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A Few Gen 3 Questions

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by js312, Oct 20, 2016.

  1. Oct 20, 2016 at 11:38 AM
    #1
    js312

    js312 [OP] New Member

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    Hi All,

    I currently have a 2011 Tacoma. It's a TRD Sport 4x4, double cab long bed. I absolutely love the truck, but it's up to almost 110,000 miles and I'm at the point where I should either replace it now or run it for another several years (to 200k+).

    I looked at a '14 DC Tundra Limited TRD 4x4 5.7 the other day. It's a really nice truck, that 5.7 has loads of power, but that specific truck had a few shortcomings that made me look away. I also think if I'm going to do it, I might as well just look for a '16 or '17 and buy new.

    1. How good is the JBL system? This truck didn't have it even though they listed it saying it did. The stock system was awful. Reminded me of what was in my Tacoma when I bought it. Crank it up and it's totally flat sounding and I probably wouldn't hear it with the windows down. I'm not an audiophile, but my hope is the JBL system would be good enough to keep me happy without having to mess with it. I added a Kenwood HU and 8" sub to my Tacoma and it is great now, but I'd rather not mess with modifying audio on a $40k+ truck.

    2. The bins under the back seats are fantastic, but this truck didn't have them. Is that common? Why in the world would someone spec a truck without them. How do you carry jumpers, tie downs, tools, etc.? I'm slightly obsessive/compulsive so everything needs to be out of sight if it's something I keep with me all the time.

    3. 36-gal tank and integrated brake controller are 15+ or 16+, right? I have a brake controller in my Tacoma, but I'd rather just have it built in and not have something hanging under the dash. I also don't care much about gas mileage, but I do care about how often I have to fill the thing. The 36-gal tank would be awesome.

    If I buy new, it'd be a Tundra or F-150. Ram, Nissan, and GM have no appeal to me. I love my Tacoma and don't really need a bigger truck, but I have towed right at the limit of the Tacoma a few times, so it'd be nice to have the extra capacity. I also don't have much interest in the new Tacomas with the 3.5. The 4.0 is an awesome motor with lots of low end grunt. I'm not convinced the 3.5 is. Either way, I'd be looking at a DC Tundra, preferably a TRD Off Road Limited, definitely with the 5.7.
     
  2. Oct 20, 2016 at 11:59 AM
    #2
    havasubud

    havasubud Owner ESP Truck Accessories Vendor

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    Earl
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    Factory Tube Steps, TraiFX tri fold tonneau cover
    Hi there, and welcome to the group. My 2014 SR5 has the stock stereo with Entune Premium., non JBL. The JBL is ok as it has a bigger amp and a Sub behind the rear seat. That being said, I would look at one with JBL and compare to your liking. There is a guy in Georgia, James Randy Taylor, who does custom sound for the Tundras and does a great job. You can go to his site www.tech12volts.com and get his number. He will answer any questions you may have.

    As far as the bins under the rear seat, that is my product. As of right now, it is not available as an accessory through Toyota, however, I am working on that, lol. We sell them on our site at www.esptruck.com. We have had great success with them mostly due to the forums and Facebook and word of mouth. So to anyone who has one, THANK YOU! I have now made this my full time job.

    Now the last question is the tank and brake controller. The 26 gallon tank is a downer if you are towing. We went from Corona, Ca to Mammoth while towing a modified 12 foot trailer. I left my house with half a tank and had to get gas in Barstow, which is about 100 miles from the house. I then filled up again in Bishop, but was not quite on empty yet but did not want to push it. So if you don't want to stop as much, get a '16. The trailer brake is built into a 16 and has the 38 gallon tank. We also make a kit to dash mount a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 or P3, and it gives a factory look, which is what I wanted.
    So it all boils down to what you want and how much you want to do once you get the truck. If you have any questions, I will always answer my phone. You can call 951-858-3418

    Good luck,
    Earlp3 mount.jpg Crewmax uss.jpg
     
  3. Oct 20, 2016 at 11:59 AM
    #3
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike Not A New Member

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    1. Idk about the JBL unit, but the regular stock speakers leave much to be desired. I'm guessing it will be pretty similar to your Tacoma in that regard.

    2. Unfortunately only some of the DC models come with stock rear seat storage, but there is a company called ESP that sells some great bins for the CrewMax at an affordable price.

    3. You can get a factory or aftermarket brake control for a 14, but I don't believe any of them come with it. I wanna say the 36-gallon tanks starting coming as options on the 15+, but just like the brake controller you can also add one of them if you wanted.

    If you need any reason not to buy an F-150, just look for the thread "why are fords so badmouthed".
     
    js312[OP] likes this.
  4. Oct 20, 2016 at 2:34 PM
    #4
    js312

    js312 [OP] New Member

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    A guy at work just bought a '16 DC TRD Off Road and it had bins under the seat from the dealer--it looks like Toyota offers them for the DC, but not the CM. I'd be looking at a DC. The CrewMax is way more cab than I need and I'd rather have the bigger bed.

    I was surprised at how bad the standard system was. If it's like my Tacoma was, the speakers actually aren't bad, but the headunit doesn't give them enough power.

    I was also surprised that the storage was an option. How do people carry anything without it? My Tacoma has bins behind and under the seats and I have them all full of things that I wouldn't want to go without. Unless others don't mind random things floating around in their beds or on their floors.

    I think the 36-gal was made standard at some point, right? It'd be cool to have that kind of range. Say 15 MPG highway, you'd easily get 500 miles out of a tank. I guess it wouldn't be the end of the world because the 26 would get similar range to my 21 in my Tacoma, but I'm starting to feel that if I do this I should go for everything I want.

    Other weird thing: The dash display seems to only offer a few different gauges. No trans temp or anything. I have an UltraGauge in my Tacoma which I could move over, but it would have been nice if it was just there to begin with.
     
  5. Oct 20, 2016 at 2:37 PM
    #5
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike Not A New Member

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    Agreed, plus I don't think you would spend that much more buying a new 2016 than you would the used 2014. A lot of dealers are probably still running specials to get rid of 16's and make room for the 17's, plus you could get the integrated brake controller as well as the larger tank and a JBL system and more than likely be much happier! If your buying new definitely get it how you want!
     
  6. Oct 20, 2016 at 4:09 PM
    #6
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Yes, get a '16 or newer, 26 gallons is ridiculous, especially towing. And it's actually 38 gallons not 36, but only about 32 is useable..
     
    GNTundra likes this.
  7. Oct 20, 2016 at 9:15 PM
    #7
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    @js312 I have a 14' CrewMax, I was bummed about the lack of storage but I have child car seats that would block any access anyway. I bought an Undercover Swingcase and keep all my random stuff (jumper cables, tow hook, tow straps, flares, tie downs, etc.) in there.

    I also was looking for a 2-3 year old Tundra to save money. With how well they hold their value I decided it was best to spend a little more than I wanted to get a brand new truck. I don't regret that decision one bit.
     
    ChucklesToy likes this.
  8. Jun 12, 2017 at 4:11 AM
    #8
    js312

    js312 [OP] New Member

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    So, looking into this again since I now have a longer commute and the mileage is going to start piling up quick on my Tacoma. I crossed over 120k today, and I think if I get too high the value will start dropping faster.

    I'd be looking at a new '17 Double Cab TRD Off Road Limited, preferably Mag Gray, but the silver would do as well, with the lighter gray leather if I can find one with it. MSRP is around $44k for what I want. I'm guessing I could get it for closer to $40k? Sound about right?

    I noticed they apparently no longer offer a double cab with JBL? Maybe I'm missing something. I realized I can pull the powered under-seat sub out of the Tacoma and put it in and that would probably solve that problem. But, it also mentions 7 speakers. Does that mean there is a small sub somewhere? My Tacoma had 6--two in each door plus two tweeters in the front doors.

    I'd probably look at an F-150 super cab lariat too, but my Tacoma has been a great vehicle, so I'm a little biased toward Toyota. Towed and loaded to the max without an issue, got me out of places I shouldn't have gone to begin with, no reliability issues. Plus, that 5.7, massive rear end, and Aisin transmission are tried and true. I have no interest in Ram, Nissan, or anything GM.
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2017
  9. Jun 12, 2017 at 4:43 AM
    #9
    tomsinamerica

    tomsinamerica New Member

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    i've owned both the ford & toyota full size trucks... my fords weren't the Aluminum ones though... generation before that. I had very little trouble with them but the thing that got me with them was how quickly the interior wears. After 50k miles, the seats look worse than my 150k mile 4runner.

    You can buy more Ford for your money - they're better spec'd for the same price point yet here I am with a Tundra... why you ask?

    Firstly, i've been ridiculously impressed with Toyota's warranty. One day, I got a letter stating that they were offering a warranty for a dashboard replacement on my 13 YEAR OLD 4runner... "we used inferior plastics that may develop cracks with time - if your dashboard is cracked, we'll replace it" That is stupidly awesome. Low and behold, my dash cracked about 6 months after i got the letter... called the dealer and it was replaced. The fact they stand behind their build quality like this, long after the initial warranty has expired says a lot.

    Secondly, these trucks are really cleverly put together. Doing jobs such as CV replacement or bearing replacement is relatively simple compared to other brands. I'm sure they toyota method is more expensive up front but it makes servicing down the road a much more simple (cheaper). Having something that is easy to work on (when warranty expires) is pretty important to me

    Thirdly, Toy's are built to last. This is my first Tundra and i've only got 12k miles but the 2 4runners I've owned have been the most reliable cars i've owned. I don't want to jinx myself but the only thing i've ever done with either of them is regular maintenance and i've racked up close to 200k across those two SUVs... Oh wait.... full disclosure... my AC packed in on one of them. Googled the symptoms and fixed it with a $15 relay....

    So long story short, the fords look pretty and have all the gimmics but i firmly believe the Toy's will last longer. they're much easier to sell on if/when you need to as the pricing is a lot more transparent. with Ford's it's anyone's guess... i bought my new ones with more than $10k off MSRP... how you know what you should be paying for a used one is beyond me when the new price fluctuates by 20% or more is beyond me...

    Good luck with your decision!
     
    joonbug likes this.
  10. Jun 12, 2017 at 5:52 AM
    #10
    js312

    js312 [OP] New Member

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    I hear you. I believe Toyota puts better components into their trucks than the competition. The Aisin transmission and 8.4 rear diff in my Tacoma were put behind supercharged 4.7L Tundras, so they're certainly going to hold up to a 4.0 Tacoma. That stands true with the Tundra too--that rear end is considered to be just as strong as a Dana 70. Nobody uses a Dana 70 in a 1/2 ton.

    Of the big 3, I think Ford is most on top of things. The aluminum body is a great idea, IMO, and GM is beyond foolish to have advertising campaigns against it when they'll almost definitely go down that road too. The 10-speed that Ford and GM developed gives me pause, though--neither one has made consistently great transmissions in the past. Ram and Nissan went to Aisin for their HD stuff--I think that's the right move, and it's what Toyota has done for a very long time.
     
    MotoTundra likes this.
  11. Jun 12, 2017 at 5:56 AM
    #11
    ubserved

    ubserved New Member

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    I bought my first Tundra a little over 5 months ago. It's a fully loaded CM Platinum 4x4 and I love it. I miss the mileage I had on my Silverado but I have no regrets. If I had to do it over again, I still would have bought it. I liked the Crew Max more than the Double Cab. There is no under the rear seat storage in the CM.
     
  12. Jun 12, 2017 at 6:03 AM
    #12
    js312

    js312 [OP] New Member

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    I'd definitely be going for a double cab. I don't have kids (99% of the time, it's just me in the truck) and I often find the 6' bed on my Tacoma is either just enough or could use another couple inches so I'd hate to go to a shorter one.
     
    MotoTundra likes this.
  13. Jun 12, 2017 at 6:27 AM
    #13
    Juanjoolio007

    Juanjoolio007 New Member

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    So to answer your questions. 16 and newer get the bigger fuel tank(maybe option that I'm not positive). Having the smaller one is a bit of a pain in the ass. Driving 90% city i am only getting like 200 something miles out of a tank. But some people complain about hitting the cutoff at the gas pump. Having a diesel in the past and living in San Diego when regular was $5.25 a gallon thats not an issue for me. So i guess pick your poison.

    Next that 7th speaker should be the front center channel. Yes the stereo sucks in these trucks...and in Toyotas in general. I had a tacoma with JBL and it worked but since then I have replaced all my speakers in my 4runner and in my Tundra. The power is limited by the head unit. I currently have the stock head unit and a JL Audio Fix unit before my JL 900 watt 5 channel. It fixes the quality of sound but I can't turn my amp up passed about 1/4 of the way due to static feedback. Trust me though its still crazy loud.

    Under seat storage is available from the factory. If yours doesn't come stock with it PM me and if you pay shipping I will give you my factory one for FREE. I have kids so trying to get in there was annoying with the kids seats plus mine had to go to make room for my 2 12's. So i bought a plastic tote from Costco and put all my tools, tire chains(legal requirement in the winter) air compressor, gloves and whatever else in. With the tonneau cover and the tailgate locked it should be safe. I have had it in there for about a year now with no issues and it has never gotten moisture in there and I live in Oregon.
     
  14. Jun 12, 2017 at 9:46 AM
    #14
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    :anonymous:


    Having an extra couple inches in the bed is always good.

    :rimshot:
     
  15. Jun 14, 2017 at 7:09 AM
    #15
    hollandhunter

    hollandhunter New Member

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    I traded my 2015 tacoma dcsb 4x4 for a new 2017 crew max 4x4 5.7 a few months ago. I have no regrets. I have owned several tacomas. An i enjoyed everyone of them but to me the tundra was a huge upgrade. Its got alot more room and power with the 5.7. I have 3 kids or i would have prolly looked at the double cabs instead of the crew max. Also will add that alot of people rant about the gas milage on the tundra but honestly it doesnt get alot worse then my tacoma did and its alot bigger truck.
    As far as your questions above the jlb audio isnt worth the extra money to me so i didnt get it. I have had toyotas in the past with it and was never impressed. If its a concern to i would suggest you buy a after market system and be done with it.
    My new tundra doesnt have the bins under the seat but there is a little room under it in the back to store a few things if need be.
    The big tank is very nice but a kick in the nads at the gas station when you fill it up from empty. Ha. I tend to keep mine full so it doesnt seem to hurt as much when i stop for gas. It was super nice when we drove 700 miles one way here a while back to florida. Good luck with your desision. I say if you can afford it go for it. You should get good trade in or resale value on the tacoma. I have yet to loose my but on any of the tacomas i have had due to there great resale value. The tundra isnt far behind either. I like a couple of the other truck brands out there but im not made of money and i feel safer buying toyotas simply because they are know for reliablity and have great resale compared to others in the event you decide to go another route.
     

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