The 2021 Toyota Tundra is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks because of its powerful engine, comfortable cabin, and outstanding predicted reliability rating. It’s also a solid workhorse that can help you transport heavy loads on a construction site or during a weekend camping trip, thanks to its excellent towing capability. Check out this comprehensive guide to the towing capacity of the 2021 Toyota Tundra.
2021 Toyota Tundra Overview
Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by danielctw
The 2021 Toyota Tundra is available in six trim levels to cater to a wide range of truck buyers: the base SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, the off-road-ready TRD Pro, and the top-of-the-line 1794 Edition. It also comes in two body styles, which are Double Cab and CrewMax Cab. Additionally, you have three different bed lengths to choose from, including 5 feet 5 inches, 6 feet 5 inches, and 8 feet 1 inch.
Regardless of the trim level, the Toyota Tundra is equipped with a potent 5.7-liter V-8 engine that generates 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine gives the truck a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds. The Tundra delivers a fuel economy rating of 13/17 mpg (city/highway).
Towing Capacity Of The 2021 Toyota Tundra
The towing capacity of the 2021 Toyota Tundra may vary depending on a number of factors, including the trim level, body style, drivetrain, and towing features. The following is a look at the tow ratings of different Tundra trims:
SR And SR5
The SR and SR5 may be the lowest trim levels, but they certainly pack a punch when it comes to towing. In fact, you should choose one of these two trims if you want to get the highest towing capacity out of your Toyota Tundra. These models can pull up to 10,200 pounds in the Double Cab configuration if they’re fitted with rear-wheel drive and the 6-foot-5-inch bed.
It’s important to note that adding certain features may reduce the Tundra’s tow rating. If you don’t need the maximum towing capacity, you may want to opt for a model that has a more comfortable cabin, better feature content, or greater off-road capabilities.
Platinum And 1794 Edition
The Platinum and 1794 Edition come in only one body style, the CrewMax Cab. They can tow up to 9,400 pounds with rear-wheel drive or 8,800 pounds with four-wheel drive. While these higher trims can’t tow as much as the SR and SR5, they’re equipped with plenty of standard features to strike the perfect balance between performance and comfort.
TRD Off-Road
If you’re planning to drive your Toyota Tundra away from the pavement on a regular basis, you should get the TRD Pro. As the best off-roader in the lineup, this model comes standard with an array of off-road features for tackling tough terrain, including TRD Pro front shocks, Fox rear shocks, a front skid plate, and front tow hooks. It’s no slouch in the towing department either, delivering a towing capacity of 10,100 pounds with the Double Cab body style and rear-wheel drive.
Factors That Affect Tow Rating
The engine of the 2021 Toyota Tundra has the biggest impact on its work capabilities. However, you also need to take other factors into consideration if you want your truck to deliver optimal towing and hauling performance. To achieve a higher tow rating, you should go for the Double Cab body style instead of the CrewMax Cab and the regular bed rather than the long one. This is because the truck’s final curb weight affects the amount of weight it can pull.
Also, choosing rear-wheel drive over all-wheel drive results in better towing capabilities. A rear-wheel drive Tundra provides better handling and more traction when it’s loaded, which enables it to tow and haul a larger amount of weight without compromising stability and safety.
Bear in mind that the towing capacity of a pickup truck is often significantly higher than its payload capacity. The reason is that most of the weight of the trailer is on the axles, while the weight of the cargo rests on the suspension. The axles are able to support considerably more weight than the suspension. Before you use your Toyota Tundra to tow or haul a heavy load, it’s essential to do a bit of math to ensure you don’t overload the truck.
Available Tow Package
The 2021 Toyota Tundra not only comes with standard features that enhance its towing capabilities, but it also offers a tow package for maximum towing performance. This package includes the following features:
- Upgraded rear axle gear ratio: The tow package increases the rear axle gear ratio of the Toyota Tundra by 4.3:1, making it an appealing option for buyers who intend to tow or haul extremely heavy loads.
- Integrated trailer brake controller: When you’re towing a trailer, this feature will adjust the amount of trailer braking according to the weight of the trailer. It works with the trailer sway control system to detect trailer sway and apply more brake pressure to the wheels that need it.
- Supplemental coolers: Towing can put a lot of strain on your truck’s engine. This can result in excessive heat that causes the engine oil to break down at a faster rate. Without proper lubrication, your powertrain will likely experience more wear and tear and reach the end of its lifespan much sooner. The tow package has supplemental coolers for the engine and transmission oils, which can help prevent overheating.
- Heavy-duty alternator and battery: The Toyota Tundra has an array of features that use electrical power during towing, such as the electronic trailer brake controller and trailer lights. The standard alternator and battery may not be able to generate enough electricity to keep these extra features running for an extended period of time. By getting the tow package, you’ll have a heavy-duty battery and a 170-amp alternator for handling the extra load.
If you’re interested in getting the 2021 Toyota Tundra, feel free to stop by Panama City Toyota for a test drive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
