Thinking about a Tundra 4x4.

Will it tow a 7,000 pound travel trailer up and down the steep grades of the Rockies with ease.

What about towing mirrors?

At the present time I tow with a 2003, 7.3 Super Duty.

Thanks

Don't think so...

I like Tundras, but I doubt you'd be happy with towing performance switching to a lighter truck and a smaller engine.

Have a 6k pound RV.
Had an '01 w/ 7.3.
Have a Tundra w/ 5.7.
Will it do it? Yeah.
With ease? Depends on your definition.
If your truck has a chip or programmer, you may like it a little better.
If not, you may like the Tundra better.
Having owned both, the Ford was loud, rattled my teeth and bruised my kidneys.
The Tundra is quiet, smooth and way more comfortable of a vehicle to drive. The 5.7 is a pretty strong motor.
But if you have to be first up the mountain, and are looking to upgrade, you may consider an '11+ Ford with the 6.7 and coil over suspension.
Did I mention the Tundra is quieter and smoother?

For what you want to do in a 1/2 ton, think I'd look at the F150 with 3.5 Ecoboost. Obviously it's not a fair comparison to one of the new SD diesels.

Thanks all for reminding me that the Tundra really is a 1/2 ton.

I've got a 2016 Tundra 4x4 and a 1999 dodge/cummins ram 2500. The tundra has 381 HP, the Dodge has 235 HP. The dodge will out tow it all day, every day, no question, it's not even close.

The Tundra is a strong truck but it IS a half ton, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I'm not too enamored with Ford lately but if you have to use a half ton to tow in the mountains then the ecoboost is probably better due to the turbo, it won't lose as much power at altitude as the normally aspirated 5.7 in the Tundra.

Lots of hate here for the tundra...Yes it is a half ton, but it is one strong, reliably built half ton...I have a 2018 SR5 TRD DC 4X4 with 5.7 - tow rating 9800, 1600 payload. It has more than enough power for my tastes and I am coming from a 2016 ram 6.7....No it won't tow 7,8,9000 pounds like a deisel, but I tow a Jayco Octane 222 toyhauler that fully loaded with water, gas, gear, and razor is around 7700-8000 pounds and in the idaho mountains, my tundra tows this quite well and as fast as I want to go. I can take this load over a couple of our major mountain passes (banner summit, horseshoe bend hill, galena summit) at a constant 55-60 mph. My truck weighs 5700 pounds according to the door, so it does well in not letting the RV push it around either.

Just have to get use to towing in 3rd gear at a higher rpm when going over hills, but it does fine - tow haul mode really shines on these trucks. Now if I was towing more than i do - say 9-10+ thousand pounds, I would have a 3/4 ton truck.

Couple disclaimers - I tow my toyhauler - 6-8 times a year and not much towing in between so i don't have a need for a diesel and the tundra fills in nicely. Also, I did do a couple things to make the tundra a better tow vehichle - added rear bags with compressor so the back end is always level, added 33" BFG E range tires (factory michelins are too soft and spongy) and a 2" front level to keep the nose up.

All in all its a great truck that fits my needs to a tee. Comparing it to other 1/2 tons - when you do go to sell it or trade it in, it will have the highest resell as well.

Couple thoughts...

The Tundra compares very closely to a gas 3/4 ton. No it won't do what a diesel 3/4 ton will do. But the old school 5.7 V8 along with 4.30 gears does a pretty good job. It's not as fast when towing, but you'll get there.

And before you decide on the 3.5 turbo from Ford you better look hard. The engine will pull the weight, but Ford 1/2 tons set up to pull more than Tundra's are unicorns. They make a big deal about what their trucks CAN tow. They just don't make many that will do it. Ford, like Dodge and Chevy offer multiple engines, axle ratios, cab styles, trim levels, bed lengths and wheelbases. Most of them have gears in the 3.31 range and payloads so low that you overload the suspension long before you reach max towing weight. With Tundra you only get one wheelbase and 2 engines. And if you go with the 5.7 engine you get 4.30 gears, no other options. That combo will pull more than 90% of the 1/2 tons on the road made by Ford. Even with the 3.5 turbo engine.

And I have a Ford. I like it and It serves my needs. But there are lots of guys buying F-150's with the 3.5 turbo thinking they will tow 12000 lbs and are shocked to find that the one they bought will not pull much over 6000 lbs because the suspension wont' handle the tongue weight. Or because they bought one with 3.31 or 3.15 gears instead or 3.73's.

The Tundra is more than capable of towing a 7000 lb travel trailer. It may not pull it as well as the diesel will but it can comfortably pull it. I towed a 27’ Jayco all over Alaska with a Tundra and never missed a lick, including lots a mountain passes. Now you will go through a lot of fuel , that will be the biggest headache in the venture. I personally wouldn’t buy a new Tundra right now, I’d wait to see what the updated Tundra looks like with the 5.7 L motor and tranny being revamped, they are supposed to improve on both regarding fuel economy and a better performance next year.

My Crew max towing 8500 lb boat 1000 miles

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...B-4ABD-B311-7333F0CB8553_zpstyns6wen.jpg

My DC Tundra towing 27’ TT loaded to the hilt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/DallSheep4me/Toys/006-2.jpg

I think you're mistaking "hate" for facts.

Why would you say someone is hating the tundra because it won't pull as good as a 3/4 ton diesel? News flash...it won't! It's not a 3/4 ton and it's not a diesel. It's an outdated gas motor. My 2014 Ram has more HP than the Tundra. I love the tundra's. Until I had this Ram, my Tundra was my favorite truck I had.

Get any 1/2 ton with 4.30 gears and they'll be able to tow the same as the tundra. I don't want 4.30 gears so my truck can tow almost like a 3/4 when it's not a 3/4 ton. The Tundra is outdated with power plant, transmission and gear ratio. If you need to tow that weight, get a truck that will do it.

A good friend who I coach youth baseball with is a Sales Manager at our local Toyota dealership...2020 models are suppose to get a facelift, engine update, and new transmission...change is coming.

Cub, what year and model Jayco?
How do/did you like it?

What 10 horsepower more and it is still a very dated pushrod engine.? Outdated LMAO

It was a 2006, I liked it.

No 10hp isn't going to make or break it. But it isn't using 4.30 gears to get a tow rating for some that is probably shouldn't be towing. There are quite a few comparison's out there that show the Tundra coming in second to last, ahead of only the Titan. The big 3 win nearly every time.

The Tundra isn't a 3/4 ton, please stop perpetuating that information. It's no closer to a 3/4 ton than an F-150 or Silverado 1500 (or Ram 1500, etc)

The Tundra will tow what any other 1/2 ton out there should be towing....hell it towed the space shuttle.

All joking aside, I have a 2011 Tundra and a few friends have various other makes of 1/2 tons that we all bought around the same time. My Tundra is plain and simple holding up better than the competition and they have all finally started to admit it. Mine has not been in the shop for anything other than oil changes and tire replacement/rotations. Sadly the others can't say the same. Hopefully the newer/updated Tundra will have some updates to bring it closer to the competition.

No hate for the tundra out of me, I love my tundra. The OP asked a question and I was trying to give him a realistic answer with what to expect when comparing one to his current diesel. I have a tundra and a 3/4 ton diesel so I can offer perspective.

The tundra's a great half ton, the best one made in my opinion and that's why I bought mine. It's not hate to point out that it does half ton stuff well but if you're expecting it to do 3/4 or 1 ton stuff it might not do what you want. I'd pick Margot Robbie 99.99% of the time but the .01% of the time that I need a trailer load of overturned pork chops quickly eaten off the road I might pick Rosie O'donnell. That doesn't mean I'm dissing Margot.

I'm a huge Toyota fan, I just brought my latest toyota home an hour ago, a 2018 Camry. I traded in my 2014 camry for it, which has been flawless, because the old one had 87000 miles on it and it was either trade it now or keep it until the wheels fall off. If I'd kept it over 100,000 miles then the trade in value would be significantly lower. I went with the 2018 mainly because it gets 6 mpg better than the 2014, toyota has got new engine technology they're switching all their engines to which gets about 20% better fuel mileage mainly due to going to direct injection. It stands to reason that the tundra motor will be redesigned soon with significantly better fuel mileage. The press release I read said the new camry motor is the first of the "Dynamic Force" engines and their entire engine lineup is going to switch to the technology.

Exactly.

Exactly.


My '06 was great. I don't remember any issues I had with it. My 2014 Ram is great as well. I'm finally due for breaks at 118K. Which would be about the 3rd set if I was using the fords I had before.

I will be the first to say I am not a ford fan at all so take this with a grain of salt, and in reality applies to any of the 5 major half tons, (titan, tundra, 150, silverado, ram) BUT I do shake my head when people think that because Ford says it can tow 12k pounds, lets do it....12000 pounds pushing around a 5k truck - no thanks!

My Tundra is rated to 10k - would never put 10k on there and tow it around. Now 70-80 percent of that (7-8k) you bet - I think any half ton is well served with that principle.

Heck, my 2016 Ram 3500 was rated to 17,200 pounds, but to me, that much weight needs a dually for nothing more than stability.

As to the Tundra - outside of towing and payload - it is a very well built, finely put together truck. Finishes are top notch, I don't have squeaks or rattles. Rarely do you ever hear about engine or transmission leaks with these trucks. They are truely designed and built to be 200k plus trucks.

Most of the Tundras sold are short or standard beds. But look at the long beds. We almost bought one 5 or 6 years ago. It has one huge advantage - it's available with a 38 gal gas tank. In a 4 door 4x4, the payload is 1600lb and the towing is 9800lb. They advertise to suburbanites who very rarely want a long bed. You're more likely to see them on farms or construction projects.
When towing heavy, the extra length helps stabilize the load. It's less apt to sway.

We didn't buy it because the payload is too marginal. I wanted it to haul a stock rack and a bunch of llamas plus pull a camp trailer. That's right at the capacity and I don't want to be that close.

I’ll look hard at the Tundra again in the future if they make some much needed changes to it. After owning 3 Tundras and then owning the new F150 it’s really a huge difference. A properly tuned transmission with more gears, more speed and torque and significantly better fuel mileage are all huge factors. Add in a more refined interior and technologically current entertainment system, the Tundra is simply just outdated. Good trucks but not the best in any category other than reliability warm and fuzzies.

I wish they would hurry up!!!! I'm still driving my 2007 that has had absolutely no problems and is in excellent condition, but I'm ready for an upgrade to accommodate changing needs and lifestyle. I've been hearing since 2014, that the next generation with better mileage was coming. Just can't justify the cost of upgrading right now when the one I have runs fine and isn't requiring any maintenance expenses. Lightly used models in my area are sky high too.

Yep. See my comments above. Their reputation is holding the used market prices up. 10-15 years ago, I wouldn't have considered buying a used 1/2 ton truck of any brand with more than 50k miles, as it was half used up, but today I'd buy a Tundra with 100k on it and have no concerns.

I didn't have as good of luck as you guys with my '14 Tundra 1794 Crrew 4x4. Yes, it was well built, but at 42k I had a cold start valve (don't remember the real name) go out, and had the navigation/sound system replaced at 60k. I've had multiple Z71's and F150's hold up better.

Our 2012 just turned 186K. So far, we have done nothing other than scheduled maintenance and buying tires. Living in the middle of nowhere, most of our miles are highway miles, but a lot of our local roads are poorly maintained gravel or just the country graded into a pile. I have used it on every hunting trip that I have made since we bought it, and have done a lot of rock crawling on ranch roads and two-tracks. My wife is harder on it than I am, driving to the end of poorly maintained mountain roads to get to places that she wants to photograph or paint. She has managed to ruin two good 10-ply rated tires, while I have never had a flat.

When it's time for a new one, we will be buying another one.

The only thing I want to see out of the tundra is a crew cab with the 6'6" bed....They could keep everything the same but offer this and I would trade in my truck tomorrow.

I don't understand why there are those here that constantly debate the Tundra vs 3/4 or diesel. The Tundra was never designed to be or compete with a 3/4 truck, It was however designed to be the best 1/2 ton truck out there. when introduced in 07 it was far ahead of the others, over time they have caught up and some think passed it up, except in one area, reliability. Why does the Tundra hold the highest resale in all 1/2 ton trucks??

I bought an 07 in October of 07 and it now has 130,000 completely trouble free miles, I don't baby it either, it has towed, hauled and had it's fair share of 4x4 miles, never a problem. when they redesign the truck I will buy another, why? They are good trucks and I don't have to run back to the dealer for expensive repairs.

My biggest gripe with the Tundra is the lack of a rear locker, hopefully the new design will have that option, better yet would it would be offered in both ends.

I have an old 2500 Cummins for the heavy stuff but for normal trailers and everyday driving the Tundra gets it done without complaints.

Yup. I love my 2016 Tundra (wouldn't trade it for any other 1/2 ton on the market), but my '02 2500 CTD pulls heavy stuff way better in all ways. Not a knock on the Tundra or 'hate', just the reality. Different tools for different jobs.

The only 1/2 ton I favor is a Tundra. I just don’t need my 2015 anymore, but it’s my favorite half ton ever and 2nd Tundra.

Mine is a 2010 DC with almost 65K on it, have a 3-2 lift, Bilstien 5100's, air bags with daystar cups and some other stuff. It tows my 01 Prowler 27X bunk TT everywhere i want to go with it. As mentioned before fuel economy loaded or empty not spectacular but comparable to other 1/2 tons. I average 16 to 16.3 empty, drove a 2018 F150 (not mine) on a 2000 mile trip to Yellowstone and back home, just a couple weeks ago, mileage varied from 17.1 to 19.5. ECO mode was worse for economy than the sport mode. I do not think it is any more quite or comfortable than my Tundra. Front seats anyway, back seat not even close, Tundra has MUCH better brakes and the motor does not stop running at every stoplight.......absolutely hated that BS.

Transferflow makes a 46 gallon fuel tank that is on my list of need to get items. Auburn Gear has a limited slip rear diff, or just get ARBs front and rear. I don't mind spending some money on items that make the vehicle more useable cause i don't trade every few years.

For all those that call the 07 and newer Tundras 1/2 tons, don't move to Texas with one! When you register it, it will be registered as , guess what a 3/4 ton! Manufacture's payload is above the limit set by the state for a 1/2 ton. I own a 07 and it has been registered as a 3/4 ton since day one.

You know you can shut that off right?

Not at first, did not read the book, just hopped in the bad boy and took off. The folks that own it are 7 decades young and are themselves learning about it. Drove them from AZ to their sons ranch outside Riverton WY. We spent a week up in that area, country looked a lot like AZ, except no trees.

I've got a 2008 Tundra Double Cab 5.7L 4x4 and it has ZERO problem towing my 28' rig up and over Hoosier Pass and Vail Pass.

I am considering a Tundra to replace my diesel Ford. Any idea what your trailer weighs? How is the mileage empty and towing? Do you have towing mirrors or are they really necessary? Any and all info welcome.

Looking at an SR5, 5.7 double cab.

Thanks.

I don't have towing mirrors but wish I did. My trailer is a 28 foot vintage Silver Steak and it weighs 6,500 lbs dry. I've got the SR5 Double cab with the tow/haul package that includes the tranny cooler. I can't even feel the trailer going over Hoosier Pass. (But I can feel it going down! Grateful for those oversized brakes for sure)

Tow mirrors are offered now as an option but seem to be a dealer performed swap. I'm told that you lose the blind spot warning with them, if you have that option to begin with. I have found some clip on mirrors that attach to your existing mirrors but don't know how good they are.

I won't be towing a travel trailer. Widest thing I plan to tow is a trailer with square bales of hay on it or a small tractor. That would only be once or twice per year. Less if I can get rid of my wife's nag!

The current tow haul mode is supposed to downshift one gear when you touch the brakes. Does yours work that way?

How about mileage? How long have you had your Tundra, how many miles?

There is rumored to be a new Tundra in 2020 but I'm not sure I'd want the first year of a re-vamp.

It's Toyota, they will just put a new grill on it like a few years back and call it an all new Tundra. Probably the smoothest riding truck I ever owned was a 2006 Toyota Tundra. I like Toyota Tundras, but the gas mileage on the 5.7 is what scared me away from them. I have a few friends that had 06 and 08 models, and they got horrible gas mileage. At least my Ram with a 5.7L and my now Chevy with a 5.3L can get up to 21 mpg on long road trips. Everyday driving though the Dodge got 15-17 summer, and down to 13 mpg in winter. Chevy gets about 19 mpg summer and 17 mpg winter.

You can get tow mirrors for the Tundra on ebay or amazon that will bolt right in. It is a 2-beer install, mainly because you have to pull the door panel (mostly). I think mine were like $165.

I ended up getting rid of my Tundra and going back to a Dodge diesel. I mostly liked the tundra, but there were a few annoying aspects. Mainly, I was just asking too much of it in the hauling and towing departments.

I've owned 2 TRD model Tundra's, one an 07 and the last was a 2015. Overall I thought they are pretty good trucks except in the gas mileage department especially when towing. My 2012 Ram 1500 5.7 with a 355 ratio rear towed as good if not better than the Tundra's and got better mileage all around. Neither gas 1/2 tons will come close to towing like a 3/4 or 1 ton with a diesel.

2 wheelbases. There aren't that many around but they do make an 8' bed.

I rented a Tundra last month to pick up some freight at SFO. We do this fairly regularly, same cargo, same trip from SE Idaho to SFO. 1,800 miles total, enough for a fair comparison, I submit. I've used Ram 1500's, Ford F150's and one Tundra.

As far as the capability to handle the 1,600 lb payload, the Tundra comes in last, closely followed by the Ram 1500. The Ford is much more stable.

Visibility and comfort: Again, the Tundra is last, the Ram substantially better, and the Ford is on top.

Fuel economy: Tundra is last again, closely followed by the Ram, and the Ford is about 20% better.

Anyone who suggests the Tundra is a "3/4" ton is smoking crack. It's not even a good half ton. .

I've had this tundra about 24 months ago. I bought it with 55,000miles and up to 85K now.

I haven't noticed if the tow haul works that way. I'm proactive, so I switch to manual mode when I crest the pass and manually downshift.