Beginner’s Guide to Towing: What Can a Toyota Tacoma or Tundra Really Pull in Memphis, TN?
The Toyota® Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped, while the Toyota Tundra reaches up to 12,000 pounds with the right configuration. These numbers matter, but what do they actually mean for your weekend plans or work needs? For Memphis drivers new to towing, understanding capacity is just the starting point.
Whether you’re planning to pull a fishing boat to Pickwick Lake, haul a camper for a family trip, or transport equipment for work around the I-40 corridor, choosing between these two trucks comes down to matching capability to your specific situation. We’ve helped plenty of first-time towers from Memphis, Southaven, and Olive Branch figure out exactly what they need, and the answer isn’t always the bigger truck.
Understanding Towing Capacity: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull when properly equipped. This number varies significantly based on engine choice, drivetrain configuration, cab style, and bed length. The figure advertised by manufacturers assumes optimal conditions and specific equipment packages.
Here’s something many first-time towers don’t realize: that maximum towing number typically assumes you’re carrying only a driver. Add passengers, gear in the bed, and cargo inside the cab, and your effective towing capacity decreases. A safe rule of thumb is to stay at or below 80% of your truck’s maximum rated capacity for comfortable, controlled towing.
The 2025 Tacoma offers towing ratings between 3,500 and 6,500 pounds depending on trim and powertrain. The base SR with a 4-cylinder reaches 3,500 pounds, while the SR5 and TRD trims with the i-FORCE turbocharged engine can hit the 6,500-pound maximum. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain tops out at 6,000 pounds. Browse the new Toyota inventory to see which configurations are currently available.
Tacoma vs Tundra: Matching the Truck to Your Memphis Towing Needs
Choosing between these trucks depends on what you plan to tow regularly and how that fits into your daily driving. Both are capable, but they serve different purposes.
What You’re Towing
Typical Weight
Best Match
Jet skis or small utility trailer
1,500 to 3,000 lbs
Tacoma (any trim)
Bass boat or mid-size camper
3,500 to 5,500 lbs
Tacoma with tow package
Large boat or travel trailer
6,000 to 8,000 lbs
Tundra
Horse trailer or heavy equipment
8,000 to 12,000 lbs
Tundra with tow package
The Tacoma makes sense for drivers who tow occasionally and want a truck that’s also nimble for daily commuting through Memphis traffic. The Tundra is the choice when you’re consistently pulling heavier loads or need the full-size capability for work. Consider your financing options early to understand what fits your budget across both lineups.
Tongue Weight and Load Balance: The Safety Basics for Memphis Roads
Tongue weight is the downward force your trailer’s coupler exerts on your truck’s hitch ball. Getting this right matters more than most beginners realize, especially when navigating the hills and curves along I-240 or heading through the I-40/I-240 interchange.
Proper tongue weight should fall between 10% and 15% of your total loaded trailer weight. If you’re towing a 5,000-pound boat and trailer combination, the tongue weight should be approximately 500 to 750 pounds. Too little tongue weight causes trailer sway at highway speeds. Too much overloads your rear axle and compromises steering and braking.
💡 Did you know? The 2025 Toyota Tacoma and Tundra both offer available Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist, which uses your truck’s camera system to help you reverse a trailer in a straight line. This feature alone has saved countless new towers from frustration at boat ramps and campsites.
Memphis summers regularly push into the mid-90s with high humidity. Hot weather affects towing performance, as engines work harder to cool themselves while pulling weight. Both the Tacoma and Tundra are engineered to handle these conditions, but proper maintenance becomes even more important. Keep your service schedule current, especially transmission and cooling system checks before towing season.
Essential Towing Features on the 2025 Tacoma and Tundra
Modern towing technology makes pulling a trailer safer and less stressful than ever, particularly for beginners still building confidence.
Both trucks offer Trailer Sway Control as a standard feature. This system detects when a trailer begins to oscillate and automatically applies individual wheel brakes and reduces engine power to bring everything back in line. It’s a safety net that works without driver input.
The Tundra includes an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller on most trims, which coordinates your truck’s brakes with electric trailer brakes for smoother, more controlled stops. The Tacoma offers this as an available feature. Both trucks provide TOW/HAUL drive modes that adjust transmission shift points and throttle response for better performance under load.
💡 Pro tip: Before your first towing trip, practice reversing with your trailer in an empty parking lot. The steering inputs feel backward at first, and building muscle memory in a low-pressure environment prevents embarrassment at the campground or boat launch.
If you’re interested in seeing these features in action, schedule a test drive and ask about towing demonstrations.
Common Questions About Toyota Truck Towing Capacity
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped with the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, specific cab and bed configurations, and the available tow package. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain reaches a maximum of 6,000 pounds. Base models with the standard engine start at 3,500 pounds.
Can a Toyota Tacoma tow a camper?
Yes, a properly equipped Toyota Tacoma can tow many popular camper styles including teardrop trailers, pop-up campers, and smaller travel trailers. For campers weighing under 5,000 pounds, the Tacoma handles the job well. Larger travel trailers exceeding 6,000 pounds require the Tundra for safe, comfortable towing.
How much can a 2025 Toyota Tundra tow near Memphis?
The 2025 Toyota Tundra offers a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds when configured with the i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, rear-wheel drive, and the available tow package. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid models tow up to 11,450 pounds. Even the base SR trim can handle 8,300 pounds.
Do I need a special license to tow a trailer in Tennessee?
Most recreational towing in Tennessee requires only a standard driver’s license. A non-commercial Class A license may be required if the combined weight of your truck and trailer exceeds 26,000 pounds, which is rare for typical boat and camper towing. Always verify current Tennessee DMV requirements before towing.
Find the Right Towing Truck for Your Adventures
The right truck for towing depends on what you’re pulling, how often you’re pulling it, and what else you need the vehicle to do. The Tacoma delivers capable mid-size towing with daily-driver practicality. The Tundra provides full-size muscle for heavier loads and demanding work.
If you’re ready to explore which Toyota truck fits your towing needs, the team at Chuck Hutton Toyota can walk you through the options and help you understand exactly what each configuration can handle. Bring your questions about what you plan to tow, and we’ll help you make a confident choice.
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