Tow package not reflected in tow capacity on the door sticker

Sorry for the multiple posts, but don't beat yourself up over the purchase. I think you're going to be fine. Definitely read the Towing Bible sticky - tons of good information. Take your time to do it right when you're towing, and try to be smart when choosing your routes to avoid the steepest grades.

Finally, about cops checking your sticker and the trailer weight - I've heard dozens of people claim they "heard about someone," but I have yet to hear a single person in any forum (TW, Reddit, or otherwise) who has actually had that happen personally. I think it's a wives tale (at least for pickups). Maybe if you were pulling a 6x12 Uhaul with a VW Beetle, but they won't bat an eye at a Taco. Like I said earlier, in a lawsuit you could definitely face trouble, but no way some state trooper is going to do that on a traffic stop.

Congrats on the trailer - enjoy!

 

Is it possible you have a junkyard door from a different Taco?

 

Actually, I was told it was a class III. Mmm another thing I should’ve checked myself. I am supposed to have a class III hitch for the TT I bought. The delivery guy added the 2” hitch to my truck when I picked up my trailer and didn’t say anything. Thanks for the info.

 

Thanks for all the advice Zaitsev77! Andrew61987, I don’t think so. No accidents on carfax and it really is in great condition.

 

Whomever told you that may have meant that you have at least a class III. Both IIIs and IVs have 2" tubes whereas IIs are 1-1/4", so by a quick glance one could see that it's at least a class III.

 

That's great! You're definitely good to go if the Toyota VIN check shows a factory installed tow package. Still strange that the sticker says 3500, but unless you're OCD about that, I wouldn't waste any more time with dealers. The VIN check is definitive. You have a 6500 lb tow rating. Cheers!

P.s. It's never a waste of time when someone learns something.

 

You are right!! The VIN is king! Phew! Now on to managing the weight of my TT so I don’t max the GVWR. Thanks again.

 

Just an FYI - if it has the tow package it comes from the factory with a class IV hitch. A class III is rated for 6000lbs max. A class IV is up to something like 10000 lbs. In any event you are set up to tow your trailer no problem. So tow it and enjoy it.

 

Not seeing a listed tow capacity. Are my eyes closed?

 

The tow capacity is not listed on the tag on the door jamb on any Tacoma as far as I know. If I’m wrong I’m sure someone will post a pic.

 

Thanks, Clearwater, Bill. Looks like another lesson I was told by a tech at the dealer that the tow info was on the door sticker but because tow package wasn’t listed with the VIN #, he could tell me that it lists 3500 lb tow capacity. I just assumed it was hidden in the codes. Now that I’m learning what the codes mean, I’m realizing he was just saying stuff. You are right....it doesn’t look like its listed. All this started with 2 dealers telling me it wasn’t listed as having a tow package. I should’ve just looked it up myself...would’ve saved myself many sleepless nights. I have to remember to catch ‘assumptions’ and verify myself. I so appreciate this forum.

 

Don't beat yourself up. It's a shame we can't trust the dealers/mechs to know what they're talking about and give you the facts. There are way too many stories here on TW of people catching "trained" or "certified" mechs in a flat out lie or not knowing something pretty basic. Stick around TW and you'll realize the incredible pool of knowledge and experience on here.

And as the Ruskies say, Doveryai, no proveryai.

 

For peace of mind, here is the site for towing capacity by model year...

Scroll down until you see model year of your truck:

https://www.toyotamarin.com/toyota-tacoma-towing-capacity/