1k mile heavy towing impressions

2022 Platinum with 6.5’ bed and rear air suspension truck.

I was towing a 28’ enclosed trailer loaded with a race car, tools, tires, parts, and at a total weight around 10k.

The truck had about 800# in it with passengers, luggage and a few things in the bed. The tongue weight of the trailer is likely 1200#.


I was running a WDH with load leveling bars and a sway stabilizer bar. The trailer brakes are not working well and almost all the braking was via the truck brakes.

Engine: The engine had plenty of power, I was able to easy accelerate to the speed limit coming off of ramps and from toll booths.

Transmission: The transmission worked well, it kept the truck at 2200 RPM most of the time. It would downshift one gear for most larger inclines and would shift again if it was a steep grade.

Fuel economy: I was getting 8.5mpg in areas with lots of elevation change and 9.5mpg when flat.

Comfort: The truck was very quiet, with most noise actually being pumped in V8 noises from the stereo. The seats were nice for 6’2” guys 250#+. The climate controls worked nicely, we got wet in 50* temps and I would have liked to be able to run heated and ventilated seat controls at the same time, but you can’t do that.

Tech: The tech is impressive and we played around with it a bunch. The radar cruise worked nicely the whole trip. It made for relaxing driving (66mph was our standard on mostly 70mph limited roads). I ran the B box for YouTube TV live NFL games on the 14” coming home. It was like listening to the radio for the driver and having the full game for the passenger.

Overall: I felt there was very little to dislike, there was a bit of sway from trucks passing me at 80+ mph. I had my rear tires at 51psi (rated at 44) and I need to get some 10 ply tires for the loads I haul when towing. I am coming from an 01’ Chevy 3500 with DRW and an 8.1L paired to a 4L80E.

The trip was more relaxing and overall much easier with the Tundra. Mileage was 8.5 vs 7mpg loaded, but I did miss the 55 gallon tank in the Chevy I had.

Overall, I thought the truck performed admirably for a job that should be done with a HD truck. I wanted to move to one vehicle for DD and my 5-8 big tows a year vs having a HD truck and a car.

 

great news, looks good

 

I was concerned about towing a heavy load with large trailer while having a large payload prior to ownership.

I towed 2 weeks prior with a heavier load, likely 10,500# trailer and 1,000# load in the truck . Likely around 2500# payload. That was around a 250 miles round trip. That went well too.

I wanted to get 10 ply E rated tires, but was unable to source “good ones” prior to the two trips.

When I got the truck I adjusted the air suspension via the sensor links, and also made several adjustments to my WDH to get everything setup better.

If anyone is concerned about towing or hauling heavy with a similar setup, all I can tell you is the truck felt solid and performed well.

 

And to think I was a little concerned about my 7k Airstream with a 980lb tongue weight!
You just made my day. Thanks!
Awaiting my incoming Platinum Hybrid…

 

I think your concern was well placed, but even with the added weight from the hybrid I would imagine you will be just fine.

 

You will be fine ! I tow a 7k Lance with my hybrid and it’s a towing beast

 

E ply is 10 ply. Glad your trip went well.

 

The trip did not go well. I had 2 blown tires and broke a leaf on the trailer, but the truck worked well.