How Much Weight Can a Toyota Tundra Carry In Its Bed?

There is so much to like about the Toyota Tundra. The full-size truck has a towing capacity of 10,500 pounds, which is more than what its competitors offer. 

It is also available in a choice of V8 engines, making it one of the top models when you need power.

Although some of the used models cannot match the technology advancements offered by the competitors, such as Ford and Ram, the Tundra still performs exemplary. 

How much can this truck carry in its bed?

How Much Can a Toyota Tundra Carry In Its Bed? 

The Toyota Tundra has a payload capacity of 1,560 pounds. This means that you can place a load of more than 1,000 pounds in its bed if all the seats are occupied by passengers. 

The amount of weight you can place on the bed is dependent on the number of passengers in the truck and their weight. 

Every passenger in the truck, besides the driver, reduces the payload capacity by an amount of their weight. 

The amount you can carry in your Tundra’s bed is equal to the payload capacity of the truck (1,560 pounds) minus the weight of the passengers and any cargo in your cabin. 

What are the Bed Configurations of the Toyota Tundra? 

Most of the Tundra models are rated at 1,560 pounds, but the size of the bed may limit the amount of cargo you bring in your Tundra. You need a Tundra that will meet your lifestyle.

There are several bed configurations and bed features designed to fit your lifestyle. 

Here are the most common bed lengths for your Tundra:

Short Bed

This is a 5.5-foot bed that offers you plenty of space for your tools and equipment and other items you need to bring along. 

The bed comes with the CrewMax cabin that seats up to five passengers. 

Standard Bed

If you need to bring longer items in your bed, you can get a standard 6.5-foot bed. 

Long Bed

This is the longest bed at 8.1 feet long. The 6.5-foot and 8.1-foot bed are available with the Double Cab Toyota Tundra. 

This Double Cab model offers seating for six passengers. 

Toyota also offers a long list of bed features and accessories to make it easier for you to haul a load. 

These accessories allow you to customize your truck for the amount and length of load you want to bring. 

You can make the Tundra accommodate the load you want to bring with the following features:

• Bed Extender – The extender allows you to lengthen your bed beyond manufacturer dimensions. You can use the extender when you need to haul awkwardly shaped items. The provided powder-coated extender adds two extra inches to your bed when you lower your tailgate.
• Bed Lighting Kit – Toyota offers a lighting kit with six LED lights along the sides of the bed. This way, you can load and unload your bed even at night. 
• Bed Mat – A bed mat protects your truck’s bed from damage and from dirt. With a bed mat, you can ensure your bed doesn’t have gouges, dents, scratches, and dirt. This way, the bed will not crack or rust. 
• Cargo Divider – The Cargo divider offers you an easier way to transport your cargo while keeping them safe and in separate categories. 
• BedStep – This is a 300-pound capacity step that allows you to unload your truck’s bed. It comes in handy for tall and short people alike. 

What Does a Toyota Tundra Offer? 

The Tundra is a work truck. It may not have the advanced tech features you get in newer truck models from Ford and Ram, but it hauls and tows heavy loads. 

It is in competition with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado. 

Since 2007, Toyota has not made any major upgrades to the Tundra. There have been a few styling changes over the years, but the features have remained the same.

Used models come with a choice of two engines; a standard 4.6L V8 and an optional 5.7L V8.

For the 2020 model, Toyota ditched the smaller engine so that motorists only have the 5.6L model. 

You will miss features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but these are available in the 2020 and later models. 

The infotainment interface is intuitive and easy to use. 

Its cabin layout might feel dated, but it is worth it for the price of the Tundra. 

If you want to tow or haul, the standard V8 engine and the 4.30 axle ratio allow you to pull more than 10,000 pounds behind the truck and haul more than what competitors allow. 

Its TRD lineup offers a host of features to enable you to drive off the road. 

You will get the Tundra in double cab, crew cab, and the large CrewMax configurations and there are three bed lengths. 

Its V8 engine generates 381 horses and 401-pound feet of torque. 

This engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with a rear-wheel drivetrain. 

There is an optional four-wheel drivetrain for when you need to go off the road. 

There are size trim levels to choose from, including SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and the TRD Pro. 

For the 2021 model, Toyota launched two new editions; the Trail Edition and the Nightshade Special Edition packages, which are optional on some trims. 

The base SR trim offers standard features, such as:

• Seven-inch trailer brake control 
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto 
• Seven-inch touchscreen 
• Six-speaker audio system 
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision mitigation 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Automatic high beams

The SR5 and other trims are a step-up from what the SR trim offers. 

With the SR5 and higher trims, you will get packages of features, such as the SR5 upgrade package, convenience package, trail edition, TRD Sport package, and the premium audio with navigation package. 

These packages add a host of features for truckers who are looking for a Tundra that competes with the Fords and Rams. 

What Can You Tow with a Toyota Tundra? 

If you want to carry more than the Tundra can accommodate in its bed, you should tow the cargo in a trailer.

Regardless of the trim level you choose, the towing capacity of a Tundra remains the same. 

The truck can tow a maximum of 10,200 pounds when well-equipped and in the correct configuration. 

It can tow a minimum of 8,800 pounds, so you know you are getting more than average towing capacity. 

With most models, especially after the 2020 model, which only has one engine option, you will get about 9,000 pounds.

The difference in the towing capacities comes about due to the configuration of the vehicle and how heavy the vehicle is. 

If you need a vehicle that tows more and carries more in its bed, you need a relatively light vehicle, such as the SR and SR5. 

The drivetrain also affects how much the vehicle will tow with the 4×2 models towing more than the 4×4 models. 

You can tow a boat, horse trailers, and recreational trailers among others with ease. However, you shouldn’t approach the towing limitations so closely as this means you lose control of your vehicle. 

Why You Should Avoid Overloading Your Toyota Tundra

Although the Tundra is a work truck, it has its limits. In most cases, your Tundra will not carry more than 1,000 pounds in its bed. 

You can increase the payload capacity of your truck by bringing fewer passengers into the cabin. 

If only the driver is in the cabin, you save the power for more cargo in the bed. You also need to equip your bed right with accessories, such as bed extenders and dividers. 

When you do that, your truck will be customized for the cargo you need to carry. 

If you overload your truck, you strain the engine, the transmission system, and the suspension system. 

Continued strain increases the rate of wear and tear on the system components.

Further, your truck will be more challenging to control if you overload it. 

A truck that is challenging to control puts you and other drivers at risk of an accident. 

Closing Thoughts

Toyota Tundras may not have the most advanced technologies, but they are ideal when you need to tow heavy loads. 

It also offers you a roomy interior and several safety features to keep you safe on the road.

Further, you can bring the Tundra on an off-road trip. If you have one of the off-road packages, the Tundra will drive better. 

Its 4×4 drivetrain also makes the Tundra handle rugged terrain with much ease. 

Compared to the competitors, Toyota Tundra is better placed to handle heavy loads on and off the road. 

It may not have the luxurious features you get in the latest Ford F-150, but it is a truck you can rely on. 

To start carrying cargo on your Tundra, ensure you have the right accessories. 

Further, ensure you distribute the cargo on the bed in a way that you do not strain the rear suspension. 

The bulk of the cargo should be as close to the cabin as possible.