07 Tundra vs F250 vs Dodge 2500 vs Chevy 2500

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by karstenboy

Hi, I just towed a '76 Argosy 26D 1200 miles, from North central Ohio to central Oklahoma with an '08 Tundra I rented from Budget. When I say "just", I mean I got home Thurs. afternoon. It has plenty of power, and if you use the Tow Command the way it needs to be used, you will be very pleased. I did the trip in 20 hours with zero problems, other than those inherent in towing a restoration candidate. The truck will keep up with hills, the flats, and on cruise control to boot! It never lacked for power or the appropriate gear. I am a die-hard Ford man, however I am VERY impressed with this truck.

That 26' Argo would be what-4000#? Certainly within 1/2 ton range...
Good score. I am surprised a rental agency let you tow with their truck? I thought this was verbotten?

Bill

[Ike T]

Originally Posted by BillTex

I am surprised a rental agency let you tow with their truck? I thought this was verbotten?

Bill

Bill,

We rented a Dodge 3500 from Budget this summer for a vacation trip with our 24' Argosy while I had my Travelall tore apart. We told them exactly what we wanted to do and they said, "OK". The truck was 3000 miles new with a factory tow package. Budget had full-size vans with towing packages available, too. I do remember they would not offer us their insurance coverage. We called our agent to make sure we would be covered under our own policy with the rental.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by Ike T

Bill,

We rented a Dodge 3500 from Budget this summer for a vacation trip with our 24' Argosy while I had my Travelall tore apart. We told them exactly what we wanted to do and they said, "OK". The truck was 3000 miles new with a factory tow package. Budget had full-size vans with towing packages available, too. I do remember they would not offer us their insurance coverage. We called our agent to make sure we would be covered under our own policy with the rental.

Hi Tim, I was under the impression that you could not tow with rental vehicles...good to know, especialy if you have to do a one way trip. What do you do about WD?

Bill

[Ike T]

Originally Posted by BillTex

What do you do about WD?

Bill

Can you define WD for me? I'm not good with acronyms. That is to say , I'm just not good guessing what they mean.

[romap]

WD=Weight Distribution - type of hitch apparatus that transfers some of the hitch weight from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front of the tow vehicle (keep in mind this is a very simplistic explanation please).

[Ike T]

Oh yeah... weight distribution with a rented tow vehicle.

Well... after consulting with my lawyers, I am taking the 5th.

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by BillTex

Or listen to those that USED to have 1/2 tons...and now tow with heavy duty trucks...

If that is your first truck-I am sure you are impressed.

Most Folks that tow with 1/2 tons have not had the opportunity to tow with 3/4 tons.
Most Folks that tow with 3/4 tons, USED to have 1/2 tons (and would not go back).

Until you have had the benefit of experiencing both, you just don't know...

1/2 tons are a good compromise between car and truck. Fine for local towng, 5000# or so. When you move beyond that, it is time to step up.There is no comparison between the Toyota (or any 1/2 ton) and 3/4 ton trucks.

The originator of this post was alluding to that.


Bill

Yeah, yeah, yeah... what Bill said.

I'm a FORMER 1/2 tonner (does not really matter what brand, but if you need to know - Nissan Titan). After "seeing the light (1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton or 1 ton lumination), I came over from the "dark side" (I now tow with an 06 Ford PSD). As Bill has stated in so many words, you really need to experience BOTH size trucks for an accurate comparison. In my opinion, once you go 3/4 or 1 ton after a 1/2 ton truck you will ask yourself why did I ever mess with that thing in the first place.

[HiHoAgRV]

BUT-
If my only options were to stop camping or tow a 34' with a 1/2 ton...

A good hitch, upgraded suspension, 4.56 gears and I'll see ya'll in the slow lane

My parents towed our "home", a 35 foot camp model, with a 56 Ford wagon when I was newborn. That's how we moved 3 times . Do I qualify as 'trailer trash' ?

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

BUT-
If my only options were to stop camping or tow a 34' with a 1/2 ton...

A good hitch, upgraded suspension, 4.56 gears and I'll see ya'll in the slow lane

My parents towed our "home", a 35 foot camp model, with a 56 Ford wagon when I was newborn. That's how we moved 3 times . Do I qualify as 'trailer trash' ?

We're all trailer trash-that's why we hang out here!

But me thinks, if you can afford a 34' AS, a HA hitch (if that's what you are referring to) and all those other "upgrades" then it sounds like you could afford to get into a proper TV (doesn't need to be new). All those band aids do not increase a trucks tow capacity...
Again, I am not saying everyone needs a 3/4 ton, but when you get over 6000#, tow great distances, and/or tow often then you are kidding yourself if you don't get into a heavy duty truck. Many here have learned that (me included) and that's why we preach it. Maybe we can prevent someone from making an expensive 1/2 ton mistake, or worse...
Bill

[deauxrite]

I just got a call from a friend pulling 6500 pounds with his new Tundra...7.8 MPG. With that you cannot go out west without a half dozen gas cans in the back!

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by deauxrite

I just got a call from a friend pulling 6500 pounds with his new Tundra...7.8 MPG. With that you cannot go out west without a half dozen gas cans in the back!

Hmmm..That's interesting. I just returned from a 2000 mile round trip journey towing my 8500# AS with my '06 Ford F250 PSD and averaged 13mpg for the trip. All types of driving, freeways, backroads, mountains and flatlands.

[Silvertwinkie]

After seeing that video with the frame flex between the Tundra, Ford and GM, made me think twice even about a GM....but the Tundra was by far the worst. Do a search and take a look at the 2 videos some members posted.

A real eye opener to say the least. If it were me with a Tundra, I'd be hard pressed to want to tow more than a 23' trailer...but that's just me....

[Jaxon]

Originally Posted by CA Streamer

Hmmm..That's interesting. I just returned from a 2000 mile round trip journey towing my 8500# AS with my '06 Ford F250 PSD and averaged 13mpg for the trip. All types of driving, freeways, backroads, mountains and flatlands.

Same here... back from Branson and did a little bit better than 13.0... 30' Classic at 8700#. Diesel purred like a kitten... well... clanked a bit, too (like a diesel does)...

[thecatsandi]

Actually the later 6.0s are quite reliable if you change the filters at the recomended intervals. Most don't. it is not cheap.

[outthere]

Anyone see the cover of this months Trailer Life Magazine? It shows a 2008 Tundra towing a 28 foot 5th wheel. The overall weight of the trailer is almost 10,000 lbs. The article is very complementary of the towing ability of the Tundra and states that it handled the 28 footer with no issues in mountainaous terrain. I was worried about towing a 25 AS that weighs in at about 3000 lbs less fully loaded. Maybe the 1/2 ton rig is all thats needed after all???

[Wayward]

The 3/4 vs 1/2 ton conventional wisdom is changing with these new trucks. The specs say it well. The 1/2 ton truck market is very competitive now and these trucks are getting a significant amount of new design and engineering. As Ford and Toyota duke it out we win!

With 16,000 lb combined weight rating and 11,000 lb towing capacity they can safely handle most any Airstream rig, while providing a comfortable daily driver as well.

[Rollertoaster]

Here is some data from Consumer Reports. It's about in line with the mileage I get with my Tundra and the 25' Safari in hills or with a headwind. Usually about 10 or 11 mpg overall if 65 mph or less. The truck tows very well, but I think that 8,000 lbs would be the upper end, regardless of it's rating.

Terry

[rbkhale]

Let me put to rest the question of the Tundra (new 2007 5.7) 1/2 ton ability to pull a 25 ft airstream. I have over 3500 miles including mountain passes.

I am very impressed with the power to pass, the ability to stop in short order. All in al this truck is supperior to my ford f250. Not even in the same ball park. I liked my ford, but I love my Tundra.

Recent trip going north on 580 out ot san jose the traffic came to a sudden stop. Our Tundra and 25 ft streamer stopped on a dime. My wife and I were so supprised at the braking and thanked god and tundra for saving an accident.

I'm a 25 year ford lover. Tundra is the perfect tow vehicle for 25 ft and below period.

[thecatsandi]

What they do not say there is that is for the gas engines. The F-250 Diesel is noteven in the same league.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by rbkhale

Let me put to rest the question of the Tundra (new 2007 5.7) 1/2 ton ability to pull a 25 ft airstream.

Not to burst your bubble; but that question will NEVER be put to rest...

The perfect tow vehicle?
Doesn't exist....(But GM is working on it).

Bill