Gas or Hybrid for RV Towning??? Payload???

Hi Guys,
New to the group and looking to make a purchase on a 24 Tundra very soon. Tried 2 years ago but the C word had everything shut down and there were no new Tundras to be found so I did something I have never done before (and Never again) I purchased a Ford . With that said my two questions are this. Right now I'm not finding as many Hybrids as gas versions on the 24 model and wondering how many people here really believe the hybrid is that beneficial or great when it comes to towing? I will be pulling a 27' Cougar 22MLS that weighs about 72-7500lbs fully loaded. We are not just weekend warriors going to our local state park but go out about 3x a year anywhere from 3-5 weeks all over the country. So I would really love to hear if I should hold out for a hybrid or are most happy with the gas edition? Is it really worth the extra 4k?

So while this truck has plenty of towing at around 11K it is seriously lacking in my opinion on payload which brings me to my next question. I've gotten spoiled with the F-150 4x4 having a payload of 1760 and so when I give this up I'm taking a HUGE hit by dropping down to 1345 for this Tundra and I've very concerned and also curious about those of you that also camper tow and know some are most likely going over a bit as I'm most certain to do. I used the cat scales and so I know my exact tongue is very heavy right at 1000 lbs and so that leaves me with only 345 left and after myself and wife we have exactly ZERO left over for gear. This pretty much squashes also the dream of adding a LEER camper shell as those are probably close to 200lbs. Not much I can do to lower the tongue weight as I'm carrying two 30lb propane bottles and some extra solar panels I've added to the top. I never carry fresh water and pretty much done all I know to get that as low as I can.

I'm sure this sort of a taboo question as no one really wants to come out and admit that "Yeah I'm 200lbs over and no issues" and then have the spec nazis come out with how bad this is. Just looking for any idea or things that folks are doing to help with this issue. Anyone adding summo springs? And yes I use a Blue Oz WDS. Feel free to hit me direct if you don't want to comment here on this.

Thanks in advance!

 

Wish I had something to offer, but I am interested in the opinions on it, so here's a free bump.

 

If you spend up to 15 weeks a year towing don’t you want a 3/4 ton diesel?

 

3/4 Ton anything would probably be a better option for what I tow but I'm not a big fan of diesel. The 1/2 ton does well now but not the best gas mileage, about 8.5 average depending on what way the wind is blowing, lol.

 

Appreciate the help and interest. I did find two other rv owners on here and reached out to them direct and both said they were huge fans of the hybrid and would do it again, said they highly recommended it with my set up. Based off the advise, I changed my plans and will be picking up a 2024 Tundra next week and it will be a hybrid

 

Then 3/4 ton gas truck if you don’t want a diesel. Thats what I drive and my payload is 3,600lbs

 

WOW!!!! What are you driving? Going to guess a 250? Not a big fan with Ford....this was my first to ever own and will be my last. Wish Toyota made a 3/4 Ton.

 

Nope. Chevy 2500

 

I wouldnt buy an HD truck for the occasional trip, but man sounds like you tow a lot

 

As much as I like my Tundra, if I were towing that big of a trailer that often I'd go with a gas 3/4 ton. Get about the same mileage towing while having a nicer towing experience while not having to play the empty all the tanks and travel light game. I liked the 6.4 Hemi and 8 speed ZF transmission in my previous truck (2019 Ram 2500) but the cabin was cramped and it had a lot of little electrical gremlins. If I needed more truck than I have now I'd give a hard look at the Chevy/GMC 2500 or Ford F250 with their gasoline V8 engines. I know people with both the GM gas 6.6 and Ford gas 7.3; they all like them and have had no problems. The HD offerings from the Big 3 are much better trucks than their half tons.

 

I believe the Ram 2500 Hemi now has cylinder deactivation and coil springs, which are more good reasons to stay away.

 

Yeah it’s had that since 2014 for some stupid reason. 8 speed ZF transmission is fantastic, but the rest not so much.

 

No doubt I would probably be better served with a 3/4 ton on the towing side. I guess its just the other 9-10 months that I don't want to have this big of a truck. I'm also not sure that it would fit in my garage, lol. Not sure but guessing a 3/4 would be a bit longer? Also what do those trucks get for mileage on just day to day use without towing....15mpg?

 

We upgraded from a 4runner to a Platinum Tundra, 2024, Hybrid. Just did first trip hauling #4500 pound winnebago. Did not even know I had a trailer behind me on trip from New Hampshire to Shenandoah. 600 miles one way. Such an amazing difference from the 4runner. But I am not pulling anywhere close to max weight. So far the Hybrid power train gets a big thumbs up for me.

 

Awesome, thanks for the feedback! What was your gas mileage on that?

 

Gas mileage came in right around 11 MPG. That included traffic, highway at 75 or so.

 

I think double digits are great and hoping I'm at least 10. Coming from a 3.5 Ecoboost F-150 and currently getting 8.5. I am towing just over 7K though. Nice rig, is that icecap or OCP? I'm pick my limited up Tue and went OCP. Did you do anything to your suspension....airbags?

 

I think it’s the OCP .

I use the Andersen load leveler, and I think I need to “prop rear” up an inch to an inch and a half. On the 4Runner I installed airbags just jacking rear up. Probably removed tires. But they squeezed right in. Does not look that easy here.

 

lol, my mistake...WCP...Wind Chill Pearl. I'm probably going to add either air bags or the summo springs. The later is a very easy install, did it on my 150. Called factory and they are working on releasing them soon for the 3rd gen tundras.

 

Here's our '23 Tundra non-hybrid loaded up. Trailer is only 5500 lbs. when loaded. I'm not exactly sure on my tongue weight but I'd guess 650 lbs. or so. My payload sticker says 1400 on the truck. We're a family of 4 and our total weight of bodies is approximately 600 lbs., depending on breakfast. There is a 55# hitch, a 50# bed cover, another 30# rack system, 4 bikes at around 120# total, and another 150# of camping stuff in the bed. Conservatively speaking, I'm sitting around 1650# of added weight when traveling. The trailer isn't very long, just under 21' tip to tip, but it is 8' wide. MPGs are always in the neighborhood of 11. Most of our travels are in California with lower towing speed limits. I usually travel at 58-62 MPH and no more than 65 when out of state. We've been up and down 9k foot passes and have never felt the need for more power. Transmission breaking when going downhill could be better but then again, I'm not letting the engine spin above 4k RPM when descending.

There are no bags or sumo springs on the rear suspension. The truck squats but not like a Carolina Squat. It's actually quite level when going down the road. I've never hit the bump stops, even on our bumpy freeways out here.

If I can answer anything else, just ask.

 

Nice set up, thanks for breaking it all down. I think you covered it all and can not think of anything else. I just brought my 2024 Limited hybrid home yesterday so I'm in the process of figuring out all the things I want to add and get it ready for our trip to Acadia this Aug/Sep.

Very encouraged to hear you are still pulling double digits on your mpg. With just myself and wife the 3.5 Ecoboost in this F-150 is only averaging 8.5. I will definitely be sure to add a photo once I take one loaded out.