Right trim and options for towing

Hi folks,

new to the forum and about to buy a Tundra, coming from an F150.

I test drove a 1794 yesterday and really love the interior of that one. I was leaning toward a 1794 with the top level advanced package that includes the adjustable air ride and all of the other goodies (hud, power steps, etc). Trouble is, it doesn’t seem like any dealers (at least anywhere near central Florida) carry one optioned like that. The majority of the 1794’s have the TRD package… and the only vehicles with the advanced package I see are the platinums.

I have zero intention of off-roading, but I do tow my boat (Robalo 246). Wondering how important/useful the air ride is, and whether the TRD package would do anything for me when it comes to towing.

Looking for suggestions on going 1794 w/TRD vs. Platinum with air ride (sacrificing that lovely wood grain and tan leather)… vs ordering and waiting god knows how long.
Thanks!

 

Welcome!
I do not have either trim you are looking at, but I haven't had a need for airbags towing our Edgewater CC. If you do need airbags, you can always add them on after and there are some videos showing how its done DIY. With the TRD package you get a rear locker in 4L which you cannot easily add on a non TRD Tundra. The 1794 interior with saddle tan leather is the best looking of all the trims, and that's something you will stare at every time you're in the truck. My .02

 

towing would go with hybrid and the AQ package.

forgot to add, the rear locker from what i heard only works in 4L

 

SR base 2wd for max payload. If 8300 lbs isn’t enough towing capacity get a one ton . In all honestly only real advantage would be air ride suspension to help level the ride or a proper weight distribution hitch. All models have the same basic platform minus ecu tuning. So you’re not going to hurt any model, brakes, frames, tranny is the same. Payload will be the biggest thing to watch out for as you hitch up a heavy load with the fancier models.

 

sorry what is “AQ”?

 

I would not go with a non-air ride truck unless you want to add your own helper bags. If you do add helper bags, then you're limited to any kinda lift you might be able to go with unless you do a custom setup. I went Platinum with air ride because I intend on towing and have no need for off road or 4x4 stuff. 1794 with air do come up but mostly Platinums.

 

The air ride is incredibly smooth. Also self adjusts to correct height when towing or have a load in the bed. Trd might come in handy if you find a particularly crappy boat ramp, but doubt that in Florida. I like the dark interior of the platinum. And the platinum is just a bit less flashy on the outside, which I like. Both are about the same in terms of luxury and options. Came down to interior colors for me.

 

What are you referencing by 8300lbs? I thought tow capacity was in 10.8 to 11k range?

4wd is a must for me

 

For a base model SR 2WD. Point being if you buy a loaded truck with 4x4 etc payload will be the limiting factor to towing more than the base 8300lbs, the fine print says up to 11k. In that territory you’re crossing into where a one ton may be a better choice of doing it on a regular basis.

 

I'm guessing op's boat is less than 7k fully loaded with trailer. Still well within safety ratings.
Pic from owners manual for reference.

 

I’m towing in Florida only and yes my boat is under 7k fully loaded. My current f150 tows it fine.

I assume the tundra can pull as much as an f150 no problem, no?

could you explain more the comment regarding payload, base load, and the “fine print” please?

 

The more weight you add to the truck itself the lower the towing/weight capacity. I beleive this is the base load @Markysharky is referring to. For instance a 4wd crewmax with the 6.5 bed with all options will have a lower capacity (closer to the 8300 lbs rating) than a double cab 5.5 bed 2wd base model (closer to the 11000 lbs rating).

In short no matter what option you pick with a Tundra you can tow that boat just fine. Of course adding passengers and gear you get closer to that number.

And I believe the f150 has a slightly lower rating.

 

its the factory package for the avs/hud

 

Any of the 3rd gens should pull that fine. Getting into travel trailers and heavy tongue weight is when you need to be careful and read the fine print lol. Under 7k any will pull it fine with basic common sense.

 

Roger thanks

 

Hey, I learned something today. Thanks!

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Appreciate the clarification. Makes total sense! So now it’s about finding my 1794 with the air ride I guess…

 

if you are looking for a platinum here are all the options for the toyota usa regions (excludes GST/SET) when the dealer selects your allocation reserve request check boxes

post production is PIO (port installed options)

 

That’s a really nice boat. I have the factory air load leveling on my Limited and it pulls my 6000 boat like its not back there. Very stable and runs down the highway at 70 no problem. If you make a lot of long distance trips, you may want to consider a weight distributing hitch and stabilizer package. It will add additional safety and stability in high cross winds or if you have to make an evasive/emergency maneuver. My last boat was 7800lb Sea Ray Sundancer 25’ and it was a lot to handle in an emergency situation with my F150 King Ranch. White knuckled it a few times. Really needed a 3/4 ton. I think the tow ratings all manufactures put on new 1/2 ton trucks are more about marketing then they are about safety.

If you make short trips from home to the boat ramp with AV load leveling you will be in good shape. I wanted a 1794 with AV also but got impatient and found a fully loaded Limited. I wished I had the wood and leather until I drove mine home and don’t miss it at all now. Plus I only spent 59k. Good luck with your search.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I’m often driving 3 hrs to Sarasota with it and the f150 has been pretty good, but yes it feels heavy. I hate the idea of having to go with a larger truck just for the boat…