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Old 05-28-2008, 07:32 AM   #1
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2008 Tundra Double Cab Trip Report

I completed a 400 mile round trip with my 2008 Toyota Tundra 2WD Double cab 5.7L with the tow package. I was skeptical about the 10,600# tow rating but now I’m not. I was really impressed with the power, braking and control that this new truck offers. Driving 60-65 mph I averaged 10.1 mpg in 92-95 degree heat. I ran mostly in 5th gear and the transmission really seemed to do very little down shifting. I am really happy with the truck so far. It is a noticeable improvement over my 2005 GM 1500 crew cab. I will check back in when the odometer reads 25,000.

Likes

Power and torque. Much more than my GM 5.3L
Comfort
Larger Bed (a few inches really does make a difference)
Decent fuel economy 16.5 mpg mixed 17.6 mpg highway (empty) 10.5 towing 2005 Safari 25 SS

Price
Extendable Tow Mirrors These are outstanding
Excellent radio/CD changer with aux output. Excellent AM/FM reception
Michelin Tires OEM


Dislikes

Thinner sheet metal in bed and tailgate. (some flexing occurs)
Paint not as durable as GM
Canister type oil filter. Why on earth would they not use a spin on???
Aftermarket parts and accessories more difficult to find.


Being a GM guy from way back, it was hard for me to go with a Toyota. After a fair amount of research and based on the recommendation of a couple of friends and coworkers, I took the plunge and bought the Tundra. At this point I am very happy with it.
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Old 05-28-2008, 12:04 PM   #2
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Thanks for the review. I've got an 07 Tundra DC and that thing tows like a champ. I love it. Agreed on the thin sheet metal, tho.
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Old 05-28-2008, 02:47 PM   #3
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2008 Tundra

One of the other accessories that I like in mine is the backup camera that is integrated into the NAV system. All I do now is watch "TV" backing up and I don't have to figure out my wife's hand directions.
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Old 05-31-2008, 11:21 AM   #4
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2008 Tundra

Just read your post regarding Tundra. I have a 98 31' classic and was wondering if the Tundra would do the job. I am used to F-250 Diesels. Just got back from Toyota dealer and really liked the truck, but am skeptical about Tundra pulling the load. Your thoughts please and what are you pulling?
Thanks,
Bob
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Old 05-31-2008, 12:04 PM   #5
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I tow a 28 ft. International with a 2007 Tundra Crew Max Limited, 5.7L, 4x2.

Have been getting 13.5 mpg towing and 18.5 mpg non-towing.

Just replaced the original cold air intake with a TRD.

After TRD install MPG went to 15 mpg towing on short 150 mile trip.

Also:

After talking with Goodrich yesterday I now keep 36 psig in all four tires.

Non-tow seems to be about 20mpg after TRD install and with 36 psig in tires.

Will make more accurate check on mpg on trip to Bozeman.

Should be interesting.

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Old 05-31-2008, 12:44 PM   #6
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Trd

What is a TRD?
Thanks
Bob
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Old 05-31-2008, 01:35 PM   #7
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TRD Tundra

Hi Bob. I see I am chasing you around the forum as you check out Tundra information!

TRD: Toyota Racing Development Off Road (4x4 models) You get some heavier duty items and the Goodrich M/S tires. I need a 4 wheel drive to get up our street in the Winter and some of the camping spots are on small, steep mountain roads. Costs more, but when you need the extra traction it is cheaper than a tow truck 120 miles from a town...

I was pleased that the 5.7L engine gets better gas mileage than my 2006 4.7L Tundra! This is while towing and not towing. I keep my Goodrich tires inflated to 40 pounds pressure. The Tundra SE models have more styles available than our Limited (leather interior). My mirrors are fine without the tow extensions. I can see traffic coming up in my mirrors easily. Of course my Safari is 6 inches narrower (I think) than your AS. The turning radius on the 2007/08 Tundras is better than the smaller 2006 Tundras. That was also a surprise, since I am use to tight turns and this 2008 is nimble.

I have a feeling that you can get a better deal today on the Tundra than I did earlier this year with gasoline prices up. I would have bought the Tundra no matter what, but there sure were a lot of 2007's for sale around the Denver dealer lots, new, in 2008.
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Old 05-31-2008, 01:45 PM   #8
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TRD is Toyota's brand name for their performance parts business. If I remember correctly, the TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development/Divison.
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Old 05-31-2008, 01:45 PM   #9
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Some Tundra Quirks

Hi Old Town. I was not too happy with the cannister oil filter as well. Now it is easier for me to take the truck into the Toyota dealership to change oil and filter.

The optional aluminum skid plate is something I could also live without. It was on this Tundra with the running boards that I like since they keep some stray gravel from hitting the front of the Airstream off the asphalt. The skid plate is caste brushed aluminum and is more decorative that functional. There is already a steel skid plate that comes standard with Tundras. This aluminum panel needs to be pulled off when changing oil, so it is just something I would not ask for...

I bought the heavy duty rubber bedliner offered at Toyota. It takes care of the bed and any denting of the bed while carrying cargo.
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Old 05-31-2008, 07:49 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rochar3
What is a TRD?
Thanks
Bob
Yup, TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development

SRW
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Old 05-31-2008, 08:12 PM   #11
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TRD (Same Acronym) is also an option package that includes several upgraded components.
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Old 06-02-2008, 06:00 AM   #12
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SRW, if you can get that kind of mileage out of a gasoline engine, you're doing as well as the diesels.

Amazing.
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Old 06-02-2008, 06:31 AM   #13
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My first Tundra trip

I drove to Teddy Rosevelt National Park and back as my first trip towing with the Tundra. I pull a 25 foot Excella and for the total of 1100 miles I averaged 11.7 mpg towing at about 62 mph. This is per the trip computer and I haven't verified it will the actual gallons into the tank. The trip computer shows some interesting things, primarily the impact of the wind on mpg. Crossing North Dakota was a windy experience and the computer showed a rating as low as 7mph into the wind and 14mph with a tail wind.

The truck worked well, I especially liked the smoothness of the transmission. A six speed tranny seems like a big improvement in that the truck finds the right gear without a huge change in RPM.

My biggest disappointment in the Tundra is the size of the gas tank. I think it is 24 gallons and 10 more would be great when towing.

BTW Teddy Roosevelt National Park is great, it is like a mini Grand Canyon with buffalo and prairie dogs. Too bad my batteries went dead, my furnace quit and my hot water heater burned up. New truck, old trailer blues.
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Old 06-02-2008, 06:35 AM   #14
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We have used our tundra coast to coast last year. It easily pulled 6-7% grades with our 25 FB. We were loaded well on both trips. We got between 10 and 13 mpg, better mileage at 58-60 than 65. We love the truck. It gets better mileage than our 4.7 tundra both towing and solo.
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Old 06-02-2008, 07:15 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Airstreamer67
SRW, if you can get that kind of mileage out of a gasoline engine, you're doing as well as the diesels.

Amazing.
The Tundra's MPG has definitely increased as a result of the TRD cold air intake (CAI). Prior to its installation the Tundra was in love with about 18 MPG, now it seems to about 20 MPG.

I have the decal that says TRD, OFF ROAD, and must admit that until just recently did not understand that TRD was Toyota Racing Development.

The local dealer did the installation of the CAI, but it can be bought for less $$ from others - no surprise there.

I will be greatly disappointed if the MPG on the tow to Bozeman is not in the 15 MPG range.

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Old 06-02-2008, 09:13 AM   #16
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With a new tow vehicle in our future, we are considering the Tundra. What axle ration are these Tundras running (with the tow package)?
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Old 06-03-2008, 06:24 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wbrownrr
With a new tow vehicle in our future, we are considering the Tundra. What axle ration are these Tundras running (with the tow package)?
Our 2007, 5.7L Crew Max Limited 4x2, has the 4.3 rear end. I have been told that lower ratio equals increase MPG and slower starts when towing. Noticeable, I don't know?

It has the TRD Offroad package, that included several items, maybe the most interesting are the Bilstein shocks, alloy wheels and 18in tires - all for about $100.00.

Have about 17000 miles on the truck, one third towing the 28ft International. Only been to dealer for oil change.

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Old 06-03-2008, 08:21 AM   #18
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Thanks SRW! Very helpful!
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Old 06-03-2008, 05:32 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wbrownrr
Thanks SRW! Very helpful!
Wayne:

One other thing.

The sticker on the 2007 Tundra's door jamb says 30 psig front and 33psig rear and I have done that for nearly all of the miles on truck.

Probably others have as well, I don't know.

After I saw an advertisement for Michelin that claimed increase performance with respect to fuel economy I put the question to my favorite tire outfit, Discount Tire.

At Discount I was told that no tire outside of the ones on the Preius had a impact on mileage and after looking at the Goodrich tires on the Tundra I was also told that I could increase the pressure to 35 psig on all four from the 30/33.

I put the same question to a Goodrich rep on the phone and he said that the tires could be kept as high as 40 psig, and recommended 35 to 37. The point being that the higher pressure will increase MPG.

For a week or so I have the pressure at 36 pounds.

Again, I could way behind the curve on tire pressure and others may already keeping the higher pressure in their tires.

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Old 06-04-2008, 05:20 AM   #20
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I'm driving an older Tundra, 2x4 Step-Side. I've been checking my mileage (not towing) for a couple of weeks. So far I'm getting 19+ MPG. This is not all highway driving either. I'm having a hard time making myself go to a funny looking little car that would give me 23-25MPG. The Tundra has 80K on it both towing a 24ft Argosy and daily driving in my job. So far no trouble with it except that men keep coming up to me to "talk" about the "new style" Tundra I'm driving. This truck is an 05, but so few were made that folks think it's something new. I am very pleased with it. It has the 4.7L V8, so I hesitate to pull the 31ft with it. With gas here at $3.79 a gallon, I also hesitate to get the new Tundra. May retire this one from daily driving and get a little car, but it will be a hard decision.
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