Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity By Year [2002 to 2020]

Are you thinking about buying a Toyota Tundra or already own one? Maybe you’re wondering how much it can tow.

Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive into the world of Toyota Tundra towing capacity by year.

The Toyota Tundra is a big, strong truck that’s been around since 2000. Over the years, it’s gotten better and better at towing heavy loads.

But how much can it pull? That depends on a few things – like what year your Tundra is, what engine it has, and whether it has a special towing package.

Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity By Year

In this guide, we’ll look at Tundra models from 2000 up to 2020.

We’ll break down the towing capacity for each year, talk about the different engines, and explain some important stuff you need to know.

Whether you’re planning to tow a boat, a camper, or just a bunch of stuff in a trailer, we’ve got you covered.

So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s explore the towing power of the Toyota Tundra through the years!

2020 Models

The 2020 Toyota Tundra is a real powerhouse when it comes to towing.

Let’s break it down:

• Towing Capacity Range: 8,800 to 10,200 pounds
• Engine: One option available (5.7L V8)
• Key Factors: Bed length, 2WD vs 4WD, towing package

Here’s a simple table to show you the differences:

Model	Towing Capacity
2WD with tow package	10,200 lbs
4WD with tow package	9,800 lbs
Without tow package	8,800 lbs

Important to know:

• The tow package makes a big difference – it can add up to 1,400 pounds to your towing capacity!
• 2WD models can generally tow a bit more than 4WD models.

2019 Models

The 2019 Tundra lineup offers more variety in engines and towing capacity:

• Towing Capacity Range: 6,400 to 10,200 pounds
• Engines: Three options available

Let’s look at each engine:

1. 1UR-FE Engine:
   • Towing range: 6,400 to 6,800 pounds
   • This is the smallest engine option
2. 3UR-FE Engine:
   • Towing range: 7,800 to 10,200 pounds
   • This is the most powerful option
3. 3UR-FBE Engine:
   • Towing range: 7,800 to 10,100 pounds
   • Very similar to the 3UR-FE, but can use E85 fuel

Key takeaway: The engine you choose makes a big difference in how much you can tow. If you need to pull heavy loads, go for the 3UR-FE or 3UR-FBE engines.

2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015 Models

These model years are pretty similar when it comes to towing capacity:

• Towing Capacity Range: 6,400 to 10,500 pounds
• Engines: Same three options as the 2019 model

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 1UR-FE Engine: 6,400 to 6,800 pounds
• 3UR-FE Engine: 7,800 to 10,500 pounds
• 3UR-FBE Engine: 7,800 to 10,500 pounds

Important note: Even though these years have the same engines, always check your specific model’s details. Things like bed length and whether you have 2WD or 4WD can change your towing capacity.

2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 & 2010 Models

Now we’re getting into some older models, but they still pack a punch:

• Towing Capacity Range: 4,500 to 10,500 pounds
• Engines: Four options available

Let’s look at each engine:

1. 1GR-FE Engine (4.0L V6):
   • Towing range: 4,500 to 5,200 pounds
   • This is the smallest engine, best for light towing
2. 1UR-FE Engine (4.6L V8):
   • Towing range: 6,200 to 9,000 pounds
   • A step up in power from the V6
3. 3UR-FE Engine (5.7L V8):
   • Towing range: 7,700 to 10,500 pounds
   • One of the most powerful options
4. 3UR-FBE Engine (5.7L V8, E85 compatible):
   • Towing range: 7,700 to 10,500 pounds
   • Same power as the 3UR-FE, but can use E85 fuel

Key point: These years offer a wide range of towing capacities. If you’re looking at these older models, make sure to check which engine it has to know how much it can tow.

2009 Models

The 2009 Tundra introduces some changes:

• Towing Capacity Range: 4,800 to 10,800 pounds
• Engines: Four options, slightly different from previous years

Here’s the breakdown:

1. 1GR-FE Engine (4.0L V6):
   • Towing range: 4,800 to 5,100 pounds
2. 2UZ-FE Engine (4.7L V8):
   • Towing range: 6,200 to 8,500 pounds
3. 3UR-FE Engine (5.7L V8):
   • Towing range: 8,100 to 10,800 pounds
4. 3UR-FBE Engine (5.7L V8, E85 compatible):
   • Towing range: 8,100 to 10,500 pounds

Interesting fact: The 2009 model year saw the introduction of the 3UR-FBE engine, which could use E85 fuel.

2008 & 2007 Models

These years mark a significant change in the Tundra’s design and capabilities:

• Towing Capacity Range: 4,800 to 10,800 pounds
• Engines: Three options available

Engine breakdown:

1. 1GR-FE Engine (4.0L V6):
   • Towing range: 4,800 to 5,100 pounds
2. 2UZ-FE Engine (4.7L V8):
   • Towing range: 6,200 to 8,500 pounds
3. 3UR-FE Engine (5.7L V8):
   • Towing range: 8,100 to 10,800 pounds

Important to note: The 2007 model year was a big redesign for the Tundra, making it much more powerful and capable of towing heavier loads compared to earlier models.

2006 & 2005 Models

Now we’re looking at the first-generation Tundra in its later years:

• Towing Capacity Range: 4,900 to 7,300 pounds
• Engines: Two options available

Let’s break it down:

1. 1GR-FE Engine (4.0L V6):
   • Towing range: 5,000 to 5,200 pounds
2. 2UZ-FE Engine (4.7L V8):
   • Towing range: 4,900 to 7,300 pounds

Key point: These models have significantly lower towing capacities compared to later years. If you need to tow heavy loads, you might want to look at newer models.

2004 & 2003 Models

These early Tundra models still offer decent towing capabilities:

• Towing Capacity Range: 4,900 to 7,400 pounds
• Engines: Two options available

Engine details:

1. 5VZ-FE Engine (3.4L V6):
   • Towing range: 5,000 to 5,200 pounds
2. 2UZ-FE Engine (4.7L V8):
   • Towing range: 4,900 to 7,300 pounds

Interesting fact: The V6 engine in these models is different from later years, but the V8 is the same as in 2005-2006 models.

2002, 2001 & 2000 Models

We’re now looking at the very first Tundra models:

• Towing Capacity Range: 4,750 to 7,200 pounds
• Engines: Same two options as 2003-2004 models

Here’s how they break down:

1. 5VZ-FE Engine (3.4L V6):
   • Towing range: Generally around 5,000 pounds
2. 2UZ-FE Engine (4.7L V8):
   • Towing range: Up to 7,200 pounds

Important note: Even though these are the oldest Tundra models, they still offer respectable towing capacity, especially with the V8 engine.

Do I Have A Towing Package Installed?

This is a great question, and it’s important to know because a towing package can boost your truck’s towing capacity.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What is a towing package? It’s a set of special parts that make your truck better at towing. This might include things like a stronger hitch, better cooling for the engine, and special wiring for trailer lights.
• How to check:
  1. Look for a hitch receiver under the back of your truck.
  2. Check for a trailer wiring connector near the hitch.
  3. Look for an extra cooler for the transmission fluid.
• Still not sure? The best way to know for sure is to take your truck to a Toyota dealer. They can look up your truck’s exact specs and tell you if it has a towing package.

Why it matters: A towing package can add up to 1,400 pounds to your towing capacity in some models. That’s a big difference!

Deciphering Engine Codes

Toyota uses some confusing codes for their engines. Let’s make it simple:

• 3UR-FE: This is a 5.7L V8 engine
• 3UR-FBE: Also a 5.7L V8, but it can use E85 fuel
• 1UR-FE: A 4.6L V8 engine
• 1GR-FE: A 4.0L V6 engine
• 2UZ-FE: A 4.7L V8 engine
• 5VZ-FE: A 3.4L V6 engine (found in older models)

Key takeaway: Generally, the bigger the engine (higher liter number), the more it can tow. V8 engines usually tow more than V6 engines.

What Is The Model Code?

The model code is like a secret code that tells you exactly what kind of Tundra you have. Here’s what you need to know:

• Where to find it: Look for a sticker either under the hood (on the back firewall) or on the driver’s side door pillar.
• What it looks like: It’s usually a string of letters and numbers, like “UCK51L-TRTSKA”.
• Why it matters: When you look up towing capacity in the owner’s manual, you often need this code to find the right information for your specific truck.

Pro tip: If you can’t find your model code, or you’re not sure what it means, a Toyota dealer can help you figure it out.

Cab Styles Affect Tow Capacity

The way your Tundra’s cab is set up can change how much it can tow. Here are the main types:

1. Regular Cab:
   • Two doors
   • Seats up to three people
   • Usually can tow the most because it’s the lightest
2. Double Cab:
   • Four doors
   • Smaller back doors and less rear legroom
   • Good balance of passenger space and towing capacity
3. CrewMax:
   • Four full-size doors
   • Most passenger space
   • Might tow slightly less than other models due to extra weight

Why it matters: The heavier your truck is, the less it can tow. So a lighter Regular Cab might be able to tow more than a heavier CrewMax, even with the same engine.

Resources I Used For The Tundras

If you want to dig deeper, here are the official Toyota owner’s manuals I used to get this information:

• 2020 Owner’s Manual
• 2019 Owner’s Manual
• 2018 Owner’s Manual
• 2017 Owner’s Manual
• 2016 Owner’s Manual
• 2015 Owner’s Manual
• 2014 Owner’s Manual
• 2013 Owner’s Manual
• 2012 Owner’s Manual
• 2011 Owner’s Manual
• 2010 Owner’s Manual
• 2009 Owner’s Manual
• 2008 Owner’s Manual
• 2007 Owner’s Manual
• 2006 Owner’s Manual
• 2005 Owner’s Manual
• 2004 Owner’s Manual
• 2003 Owner’s Manual
• 2002 Owner’s Manual
• 2001 Owner’s Manual
• 2000 Owner’s Manual

Pro tip: These manuals have a ton of useful info, not just about towing. They’re worth a look if you want to know more about your Tundra.

Conclusion

Wow, we’ve covered a lot of ground talking about Toyota Tundra towing capacity by year!

Let’s wrap it up with some key points to remember:

• Newer models generally tow more: The 2020 Tundra can tow up to 10,200 pounds, while the 2000 model maxed out at 7,200 pounds. That’s a big jump!
• Engines matter: Bigger engines (like the 5.7L V8) can usually tow more than smaller ones. If you need to tow heavy loads, look for models with larger engines.
• Towing packages make a difference: Having a towing package installed can increase your towing capacity by over 1,000 pounds in some cases.
• Cab style affects towing: Regular cabs often can tow more than CrewMax cabs because they’re lighter.
• Always check your specific model: Use your model code and owner’s manual to find the exact towing capacity for your truck.
• Towing capacity has improved over time: Toyota has made big improvements to the Tundra’s towing ability, especially with the 2007 redesign.
• Know your limits: Just because your truck can tow a certain weight doesn’t always mean it should. Always consider safety first.