Seasoned RVers need sound direction!

We have been towing a 4500 lb, 27' Apex RV for 6 years with Ram 1500, double cab. It was fairly comfortable ride and tow; two downsides were filling gas tank every 3 hrs and it was bigger than we needed when not towing. We do want double cab but not long bed. The RAM was just totaled by insurance company due to unfortunate parking lot crash ($25000). We have a dependable primary car for every day driving. After much research, we have decided to replace our towing vehicle with a Toyota Tundra that will likely have over 100,000 miles but good life and comfortable drive left. We want larger gas tank for fewer stops. We won't be be towing more than 3000-4000 miles per year. AM LOOKING FOR VALIDATION AND DIRECTION AS TO ANY FURTHER SPECIFICS WE SHOULD LOOK FOR (eg year, specific features for towing, etc) Thanks for any good guidance!

 

Based on $25k and 100k miles, I’d look for a 2017-2018 5.7L in an SR5 or Limited trim with excellent maintenance records.

There are two common configurations: the crewmax, which has a huge backseat and a 5.5’ bed; and the double cab, which has a still-pretty-usable backseat and a 6.5’ bed.

Every Limited truck you look at in those years will have the 38 gallon fuel tank. Every SR5 that has front bucket seats will have the 38 gallon fuel tank as well.

Limiteds have leather, seat heaters, blind spot monitoring, and a sunroof. SR5s generally do not.

 

Welcome from NY.

 

What kind of miles were you getting in a three hour duration?

 

Be aware that Toyota deleted the external transmission cooler after MY2018. Many have added an external cooler but I'm aware of only one report of a transmission failure on here of 2019-21 trucks.

Tundras have the lowest payload of the 1/2 tons but with your camper that shouldn't be an issue. Be aware though if you plan on getting a bigger camper in the future.

Obviously, get the tow package.

Happy shopping.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! If you get an '18-'21 model, go ahead and add the extra transmission cooler (~$1,000) for the towing. You might have trouble finding one of those for $25k though. Other than than, pretty much any year Tundra will be able to keep you towing comfortably.

 

Am I the only one that needs to know how a truck get totaled in a parking lot?

 

Collateral damage from a freak gasoline fight accident?

 

"Needs to know" or curious?! It was quite easy, backing into a cement wall at high speed, no one was hurt, and the driver won't be driving ever again. That's all I'm willing to share about it!

Answer to other question about mileage in three hours, about 150-180 miles.

 

I could easily get 280 miles of range with my 2019 CM with the 38 gallon tank towing my 8000# camper. So increases your driving time from 3hrs to about 5 or 6 hours without refueling.