Re: toyota tundra
I will start this by saying I have no experience nor do I know anyone with a Tundra. But I do have experience with other imports and the example I am about to describe involves a Honda Ridgeline. Nice vehicle, but it, and I suspect other imports, have similar characteristics. That characteristic involves "where" in the power band their power and torque are developed. Imports develop power/torque at typically higher rpm than the push-rod american trucks. And this is becoming true with american iron as well as they are gradually going to overhead cams. In my example, an S10 crew cab (4.3 V6 190 HP/250# torque) and a Ridgeline (255? HP/Torque??) both towing similar loads on a long road trip. The S10 towed in overdrive at well under 2400-2500 RPM and got 17 MPG on that trip. The Honda owner complained the entire trip because the tranny would not stay in overdrive, and continually hunted with OD locked out. The engine was always over 4000 RPM and netted only 14 MPG. A full size truck with a push rod motor will get that mileage. My point is simply before you spend the money, hook your boat to it and see how it actually performs. When you get into the 4000# and up range, you better know that what you buy you will be happy with. Axle ratio is key and it takes a lot of horsepower to make up for a poor choice in that regard. There isn't anything more frustrating than having a tow vehicle that won't tow or that is a gas hog in the process. There is always a compromise.
