Why so confusing?

More of a rant I guess so bare with me. I used to tow a boat and TT with my 2011 tundra but had to sell due to a move and 6 years later I’m back with a 2020 and seemed to forget everything about towing. Manual says with with the tow package I’m 9800#, online Toyota dealer sites shows anywhere from 8800# to 10000# for a limited CM.
I mean I’m right in the range but at using the 80% rule; it could mean quite a bit.
So should I go by the manual or play it safe and go with the lowest number? I’m shopping for a TT this week.
Also anyone have issues with the integrated controller or should I use an aftermarket one?

 

Towards the back of your manual it will tell you which number applies to your truck.

 

Read up on the forums about adding an external transmission cooler since you plan to be towing. They did away with that since the last Tundra you had.

 

This. The manual will show cab, bed, motor, and drive configuration; find yours and it will tel you the correct number for your truck.

 

Look in your driver's door to get the model code then check the table in your manual.

Your towing capacity will be lower than the maximum if you have 4x4, the big fuel tank or a crewmax.

 

yeah I forgot to add that number as well. The label says 8800# but I have the tow package with the coolers and brake controller which in the manual for the Limited CM says 9800#. Go by the sticker of 8800#?

 

my 2020 lists on the the sticker list that it has the coolers and has the tow package.

 

I'm not sure my sticker has a number on it, just a code to look up in the manual. But in that case, I would go with the lower number.

In all reality, you're going to run out of payload capacity long before you get anywhere close to your towing capacity anyway.

 

There is no such thing. No trans cooler - I know the sticker says otherwise. Similarly, it was impossible to get a 2019-2021 without the “tow package” - they sold it on every 5.7 for many years prior.

 

I though they still had an oil cooler - but maybe not? I know the trans cooler was disappeared…

 

They do - but what I’m getting at is every Tundra from 2019-2021 has the same equipment. They say it has a tow package but I feel that’s misleading as there was no alternative for one without a tow package.

 

Here is one thread about the change in 2019+. There are others. At minimum, I would recommend getting a device that will allow you to monitor transmission temp while towing. Then you can decide how to proceed from there (if needed).

Sorry to hijack the thread as you were asking about trailer weight, but I just thought this would be good info for you to have as well.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/transmission-cooler-missing…i-know-i-know.95783/

 

I appreciate whatever I do I can get. I maybe overthinking everything but I want to get the right info.

 

It's my experience we run out of payload before we run out of pulling power. There's a direct correlation between available payload and towing capacity. My 4x4, CM with the large tank only has 1253# available payload and 9200# towing capacity. With a 6000# trailer and associated junk I'm right at 7200# with the truck. It would be very easy to go over that number.

 

Mistake on my part, it’s not weight but the “model code” USK56L PSTLKA thats on the sticker. Page in the manual lists the short bed CM, 4x4 at 9700# with the equipped tow package.

Double checked the sticker: its states “Eng/trans fluid coolers.” I guess I need to look under the hood to be sure with this being false?

EDIT: when I punch the VID in at Camping world, it lists 8800#.

 

Like has been posted - there is an oil cooler and a power steering cooler. If you want a real transmission cooler you need to add it yourself(click the link in post 12).

 

yeah I’ll look into, thanks. That’s an interesting discussion in that thread. I’m going to go with the lower 8800# cap and follow the 80/20 rule.

 

S4 is your friend when towing heavy - that’s all I’ll add.