Best Tundra For Me?

Hi-

New to the forum, and trying to gather info for the Tundra I will own one day.

I currently have an 02 silverado with around 200K. It has been a great truck, but I think a Tundra is in my future. New silverados look stupid and seem to have tons of trans issues. Oh, and did I mention how stupid they look?

The silverado has treated me well all these years. Only had the fuel pump go out on me, and other than that, 20 years of trouble free ownership. Just changed fluids and normal maintenance. I am the kind of person who takes good care of a vehicle and drives it for many years.

I like the idea of a heavier duty truck like a Tundra. From what I understand, Tundras since around 2010 are built with a heavy duty drivetrain and suspension. I like that idea.

I'm wondering whether all Trundras have a locking differential. I don't really have need for 4 wheel drive, but a locking differential would be very nice.... (About the only thing I really dislike about the old silverado is the fact that one wheel will spin-as it doesn't have a locking diff.) I may get a light RV one day. That, and a small boat are about the only things I would ever tow.

Which gen Trundra should I focus on? I want as simple electrical as possible (I don't give a crap about the advanced infotainment systems.... In fact, those things kind of make me angry. Just far more complexity for very little upside.) I'm after reliability and nice, comfortable tow capacity-in case I decide to get a mid size RV.

Which gen should I focus on?

-thanks!

 

No Tundra before 2022 came with a locking rear diff. The 2.5 gen (2014-2021) has a system called A-Trac that uses the brakes to simulate the effect of a locking rear diff in 2Hi. Not sure if the second gen (2007-2013) does as well or not.

The Tundra is a halfton, similar to your Chevy so don't really expect it to be that much heavier duty. That said, it should be able to tow an RV up to ~27 ft long and ~7000 lbs if you can stay within your payload capacity.

If you're looking at a 2.5 gen, the 5.7L V8 is the way to go. Go for a 2016+ so you can get one with the big fuel tank (38 gallons) too. For electronic simplicity, I would look at 2016-2017. 2018s got a nicer dash screen and LED headlights on certain trims but they also got a bunch of safety nannies.

 

Take note of the "small payload" that Tundras have. In most cases that'll work out to around 1500lbs, give or take.

If you need cab space, the crewmax is pretty nice. But it comes at the cost of a smaller bed (5.5). If you're considering going 5th wheel, bed size is important.

I'm with you on the nanny stuff.

 

That payload is an interesting number....

Seems like the truck can tow a pretty big load, but payload sure seems smaller than I would have expected.

 

It's lower than most people expect. That's why I mentioned it.

 

the payload is more of a guide.......

 

You can modify the stock suspension easily on the trucks. It doesn't change the ratings, but it does change the truck. Check out Roadmaster active suspension, HD leaf packs, Sumo springs, Airbags and cradles, etc. Lots of options. Look into brake and tire modifications too.

 

yeah and if you're used to shutting a Silverados' door and hearing a "thud" then get ready for the Tundra doors to feel flimsy as hell. The thinness still surprises me years later.

 

I've found the opposite.