Another Tundra or Jump Ship

Yeah, If I needed an HD truck I'd look seriously at a Ford with the new 7.3L gas engine, but that's the only way I'd go domestic. I don't like the newer diesels for my needs.

 

You have to watch them. People are actually replacing the interiors and carpet in them. Making them look new and the engine is pretty much shot on them. They're rolling back the mileage or completely replacing the instrument cluster.

 

What a mute point you are making here, what maters is the overall gear ratio. If I remember correctly my 2018 Tundra was right around 1800 RPMs at 70 MPH, which is pretty much the same as the Ford I have now or the Rams and a Denali I had in the past. In all actuality the F-150 is probably better suited for towing because of the 10-speed transmission...….it almost always operates in the engines peak torque area.

Not directed to belanger9!

I find it hilarious how many make excuses or make it sound like a virtue that the Tundra does not offer high end tech or options. Ford has similar trucks (just get the plane Jane base model). In case you haven't noticed, trucks are not what they use to be 30 years ago. They are family haulers first and used for "truck stuff" second, hence the demand for creature comforts.

 

I like to know what the basis is for that statement. Pretty hard to roll back digital odometers, besides that most odometer readings are stored in the ECM and at least for the Cummns the hours are in the engine mounted ECM.

 

The Tundra always stays in the powerband with 4:30 and a 6 speed. There is not advantage to a 10 speed in such for performance.

Enjoy replacing your turbos.

 

Not all of them are digital. In fact, many of them are not. I'd like to the know the bases for your understanding they're all digital?

 

Yeah, thanks guys for the heads up. I didn't know that this is how Tundra's roll. With a 38 gallon tank I'd rather decide how much gas to leave in the tank to cool the fuel pump. Accurate range is important to me.. Do I really need 8 gallons to cool the fuel pump?

 

I usually run mine down to 4 or so remaining. Never had any issues. I had 77,000 on my 14 when I traded her.

 

I guess it depends on your application. Id rather have the deeper overdrive reduction on the highway. Tundra gets its tow capacity by its rear end. 4:30 not so good on the highway, at 70-75mph the engine is turning over 2000 RPM. I'd venture most ppl are on the highway more frequently than towing but im sure its all subjective. No turbos on the 5.0L.

 

I pulled about 1900 at 70 in my 14. The 5.7 actually gets smoother and very responsive above 1900. I'm a former Ford fan. Might even buy another one in the future. Who knows. They're nothing like they once were. I've seen complaints that the 5.0 was changed in 18 and the new 5.0 is prone to burning oil.

I would LOVE to have a GT500.....

 

Well, I can speak from ownership experience, how about you? I owned a 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2012 Ram 2500CTD, all had digital odometer displays.

 

If I get 3/4 ton for my next truck I find I would have a tough decision they are all looking decent with the Gas V8 offerings although the Hemi is behind now in the Torque department. Not sure the 8 speed now offered over the 6 it used to have will make up for it compared to Fords new 7.3 and GMs new 6.6.

 

You are correct that there isn't much of an advantage to the 10-speed when combined with the 3.5L EB engine. It has 470 lb/ft at 3500 RPM and around 400 lb/ft just above idle. By the way, this is my 3rd EB truck, never replaced a turbo or had any other problems (drivetrain). Only turbo I ever replaced was on my 82 MB 300SD and that was a long time ago. Believe it or not but technology has come a long way, even Toyota is using turbos now (Camry).

I am not downing the Tundra, I had one and they are good trucks. Just a little behind right now, hopefully that will be fixed with the next generation. You should test drive one of the newer 3.5L ecoboost trucks just to see how strong they pull.

 

Pretty sure this isn't true

https://www.tundras.com/threads/38-gal-tank-experiences.22954/page-6#post-1455739

Think it's old school thinking and the extra fuel is because of the possibility of parking on a slope and the fuel goes away from the pickup.

 

I wouldn't say they're "behind" much IF....anything. Turbo charged engines have been around for decades. Ford has nothing more than a marketing gimmick with what they call the "Ecoboast". They exaggerate the economy of the engine and downplay the unreliability. Even Subaru has problems with the long term reliability with gas based exhaust driven turbos and they've got one of the best and most efficient designs in the business.

Tell me something.... Why did Ford introduce the 7.3 into the truck line? It was because of the their issues with long term reliability. I might would consider a 7.3. I doubt I'll ever buy a eco-fart. Granted, if you trade every few years, it doesn't really matter. They've fix most of the short term issues with them.

The Ford Sync software is a joke. It is generally okay with apple products but that is about it. I have friends with Ford's and we banter at each other often. I do like the interior of the Ford. I like my new Sequoia interior better.

In the end, buy what you like. Life is too short to worry over simple differences.

 

So I have had a bit of an "identity crisis" early on in my life with trucks. Here is what I have owned in the last 13 years...

2008-2010: 2006 Tacoma TRD Sport
2010-2012: 2010 F-150
2012-2013: 2013 Silverado 1500
2013-2015: 2010 Tacoma TRD Off Road
2015-2016: 2016 Silverado 1500
2016-2018: 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 Duramax
2018-2019: 2015 Silverado 1500
2019-NOW: 2019 Tundra TRD Off Road

I can tell you from my short, but vast experiences with trucks that the Tundra is the best (Full Size, non HD) truck I've driven. I loved my Tacomas but they got to small for my needs. Loved my duramax and will still have it had it not been t-boned. While I never had legit problems with my Silverados, they were junk. Cheaply made, stupid petty issues, and the AFM + transmission shift points were horrible. A custom tune on my 2015 helped the AFM and shifting some, but was still horrible.

The Tundra, while somewhat lacking in options (why no Apple Car Play?!) it rides so smoothly and the engine transmission combo is great. Does the MPG suck? Absolutely! On a flat ground trip through Ohio I bested 16.8 MPG going 65-72MPH depending on the speed limits. That is horrible and I cringe every time I see that, but I then think about the reliability, dependability, and the look and feel of driving a Toyota again and all my aggravation about the gas mileage is gone.

My neighbor got a promotion and with that promotion came a new company vehicle every 2 years. He asked me what I told him to get and I told him to get the F-150 Platinum. I love those trucks, but would not own one on my dime for a long period of time. If it's on company dime and under warranty and you trade it in every 2 years then that's fine by me. But I am with my truck for the long haul for the first time in years. Can't see any reason why I would want anything else. Plus the Tundras look soooo good lifted with bigger tires

 

There really isn't that much difference between 16.8 MPG and say 19 MPG. You're really talking about .25 to .30 more per gallon of gas depending on your current dollars per gallon.

 

The venerable Honda Ridgeline is all the truck (and more) that 90% of truck owners need. But they don’t sell. I guess we all buy things for stupid reasons.

 

It's not just can they pull, but can they do it well for a long period of time without wearing out.

I like analogies that are simple. It's cool and amazing to see a small professional pitcher (sub 6' foot 175lbs) generate the power to fire a 96mph fastball for a couple of seasons, but ultimately he is going to burn out fast. I'll take 6'5" 230lbs on the mound and watch him do it easily for 15 years or more.

I'll always take my Verlander over your Lincecum. Baseball people get it.

 

Since this thread is comparing the Tundra to other trucks found out some interesting stuff today. That Ram Rebel TRX coming out soonish with the Hellcat motor well apparently Ram wants to put it in the other trim levels as well. My buddy who is a service manager at a Dodge dealer near me had a meeting with the chrysler rep and other service managers in the metro. Basically they want to more of the techs to do the training on the Hellcat Hemi because it is going to be more mainstream. He could not tell me anything else no hp or tq numbers or what not but they are pushing to out do Ford in the half ton segment. The Hellcat in the truck would be fitting for truck duties favoring low end torque. He said to look out for the 21-22 model years. If this does happen screw the Ecoboost we got a forced induction V8 that I would be more willing to spend my money on. (after the bugs get worked that is and probably with an extended warranty) (Also depends what TOyota brings in next gen)

 

I bet that Hellcat Rebel will put the Raptor in it's place. And it will be a 75 to 80k truck, not exactly mainstream.

 

While the Rebel TRX is confirmed with the Hellcat motor. The Rumor that has a high chance of coming true is the Hellcat Motor dropping into the other trims as well tuned for truck applications which is where the mainstream came from.

 

It's possible. Unlike the F-150 where you have to buy a Lariat to get the diesel option Ram offers it across the Ram lineup (or did so until 2017).

 

Isn't the diesel back for 2020 in the 1500 Rams?

 

You are correct. I've pretty much already broken down the difference in mpg comparison already... a 3mpg decrease over the course of 1,000 miles with gas prices here in WV hovering around $2.50/gallon equates to right at $35 extra in gas. I typically average about 1,000 miles a month so essentially it's an extra $35/month for me to drive the truck.

If I'm worried about $35/month I have done some pretty poor financial planning/budgeting.

 

My math on a Tundra vs a GM broke down like this:

Purchase price of a Tundra with all the features I want: $45k CAD out the door
Lowest price I could get on a GM that has most of the features I want: $53k CAD MSRP
(Price of a GM that has all of the features I want: ~$65k CAD MSRP)

Worst fuel economy I expect to get from a Tundra in normal unloaded city driving: 18 L/100 km
Best fuel economy I expect to get from a GM in normal unloaded highway driving: 10 L/100 km
(I expect to get around 25 L/100 km towing a travel trailer regardless of which gasoline burning half ton I'm driving.)

Conservatively, let's say I drive 10k kms per year. (To date, I've averaged about 8500 kms per year on my car but we'd take the truck for camping trips where we currently take my wife's Corolla.)

At an average fuel cost of $1/L, it would take me 10 years for the costs to break even on the cheaper GM that doesn't have all the features I want (and 25 years for the one with all the features), if I could even expect a new GM to last that long, which even the diehard lifelong GM guys are doubting these days.

 

2015 Crewmax here, 73k on the clock, no problems so far, except today, the dealership told me I needed front brakes.

 

about 1800 RPM at 80 in the 5.0 KR...
not saying its good or bad. just saying at least with a F150 you can pick which rear end you want for what you do, does someone tow? do they commute?

 

If you want to tow then you have to pay - you talk about Ford's having tons of choices, but you have to pay. That's the beauty of the Toyota model, it allows them to keep the costs down because there's less choice. A few years ago Toyota wasn't the cheapest, I could get a GM with slightly more features and the 6.2 for about 2-3k CAD more with a tad of haggling, but now it's almost a 10k more for that similar truck. Same goes for Ford, the 3 domestics have really jacked their prices in the 3 years since I bought my truck, while Toyota hasn't. At that point I needed the reliability and resale to put me over the top - but going through this thread has really made it obvious to me the best bang for your buck truck is the Tundra. At the point you're talking about with the gadgets and all it doesn't make sense to me to buy a half ton, I'd be going 1 ton which is 3-4 times the truck. It can get better fuel economy with a simple tune for my driving and is only missing a couple extreme luxuries.

 

The new GM models are the worst. You can't even get bucket seats in the volume trims (LT or SLE) any more.