Can a 2025 Toyota Tacoma tow a Malibu Wakesetter 21 LX?
No
We estimate a loaded Malibu Wakesetter 21 LX on its trailer at about 7,620 lb. 4 are not rated for it.
Check your exact setup (add your door-sticker payload and real trailer weight)
Malibu Wakesetter 21 LX loaded towing weight
| Approx. dry weight (Malibu) | 5,000 lb |
| Engine(s): included in the maker's weight (inboard) | 0 lb |
| Fuel: 55 gal x 6.1 lb/gal (full tank) | 336 lb |
| Gear allowance: 10% (batteries, anchor, coolers, safety gear, T-top/options) | 534 lb |
| Trailer: ESTIMATE, 35% of boat + engine (no trailer weight published) | 1,750 lb |
| Estimated loaded trailer weight | 7,620 lb |
Drain ballast before towing.
2025 Toyota Tacoma towing ratings vs this boat
| Engine / package | Published rating (lb) | Tow | Payload | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR (2.4L i-FORCE) | 3,500 | FAIL | CAUTION | FAIL |
| XtraCab, i-FORCE (non-SR) | 6,500 | FAIL | CAUTION | FAIL |
| Double Cab, i-FORCE (non-SR) | 6,400 | FAIL | CAUTION | FAIL |
| Double Cab, i-FORCE MAX hybrid | 5,950–6,000 | FAIL | CAUTION | FAIL |
"Published rating" is the lowest–highest conventional (ball-hitch) rating Toyota prints for that engine/package across cab, bed, drive and axle choices. PASS means the loaded trailer is at or under 80% of the lowest rating. Toyota: ratings per SAE J2807; payload includes occupants, cargo and options.
Tongue weight vs payload
Tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer: about 762–1,143 lb. That comes out of your truck's payload along with everyone in the cab, so with two adults (300 lb) you need roughly 1,062–1,443 lb of payload before any cargo in the bed.
SR (2.4L i-FORCE) FAIL
FAIL 7,620 lb is over every published rating for this engine/package (max 3,500 lb).
CAUTION At 15% tongue weight you'd need 1,443 lb of payload vs 1,230 lb.
SR is limited to 3,500 lb.
XtraCab, i-FORCE (non-SR) FAIL
FAIL 7,620 lb is over every published rating for this engine/package (max 6,500 lb).
CAUTION At 15% tongue weight you'd need 1,443 lb of payload vs 1,230 lb.
FAIL Max tongue weight for this truck/hitch is 650 lb.
Double Cab, i-FORCE (non-SR) FAIL
FAIL 7,620 lb is over every published rating for this engine/package (max 6,400 lb).
CAUTION At 15% tongue weight you'd need 1,443 lb of payload vs 1,380 lb.
FAIL Max tongue weight for this truck/hitch is 640 lb.
Double Cab, i-FORCE MAX hybrid FAIL
FAIL 7,620 lb is over every published rating for this engine/package (max 6,000 lb).
CAUTION At 15% tongue weight you'd need 1,443 lb of payload vs 1,420 lb.
FAIL Max tongue weight for this truck/hitch is 595 lb.
Confirm with your door-jamb sticker and owner's manual. Your exact truck's rating depends on cab, bed, drive, axle ratio, options and tires, and your boat's real weight depends on its engine, options, fuel and gear. When in doubt, weigh the rig at a CAT scale.
Gear you may need
Placeholder links (not affiliate links yet). Disclosure.
Trailer brake controller
Boat trailers over about 3,000 lb usually need working trailer brakes (check your state's law); an electric-over-hydraulic or electric setup needs a controller in the truck.
Class IV receiver hitch & ball mount
Match the ball mount drop to your trailer so the boat rides level; the hitch rating must cover the full loaded trailer.
Tongue weight scale
The only way to know your real tongue weight (10-15% of the loaded trailer) before it eats your payload.
Sources
- 2025 Toyota Tacoma: Toyota 2025 Tacoma Product Information (Weights & Capacities / Towing), checked 2026-10-29
- Malibu Wakesetter 21 LX: Malibu model page (Approx. dry weight, fuel capacity), checked 2026-10-29
- Method and assumptions: How we calculate
Related checks
Other boats with a 2025 Toyota Tacoma
- Grady-White Fisherman 236 (~7,640 lb)
- Tidewater 232 CC (~7,770 lb)
- Sportsman Open 232 (~7,380 lb)
- Sportsman Heritage 231 (~7,380 lb)
- Grady-White 251 CE (~7,350 lb)
- MasterCraft NXT22 (~7,270 lb)