Truck question.

A

agallant80

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Any thoughts on Toyota Tundra? 2013 or 2014? I have looked in to the big three but my wife insists that I should get a Toyota.
 
oldjeep

oldjeep

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Re: Truck question.

A 1/2 ton for towing your boat? Just say no regardless of what name is on the front.

My impressions of the Tundra when I bought my Ram. Rode nice, nice interior, price tag that did not reflect reality when compared with the Dodge. There must have been some gold plated parts on that truck somewhere.
 
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D

drrpm

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Re: Truck question.

Its worth a look. I don't know what I'd pick out of the full sized trucks right now but it would likely be a choice between Chevy and Toyota.
 
Brian 26

Brian 26

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Re: Truck question.

I'm a toyota guy. I bought a 2005 Tundra brand new because it had the lowest cost of ownership per edmunds.com. That was the best truck I've ever owned but it was too big for what I do. A very close 2nd to the best truck I've ever owned was a 2000 dodge ram 2500 diesel, again too big. I work downtown and park in a underground ramp.

If I had to buy a new full size today it would be the tundra or F150 and I would not get diesel again.
 
briangcc

briangcc

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Re: Truck question.

What would you like to know about a '13 Tundra? I have a base 5.7L Double Cab, Short box, 4x4. Put around 8800 miles on it thus far. Other than 2 oil changes - I insist on doing them shortly after purchase and again around 5k no matter what the dealer might say, I've had no complaints. Much better fit/finish than my '04 GMC Sierra 1500 LE 5.3L 4x4 Z71.

This is my 2nd Tundra, first was a '07 SR5 5.7L, Double Cab, Shortbox, 4x4. That one I had to put a waterpump on at 60k - extended warranty covered that. Also had the tailgate latch mechanism get stuck locked. Plastic part broke in the mechanism and again extended warranty covered that. Those were the only two repairs needed while I owned it...had 103k on the clock when I turned it in on the lease for the '13 and got pretty much the same price I paid for it back in '10!

I'll probably be walking away from this lease when it's up as my family is growing and I'll get a Tundra 5.7L Crew Cab 4x4 next. I like the looks of the TRD Pro coming out!
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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Re: Truck question.

If your wife wants a toyota, and you need a diesel. put toyota badges on a diesel truck
 
bruceb58

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Re: Truck question.

I would fix what you have. Cheaper in the long run which is the whole reason you sold your Duramax and bought your Chrysler 300 and Excursion in the first place.
 
A

agallant80

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Re: Truck question.

I am not arguing but I don't understand all of this 2500 Diesel talk. If the boat trailer and what not clock in at 9,000 max and a 1500 gasser is rated at 11,000 whats the disconnect? Also talk in to consideration that its 3 miles from the storage place to the lake and 150 each way to the coast which is only about every 6 weeks.

If ford/Chevy/RAM/Toyota says the truck is good for say 11,000Lbs then why in so many peoples minds is it not?

I am missing something here.

What I really wish I did was keep my original 2012 Silverado 1500 and just add the WD hitch to the thing.
 
smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Re: Truck question.

I can carry 150 lbs on my shoulder but I'm MUCH better off with 75 lbs.

the truck is no different.

Yes the 1/2 ton CAN do it with a WDH in good conditions but with the 3/4 you have MUCH more room to be human, make mistakes, recover, and go about your business.

Example: I pulled a 38' fifth wheel rv that was 12,500 lbs empty thosands of miles with a 3/4 ton truck..... It was "safe" and nothing bad happened but when I could afford to upgrade to a dually it was night and day SAFER..... More stable, better brakes, able to make up for emergency conditions.

As it turned out, less than a week after the upgrade I had a car pull out in front of me at 55 mph... I BARELY missed hitting it and managed to recover and continue on my trip..... Other than ALL of my stuff inside the rv being tossed on the floor there was no damage.

I am certain that I would not have avoided the crash in the smaller truck.
 
bajaunderground

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Re: Truck question.

A80,

You asked for opinions...that's what you got!

So, my $.02...

IF the 1/2 you want can town what you have, safely, then it's your decision? Everything else is based on personal preference, speculation and experiences. From a quality standpoint I think Toyota is riding on the coattails of it's previous model's stellar build quality. I also, personally, think they're over-price, but when the time comes to sell, they do tend to command a higher premium, all things being equal. I should say I have had 5 Toyota's (no Tundras) over the years and for the most part maintenance has been on par with other vehicles I've owned (except my Jeeps, they are maintenance nightmares, at least the older ones?). I should also say I currently have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double-Cab 4x4 that I bought new in 2007, other than routine maintenance and questionable brake design, I'm happy with the power, daily driving-ability and quality. I have over 139K miles and have no reason to replace as she still gets the same 17-18mpg she got when new.

The 3/4 and 1 tons' are designed for towing/hauling, but are not as convenient for a daily driver. They will definitely make towing easier and safer, but if (as you state) your trips are shorter, then are the a necessity?

I'm a believer that all 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are of relatively equal build quality and are should be roughly the same maintenance costs (not Gas Vs. Diesel, Diesel will be more, as you know).

Just know, I'd rather get more truck than I need than less truck than I need...just saying!

~Brett
 
briangcc

briangcc

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Re: Truck question.

agallant80 said:
I am not arguing but I don't understand all of this 2500 Diesel talk. If the boat trailer and what not clock in at 9,000 max and a 1500 gasser is rated at 11,000 whats the disconnect? Also talk in to consideration that its 3 miles from the storage place to the lake and 150 each way to the coast which is only about every 6 weeks.

If ford/Chevy/RAM/Toyota says the truck is good for say 11,000Lbs then why in so many peoples minds is it not?
Click to expand...


There's part of your problem. They redid the Tow Ratings a couple years back so that all the manufacturers, theoretically of course, are now on the same playing field. My '07 Toyota Tundra was rated at 10,500 towing with the tow package and 5.7L V8. That same truck in a '13 model year is now rated to 9500. So that 9000 lb boat is now incredibly close to the Tundra's rating. I wouldn't do it unless I was on flat land and only a mile or two away from a ramp - personal preference.

I wouldn't trust the new F150's with the V6 turbos pulling that kind of weight until there is real world data that with Ford's implementation that they can withstand towing that kind of load. I, again personal preference, like displacement of a V8 - there's no substitute.

For your load, I'd step up to a 2500 or 3500 if its indeed 9000lbs. You'll stop and start better with a heavier duty truck.

Then again, since SWMBO wants a Tundra, you could parley this into a 2 vehicle purchase...Tundra for her and a 2500 for you!
 
Thalasso

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Re: Truck question.

briangcc said:
There's part of your problem. They redid the Tow Ratings a couple years back so that all the manufacturers, theoretically of course, are now on the same playing field. My '07 Toyota Tundra was rated at 10,500 towing with the tow package and 5.7L V8. That same truck in a '13 model year is now rated to 9500. So that 9000 lb boat is now incredibly close to the Tundra's rating. I wouldn't do it unless I was on flat land and only a mile or two away from a ramp - personal preference.

I wouldn't trust the new F150's with the V6 turbos pulling that kind of weight until there is real world data that with Ford's implementation that they can withstand towing that kind of load. I, again personal preference, like displacement of a V8 - there's no substitute.

For your load, I'd step up to a 2500 or 3500 if its indeed 9000lbs. You'll stop and start better with a heavier duty truck.

Then again, since SWMBO wants a Tundra, you could parley this into a 2 vehicle purchase...Tundra for her and a 2500 for you!
Click to expand...


The only manufacture that abided by the new standards was Toyota. The others have yet to do so.
 
Idlespeedonly

Idlespeedonly

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Re: Truck question.

I think Toyota is planning on using a Cummins diesel in the next year or two.
IMO, all the light duty truck manufacturers have been exagerating towing capacities.
None of them want to be outdone by the "other" guy. Sure they might put bigger brakes, better suspension, tranny cooler, and who knows what else. But most dont have the torque at the rear wheels to get it done day in and day out. They still have to meet the CAFE requirements. I just dont think the drivetrain is up to the task that people think they are.
 
smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Re: Truck question.

Thalasso said:
really? 25 ft boat. It is 6580 lbs dry
Click to expand...

oldjeep said:
Weight w/trailer 8,068 lbs (dry) - your weight was if somehow you were going to load it up in the bed ;)

Weight 6,480 lbs 2,939 kg
Weight w/trailer 8,068 lbs 3,660 kg

http://media.channelblade.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company60191/312382_f.pdf
Click to expand...


Also, unless he plans to drain gas, oil, and water, remove batts, electronics, gear, and everything else he places in the boat before every tow, DRY WEIGHT means nothing.

He also has to consider what will be in the truck.... 4 people in the cab and a couple coolers in the bed add up.
 
smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Re: Truck question.

My last cruiser was 5500 lbs dry and while I pulled it with a 1/2 ton truck once it was quite a load for it but was great behind m 3/4 and next to nothing behind my dually.

BTW I disagree with needing a diesel for your purposes... The gas motor will be less impressive but you are towing very few miles.... You just don't NEED the diesel enough to justify the added cost.
 
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