Wife and I Traveling the Country - Need Larger Vehicle

Hey all-

New guy here. Wife got a traveling nurse job, I own my own biz, so we’ll be moving all around the country every 3 months. Wanted to get some thoughts on whether or not the 22 Tundra would suit our needs.

Here’s what we already thought about:
1️⃣ We need to bring our few belongings + 2 mountain bikes. We don’t have a ton of stuff.
2️⃣ Good in snow (we’ll be out west and northwest)
3️⃣ Wife is coming from a 2020 Tucson Ultimate, so we want all the same features (360 cam, lane keep assist, heated steering wheel, “e.g. all the bells and whistles”, CarPlay)

Here’s how I got to the Tundra:
✅ Needs space for clothes, few small kitchen top appliances, and 2 mtn bikes
⛔️ Mtn bikes cannot be on the back, I want them safe inside something (truck bed, trailer)
⛔️ Don’t want to deal with towing/renting a 4x8 trailer every 3 months - this eliminates all SUVs
⛔️ Mid-size truck won’t fit bikes + stuff (this put us into the full size category)

What we’ve test driven:
✅ 22 F-150 Lariat (loved it)
✅ 22 Tundra (loved it)
⛔️ 22 RAM 1500 (didn’t like)
⛔️ 22 Silverado (didn’t like)

So my questions are:
1️⃣ How’s my (brief) logic - am I way off or missing anything?
2️⃣ Ideas on F-150 Lariat or 22 Tundra?

 

The Ford Ecoboost has an established record (good or bad) to look at and base your decision off of. Research, read, and get a feel.

The 3rd gen Tundra is so new and there are so few out there that it's hard to get an accurate baseline through the two hyperbolic extremes of blind devotion and recall hysteria. It's a bit of a gamble.

Honestly, at this point... better the devil you know than the one you don't. I would personally go with an F-150 over the new Tundra.



Finally, Welcome to the forum! Regardless of what truck you choose, stick around and share your experiences.

 

What about the Sierra/Silverado? Colorado is not a full size.

Also, how desperately do you need a new truck? If you can wait a year, that will give you time to see if Toyota works some of the kinks out of the Tundra (which I'm sure they will).

 

Depends on how quick you need to make the upgrade. Some folks have been waiting for a while on their Tundra. Others, like me, got them quick. If you feel both trucks are pretty equal then go with whom ever has the best deal/offer.

 

Thanks. I’m a Toyota guy (still love my 2015 Corolla, never been in the shop EVER), but reading this forum is making me reconsider… never, never thought I’d ever consider a Ford above a Toyota…

 

How are the bikes going to be safe inside?

 

Sorry, I wrote Colorado, but I meant to say we tried the Silverado. We didn’t like the infotainment system as much - small screen, didn’t seem like as many features. But maybe I need to try it again.

Were starting 1-Aug, so I need to put an order in on something (if new) by next month, or buy used by ~June.

 

Not sure how the Colorado made the list, but the Tundra with a camper shell would fit the bill. Although a full size SUV would have similar setup with the seats folded down, so not sure why they were all eliminated.

 

If bells and whistles are a requirement, I'd go with the lariat with the V8.

 

Not necessarily safer from stealing, etc, but safer from bug splat when going cross country, wind, etc. Currently I transport them around on a rack (on my Corolla). I just don’t want to do that across the country - every time I hit a big bump I fear my bikes will fly off.

 

This is high in the list. Competing with the Tundra. Tho we don’t need all that power, I was looking at the hybrid power train.

 

I had a 21 Silverado and loved it. I got the Custom because I wanted to wait on the Tundra. If I knew then what I know now, I’d probably still have the Chevy. I do love the Tundra, but I should have gone Limited instead of SR5.

 

Where’s the first assignment?

 

They redesigned the GMs for 2022 so if the one you saw was a 2021, might be worthwhile giving it another look.

 

See my edit about Colorado (put in by mistake, was a Silverado)

And yes, looking at a camper shell. I should reconsider a full size SUV- I didn’t think it would fit 2 mtn bikes, but maybe it would, and I could get a turtle cover. So many options. First thought tho, I didn’t think they would fit / be as easy to put in and remove for biking trips. Thought a truck bed would be easier.

 

Wow thanks for all the responses and ideas gentlemen!! Much appreciated. I have to get back to work but I’m going to be on again tonight to continue the convo.

Thanks again!!

 

Just a thought, did you check out the Ridgeline? The trunk under the bed is massive & waterproof to store stuff, keeping bed open for your bikes. Yes it’s a mid sized, but has the trunk for bonus storage.

 

they are building both in the ‘22. Old and new interior mix. Be sure you check before driving to look at a ‘22 thinking it will have the new interior. My neighbor just bought a ‘22 Z71 that still has the ugly old interior. He had to kick his ‘20 down to his son after a wreck.

 

I would say the ford as well since you are going to be all over the country, the ford is pretty well known anywhere and everywhere. If you happen to get a breakdown or need some kind of repair, every tiny mechanic shop in the country can work on it no problem, but with the tundra, you might have a harder time finding a mechanic that knows toyotas and a toyota dealer may be hard to find in some parts of the country in a pinch.

 

Yup, mechanics are very well versed in repairing Fords.

 

Not one to buy used, but in this case I'd be finding a lightly used 21 Tundra. Then adding a commercial aluminum twin rear swinging door topper. Good solid, dependable, proven drivetrain. Enjoy the ride!

 

Get a doublecab/super cab long bed or crew cab 6.5 bed. Get one of those campers that have the bump up so you have plenty of room.


But here is your issue. F150s are 6-9 months out on ordering (they actually wont take my order). Tundra is basically dealer allotment based (on configurations) and 90-120 days out from “ordering”.


I have tried to get both for my company. The F150 I am more familiar with (work truck mods).


I am also going to try to order an Express 2500 with 4.3 V6. It works for our needs too.


If you dont have to tow maybe check out the Ford Transit Van in 4x4/AWD.

 

I would think a full size SUV or Pickup + bed topper would be the best. Suburban or Tahoe or Yukon, Expedition, Sequoia. Or the usual 1/2 Ton pickups.

You will likely accumulate stuff over time and the pickup beds get pretty small after you put a couple bikes in there. A topper would give you a lot of additional cargo volume to play with and the bikes can fit easily with the front tires removed. Also it is secure in case you have an overnight stay or need to leave stuff in the bed while you are in between places.

The F150 also has a great fold up rear seat and flat floor for extra storage. It should even fit 2 bikes inside with the front tires off. The Tundra doesn't have a flat floor and the fixed under seat storage organizer really takes away from the usable space, unfortubately (big miss by Toyota here, IMO).

 

I just had the option for the 2022 and made them track down another 2nd gen for me. I love to travel the country in my Tundra! It is large inside and you never feel squeezed for space.
For storage I would get a cover for the back and a Decked system. Get a bike rack for temporary use that can store under cover. We found the convenience of this nice if weather is bad and you want to load and go. You could always go w/ a shell. Either option would give you weight in the back which would help in the snow.
The Decked system would give options for keeping small kitchen items and clothes organized. Our last trip we carried camping, scuba, biking, boating, coolers and clothes for staying in hotels. We covered ten states in 30 days and am getting ready to do again in the new truck. We did not look like Sanford and Son heading down the road and did not pack the cab out.
The Pros of the F-150 over the 3rd gen is that it is proven. I would be nervous w/ the new Toyota out past Sedona, Amarillo or Northern Utah and have to wait hours for a tow truck. I had that happen one time and it will ruin your trust in that vehicle.The F-150 also gets better gas mileage. I think this is a wash on trade in valuation of the trucks. You can also find aftermarket parts for the F-150. The 3rd gen is going to take a little bit before the market catches up. I think the F-150 is a better way and it hurts me to say. Hope this helps

 

You should also open your mind to a used conversion van. Transit 4x4.

Even a new one. They may have vehicles available.

 

Not on your list but it seems like a Ford all wheel drive Transit or a 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter van would better suit your needs.

 

I would love a diesel Mercedes Sprinter. Fit full size dirt bikes/mtn bikes inside and then be able to sleep in it. WooHoo...

 

Kind of sad the current state of Toyota where you have members of a Tundra forum telling folks to buy a Ford over a Toyota. What has the world come to?

 

Yes. A ‘20-‘21 Tundra has a ton of upgrades to previous years and Toyota perfected that generation and lots of worry free driving awaits you! If you could get a Limited or above for around $50k with under 30k miles (might be a bit of a unicorn in this crazy market) I’d say you could take that on a trip for the rest of your lives and have minimal issues with the vehicle and yet plenty of power and tech to boot - I’m biased though so buyer beware… My ‘21 Pro is awesome and has so many more updates and upgrades from my ‘18 Limited Tundra - Good Luck with your decision…

 

In this market you may have a hard time getting your hands a new truck. Maybe the Ford.

If I were you, I’d find a 4wd Tundra CrewMax a couple years old or so. You’ll lose some of the features you’re looking for — I never saw a Tundra with a heated steering wheel until the 2022s, for example. Come to think of it, I’m not sure the Lariat even offers that option although the F150 Platinum might. Just an example. But you can get a truck NOW, reliable and without the first year kinks the 2022s may be having. Tough tough market for car buying.