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(Soon to be) 2020 Platinum CrewMax owner (Vancouver, BC)

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by white rocket, Feb 28, 2020.

  1. Feb 28, 2020 at 11:54 PM
    #1
    white rocket

    white rocket [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2020
    Member:
    #43286
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax Platinum 4x4 MGM
    Hi all!

    New to the forum but not new to Toyota or forums in general. Currently driving a 2019 4Runner TRD Pro but life calls for a full size pick up so it's time to switch it up. I placed an order last week and it should arrive late March. I didn't start off being excited so...............

    Why the heck am I buying a Tundra?

    I originally bought my current 4Runner a year ago with the intention of having it forever. I had a built up 3rd gen a few years ago and a 2nd gen back 5 speed in the 90's and they have always been my dream vehicle. When it came time to buy a long term SUV, there was no other choice.

    Some context if I may.......
    On a daily basis, my wife's VW Atlas performs all of the family duties and handles everything we would need to do in terms of travelling. It seats 7, the rear seat is a 50/50 split and the dog kennel fits in length-wise with the other seat up, shuttles the kids around, has all of the wifey necessities like pano sunroof, a/c seats, heated steering wheel and feels like a European vehicle should. She loves it and that's that. Since my daily driver doesn't need to meet those requirements I could have bought almost anything (within reason) and just be able to put kids seats in it in a pinch. The 4Runner TRD Pro was no brainer. I could go mess around in the dirt, not hemorrhage money into it to justify the Pro price increase/keep it stock and still enjoy it, not have the desire to have a second car in the garage like I have for the last 15+ years until last November(I'm a Honda/import guy), enjoy the slowest rate of depreciation in the industry, not worry about it breaking, and so on....

    Somewhat unexpectedly, we bought an Jayco SLX Baja trailer last June. We had originally planned to use the Atlas to tow it as it is spec'd the same as the 4Runner in terms of hp, tq, and towing, and is overall a more convenient SUV in comparison. The 4Runner could be used if we decided to hit up an FSR spot off the beaten path which would not be kind to highway tires but otherwise we planned to just stick with normal sites. When we picked up the trailer we discovered that the Atlas was not compatible with a weight stabilizing hitch, which we had just purchased. I'm guessing its because it's a unibody vehicle versus a body on frame. After towing it home we found the trailer prone to heavy sway since it is basically a lifted box on two wheels. Towing weight was completely fine but the sway was kind of sketchy. We put the hitch on the 4Runner with the stabilizer bars and it made a huge difference. Like a night and day difference. So the 4Runner took on full time camping/towing duty.

    It almost made sense at first, an off-road vehicle with an off-road trailer. It was a great match to be honest. Towing was fine and the trailer all loaded up is well under the max limit but the 4.0L isn't a powerhouse by any means. No biggie, Magnuson can solve that. The next issue was our dogs kennel, it won't fit in length-wise and it takes up the entire cargo area. I really wanted to be that guy with a big dog hanging out the rear window but he does way better in his kennel while travelling. No biggie, everything is packed in the trailer anyway. Thirdly, I didn't like throwing firewood in the back even with the rubber mat and a truck bed would have made more sense. No biggie, I got over my OCD cleanliness and moved on with life. There were a few other minor items as well. "With all of these inconveniences, wouldn't it make sense to just have a truck?" my wife would say. Ugh, I knew my 4Runner days were numbered. She likes that I like it and doesn't necessarily dislike it but when we switch vehicles she makes fun of it more than I make fun of her Atlas since price wise they are the same.

    With a firm elbow to the gut from the wife, the seed was planted and off I went down the truck rabbit hole. I am not a full size truck guy at all and really have no desire to become one so the Tacoma was always the first choice. Although I didn't want to get rid of the 4Runner, I was excited to get into Taco mode and start planning stuff out. The more I planned it out, the more it didn't make sense. Towing specs were relatively the same as the 4Runner and it is a small truck overall. Thinking of a double cab off-road and putting some suspension and tires on it or just getting the Pro put pricing way too close to Tundra pricing to ignore. The more I looked at the Tundra, the more boxes it start to tick off. I looked at Ford, Dodge, GM, even the Titan, just to be prudent, but they all do absolutely nothing for me and they seem to change specs so frequently and always have problems. I'm generalizing of course but I've been in the auto industry for a long time (leasing specifically) and those truck are all just fleet trucks to me. Even the loaded up ones, while cool and luxurious, they all age like shit and need maintenance like crazy. Not all but most. Since a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel is way overkill and borderline ridiculous for us, the Tundra was the only truck that could work. The Toyota charm is its archaic tech, chunky buttons, low maintenance costs and top notch reliability.

    I am now at an acceptance point that the 4Runner is going and the Tundra is my future daily. While I am not looking forward to driving a larger vehicle everyday, I am excited for the easy button it provides for all other aspects in our lives. Day one of ownership will be a couple of dump runs and picking up gardening stuff. After 15+ years of inconvenient cars taking up space and money I'm finally ready to put on my big boy pants and become an adult and stop enduring vehicles just because I'm a car snob. The wife is happy for truck life, V8 power and Platinum trim luxury. I still get my roll down rear window (best feature ever) and towing will be a breeze.

    I've probably spent $20K+ in modifications in my head but I'll try and keep it reasonable. Currently researching wheel/tire packages, contemplating a lift beforehand which would dictate tire sizing, and a canopy. Great info in here :thumbsup:

    Sorry for the long post but I feel like this is a defining moment in my vehicle ownership and while I have struggled with automotive identity recently I'm feeling relieved that this will be the most practical vehicle I have owned and will do everything I ask of it.

    Thanks for reading if you made it this far :cool:

    Cheers!
    -Chris
     
    AZ Red Nek, Mcoop and Prostar 190 like this.
  2. Feb 29, 2020 at 12:10 AM
    #2
    sf319

    sf319 New Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7941
    Messages:
    421
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2014 CM Barcelona Red SR5 5.7
    Dash Cam|PowerStop Z36|DIY bed rails|DIY Pop-n-Lock|LED interior
    Welcome from UT, USA. I was looking at a Taco when my wife convinced me to test drive the Tundra. Now on my second, and haven't regretted it. I got to drive a Taco for a couple weeks when my first Tundra was in the shop after an accident, and it made me realize I made the right choice.
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  3. Feb 29, 2020 at 4:31 AM
    #3
    SprinterAE86

    SprinterAE86 New Member

    Joined:
    May 19, 2018
    Member:
    #15447
    Messages:
    1,065
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ian
    Charlottetown, PE, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2012 Toyota Sequoia Platinum
    Bilstein 5100 2.3/1.5, TRD sway bars ft/rr, Cooper Tires Discoverer AT3 XLT 295.70.18, Vision Manx 2 18x9 +12, APS side armor steps, TRD-Pro Grill and Bulge, de-chromed, blackout emblems, OEM mirror caps and flares, TRD shift knob, Leather wrapped steering wheel, All weather mats
    Welcome from Florida!
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  4. Feb 29, 2020 at 4:39 AM
    #4
    Y0TA PR0

    Y0TA PR0 Dirt biking & fishing

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2519
    Messages:
    22,334
    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Rafael
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD PRO
    WELCOME!
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  5. Feb 29, 2020 at 4:46 AM
    #5
    Midnite72

    Midnite72 Anything DIRT !!

    Joined:
    May 26, 2018
    Member:
    #15623
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    Bill
    Northern MD
    Vehicle:
    18 SR 5.7 4x4
    2” level P&P sliders
    Welcome from Maryland :hattip:
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  6. Feb 29, 2020 at 5:14 AM
    #6
    Pinay

    Pinay New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2018
    Member:
    #19379
    Messages:
    15,698
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Monet
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black - SR5 - CrewMax - 4x4 - TSS Dirty Seven Club
    Mahal kita Kuya
    Welcome from SoCal!
     
    white rocket[OP] and Mcoop like this.
  7. Feb 29, 2020 at 7:30 AM
    #7
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

    Joined:
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    Adam
    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
    Welcome from TEXAS
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  8. Feb 29, 2020 at 7:39 AM
    #8
    Green Thunder

    Green Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2019
    Member:
    #37701
    Messages:
    7,164
    Washington
    Vehicle:
    2020 Burnt Green TRD Pro
    Food crumbs and dog fur
    Welcome from WA.
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  9. Feb 29, 2020 at 8:49 AM
    #9
    Lovetrucks

    Lovetrucks Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2020
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    Bryan
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    2019 Ram Rebel
    Welcome from Ontario Canada . It’ll take a few days to get used to the size of a full size truck but believe me once you’re used to it you won’t want to drive anything else , from the utility of a truck and the high seating position to see far up the road , the bigger mirrors etc etc .
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  10. Feb 29, 2020 at 8:51 AM
    #10
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

    Joined:
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    Jose
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Crew Max TRD
    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    Welcome from Colorado
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  11. Feb 29, 2020 at 11:28 AM
    #11
    Prostar 190

    Prostar 190 SSEM #9 I would rather be water skiing

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    Bryan
    OH
    Vehicle:
    2010 CrewMax limited 4X4
    6" lift 35" Toyo M/T
    Welcome from Ohio.
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  12. Feb 29, 2020 at 3:07 PM
    #12
    Mcoop

    Mcoop Throbbing Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2019
    Member:
    #33179
    Messages:
    716
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    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Berlin, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black SR5 5.7L DCLB 4x4
    You win the award for longest intro!

    Welcome from southern NJ.

    T
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  13. Feb 29, 2020 at 3:32 PM
    #13
    Pitbull410

    Pitbull410 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2020
    Member:
    #40964
    Messages:
    239
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRDPro CM MGM, 2018 LC200 MGM
    I too went from a 4runner to the tundra. You will love it. The rear seat space for the kids is much larger in the tundra. With your wife having a large SUV already you guys will be set
     
    white rocket[OP] likes this.
  14. Mar 1, 2020 at 11:46 AM
    #14
    white rocket

    white rocket [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2020
    Member:
    #43286
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax Platinum 4x4 MGM
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2020
  15. May 12, 2021 at 11:37 PM
    #15
    white rocket

    white rocket [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2020
    Member:
    #43286
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax Platinum 4x4 MGM
    I'll try to make this post a bit more brief.

    With the order placed I knew the 4Runner needed to go. I ran it through a local auction and got nearly what I paid a year prior for it unexpectedly. So off it went and I thought I'd go car-less for a few weeks. I had a family loaner car if needed so no biggie. A few weeks go by and BAM, a f**king global pandemic hits. In the height of quarantine and the world shutting down, the thought of even leaving the house was questionable let alone daily commuting. The truck arrived late March as scheduled but since I didn't want a new expensive truck sitting in the driveway while we all hunkered down for who knew how long, I passed altogether. Kind of perfect timing since it was like a 3 month hunker before the world saw some life again.

    June rolls around and with still no intentions of buying a car, a friend randomly sends me a link to a 2012 ISF for sale that I had looked at back in June 2019 but passed on to get the camping trailer; and for $4k cheaper than the original price from the previous year. With no second car and a wife's SUV that does everything, I figured I'd throw a hail mary for wife approval. Shockingly it is granted and BAM!!; dream car achieved:cool:. It was a great car to floss through summer but I knew I didn't want to drive it full time. So I ordered a 2021 4Runner Off Road in Sept so I could garage the Lexus for winter. It arrives early December and we're golden. Love the updates from the 2019 and saved a ton not getting the Pro. Automotive heaven achieved.

    During the past year my wife had gotten back into horses pretty heavy and now has a bit of a business going with some leased out and some being ridden by her and our daughters. It's a lifestyle I'm told. So with being a horse family now comes hay, feed, equipment, and horse trailers; none of which would be ideal for either SUV. We know where this is going.........................

    Knowing I wouldn't want the first year of anything the next gen Tundra was of no interest. I did my research again just like last year and still came back to the Tundra. Ordered placed yesterday and I'm hoping to see a 2021 Platinum CrewMax 4x4 in Magnetic Grey Metallic by Aug/Sept. I didn't like the pearl white for 2021 and thought it'd be cool have near matching Toyota V8's with the ISF being Nebula Grey Metallic.

    Thanks for reading if you got this far. I'm pretty stoked and had to share :bananadance:
     
  16. May 13, 2021 at 12:20 AM
    #16
    Dr Doobie

    Dr Doobie Growing member

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    Mike
    Talkeetna,Alaska
    Vehicle:
    '07 RCSB 5.7 SC'd 4x4 SSM
    Welcome from Alaska
     
  17. May 13, 2021 at 7:52 AM
    #17
    hitech

    hitech New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2018
    Member:
    #14786
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Blair
    SOMD
    Vehicle:
    2018 CM TRD OR Limited
    Dang dude, you are all over the place! LOL. Good luck with the new truck, let us know when you get it and share pics.
     
  18. May 14, 2021 at 5:12 PM
    #18
    AZ Red Nek

    AZ Red Nek Native of the Valley, Bowl, Basin, ETC...

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2021
    Member:
    #60267
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    295
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chuck
    Vehicle:
    2016 White SR5 Crew 4x4
    Hidden 1200# Waren winch, Baja Desgins lights, Switch Pro switch and controller, S&B air box and in bed tool box.
    Welcome from Phoenix
     

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