Would you tow cross-country at >95% GCWR?

Assuming you had a good WDH with anti-sway functions, would you pull an 8500lb trailer with an armored (skids, bumper, sliders) and loaded-up (tools, fridge, fuel, gear, and family) Tundra for long distances on a regular basis? Specifically, I am talking perhaps 1000-2000 miles a month around the American SouthWest (i.e. mountains and altitude). I estimate perhaps 15,500lbs is not an unrealistic combined weight, which is 97% of 16,000.

I am getting ready to buy a truck and, while I was pretty set on the Tundra, re-examining the actual weight requirements has given me pause against this route vs a 3/4 ton truck.

 

Boy I love Tundras but you really need a 2500 series. The 5.7 is up to it but suspension isn't But Im no expert some one will come in and give better advise.

 

In a word, no. When properly setup the tundra is very capable at towing. Empty, my 5thwheel is just shy of 8500 lbs. That said I would want more truck if you are going to be "full timing" in your camper.

 

Yeahhhhhh. You won’t do that a whole bunch, for sure.

Can it do it? Yes. Does it well actually. Moved from NM to ME last year. All told, we moved about 9000lbs of stuff ourselves (bed full, trailer and VERY stuffed car). Kept the speeds around 70.
No issues


The NorthEast beat the HELL about of my suspension though. Replaced rear shocks and have been great ever since.

I would not make that trip, loaded like that, ever again though

 

Depends on expectations.

With that setup and airbags, wouldn’t think twice about it. My Tundra set up in this fashion tows as well or better than my Dad’s 2018 Ram 2500 with a 6.4L Hemi. Choosing between the two for this trip, I’d have no qualms about the Tundra.

If I was comparing to a 3/4 ton with a diesel, or a dually diesel, I’d pick the diesel for towing...but not as a daily driver.

I’ve done trips at this gcvw without issue and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again.

 

Thanks, guys!

Thanks for the responses! To be clear, I'd be upgrading to coilovers and aftermarket leafs already, and would expect to tailor their selection to balance these uses. I would consider airbags as well, if required, but Id expect the leafs and WDH would be a good start.

As to physical pulling and stopping power...I am actually not all that surprised. I know the 5.7 is quite capable (it is right up there with the Ford 6.2 and GM 6.0 in output, and has a ), and the drivetrain is solid. I also figured Id upgrade the pads and rotors as well. I dont generally drive in a hurry either, so Im okay with going 60mph in hilly regions at these weights.

I am not considering a diesel.

 

For me it would depend on the profile of the trailer and center of gravity.

 

Any pictures or specs of the trailer?

 

Towing all the time a this weight I would step up to a diesel.

 

Honestly if you configure your truck like you say, it will work. To be fair a one ton would be preferable and might save you some fuel if you switch over to a diesel. And you know it was designed specifically for what your planning on.

 

Everyone says buy diesel, but I say that the extra $10,000 could buy a lot of gas. If you're towing near the GCWR frequently those semi-float wheel bearings will get tired a lot faster than normal.

 

Wouldn't do it. I just sold my toyhauler, 8500ish lbs loaded. Not enjoyable on longer trips, bad weather, or extended elevation gain.

I sold the toyhauler vs selling the Tundra. I will be getting a lighter bunkhouse as a replacement.

In your case if you already have that trailer or are deadset on that size I wouldn't buy a Tundra. Especially given the mileage you plan to pile on each month.

I would go 1 ton SRW gas. Not a fan of the modern diesels and as others have said, the premium price will buy you a lot of gas.

 

Thanks for the discussion, guys. I am not going with a diesel for the aforementioned reliability concerns of modern emission-limited diesels, and because while they seem to get about 25-30% better gas mileage, diesel fuel usually costs 25-30% more. So, even though a gasser would only get maybe 8mpg towing the trailer, 8mpg with 30+ gallons of gas is about 3.5-4 hours of driving, and I doubt we'll ever go that long lol.

The trailers we are pretty well set on are 30ft Airstream Flying Clouds. That size allows two dedicated sleeping areas in addition to the living area.

Of note, I did also calculate the total weight of all the realistic things I may carry on trips and, including passengers (if we travel with friends or additional family), all the aforementioned gear (plus armor), and a 900lb tongue weight, came up with >3000lbs of total possible payload. So, that kinda puts me out of the half-ton category altogether, heh.

 

You should be able to do better than 8mpg with a diesel. We run a 1ton crew cab with 3 to 4 adults all their gear for a week the back end stacked with food,coolers, fishing gear and tow 10,000lb trailer and we can easily average 13mpg.

 

Yes you are a bit over what the Tundra is rated for...oh it can do it, but...

As far as fuel...you'd probably get 8mpg maybe less with the Tundra so compared to a diesel your fuel costs would be close to the same loaded out as you describe. I have the Supercharger...makes the truck cruise nice and comfortable when I tow my boat which is about 6000lbs. Yet, I would not want to haul much more without stepping up to a diesel. Just part of the game.

 

If reliability on modern diesels is a concern, start lookin for a pre-T4 diesel. If I needed one, I’d be looking at 7.3 Powerstrokes or a 6.6 Duramax if it were me.

 

Then you answered your own question. 3000 lbs is definitely out of the Tundra's league. The F150 does come available with a HD payload option that will get you into the ball park if you really want a "1/2" ton. But seriously, you need a bigger truck. The Tundra's payload capacity is not stellar to begin with - and your calculated numbers are well above that.