No Tundra yet

New member here. No Tundra yet.

I know!

Still deciding which one I want. I plan on buying new. Been saving up funds so I can pay buy it outright. Looking to get the truck I always said I'll buy one day.

Well, one day is coming up in the next six or so months.

Looking to get an upper level trim model with a crew max cab. I'm the oldest of seven, 5' 9", and everyone else in my family is a hell of a lot taller than me (but I still have the most hair!). so space was a concern for those size 14+ gun boats called feet. It was one of the reasons I decided to up-size from a Taco.

I'm leaning towards the TrD Pro but keep coming back to the Platinum or 1794 models.

Looking to use the truck to pull a camper for family outings or a cargo trailer as the I seem to be the designated moving and handy man brother.

Occasional light construction use too since I do assist occasionally with data center builds and wind up fetching and hauling stuff like diesel generators, heavy duty water pumps, scissor lifts, etc. I have a CDL and have driven all kinds of rigs and hauled all kinds of stuff but I no longer want to manage 18 wheels anymore.

So I am looking for advice about the upper trim levels, what is the good, the bad and the ugly. I have gone budget all my life and I finally said, WHF! I've been saving all my life and now it is time to treat me. I worked hard. I deserve it.

Not looking to do any major mods to the truck. I plan on adding a tonneau cover, a retractable bumper step (I'm no spring chicken anymore) and a few other little things like a console safe. Nothing major.

Any and all advice welcomed.

 

Welcome from NY.
Good luck with your decision.

 

Welcome from WA

 

Welcome! You have picked the most reliable half ton out there. Also, if you’re towing and hauling, you should be aware of the Tundra’s payload rating. It’s pretty low for the double cab and downright abysmal for the crewmax, especially if you have the 38 gal fuel tank. As an example, my door jamb says 1270 lbs. Not a big deal to me, as I won’t be towing anything heavier than a 5k lb ski boat.

Most Tundra drivers find themselves unable to reach max towing potential because our trucks run out of payload too soon.

Also, the external trans cooler was deleted in 2019. This is a hotly debated topic...most people fall into one of two camps: “what the hell was Toyota thinking” and “I trust the engineers; Toyota’s track record speaks for itself”. Some of us, having seen complaints of overheating online (one guy’s cooler-less 2020 popped the trans temp warning from using it just the exact same way he used his cooler-equipped 2017), have chosen to add one ourselves. It’s an easy job.

Lots of guys add drivers side grab handles (also deleted for apparently no reason in 2014). From there, the mods just get more expensive and more awesome. That’s the thing about this forum—far less posts about things going wrong and far more posts of people modding and just enjoying their truck.

Despite these issues, which some would argue aren’t issues at all, this is the only half ton worth buying in my opinion. Best of luck in your search.

 

Welcome from SO CAL

 

I'm from Long island. Hoping to escape soon. To where, not sure.

 

I hear you on that! Not looking to pull anything super big.

grab handle was on my list. The back is no longer what it used to be. Heck of a lot better than my buddies.

 

I'm about 2 + hours north of you, can't wait to leave either.

 

BTW... my handle "Vanapagan" is the name of an early armored car that some of my relatives cobbled together from an old truck and armor plating after World War One to fight the Bolshevik Russians in Estonia.

The truck's name was Vanapagan and Estonian troops serving in Iraq with coalition forces took a US made M939 5-ton truck and named it Vapagan which mean "Old Devil" in Estonian as their own.

Supposedly the after action reports of the tactics used by the original Vanapagan truck made their way into the notes of two mechanized assault Generals, Patton and Rommel. The armament was mounted on the rear of the truck and they attacked in reverse, protecting the engine if they needed to make a fast getaway.

Most notable action of Vanapagan was that they captured a Russian troop train and then the crew of Vanapagan sent a telegraph message that the train was under attack and to send reinforcements, the Russians did and they captured that train too. At that point the Russians had no more trains in the theater.

Here is a link to the picture of the beast https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/...usauto_Vanapagan_Rondenpoisis,_16.07.1919.jpg

 

Too close to Andy Boy for my liking then again I have the Sandinista loving mayor to my West.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! Great story about your handle! And I know exactly how you feel. I liked the Platinum exterior and the 1794 interior. I went with the 1794 and have not regretted it a bit. The Silver Sky Metallic is the only color that looks good with chrome IMHO.

 

Just bought a 1794 a few days ago. Picking it up this week.

I have some occasional towing with a 7'x14' cargo trailer and plus weekend projects. Similar to you, I come from a large family in one area so I decided to go with the CM configuration and loved the 1794 interior more. Already came with a tonneau cover and running boards (fixed) which was a plus over a few Limiteds I saw.

 

All I got is budget for a skid plate if you plan on doing your own oil changes. I just completed my first one this weekend and I will be buying a skid plate with an access cover.

 

Welcome from Ohio

 

Welcome from WA!

 

Welcome from the wet side of WA

 

Welcome from NC!

 

The overall features between the Platinum and the 1794 are very similar. Really comes down to what style you like. I personally like the de-chromed exterior and black interior of the Platinum. If you like chrome and a more “King Ranch” style brown interior then the 1794 might be for you. The low payload is the Achilles heal of the Tundra, if 1,100 pound is enough then welcome aboard!

The Pro is great but you really pay a premium for the exclusivity. Upgraded suspension but you will lose many of the features on the Platinum or 1794.

 

I was on this forum for six months prior to even getting my truck. I had wheels and tires for a vehicle I didn’t own. I had front and rear shocks and coach builder parts piling up in my garage. Hahaha. You will be fine. No matter what trim you pick you will be winning no matter what.

 

Welcome to the forum. Yours is a nice decision to have to make. It is good that you have given yourself plenty of time to make your decision, as availability of trucks is very low right now. Also, keep in mind that Toyota will likely shut down manufacturing of the '21 earlier than usual to start retooling for the new Gen '22 models. Demand is far exceeding supply these days and may limit what colors and trims you can find. My pessimistic view is that we will see dwindling supply as we progress into late winter and spring. My understanding is the supply of circuit boards for the on board computers is extremely limited and unlikely to get caught up in the few remaining months of the '21 model year.

With that said, you already know a good bit about these trucks. The important parts are set. They all have the same guts, engine, transmission, transfer case, etc and it really comes down to cosmetics and creature comforts. A buddy of mine has a '20 Platinum and it is very nice IMHO. The seats are incredibly comfortable. His has all of the bells and whistles too with blind spot monitoring, JBL sound, heat/cool seats, power telescoping steering wheel, etc. His has the 20" wheel/tire setup.

I really dig the unique interior of the 1794 and wish it had been offered in an interior option for some of the other trims. Lots of chrome on the outside. You can change that out, if it is not your thing, but expect to spend some cash if you want paint match trim.

The Pro is a different animal. It is built on the Limited Platform now and doesn't have some of the amenities of the Platinum and 1794, and carries a premium price due to wheels, suspension and exhaust. And, high demand.

With all of that said, keep in mind that all are great trucks and are commonly modified to the owner's liking. Also, the '20 and '21 models are practically identical, so if a great used '20 came along, you might consider buying used.

Also, the '22 new Gen. is right around the corner. Although some have already made up their minds about the new Gen, yay or neigh.... I've not seen any details about the new truck that are from credible sources. Toyota have kept a lid on the details. It is not clear if they will continue to offer the Tundra with the current trims, or whether they will change it up with different package options. I'm excited to see the new truck and will reserve judgment until I can get behind the wheel of one.

YMMV.

 

@TelemarkTumalo you brought up a good point that I was vacillating in the back of my head and one of the reasons for my June target date. I wanted to see what Toyota would offer for the fourth generation truck. I am not a fan of turbo charging since it eats up engine life span but if anyone is going to do it correctly it will be Toyota and if rumors of the engine, turbo and drivetrain being a derivative from their Lexus offerings I just might bite. If not, I am sure the dealers will want to clear off the old third generations off the lot. I am flexible on most features and options and have no problem installing anything I want on my own.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome!

 

Too funny. I was looking at your site last night. I didn't make the connection. Your LED mod is definitely on my short list once I get the truck.