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Tundra pre buy recomendations - towing centric

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by jctmundra, Feb 5, 2023.

  1. Feb 5, 2023 at 1:31 PM
    #1
    jctmundra

    jctmundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2023
    Member:
    #90987
    Messages:
    522
    Northern VT
    Vehicle:
    '23 1794 Hybrid Stunning Mesquite/Cream
    I'm looking for experience/recommendation as I search out a new tow vehicle. I'm currently in a 09 TBSS (LS2/4l70e, air suspension) with 6K towing limit. My routes are pretty flat with elevation ranges <1000Ft. About 50/50 expressway/secondary roads. I tow two trailers, a 19ft boat (3K# single axle), and a 16ft aluminum open car trailer (5500# dual axle).

    The TBSS tows both great, however frame rust is getting the best of it (smart putting AC drain over opening in frame) commencing the hunt for replacement.

    I considering a 19-22 tundra crewcab short bed with 5.7, prefer limited package. I'm old school, no replacement for displacement simplicity. I realized it's best to add a trans cooler. WDH is not in the cards.

    My conditions well within Tundra practical comfort?
    Anything I should be looking for or to avoid?

    I'm using a stand alone brake controller. The boat is a electric over hydraulic, the car trailer all electric brakes. Does a built in controller cover the electric over hydraulic unit?

    Tow mirrors a necessity?
    Given the tongue weights, helper leafs or airbags required?

    What else is recommended?
     
  2. Feb 5, 2023 at 2:05 PM
    #2
    Northbound Train

    Northbound Train Masshole

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #27050
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Glenn
    Western MA
    Vehicle:
    Black 2016 SR5 Double Cab 4x4 5.7
    I'll start since no one else has yet.
    If you want a V8 your search will stop at 2021. These are great trucks for towing, I tow an enclosed car trailer heavier than yours with no trouble. I use both a WD hitch and air bags but honestly I don't need both, either would be sufficient. My truck is earlier than 2019 and has the trans cooler. if it didn't have it, I would probably add it. The trucks come with a factory brake controller, I wasn't happy with it's performance and went with an aftermarket which works great. I use tow mirrors when I tow the enclosed trailer, it's necessary. I put the stock mirrors back on when I'm not towing it (I know, seems like a waste of time). I also have an open car trailer and don't need the tow mirrors for that. I don't think you'd be disappointed.
     
  3. Feb 6, 2023 at 2:01 PM
    #3
    jctmundra

    jctmundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2023
    Member:
    #90987
    Messages:
    522
    Northern VT
    Vehicle:
    '23 1794 Hybrid Stunning Mesquite/Cream
    NT, thanks for the info.
    From my research, I'm confident the tundra will be fine for my use. If I unload the TBSS before a tundra is purchased, I'll keep the controller.
    After a bunch of reading it appears I'll have to pick up aftermarket rear suspension aid, likely roadmaster as I had air bags in the past, too much diddling.
    Otherwise, provided I purchase one that's not a bag of somebody else's problems, I should be set to go.
     
  4. Feb 6, 2023 at 2:22 PM
    #4
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    40,235
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD, Roush Mustang, Jeep Crawler
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    Any year Tundra will work for your needs. If payload is a concern, please verify in the drivers door before purchase.

    The Tundra is a great tow vehicle within it's designed limits.
     
    Cpl_Punishment likes this.
  5. Feb 6, 2023 at 2:30 PM
    #5
    Pmac

    Pmac New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2021
    Member:
    #58994
    Messages:
    223
    Gender:
    Male
    South of Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2019 CrewMax TRD Off-road
    I tow a 19’ boat on a single axle trailer. 140 outboard with 9.9 kicker. 92” beam, 72” bottom. Total weight is 4k ish. Don’t need towing mirrors. I do use tow/haul always. If on a winding road, or varying speeds, or going up hill, I have to use S4 to keep tranny temps inline. So far not adding a cooler, but am going test the tranny fluid again in another 30k before deciding for sure. Look for a 16-18 if you want the better factory cooler. Also make sure and get the larger gas tank.
     

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