05 to 18 tundra. Did I do the right move?

Really missing my 1st gen. It wasn’t the prettiest so taking it in tight trails was no problem. It required lots of maintenance and I was tired of always having to put money torward it. So I bit the bullet and upgraded. Reading about all this cam tower leaks, flexing beds and stuff got me thinking, did I make the right move? Heres a pic, same place, same fishing partner just new truck.

 

You made the right move. These cam tower leak issues are slightly overblown on the forums. They’re real and present problems but most trucks aren’t affected. Bed flex is normal but I think can be lessened if you desire.

The old truck looked amazing! Can’t wait to see what you do with the new one. Don’t regret it too much if the old one really was a maintenance hog

 

I would say you made a good move just keep a eye out on the cam tower leak and you will be fine my 18 had the leak at 500 or so miles and no issues since I've put about 19k miles on it.

 

Awesome addition and totally the right move!

 

Good Move I am at 8000 miles on mine since I got it in May and no Cam tower leak and I did one road trip and towed a few times with it.

 

You made the right move for sure. My truck has 27 almost 28k and no issues with the cam tower seal. I’ll keep an eye out but I don’t think I’ll have a prob. This is an issue that is present yes but it doesn’t happen near as often as you think. The squeaky wheel gets the grease as they say and you usually hear about it. Out of the millions on the road that don’t have it well, there you go. The new 3rd gens are just as tough as the old ones. The bed flex is nothing to even think about. Unless your doing some serious rock crawling you will never have to worry about it. You bought the best most reliable truck on the road in today’s time. I am super super happy with mine and can’t wait to see how far I can push her mile wise. Just do the recommended maintenance when your suppose to and I doubt you’ll have a problem. Welcome to the forum.

 

Of course you made the right move! Awesome reliable truck! I had the cam tower leak!
25k miles since fix, still runs like new no problems.

 

The right move. I don't mind the frame flex at all. Love it actually. My 07 recently got rear ended. Was hit hard by a new Corolla that was fracked up. Totaled. When she hit me on the left side rear, the frame momentarily flexed up and helped absorbed the hit. I know this because a small dent was repaired on the cab. The dent was caused when the top corner of the bed made contact. I firmly believe now that my truck would have sustained more damage. Maybe even totalled without the frame being able to flex a bit. Proof is in the pudding. I don't have the cam tower issue on my 07. I'd be pissed with that on a new truck.It seems to be a common issue here lately. That being said.....The ubiguitous inline 6 cyl used in Jeeps for years until recently had leaks. Was notorious for that. I had a 89 Cherokee with that great inline 6. Guess what...it leaked. Now mind you, these leaked occurred over time and never was an official fix. Just keep a good eye on the cam towers. If you see a leak go to the dealer and show them.

 

Right move? You got the double cab with the 6.5' bed. Way to go. ONE RIGHT MOVE PROPERLY EXECUTED!!!!!

 

Right move getting the new truck, wrong move getting rid of the old truck.

 

I got 21k for the 05, would you have sold it lol?

 

Nice!

 

Hawaiian prices right?? Lava beach cliffs in pics kinda gives it away!

 

Wow!

 

Cool shot!

 

They are both fine trucks. I'm curious what qualifies as maintenance hog.. Perhaps I missed his mileage. Water pump, serp belt, maybe an alternator or starter? Did you sell it for a mint?
Secondly you traded traditional four doors for a different style of cab... Are you happy is the question. Does the new truck make your life easier?? Gear? Storage? MPG? Smiles per gallon? Interior gadgets (Bluetooth) etc.
I like em both.
I also have 30k on mine and no leaks.

 

If you're concerned about the cam tower leak just request they inspect the cam towers on each maintenance visit while you're still under warranty. You should be covered for quite some time. If the problem ever pops up, have them fix it. I wont be losing any sleep over it. It's not an issue that will leave anyone stranded on the side of the road like some of the problems I had on my 2016 Tacoma.

 

What was left on the 18 after the trade?

 

I was in a position of possibly selling the 02’ last year and would have bought the same new Tundra DC as the OP.

My circumstances at the time last year on the 02’ were that she had been a great truck with NO problems ever (outside of maintenance) since 2002, but the front end suspension was needing re-built ENTIRELY.

I weighed the cost of a new Tundra DC $45k PLUS the personal property taxes EVERY year of $1200 and decided NOT to buy new.

Reasons for not buying new (besides the huge sticker and PP tax) came from reading comments here. The 02’ has better payload. The new Tundra sheet metal is weaker. The new Tundras are squeaky (many friends have them so I know first hand). The new Tundras are too big IMO. The 02’ rides better (plusher even with stiff Billy 5100’s). The 02’ has true limited slip.

Granted about $6k has been re-invested back into the 02’ this year and know it will take a few years to ride out the reinvestment.

I think if your old truck was well maintained you should have kept it.

I like your DC (and color) and was close to pulling the trigger, but ultimately am happy with the 02’ unless something happens. These 1st Gens are getting rare and everyone around here has a new Tundra which is another reason I am holding off.

Only advantage is the towing power on the new Tundras. The 1st Gens are like the B-52 bomber platform. They are a durable body that can be rebuilt, repurposed, remodified and made better (regearing/new better transmission) and the engine still keeps ticking.

 

Not much lol. Still owed a little on the truck but i took the brand new wheels off, camper off, and another set of tundra stock wheels also. Buyer brought his own rims and tires. Thats how I got 21k, selling the rest on the side.

 

Did you make the right move?


I say ...

 

MPG was the biggest complaint I had being it was my DD. My work is only 8min away but I could not get even 200miles on a full tank till the light came on. Did a tune up with no improvement. I know the camper shell, tires and lift sure added weight, it sucked putting gas every week n a half. I had a electrical gremlin also, could not track that down. Other than that my monthly for my 05 compared to my 18 was only 100$. I love the truck so far, cant wait to upgrade it a little abd make it more trail ready for some fishing ventures

 

BTW, 2 booster seats and an infant car seat fits comfortably in my DC.

 

I put a viper alarm/start kit in mine with all the optional T harnesses and have some regret on the electrical gremlin side of things. It seems aftermarket stereo equipment and alarms are the majority of the future random draw problems.
100 monthly for the upgrade seems logical. You can't help the mileage much.
I'd say you did well.

 

High way i can get 17mpg, city says 14 and full tanks hit 250 in town before the light goes which im stoked about lol

 

Did the same thing 05 to a 18. Been a year and still happy with the switch. Do still miss the 05 though. Wish I could have both

 

I hear that. Just traded my '05 for a '17. This will be my 3rd Tundra. Ex-wife got my first '05 when we split. Missed it so much I found another one. Been through a lot with that truck over the years (170,000+ miles worth). Can't seem to shake that feeling that I left a soldier behind.

 

I got 10k since Labor day, I see no evident of cam tower leak (fingers crossed).

Yeah OP, great looking truck in an even better location! Looks good from here.

 

I bought the '07 and kept my '02... if push ever comes to
shove and I have to let one go - I'll still be driving the '02.

 

I'm right there with you..