Which Trim for Towing?

Hello, Tundra Folks.

Newbie here looking to upgrade from my 2016 Tacoma Access Cab to a Tundra. We’ve been towing a 2019 FSX with the Taco (3800 GVRW, 480 hitch weight, Equal-i-zer WDH), but as my kiddo’s knees are now hitting the back of the passenger seat, we simply need more space.

I’m checking out a 2016 Limited CrewMax tomorrow (50k miles asking $38k out the door), but it seems the payload is 1215 against my Taco’s 1146 (4lbs lost thanks to previous owner mods). Overall, we just need more backseat space, so I’m curious if folks with Double Cabs feel the back has decent space for a growing kid (and a 30lbs dog). I like the idea of the gargantuan space in the CrewMax, but also recognize it eats into bed size and, potentially, payload.

Thanks!

 

Double cab can get pretty tight with larger kids and a dog. Do the crew max. The 2016 crew max you are looking at will pull your 3800lb travel trailer without any issues. Yes the payload is slightly less the the Tacoma but you won’t have any issues. If you are worried about the payload number and you shouldn’t with that trailer, find a crew max SR5. The payload will be higher. The limited has a lower payload because of all the options the truck has installed. More “stuff” means extra weight so the payload is less.

 

I wasn't looking for a particular trim when I was looking for a used truck. There wasn't a whole lot of choice on the market at the time, but pretty happy with the interior space of the crewmax despite the short box.
I have a trailer to haul bigger stuff.

I came from SUV's, so I appreciate the space inside while having some outside space for stinky stuff like a generator and gas cans.

 

Go crewmax... You'll never feel like you're missing space in the back seat area of the cab

 

Many thanks for the replies. Sounds like the CrewMax is the right choice for us. While I like the longer bed of our Taco, the reality is we don’t often need all of it. We do, however, need more “back seat” space.

Really appreciate everyone’s inputs. Here’s hoping we join the Tundra ranks soon!

 

If you're buying this truck for towing I don't recommend it. Save yourself the trouble and get a baby max 1/2 ton GMC. They get 30mpg and their payload and towing are great (configuration depending).

I own my Tundra for daily driving and chores/fun (small). If my fun was larger or I towed regularly, I'd sell this truck.

My payload with all terrain tires, bed cap, upgraded bits and pieces is no more than 1k. (Started at 1.2k stock). Now, add in ppl and gear and my hitch weight I can access is abysmal.

Something to chew on.

 

You lose about a thousand pounds of towing capability with a crewmax

 

I agree the tundra is great and all but only for light duty applications I’d get a 2500 for any “real” truck needs

 

Yup. Any fool can strap a space ship to the back of their truck and drive down the road.

But I won't be putting my family's life at risk in a truck not rated for extreme defensive driving conditions when the unexpected happens.

Some happily argue the other way and do it. So be it. Just not a risk I'll take. If I can buy a camper, I can buy a truck suitable to tow it.

It's like buying a Ferrari and not being able to afford the 2k oil changes. It's all about priorities.

 

The OP’s trailer weights 3800lbs. He will be just fine with the good old reliable Tundra.

 

I truly appreciate the honesty and candor. I’ve heard a lot of folks say to pick Not Toyotas for towing and have tested out 250s and 2500s. Beasts, for sure, but we’re Toyota folks whenever possible.

When we got our TT, we specifically targeted specs that’d be within safe towing of our Tacoma. We only camp a few times a year here on the East Coast, so the truck would replace the Taco for daily ops while offering a larger back seat and bit more “heft” when strapping on the TT (7100 vs 5600 GVRW).

Honestly, if we ever upgrade to an Airstream or begin camping more frequently/longer distances, we’ll likely shift to a 250 or 2500. But for now, we’re happy with the smaller, lighter camping unit. We’re just rapidly running out of space between our kiddo’s knees and the back of the front seats. If the Tundra can meet or beat the Taco’s towing, I’ll gladly take its reliability. But I’ll also keep this forum’s warnings in mind as safety is paramount when towing.

 

Take the limited CM to some scales on your test drive and get it weighed if the numbers being presented to you are that tight. Might actually end up being more or less based on what the scales say

 

Why not?

off road and towing rig

 

A 3/4 ton truck to tow your small trailer is just overkill. Sure it will get the job done but you will have to live with it while not towing and give up the reliability of the Tundra. If you were towing with your Tacoma and never had any issues why would you want to step up to a 3/4 ton truck?

This is the trailer we towed with our Tundra all over the western United States and through the Rockies. It’s 25’ and weights around 5,000lbs with a tongue weight of around 550lbs. My neighbour also has a Tundra and towed his 25’ Airstream without any issues.

 

Our first trailer was the Rockwood equivalent, the GeoPro G20BHS, and I loved that trailer. It was super easy to pull with the Tundra. We got that trailer when we had our Tacoma, but it was too much for it (3rd gear at 60mph is a little tiring...). So I bought the Tundra and the difference was night and day.


The trailer did get a little small for us, so we up-sized to a Flagstaff MicroLite 25BRDS. This trailer is 26' and around 6800 lbs loaded. It pulls fine, but I will never forget it's back there, always tugging at the truck. My truck is a 21 CrewMax 1794 TRD Off Road, so I have minimal payload available, and am absolutely pushing it. I put nothing in the bed of the truck to leave all available payload for family members and tongue weight. While I am perfectly fine towing this one long distances, I feel that it is the max size I would be comfortable pulling with the Tundra.