Toyota Tacomas are amazing short bed trucks that pack a lot of power in their compact builds. There are several different variations and models in the Toyota Tacoma family and they all have different towing capacities and payloads. This can make it tricky when you want to pick the perfect camper for your Tacoma.
So for comparison, here are some of the basic statistics on the different models of Toyota Tacomas as well as different campers they can tow.
| Model Name: | Tacoma SR | Tacoma SR5 | Tacoma Limited | Tacoma TRD Off-Road | Tacoma TRD Sport | Tacoma TRD Pro |
| Towing Capacity: | 3,500 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. | 6,400 lbs. | 6,700 lbs. | 6,800 lbs. | 6,400 lbs. |
| Payload: | 1,620 lbs. | 1.620 lbs. | 1,120 lbs. | 1,420 lbs. | 1,540 lbs. | 1,155 lbs. |
| Dry Weight: | 3,980 lbs. | 3,980 lbs | 4,480 lbs. | 4,180 lbs. | 4,060 lbs. | 4,445 lbs. |
These specifications only cover the base models of these different Toyota Tacomas. There are a lot of different options, upgrades, and special features within each of these subclasses. For more information on each type, as well as a comparison between each of the models, visit Toyota’s website for Tacomas.
The towing capacity is the most important measurement for most types of campers, but the payload will come into play with campers such as fifth wheels. As it currently stands, Toyota Tacomas have towing capacities that range from 3,500 lbs. to 6,800 lbs. This is a pretty wide range and it covers a lot of different shapes, sizes, and varieties of camper.
| Camper Type | Dry Weight |
| Pop-up Trailer | 600-4,000 lbs. |
| Fifth Wheel | 2,400-20,000 lbs. |
| Teardrop Trailer | 520-2,000 lbs. |
| Airstream | 2,500-4,000 lbs. |
As you can see, there are a lot of different options for your Toyota Tacoma if you’re interested in getting a camper. Each of these different types have their own pros and cons, as well as certain models that are well suited to the specifications of a Toyota Tacoma! Below we’ll explore each type of camper, their special needs, and a few models that are great for Tacomas.
Pop-up Trailers
Pop-up trailers are basically smaller versions of travel trailers that you can pull with any vehicle with a high enough towing capacity. They use simple ball hitches on the bumpers of their tow vehicle or a weight-distribution hitch for heavier models.
Pop-up trailers are generally lighter and more compact than full luxury models and they’re kind of a mix between trailers and tents. When driving, they can fold into a smooth and streamlined exterior, and when parked, flaps from the side fold-out, which contain beds and create additional living space for a campsite.
These fold-outs are generally covered with layers of fabric or canvas. This helps them to stay flexible, and also creates great airflow inside once all the windows are opened. Pop-up trailers are great for people who like the comforts of a trailer, with some of the openness and flexibility of tent camping.
The most important measurement if you want to tow a pop-up trailer is the tow capacity of your car. In this case, you need to pick a trailer that has a tow capacity that falls within the boundaries of what your specific Toyota Tacoma can handle.
Look at the dry weight of any models you’re interested in, and try to calculate how much you’ll be packing into these trailers. Dry weights are recorded when the trailer is completely empty of luggage, water, fuel, etc. Once you’ve got them loaded up, they can be much heavier than you might have intended.
Try to stay at least 20-35% below your maximum tow capacity to create a safety margin for yourself!
That being said, there are a lot of pop-up trailers that should fit very nicely into this range. I’ve picked out three of my favorites, and there’s a little information on each one below.
Flagstaff Tent 208
- Dry Weight: 1,896 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 255 lbs.
This pop-up trailer offers two beds, one on either side of the floor plan. in between the two is a kitchen and dining space with plenty of seating for everyone! There’s also a 9-inch awning over the entrance and attachments for an exterior gas grill.
For more information on this pop-up trailer, as well as ordering options and upgraded features, visit their website here.
Rockwood Hard Side Pop-up A213HW
- Dry Weight: 2,670 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 372 lbs.
This is a funky pop-up trailer that has plenty of space for cooking, dining, sleeping, and relaxing. This model has an unconventional shape that’s much more triangular than others and it has a set of twin beds, a few kitchen appliances, a large dinette, and even an interior bathroom!
For more information on this pop-up trailer, as well as ordering options and upgraded features, visit their website here.
Jay Sport 12UD
- Dry Weight: 1,895 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 240 lbs.
The Jay Sport pop-up trailer has a set of large beds on either side of the layout as well as two dinettes on the inside! This one also has a good amount of storage space so you can pack things in convenient and out-of-sight places! It also comes with a carryout stove for outdoor cooking.
For more information on this pop-up trailer, as well as ordering options and upgraded features, visit their website here.
Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels are one of the most difficult types of camper to fit with Toyota Tacomas. As you can see in the table above, they have weights that range from 2,400 lbs. to a whopping 20,000 lbs!
This means that it’s not impossible to find a fifth wheel that you can tow, but that it is going to be harder to find a good match. There’s such a wide market of models, and many of them are created to be huge luxury models that are quite heavy.
Obviously, the issue of towing capacity is present here, but the biggest thing to watch for with fifth wheels is their payload weight. A lot of smaller trucks have a high tow capacity, but a low payload. This means that they can pull heavy loads behind them, but the truck bed isn’t built to handle the hitch weight that comes with a fifth wheel.
When you’re checking to see whether or not your chosen camper will work, look at the hitch weight. This is the portion that will be putting weight in the truck bed, so it’s the most important thing to know when you’re dealing with payload restrictions.
The hardiest Toyota Tacoma on this list has a payload limit of 1,620 lbs. This can limit your options. You’ll have to look for campers that fit both your tow capacity and payload restrictions. Fifth wheels are specifically designed to be towed by trucks though, so if you can find a good model, it will be a natural fit for you!
I’ve found a couple of fifth wheels that meet some of the general criteria for Toyota Tacomas. These are compact, light, and comfortable little campers that will provide great living spaces on any trip.
Scamp 19′ Deluxe Lite
- Dry Weight: 2,400 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 400 lbs.
The Scamp is a great little fifth wheel that offers a lot of bang for your buck. The overhang that goes over the truck bed has been converted into a loft with a queen-sized bed and it also offers a full kitchen and dinette. There’s even a small bathroom included too! This is a great living space that has all the essentials you need.
For more information on this fifth wheel, as well as ordering options and additional features and product specifications, visit their website here.
Escape 5.0 TA
- Dry Weight: 3,810 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 630 lbs.
This fifth wheel has all the amenities and comforts that you need for a great trip! The interior is finished entirely with oak paneling and the loft contains a queen-sized bed. There’s even a stand-up shower and a kitchen with all the appliances you need. The storage space in this unit is also considerable.
For more information on this fifth wheel, as well as ordering options and additional features and product specifications, visit their website here.
Teardrop Trailers
Teardrop trailers are a great camper option for anyone with a lower towing capacity and a sense of adventure! These miniature travel trailers are super easy to tow behind just about any type of vehicle. They’re light, aerodynamic, and are sometimes small enough that they won’t even block your rearview mirror!
This small size doesn’t mean that they can’t do anything though. Teardrop trailers come in a lot of different forms. Some of them have lots of fold-outs and extensions that make them great for outdoor cooking. Some maximize their storage space to double as storage and equipment haulers. Others even offer a good amount of sleeping space!
Teardrop trailers are easy to fit with just about any type of tow vehicle because they’re so light and adaptable. Towing capacity is rarely a problem with this type of camper and payload doesn’t factor in here because their weight doesn’t rest in the truck bed.
If you’re worried about picking the right teardrop trailer, just keep an eye on their dry weight measurements and compare it with your Toyota Tacoma’s tow capacity. Generally, these will line up pretty smoothly, so teardrop trailers are probably the most stress-free option on this list.
You may sacrifice a bit of space and functionality, but these campers still manage to do a lot of things despite their small size. Besides, they’re often rounded and adorable to look at!
To help you in your search, here are some teardrop trailers that I think would be great matches for Toyota Tacomas.
Tab 320 CS
- Dry Weight: 1,951 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 157 lbs.
This teardrop trailer offers a lot of comforts and amenities in its limited floor plan. It has two separate sitting and sleeping spaces, as well as a combined toilet and wet bath. The front end of this trailer also has a kitchen set up and there’s storage throughout the unit.
For more information on this teardrop trailer, as well as ordering options, additional floor plans, and upgraded features, visit their website here.
Little Guy Mini Max
- Dry Weight: 1,933 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 280 lbs.
The Little Guy teardrop trailer is a classy and comfortable camper option. One end contains a wrap-around sofa/dinette that can be converted into sleeping space. There’s also a kitchen set up at the other end with a full-sized refrigerator. A good amount of storage space and a shower are also great benefits.
For more information on this teardrop trailer, as well as ordering options, additional floor plans, and upgraded features, visit their website here.
Timberleaf Classic Teardrop
- Dry Weight: 1,400 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 150 lbs.
Timberleaf teardrop trailers are built for adventuring! They’ve got hardy tires that are built for tough conditions. The exterior has a classy wood finish. The back opens up to reveal a kitchen setup and a good deal of storage. The inside is filled with a large bed and entertainment center, which creates a great place to relax after a long day of travel.
For more information on this teardrop trailer, as well as ordering options, additional floor plans, and upgraded features, visit their website here.
Airstreams
Airstream trailers are a variation on classic travel trailers. These are generally rounded on the ends and plated in a shiny metallic covering. They come in a variety of sizes, though their exterior appearance usually remains pretty consistent looking.
Airstreams generally don’t have slide-outs or extensions that fold out. Their living space is confined to the interior, which can sometimes restrict space. But they still surprise me with how much can fit comfortably inside!
Airstreams can be as long as 33 feet and as short as 16 feet. This is quite a range and some of the models are perfect for people who have Toyota Tocomas. Obviously, the smaller sizes are more likely to suit your needs but look around at the others as well. Some of the options might surprise you with how light they can be and how many comforts they offer.
These are more classic trailers and aren’t made as commonly now. If you’re interested in this style of camper, the first thing you’ll need to do is find a good source! There aren’t many places that sell new airstreams, but a fair amount of them are available second-hand. But there is still a niche market for new models, so check out airstream.com to check out all the offerings.
If you’re just interested in a quick overview of some Toyota Tacoma compatible models, I’ve picked out a few to discuss below.
Bambi 19CB
- Dry Weight: 2,900 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 430 lbs.
This airstream fits all of the amenities and comforts you could want! It’s got a bed tucked away in the back corner, a bathroom with a toilet and shower, a full kitchen set up, and a large dinette. It even comes with a full refrigerator and a good amount of storage!
For more information on this airstream, as well as different floor plans, upgraded features, and ordering options check out their website here.
Basecamp X
- Dry Weight: 2,585 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 410 lbs.
This airstream is extra compact and is a perfect little living space for people who need a place to rest on the road. The back half of this model has a dinette that can double as sitting or sleeping space. The front end is lined with counter space, cabinets, and kitchen appliances. A wet bath sits along the wall between the dinette and kitchen.
For more information on this airstream, as well as different floor plans, upgraded features, and ordering options check out their website here.
Nest by Airstream 16FB
- Dry Weight: 3,400 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 375 lbs.
This airstream has a unified living space and flow. The front of it has a large bed filling the space. One wall has additional seating and a large wardrobe, while the opposite wall has space for a wet bath and kitchen. Everything is designed to be cozy and comfortable.
For more information on this airstream, as well as different floor plans, upgraded features, and ordering options check out their website here.
