Potential first time Tundra owner!

What’s going on everyone? I currently own a 2015 f250 platinum with the 6.7. I’m looking at purchasing a 2019 tundra TRD pro. I’m just looking to get back into a gas truck and be done with the constant worry of diesels (fuel pumps, turbo gaskets, trans not hold the power). I’m by no means under the impression a gas truck will tow like my diesel but with that said, my requirement for the next truck is that it can handle towing 8k-9k lbs wakeboard boat.

1) Who tows regularly with their Tundra in the 8k range?

2) I believe the Tundra I’m looking at has those rubber helper “springs” that mount above the rear leaf springs. Are these aftermarket or standard?

3) First time driving a tundra, felt like it had decent power, and the exhaust sounded great. How can I tell if the ECU has been flashed or there’s a tuner other than the obvious device in the obII port? What are the best current tuners (vr, Dap, Bully)?

 

Welcome from NY.
Good looking truck, even though it's a Ford.

 

This is the 19 Tundra. 48k miles and asking $49k. Seem to be reasonable?

 

Be aware you aren't getting the transmission cooler unless the PO added one so pulling 4 tons will require due diligence to keep from turning your transmission into a dumpster fire.

 

Which models come with a cooler? I definitely don’t mind adding one though. Thank you

 

Easy enough to add one (trans cooler) for sure. The towing experience will be very different from your F250, but the 2.5gen (2007-2021) Tundras do well compared to the domestic counter parts due to a great transmission and low rear end gearing from the factory. $49k is a pretty decent deal for a 2019 Pro.

 

Just take the engine mods of your 6.7. I wouldn't tow 8-9k with a Tundra. I'm not even sure THAT Tundra specifically can tow that. It's a crewmax and a Pro. That's the lowest possible payload and towing capacity configuration you can have.

Also, what boat do you have?

 

Online says 10,150 on the crew max pro. I’ve towed with the 3.5tt f150 with max tow and it pulled great. Debating if I need to go that route for a gas truck again. I have a 2022 Supreme S240 right now but we just built out a 2023 Centurion fi23.

 

Unfortunately online never seems to get it right. The only way to tell is matching up the model number in the owners manual.

 

I would have a look at the actual sticker for the individual rated weights for that specific vehicle. There's a lot of things that can change that.

Beautiful boat. Since you're on top of the latest wakeboat tech, I can only assume you'll be upgrading regularly. I would not tow a 6 figure boat with a Tundra.

IMO, I think you'll be better served with a new 7.3 SuperDuty.

 

I have a 2018 TRD OR and tow my tractor around once in awhile (pushing 8k# with all the implements and crap added up). Tows fine but wouldnt want to personally go any heavier and nicknamed my truck ‘squattygirl’ when shes loaded up, airbags are on the list. 2018 was the last year of the trans cooler from the factory but can be added.. its a polarizing subject on here whether you need it or not and to each their own.
We have a 5600lb camper that actually tows worse even with a WDH just due to having the aerodynamic prowess of a cinderblock.
Nice looking rigs btw

 

2018 was the last year.
You can always add it to a 2019. If you like it go for it and add it on yourself.

 

Would you tow one with an f150?

 

Man. 49k for a 2019. That was what I bought mine for with 0 miles. Liking how it holds value!

 

My truck is a 2017 SR5 crew max 2wd .We tow a travel trailer about that weight and it tows it great.I have Sumo springs on the rear axle , a sway control and weight dis hitch.Im getting on average 11.5 mpg.

 

no, no 1/2 tons.

 

what’s your experience in towing? I’ve towed plenty with 1/2 tons especially the f150 max tow of 13k which isn’t far off from my f250’s 16k tow rating. Just trying to find real experience with the tundra.

 

The “ratings” is a bit of a numbers game. Don’t believe everything you read there. Your F250 is setup much better to tow heavy than any 1/2 ton. Frames, brakes, engines, transmissions, rear ends etc. 1/2 ton tow ratings are just to entice people who only care about the newest best fastest highest numbers. And more people buy 1/2 ton trucks than any other vehicles made, so it’s a big money market for the manufacturers. Tundra is a great tow machine, but it’s no 3/4 ton. Most popular configurations for tundra have a payload less than 1300 pounds and a tow capacity under 9k. It handles the weight well subjectively, but a 9k pound boat is no joke, especially on a boat ramp. Bad time to find out you bought too small.

 

Car/toy haulers mainly. Pulled them many hours through the desert loaded with SxS or prerunners. Those were with HD pickups and the toy hauler with a dually 1 ton. I will say, those drives were quite comfortable, even when the wind would pick up. With the Tundra, I've towed a couple of cars for some people. The heaviest would have been an early 90s F150. I towed that 2 hours from central to north Florida. Let me say, that with the winds and rains common to the I75 corridor, it was the 2nd sketchiest experience I've had. It was similar to my first sketchiest experience, trying to town another 90s F150 from Fresno to LA in my old Bronco. A buddy bought it and needed help getting it home. We ended up stopping outside Bakersfield because we weren't getting it home. Stayed the night and a the guy that owns the 2500 and car hauler came to rescue us the next day.

There's been plenty of threads about "increasing towing capacity" and "what can I buy to make it tow better" around here. People buy these things and get maxed out real quick, and realize the dog is getting wagged by the tail their first drive. Then they post here asking what they need to buy to increase payload towing capacity and, controllability.

 

I would tow that boat with my 3rd gen Tundra. The F150 has transmission module issues and needs to be reset periodically. I don't think you would want to trade a truck with transmission issues for another one that has issues as well.

The 3rd gen tundra has trim quality issues but the engine+trans combo is great. I can only speak of the non-hybrid version.

I suggest to not get a pro or offroad 3rd gen tundra for your particular use. Get a limited/platinum. You can get the auto-leveling airbag or get an aftermarket set which is what I'm adding if I find that the Andersen WDH I bought is not adequate.