First tow with Tundra, 25' Safari

[tpi]

In mountains I too like to hold gears manually for control of speed. At that point I view fuel economy as secondary.

Gene what were your replacement rotors? Was the cost similar to Toyota?

I'm still dialing in the brake controller in the new truck. I still don't think I have it quite right.

My F250 was on the original brake pads when I sold it w/ 119,000 miles. Rotors were warped or some condition causing pulsation. But I've had quite a few trips not involving mountain driving.

[Airslide]

Originally Posted by tpi

On another thread I griped about the aggressive styling, size and height of today's pickup trucks. But hooked up they're in their element. Maybe the Airstream just brings out the best in a tow vehicle. For all its problems, the Dometic Penguin is certainly the best looking roof air unit. I'm probably in the minority here but I didn't install any vent covers etc. in effort to keep the roof as smooth looking as possible.


I ordered a factory grill for the upmarket Platinum truck (replace standard black grill) I think it dresses up the front nicely.



Would love to see other Tundra/Airstream pics

Thats a great looking setup you have there. Congrats on the new truck..

Vinnie

[Gene]

The new rotors came from NAPA—premium line. $115 each. I didn't check on OEM rotors for price. You can get rotors on the internet for $70 and up, but I don't know their quality and didn't have time to order and install myself. The alternative was to drive to NM worrying about getting the rotors too hot. The problem was getting worse rapidly and I was afraid I'd be stopping a lot to let the brakes cool.

Gene

[Ed Emerick]

Anyone run into rear leaking shocks after 60,000 miles on their Tundra? I just had my 60,000 mile maintenance and was told the rear shocks were leaking. I crawled under and sure enough they need replaced.

[tpi]

Wonder if towing causes shocks to run hot, especially in hot weather on broken roads? I had Bilstein on my previous Ford which became very leaky, dripping to the ground. Bilstein was great about replacement under a lifetime warranty. If the Tundra shocks get leaky, I will likely get Bilstein.

[azflycaster]

My 07 Tundra came with Bilstein shocks. So far no leaks...

[tpi]

Another excellent tow with the Tundra. Southern CA to Zion. No big mountains but passes to 5K ft. Nearly always 4th gear when climbing passes and kept RPM in the 2700 range when climbing. Held 6th gear on the flats. Fuel economy approx 12 @ 60 mph. Info reported 12.8.

Very pleasant tow, and frankly more comfortable, smoother, quieter, better handling, and less fatiguing than my previous 99 F250 diesel. Tundra should have bigger fuel tank however.

[bike_addict]

Originally Posted by tpi

Tundra should have bigger fuel tank however.

YES!!! A bigger fuel tank would be awesome.

[azflycaster]

A bigger tank would be nice, but on my 07 Tundra the gauge goes to "E", the light comes on and the computer says zero miles to travel with 6 gallons in the tank. I have heard the theory that this will keep the fuel pump submerged and help cool it.

[tpi]

That seems to be the case on mine too. Gauge approaches E, I fill up and it takes 19 gallons. Tank is supposed to be 26. something gallons. Quite a "reserve" I would say.

[Gene]

On ours, the fuel light comes on at about 1/8 tank, around "E" it says "0" miles. I forget which comes first. I figure towing I can go another 50 miles and at "E" I can fit 22 or 23 gal. in the tank. After driving that 50 miles, I got about 25 gal. in and that's as far as I wanted to push it. I believe they can adjust this at the dealer.

You can buy aftermarket tanks that hold more, but they are well more than $1,000. A couple of 5 gal. cans costs less. I know a Forum member that bought a Ford just because of the tank capacity.

Gene

[ROBERT CROSS]

AZ,

I would hope that Toyota duz what the other companies do, the lectric pump is mounted in a way that the pump is always submerged enough to kool.

Think Pinto...kaplooie.

Bob