Towing capacity of the current model

I'm looking into getting a 2023 or 2024.

What I would be getting:

SR-5 or above, crew max, short bed. So looks like my tow capacity would be 11,160?

Looks like there's only one tow package which makes things easy. Any other options I should be concerned with?

 

How much do you plan to tow? Generally speaking, advertised tow capacities are unrealistic because you will run out of payload before ever getting close to the advertised max.

If you want to tow over 8000 lbs. you'll be happier with a bigger truck. Even at 8000 it'd be a better experience in a 3/4 or 1 ton than any 1/2 ton.

 

So even though the towing capacity is quite good, payload on our Tundras is not and is usually a limiting factor (unless one chooses to ignore it, which many do)

Keep in mind that the more options and luxury you have, higher trim levels, sunroofs, etc. eat away at your payload.

Tongue weight is going to be 10-15% of the trailer weight. 10% is a BARE minimum... I prefer how my trailer handles with a heavier tongue, more like 13%.

 

Dammit Godzilla, for having those short little Godzilla arms, you type fast!

 

Not as short as @T-Rex266 arms!

 

The only thing I will be towing is my Jeep on a trailer. I'm not 100% sure how much the Jeep weighs, but thinking around 5500 lbs. I don't have the trailer yet. Probably going to get something just large enough for the Jeep, nothing fancy. So not sure how much they weigh, but more capacity is better.

The other trucks I'm considering are the RAM 1500 and Ford F150. Most likely going with the Tundra or RAM. With the RAM, with the 3.21 gears (most common), tow capacity is 8100. If I find one with 3.92 gears, capcity goes up to 11,220. Though that gear set is not as common or have to pay more for a higher model.

F150 seems less likely, but tow capacity with the 3.5EB engine appears to be a minimum of 10,000 lbs and up to 11,200.

Since it will mostly be a DD, I'm not considering a larger truck. Towing would probably only be 5 times per year at most.

 

Also remember the “up to” is a barebones truck so the manufacturer can brag about its numbers. A higher trim or adding options will lower those numbers, esp payload as mentioned above.

 

Again, ignore the towing capacity and look at payload instead.

 

Payload lists 1,485 – 1,665. So the Jeep being probably around 5000lbs + the trailer (not sure what the trailer would weigh). So basically saying a half ton can't/shouldn't tow a Jeep on a trailer?

 

I'm saying you have to figure out the weight of you and all the passengers and stuff in your truck plus the tongue weight of the trailer and compare that to the payload capacity. Also remember to check the sticker on the inside of the driver's door of any truck you intend to buy for the real world payload as the brochure is optimistic.

 

I would guess the Jeep is less than that, probably under 4K for a 2 door, a little over if 4 door. You should be able to get the curb weight, specs for your model on Edmunds, or similar.

A trailer capable of hauling the Jeep will probably be 2,000 lbs.+/-

You can get away with slightly less tongue weight on a car hauler than you can with a big enclosed trailer... COG is lower and it's less affected by wind.

You should be okay.

 

Thanks for the detailed reply! Nice collection of Jeeps there! Mine is an 06 LJ. I haven't looked at trailers yet, but sounds like 18' (or larger) would be the way to go. Possibly an aluminum trailer, but those are very pricey.

Strongly considering a '24 or even a '23 depending on how financing goes with new vs. used. Whereas RAM and Ford get confusing with offering too many different configurations, Toyota makes it simple. I've been lookin at around the $55K range and it seems to have all the options I would want. Black grille instead of chrome. Comes with the tow package and many other things that I like. RAM seems to default to chrome grille and bumper. You can get black or color matched, but that pushes them closer to $60K+ for the same options.

Then you have Ford with too many options. The closest to the Tundra is the 3.5EB that is also in the $60K+ range for the same features.

 

Yes, that's a big consideration. I would only get a trailer if I can keep it in my back yard which would require a gate that I don't have yet. Though when I'm wheeling, it would be pretty much be left in the desert available for a thief. So might not get aluminum because of that. It would definitely be better for towing. Also much more attractive to thieves when there's nobody visible for miles.

 

When my dad is storing his boat for winter, he takes one wheel off the trailer and leaves it up on blocks.

 

Good idea if it's going to be sitting for a while. Thieves are lazy.