–11,270 lb |
| CrewMax | Short | 4WD | 8,300 lb | 11,050–11,160 lb |
| CrewMax | Standard | 4WD | n/a | 10,870–11,010 lb |
The 12,000 lb Tundra is the 2WD Double Cab with the standard bed, model code VXKA70L-CRUSZA, without the SR Package (GCWR 17,770 lb). Every other configuration in the manual is lower.
i-FORCE MAX hybrid (CrewMax), from the 2025 manual:
| BED | DRIVE | TOWING (TWR) | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short | 2WD | 11,380–11,450 lb | 17,700 lb |
| Standard | 2WD | 11,350 lb | 17,700 lb |
| Short | 4WD | 10,290–11,130 lb | 17,000–17,700 lb |
| Standard | 4WD | 10,960–11,060 lb | 17,700 lb |
Ratings vary by model code; the 4WD short-bed code VXKH75L-PSVUZA is the low end at 10,290 lb, so check your label.
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants plus luggage) is the number that limits a heavy tow. The manuals list 1,475 to 1,575 lb for the gas Double Cab, 1,300 to 1,445 lb for the gas CrewMax (2024) and 1,290 to 1,420 lb for the hybrid (2025). Tongue weight comes out of that number. Example: a 12,000 lb trailer at Toyota's 9% to 11% puts 1,080 to 1,320 lb on the hitch, and the 12,000 lb truck's capacity weight is 1,555 lb, so the driver, passengers and everything in the cab and bed share about 235 to 475 lb.
Hitch and trailer rules (3rd gen manual): sway control above 2,000 lb, a weight-distributing hitch above 5,000 lb, and a multi-axle trailer recommended above 3,000 lb. Fifth wheel and gooseneck: kingpin weight should be 14% to 16% of the trailer weight, and the manual notes that current fifth wheel trailer designs are not compatible with the CrewMax short bed.
2014 to 2021 Tundra (2nd Gen, 5.7L V8 and 4.6L V8)
From the 2016 and 2020 owner's manuals. Everything here is the 5.7L V8 unless noted. The tow package and the large fuel tank both change the rating.
| CAB, ENGINE | WITHOUT TOW PACKAGE | WITH TOW PACKAGE | TOW PACKAGE + LARGE TANK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Regular Cab, 5.7L | 8,300–8,500 lb | 10,200–10,500 lb | 10,100–10,400 lb |
| 2016 Double Cab, 5.7L | 7,900–8,300 lb | 9,800–10,300 lb | 9,500–10,200 lb |
| 2016 CrewMax, 5.7L | 7,800–8,100 lb | 9,800–10,100 lb | 9,100–10,000 lb |
| 2016 Double Cab or CrewMax, 4.6L | 6,400–6,800 lb (no package split, GCWR 12,500 lb) | n/a | n/a |
| 2020 Double Cab, 5.7L | 7,800–8,300 lb | 9,800–10,200 lb | 9,100–10,100 lb |
| 2020 CrewMax, 5.7L | 7,800–8,100 lb | 9,700–10,100 lb | 8,800–9,900 lb |
The 2016 4.6L V8 ratings are 6,800 lb (Double Cab 2WD), 6,500 lb (Double Cab 4WD), 6,700 lb (CrewMax 2WD) and 6,400 lb (CrewMax 4WD). The 2020 manual lists only the 5.7L in its Double Cab and CrewMax tables, so we do not publish a 2020 4.6L number. The highest rating in these two manuals is 10,500 lb, on the 2016 Regular Cab 2WD with the tow package.
2007 to 2013 Tundra (2nd Gen, Early)
From the 2013 owner's manual, which lists three engines.
| CAB | ENGINE | WITHOUT TOW PACKAGE | WITH TOW PACKAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab | 4.0L V6 | 4,800–4,900 lb | n/a |
| Regular Cab | 4.6L V8 2WD | 7,100 lb | 8,600 lb |
| Regular Cab | 5.7L V8 | 8,100–8,400 lb | 9,200–10,400 lb |
| Double Cab | 4.0L V6 | 4,500 lb | n/a |
| Double Cab | 4.6L V8 | 6,400–6,700 lb | 7,900–8,200 lb |
| Double Cab | 5.7L V8 | 7,800–8,100 lb | 9,700–10,100 lb (long bed 9,800–10,000 lb) |
| CrewMax | 4.6L V8 | 6,200–6,600 lb | 7,700–8,100 lb |
| CrewMax | 5.7L V8 | 7,700–8,000 lb | 9,000–9,900 lb |
The 4.0L V6 is rated for only 4,500 to 4,900 lb. On a 4WD Regular Cab with the 5.7L, the rating is 9,200 lb with the 20-inch tires and 9,700 lb with the 18-inch tires, a footnote worth knowing if you swapped wheels.
The Numbers That Actually Limit You
- GCWR: truck, passengers, gear and trailer, together. Weigh the loaded truck.
- Tongue weight: 9% to 11% of the trailer weight for a conventional hitch, which counts against the truck's capacity weight.
- Trailer brakes: required above the 1,000 lb unbraked limit.
- Sway control and weight distribution: sway control above 2,000 lb; a weight-distributing hitch above 5,000 lb (2020 manual onward).
- Maintenance: towing moves a Tundra onto Toyota's severe-service schedule. See our Tundra maintenance schedule and Tundra fluid capacities. If your 2022 or newer truck is part of the engine recall, read the V35A recall explained before towing heavy.
Bigger tires do not change Toyota's rating, but they raise your effective gearing and make a heavy tow harder on grades. See our regear chart and the Tundra and Sequoia tire fitment guide.
Links below are affiliate links: toyotadata earns a commission from VEVOR and, as an Amazon Associate, from qualifying Amazon purchases, at no extra cost to you.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Weight-distributing hitch with sway control, rated for your trailer | Required above 5,000 lb on the 2022+ Tundra. Match the rating to the trailer's tongue weight | Shop on Amazon |
| Tekonsha Primus IQ proportional brake controller (1 to 3 axles) | Trucks without the factory trailer brake controller (the manuals have a separate section for them). Toyota advises against adding a third-party controller to a truck that has the factory one | Shop on Amazon |
| REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty brake controller (1 to 2 axles) | Alternative for trucks without the factory controller, 1 to 2 axle trailers | Shop on Amazon |
| LED trailer light kit, 10 to 30 V | Replacement or utility trailer lighting | Shop at VEVOR |
| Trailer hitch lock kit, fits 1-7/8, 2 and 2-5/16 in couplers | Locks the coupler when parked | Shop at VEVOR |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Toyota Tundra?
12,000 lb, on the 2022 and newer 2WD Double Cab with the standard bed and no SR Package (model code VXKA70L-CRUSZA). That is the highest rating in Toyota's 2024, 2025 and 2026 owner's manuals.
How much can a Tundra with the SR Package tow?
8,300 lb. Toyota rates every 2022+ gas Tundra with the SR Package at 8,300 lb regardless of cab, bed or drive.
How much can the Tundra hybrid tow?
10,290 to 11,450 lb, depending on model code, per the 2025 owner's manual. The hybrid is listed for the CrewMax only.
How much can a 5.7L Tundra tow?
7,700 to 8,500 lb without the tow package and 8,800 to 10,500 lb with it, across the 2013, 2016 and 2020 manuals. The low end of the second range is a 2020 CrewMax with the tow package and the large fuel tank; the 2WD Regular Cab with the tow package holds the high end at 10,400 to 10,500 lb.
How much can a 4.6L Tundra tow?
6,200 to 6,800 lb across the 2013 and 2016 manuals without the tow package (up to 8,600 lb on the 2013 Regular Cab with it).
Does 4WD reduce Tundra towing capacity?
Slightly, in every manual we read. For example, the 2022+ gas Double Cab standard bed is 11,400 to 12,000 lb in 2WD and 11,110 to 11,200 lb in 4WD.
Can a Tundra pull a fifth wheel or gooseneck?
The 3rd gen manual gives a kingpin weight target of 14% to 16% and notes that current fifth wheel designs are not compatible with the CrewMax short bed. Check your own truck's rating and your trailer's kingpin weight before buying.
Related Guides
- Toyota Towing Capacity Chart: Every Truck and SUV
- Sequoia Towing Capacity by Year
- Tacoma Towing Capacity by Year and Trim
- 2nd Gen Tundra Troubleshooter
- 3rd Gen Tundra Troubleshooter
Sources: Toyota Tundra owner's manuals (2013 OM34491U, 2016, 2020, 2024 OM0C056U and OM0C065U, 2025 OM0C071U gas and hybrid, 2026 OM0C084U), "GCWR and TWR" and "Vehicle capacity weight" tables, trailer tongue and kingpin weight sections.
Keep reading
The Toyota Truck Home Garage Tool List: What You Need for Every Job
To do your own oil, tire, brake and fluid work on a Toyota truck you need six things: a 3-ton floor jack, a pair of jack stands, a 1/2-inch click torque wrench that reaches at least 100 ft-lb (154 ft-lb for steel wheels on a 2024+ Tacoma or 2022+ Tundra), a metric socket set, an OBD2 scanner, and a drain pan. That kit costs roughly $300–400. Add a fluid pump for differential and transmission fills, a vacuum coolant filler, and a smoke machine for EVAP codes and you can handle almost every job on our maintenance schedules. Toyota's lug nut torque is 83 ft-lb on 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas and 97 ft-lb on aluminum wheels for the 4th gen Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia and Land Cruiser 250, per the owner's manuals.
Toyota Towing Capacity Chart: Every Truck and SUV (2026)
Tundra up to 12,000 lb (2022+ gas, 2WD Double Cab, no SR Package; 11,450 lb hybrid). Sequoia up to 9,520 lb (2023+). Tacoma up to 6,500 lb (2024+; 6,800 lb on a 2016 to 2023 2WD V6 Access Cab). 4Runner 6,000 lb (2025+; 5,000 lb for 2010 to 2024). Land Cruiser 250 6,000 lb (2025+, GCWR 12,725 to 12,945 lb). These are maximums: many configurations are rated lower, so use the door-jamb label for your truck.
Toyota Tundra V35A Engine Recall Explained (2022–2024 Tundra, LX, GX)
Toyota has recalled about 272,000 gas-engine trucks across three NHTSA campaigns for the same problem: machining debris left in the 3.4L twin-turbo V35A engine can damage the main bearings, which can lead to engine knock, a stall and loss of power. 24V381 (2022–2023 Tundra and LX600, 102,092 vehicles) replaces the engine. 25V767 (2022–2024 Tundra, LX, and the 2024 GX550, 126,691 vehicles) and 26V320 (2024 Tundra, 43,566 vehicles) inspect the #1 main bearing with software and drive data, and replace the engine if needed. Toyota's codes: 24TA07/24TB07 and 25TA14/25TB14 (Toyota), 24LA04/24LB04 and 25LA07/25LB07 (Lexus). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. All figures from NHTSA recall reports.
Toyota Tundra Maintenance Schedule: 5k to 120k Mile Checklist (2007–2025)
Both generations: rotate tires every 5,000 miles, change 0W-20 oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months, replace the cabin and engine air filters every 30,000, re-torque the propeller shaft bolts every 15,000, and replace engine coolant at 100,000 then every 50,000. 2nd gen 5.7L V8 (2007–2021): spark plugs at 120,000. 3rd gen i-FORCE (2022+): spark plugs every 40,000 miles, plus the intercooler coolant at 100,000 and a brake booster vacuum pump inspection at 120,000. Tow or drive dirt roads? Oil every 5,000, transfer case oil every 30,000, ATF at 60,000 and 120,000. From Toyota's 2013, 2020 and 2024 Tundra maintenance guides.