2008 gen2 towing ability vs newer versions of same thing

Hello everyone-my first post on this forum. I've been a Toyota guy since the 70's (yes I'm an old fart). I am considering upgrading my 2008 to a newer version of the same thing and I'm curious how the trucks have developed over the years with regards to towing. So specifically, my question is are the newer versions better at towing and will I see an appreciable difference? I pull a 6k lb Rockford camper all over Colorado with the 2008 and it does ok-I've never had a problem with it getting hot or anything mechanical-never-this is why I stick with them. I had to upgrade brakes on the 2008-they were shaking badly coming down some of the mountain passes. A lot of guys in my family and friends circle have diesels and I just can't afford them and have experienced all of the breakdowns first hand. When they run they are good but....... I've shied away from the Gen3 over the turbo recall-the 5.7 V8 imo are rock solid and I don't really care about gas mileage. Mostly looking at 2020/2021's because I'd like one with lower miles. TIA for anyone's experiences especially if you have gone from older to newer.

 

2016 and newer are available with 38 gallon fuel tanks, which is nice for range when towing.

Not sure if yours has an external transmission cooler but 2018 was the last year for those.

The newer ones will most likely have less payload than yours.

 

thanks for your response that's good information-it does have the tranny cooler on it-the small gas tank forces me to carry around gas cans when we go camping-esp. on longer trips. I didn't mention it, but I only have 124k miles on it as I always had a backup commuter vehicle (Rav4) to drive back and forth to work and around town. One other option is throwing some $$ at the truck-believe it or not I'm getting pressured from my wife to upgrade. I hate spending $$ if I don't have to.

 

I don't think you’ll see an appreciable difference in towing with a newer 5.7 Tundra. Same drivetrain, more nannies. The biggest differences between your truck and my ‘21 are radar cruise, Apple CarPlay, dual climate, and the fact that mine has the tow package but has no external transmission cooler. If you tow a lot at elevation, you’ll want to add a transmission cooler to a 2019-2021 Tundra. One of the first things I did to mine.

 

thanks-I agree. After looking into the ford turbo's I'm back to considering the gen3 Toyota's but man what a can of worms there. I'm going to visit some of the newer threads here regarding the twin turbo problems.

 

If it ain’t broke, why fix it? I’d stick with your current truck myself. If you want newer stuff like radar cruise, dual climate, LED headlights, 38-gallon tank, etc, I’d just get a newer 5.7 truck.

Ford is a non-starter for me. The EcoBoost may not grenade itself like a small minority of Toyota 3rd gen motors, but Ford builds what I call disposable trucks. Good luck getting past 100k miles without issues.

The 3rd gen Tundra issues are probably less common than the discussions make it seem, but there is no fix yet announced by Toyota—and that is what’s super strange. We’re heading into a 4th model year in a couple months for the 3rd gen with a major issue that is not yet sorted out. You already drive the most well-built, most reliable truck on the road. Anything but another 5.7 Tundra will be a downgrade, including IMO the 3rd gen Tundra at this point.

 

Think space shuttle, these new ones can't even haul groceries without the engine crank bearings failing.

 

Does your truck have the tow package? Your towing capacity can be found in your owners manual by checking the model number. I have a 21 SR5 and I'm 9,200 pounds but 6,000 is what I drag. Seems the limiting factor is the correlation between my right foot and my wallet as far as how quickly I want to get somewhere.

 

Is the frame of the 1st gen tundra the same as the second gen tundra?

 

Not even close

 

Ok, thanks was hoping I could use 2nd gen bumper replacement on 1st gen frame. Thank you again!!

 

Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see what motor you have in your '08. (4.7 or 5.7)

I had a 1st gen w/4.7 for the first 6 years I owned my trailer. (5,500 lbs)

The '00 did everything I asked of it and performed admirably, but the difference between that and my '19 w/5.7 is night/day. HP, TQ, brakes, 6spd vs. 4, etc.

Neither I nor truck are working nearly as hard, and I'm fresher when we get to the campsite.

If you already have the 5.7 then of course the differences will be less substantial, more tech related than powertrain.