Which model year is good for me?

Hi everyone,
I am looking for a good used truck to tow my boat (everyone is proximate 5,000-6,000 lbs total include trailer) and also can be able to take 5 people comfortably, a crew cab type? If possible, I am thinking $10,000 or below. My question is if it's possible? If so, does anyone know which model/year is good for this and also more reliable, and which I should try to steer away from?

The boat is a Boston Whaler revenge 22'.

Thanks in advance.

 

I have a 2006 Double Cab 2WD.
I tow a 1988 Boston Whaler 15 and a 1986 Boston Whaler 18 Outrage, both are very light for their respective size.
The truck handles both fine, but I can 'feel' the 18 back there . . . maybe around 3000-ish lbs.
The 4.7 motors in these trucks are great motors, but far from being 'powerhouses'. (relatively small displacement)
5000-6000 Lbs. is going to tax the truck. Can it 'handle it' ??? . . . sure. Is it ideal? . . . nope.
If you're just going a few miles to the launch ramp, it'd be 'OK' . . . but if you're doing any lengthy trip, and or pulling some grades, I'd look at something more substantial.
If you're dead set on one, i'd def. look into upgrading the rear suspension with either beefier leafs or airbags, (these trucks are soft riding half tons).
Also, the brakes on these trucks aren't their strong point, I'd look into upgrading the fronts even if your trailer is equipped with brakes.
And I would for sure use one of those weight-distributing hitches.
6000-7000 lbs. is a lot of weight for ANY 1/2 ton truck . . . you're more in the 3/4 to 1-ton arena.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, just don't want to give bogus info . . . could cause an accident.

 

Hi HBTundra,
Thanks for the info. Do you know if Toyota make Tundra with bigger than 4.7L engine?
Thanks.

 

2007 and up, 5.7L

 

Thank salb1k,
This is talking about power and towing capacity. Can I ask about reliability. Is there any model/year I should avoid to stay away from headache?
Thanks again

 

4x4? If you let a 4.7 rev, its adequate. My sequoia had a lsd, but i only took it to a boat ramp when the lake was high, so i didnt get down in the algae. But the 5 speed in the '05-'06 with double first gears might be the ticket.

theres a weird master cylinder to stay away from, and the vvti engines have a pita air pump that might need attention.

 

They are all reliable. Someone had a report I saw a while back and maybe it was the '15. But, I would buy any through '21.

 

Like mentioned they are reliable, but a bit anemic, my 2001 has shitty brakes too, when you are towing that much. I heard Toyota may have addressed the brake issue in later years. $10,000 isn't much anymore to by a decent vehicle, unless you get lucky. Good luck in your search.

 

Not a guarantee though. They offered the 4.7L in the 2nd gen for a few more years. Until 09 I think.

 

I’m at 308k with the weird master and SAI with no issues.

The fancy master gives the truck a very modern brake feel as compared to my 07’ sequoia without it. That being said my 07’ sequoia’s SAI Pump went out, but that was an easy fix thanks to the Hewit pass.

I would stay with an 05-06, VVTI and 5-speed is worth it.

But honestly depending on how far you tow the boat, I think it’s too heavy to comfortable tow with these trucks. My RZR trailer and gear is about 4,500lbs, and it tax’s it pretty hard in a head wind or up grades.



This little trailer it pulls no problem.

 

Sadly, for us 1st Gen cheerleader's, this is probably the best answer.