1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Landcruiser(ish) person looking at Tundra's anything I should know, or things you wish you knew...

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by overl4nd, Jul 21, 2020.

  1. Jul 21, 2020 at 9:38 PM
    #1
    overl4nd

    overl4nd [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2020
    Member:
    #49608
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    Hello Friends.
    Newbie here. We have had a GX for long. Its an old GX 470, so the 2016+ Tundra feels a technological marvel. So the typical LX GX fellow getting turned of by spartan interiors is not going to be the case. We sat inside a Tundra and its massive.

    We had almost decided to buy a used LC, but then sitting inside a tundra we realized we can get a 2018 Tundra for the price of a 2013-2014 LC.

    We want to put on a truck cap (I guess 3000$ for reinforced ones) and add our RTT on top of it. We carry some small kayaks and stuff and 5 1/2 foot bed is great.

    We also do some medium++ offroading, so sliders etc., will be added.

    But I do have some questions about the Tundra
    1. Do 4x4s come with LSD or only limited variants
    2. ATRAC. It works great on 4runners and my GX, how is it on Tundra. Basically the same system?
    3. How is the ride quality compared to a lifted old GX. I understand a 200 series LX glides on air suspension, but we care comparing more with mildly lifted 120 platform
    4. Most good pieces with sunroof are limited/platinum or 1794 editions. Rarely find a TRD. How easy it is to lift a Tundra about 1.5" and then put on 34" tires? Any pitfalls, caveats etc.,?
    5. Does any variant come with a power plug in the bed (We use a refridgerator)
    6. Do truck caps open in such a way that we can roll down the rear window and then open a sliding window to reach inside the truck cap to get stuff without stepping out of vehicle (important when snowy and stormy)
    7. Are truck caps fully water tight even in storms? How about Dust ingress. I sometimes carry a lot of photography gear which is a trifle sensitive to dust. SUVs are 100% dust tight. Are after market caps too 100% dust tight. Asking because running high speed on salt flats can get very dusty.

    Any other tips regarding variants etc.,? We need 4x4, Sunroof and Trailer brake control. Can give up LSD if fitting a locker is easily doable and RELIABLE. On my GX a Locker would blow up the rear diff in a hearbeat (Yes the Toyota legendary 8")
     
    YardBird likes this.
  2. Jul 21, 2020 at 10:14 PM
    #2
    skilyft

    skilyft Likely thinking about skiing

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2020
    Member:
    #49083
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Spokane, WA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Limited DC TRD
    Own a 100 series and 2 weeks into my tundra. So here are some thoughts.
    - powerful, the 5.7 is far superior to the 4.7. Also my 100 series only has a 4 speed transmission so the tundra feels so zippy!
    - seats are not as comfy — ended up with a limited because it was the highest trim that came with a 6.5 foot bed. Not uncomfortable by any means and maybe I’m just so partial to the 150k I’ve sat in my LC but it’s not as comfy!
    - off road capable — mines a TRD off road and honestly it performs better than the LC on washboard dirt roads. Maybe the LC is ready for a suspension refresh as I bet it’s pretty clapped out. Toggling 4wd is a bit different and will take some time to get used to. Winter will be a good test
    Truck beds are rad — got back from camping this weekend and oh man do I see what I’ve been missing. Grills, paddle boards, drunk people... just pile them in and motor to camp with not a care in the world!
    All said I’m loving the change — jump in. Get the highest trim package you can based on your needs and don’t look back!
     
    Ely010606 and Black Wolf like this.
  3. Jul 22, 2020 at 4:07 AM
    #3
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    Welcome here,there is a lot here to read.

    First of all how is having a 4runner in any clothes being Cruiserish really or are you saying you are choosing between the Cruiser and a Tundra here?

    Nothing about the platform of a GX can get you ready for the extra everything of a much bigger rig and I mean bigger space and power as you have already seen!

    Of course you can make a Tundra capable easily to do everything you want or have done in your GX except maybe go through some more narrow spots where a more narrow truck is more likely to pass unscathed but then that is what this entire Forum is really all about,learning about the Tundra on all levels.
    Smaller trucks like the 120 platform might be more handy in tight spots or obvious reasons.

    There is also the Sequoia which is an SUV already and essentially similar to the Tundra on most levels if you prefer an SUV.
    Access to the back is easier in an SUV but the space is so much bigger and more customizable in a truck and sure you can get the back window combination that you ask about in a Tundra and yes you can make the back water and dust tight though not as easily as with an SUV too,but then that is why God gave us the Pelican Case too isn't it!?

    I find that I can not get comfortable in any 120 platform truck and I try all the time too in my Sisters GX but it is way to cramped for me and I go crazy on long drives and can not wait to get out of the thing.

    I also owned a 3rd Gen V8 4runner and several 1st Gen Tundra too one of which I still have and even those are so much more comfortable to me that my choice about the trucks is a simple one.

    I sold my 100 to get into my newest Tundra and the comfort on the road is so far above the LC for me that I have not regretted that part of it at all,not once!

    There is a certain tangible Cruiser Cache for sure that can be tough to quantify and explain although there is also plenty about the Cruiser that is easily seen and well deserved but in the end I needed more space and power and the practical nature for me of a Tundra is just more important than the Cache of the Cruiser right now.

    YMMV clearly though.
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2020
  4. Jul 22, 2020 at 4:21 AM
    #4
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

    Joined:
    May 11, 2018
    Member:
    #15231
    Messages:
    3,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited Crewmax - Traded In
    1. Tundra has an open diff with an auto lsd that uses the brakes. It’s not a true lsd and is obviously far from being a locker. Some add an Auburn lsd or arb locker.

    2. No ATRAC.

    3. Dont know.

    4. It’s easy to lift 1.5”. Can be anywhere from $1000 or less to whatever you want to spend. With trimming, you can probably fit 34” stock. Pros come with a little lift in the front.

    5. No but it’d be easy and cheap to run the wires and add one.

    6. Yes. Some caps come with sliding windows. The entire back window on the crew max rolls down. There are boots you can put between the cap and truck. If not, you’ll get rain/snow through the gap when reaching back.

    7. My ARE leaked a little. I put silicon in it and it’s good now. But they are not dust proof. There are gaps on the sides of the tailgate. I put some weatherstrip in there but can’t get every gap dust tight.
     
    Sunnier likes this.
  5. Jul 22, 2020 at 1:03 PM
    #5
    overl4nd

    overl4nd [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2020
    Member:
    #49608
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    thanks!

    The dust proof part is a bummer. Camera equipment is sensitive to dust. So are telescopes and stuff.

    But I did see youtube vides with various inexpensive 30$ seals from Amazon which can make it almost 100% dust proof.

    About ATRAC, I see videos of Tundra ATRAC where its definitely modulating the front wheels. Is that a different system?
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2020
  6. Jul 22, 2020 at 1:37 PM
    #6
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

    Joined:
    May 11, 2018
    Member:
    #15231
    Messages:
    3,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited Crewmax - Traded In
    Yeah I did one of those $30 kits from Amazon for the tailgate. It’s just hard to get it just right. Some parts need more than others. If it’s too thick you have to slam the tailgate. If it’s too small there is still a gap.

    Tundra has a VSC, but there is no ATRAC as I understand the 4Runner and I think Tacoma have. I don’t know what those videos are showing.

    Edit: Here is a thread to read on stability control. I was thinking of how the 4Runner has an ATRAC button and Tacoma has a selector for terrain. Tundra doesn’t have those.

    https://www.tundras.com/threads/traction-control-everything-you-want-to-know.21697/

    Edit 2: So reading that post ATRAC (I thought it was just VSC) is always on and if it detects a wheel spinning, it’ll cut engine power. That’s happened to me when pulling in to traffic and there is a small gap between where I am pulling out and the road I’m turning on. One wheel spins a little and engine cuts power. Then you are sitting there unable to move and there’s traffic heading straight at you. I think that’s dangerous and have almost been hit before when that happened.
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2020
    overl4nd[OP] likes this.
  7. Jul 22, 2020 at 3:22 PM
    #7
    skilyft

    skilyft Likely thinking about skiing

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2020
    Member:
    #49083
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Spokane, WA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Limited DC TRD
    Oh man that thread is good! Stoked to get Clyde off road and turn the nannies off.
     
  8. Jul 22, 2020 at 7:29 PM
    #8
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2019
    Member:
    #24572
    Messages:
    7,534
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jonesy
    Vehicle:
    2005 RCLB
    American Thunder Cat Back ~ Retrax Pro ~ Toyota Bed Mat ~ OEM Split Spoke Wheels
    Welcome aboard from SoCal.
     
    overl4nd[OP] likes this.
  9. Jul 22, 2020 at 7:58 PM
    #9
    DZ_

    DZ_ New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2019
    Member:
    #31242
    Messages:
    485
    Frederick Co., MD
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Crewmax Limited TRD Praux
  10. Jul 23, 2020 at 7:09 AM
    #10
    TXRailRoadBandit73

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

    Joined:
    May 30, 2016
    Member:
    #3487
    Messages:
    50,299
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
  11. Jul 23, 2020 at 10:43 AM
    #11
    overl4nd

    overl4nd [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2020
    Member:
    #49608
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    Thanks for the warm Welcome. Looks like Dust is the only dealbreaker. I am researching pickups and dust and sealing. If I can find out that its possible to make it 99% dust proof, then its a pickup, otherwise its back to LX land.
     
  12. Jul 23, 2020 at 11:03 AM
    #12
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2018
    Member:
    #20805
    Messages:
    974
    Indy
    Vehicle:
    07 DC Long Bed - Old Man Tan
    OEM+
    I came from the 120 platform due to wanting more interior room and more hauling room. We went with Limited trim as it had the most creature comforts but still with a 6.5' bed, double cab. The sunroof is only on crewmax. Ride all depends on the suspension, lift price is again a large range from spacers to full out long travel but stock they ride like a truck more than the 120 which I liked. There is some form of traction control although I don't see it called atrac. Other than its obvious size difference it's been impressive offroad on 37s comparing to 120 on 34s. You could fit 35s on a leveled tundra with the right wheel offset and trimming.

    Bed dryness and cleanliness is the biggest nag I have. I wanted a truck to throw dirty camping stuff in but then now I gotta figure out how to keep my stuff clean and dry. I'm currently running a soft top while waiting to see if I really want to invest in wedge camper or hard shell. From what I've read and talked to unbiased shell dealers (not the water tight sales pitch) is that its almost impossible to get the bed to be waterproof. I would think that with sealing holes behind track system, under bed stake pockets, between bed rails and cap, and between tailgate and bed you could get it to your 99%. Other than that we store our campong gear in plano trunks and also have a big truck bed dry bag for non camping trips. Combined with the sealed soft topper and tailgate seal our stuff stays clean and dry but not easily accessible like the back of the 120 rig. I used the same seal that comes in the ESI kit linked above but its cheaper under the Lund brand. Check my build thread for the install instructions that it came with, they were almost perfect.

    Enjoy your hunt!
     
    overl4nd[OP] likes this.
  13. Jul 23, 2020 at 11:40 AM
    #13
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    So if you get rid of the tailgate altogether you can keep things dry and dust free a lot easier I have found.
    I also am 2' closer to the bed at all times and it makes it a whole lot easier when I need to climb in,on or pull things out at the cost of the rarely used tailgate for me!

    6FACD0E0-D142-46D5-ABF3-B9FC70D72FE7.jpg
    20CFF3DC-5075-46A4-9E57-CCDD781BA2E0.jpg
     
  14. Jul 23, 2020 at 11:54 AM
    #14
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14884
    Messages:
    27,723
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Hudson Valley, New York
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM Tundra TRD Sport Double Cab
    Welcome from NY.
     
  15. Jul 23, 2020 at 11:59 AM
    #15
    Charvonia Design

    Charvonia Design Enthusiast-Owned Small Business Vendor

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2019
    Member:
    #26282
    Messages:
    673
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Keith
    Huntersville, NC
    Vehicle:
    2024 TRD Off Road Solar Octane
    Welcome! As a previous GX470 and GX460 owner I can say that I love my Tundra! Only downside compared to a 120 series is the size, but only if you are going on narrow trails. Since you're talking about the salt flats I'm guessing this is not the case.

    As for dustproofing, what about some nice sealed cases mounted or otherwise secured in the bed? Could be an easy solution to the problem. I say this as a former photojournalist for Speedhunters, where we shot at race tracks and car events all over the world (including Bonneville)! :)
     

Products Discussed in

To Top