Tundra 4.7 V8 as tow for 22' CCD

[mortjameson]

I posted yesterday in a different thread, so I think it was buried to far in for anyone to see. I have never towed before (other than a boat). I've had my CCD for two years now without a tow vehicle. So, here's my post, and I would welcome any information.

I want to by a 2005 Tundra Double cab 4X4, 4.7 V8. I currently do not have a tow vehicle. After doing some research, it would seem that towing my 22 CCD with this vehicle should not be an issue. The specs on my CCD are-

GVWR - 5,000
CCC- 1,000
UVW - 4,000

SO- I think I'm fine, but can anyone else weigh in (no pun intended) on this issue. I'd like to pick up the Tundra this week.

THANKS for any information you can provide.

Jay

[juel]

I have the 2005 Tundra 4.7L V8, Step-Side which has a little higher towing capacity. Also it isn't a 4x4 which also gives it more towing power. I have a 1978 24ft Argosy that I pull with this truck. I wouldn't want to take this set up to the Rockies; however, I have never had any problems towing over hills here in Oklahoma. Of course the vintage Argosy has a dry weight of 3600 lbs, but that was empty. I think it could easily weigh 1000 lbs more now. It has several things added to it that would increase the weight. I pulled this trailer home from the lake with our new Ford-F150, 5.4L V8 with the stiffer suspension and I didn't like it as well as the Tundra. We use the Ford to pull the 31ft Sovereign and that's a good match. All I can tell you is what I've found. There are folks on here who can give you more information in detail. Actually sometimes they get way too technical for me. I wish I knew half of what they're talking about. I've pulled this Argosy for 3 years and 70K without a problem. Get a good brake control and a weight distribution hitch with sway bar. They are worth every penny you pay for them. I just have the equalizer because I couldn't pay $3000.00 for something I didn't think I needed.

[mortjameson]

I appreciate the feedback. I'll take the vehicle to the dealership where I bought the camper in Albuquerque (Holiday) to see if my tow/hitch setup is adequate. They are straightshooters and great people to work with, so I know they'll give me good information. Like you, I am not that versed in mechanical/vehicle issues. That's why I posted. THANKS!

[juel]

I give up, is that a cat in a tree or what?

[mortjameson]

Yep. That's Olie. He put himself at the top of the highest Pinon tree when I came home with a new dog a year ago. They are buds now, but he was a bit overwhelmed at the time. I couldn't resist the picture - it was the funniest thing I'd seen on my 40 acres in a long time.

[SteveH]

I have a '75 23' and first pulled it with a Dodge pickup, 4.7 Liter engine (235HP), 3.44 gears, and although it pulled it without a "problem", I was dissatisfied with it as a tow vehicle, and I think my trailer is lighter than yours. My main complaint about the Dodge was the transmission selector would not allow you to lock it out of OD, and that was left to the computer. And so, it did what I felt was too much shifting back and forth between 3rd and OD.

Don't know if this is relevant to what you want to do, but since the engine size is the same, I thought I would chime in.

[mortjameson]

I don't know either. While I'm not mechanically inclined, I understand what you are saying, and that would be a legit worry. Thanks for the feedback.

[wbrownrr]

We have a 2002 22' CCD... GVWR of 5,000 lbs. I tow with our 1997 Dodge Ram 5.7L with a 4.10 rear end. When I first got the truck it had the stock 3.55 rear end and I was not happy with the performance when towing in the Sierras. With the 4.10 rear it is more than adequate. I cannot imagine doing serious towing in the mountains with a 4.7L engine, regardless of the rear end gearing. I suppose you can get by if you drive mostly on relatively flat ground, but the mountains will be another story.

[Motoman]

Originally Posted by jaymortensen

I posted yesterday in a different thread, so I think it was buried to far in for anyone to see. I have never towed before (other than a boat). I've had my CCD for two years now without a tow vehicle. So, here's my post, and I would welcome any information.

I want to by a 2005 Tundra Double cab 4X4, 4.7 V8. I currently do not have a tow vehicle. After doing some research, it would seem that towing my 22 CCD with this vehicle should not be an issue. The specs on my CCD are-

GVWR - 5,000
CCC- 1,000
UVW - 4,000

SO- I think I'm fine, but can anyone else weigh in (no pun intended) on this issue. I'd like to pick up the Tundra this week.

THANKS for any information you can provide.

Jay

The quick review I did said the 2005 Tundra was rated to pull 6500 lbs. It would seem well suited to towing at 22' CCD which we owned before we bought our 25'. We pulled the 22 with a Jeep Cherokee which while underpowered, pulled the CCd at freeway legal speeds (55 mph) here in California. The Tundra, with much newer technology and greater power would beat the 4.0L Cherokee any day and even the mid to late 90's 5.9L Dodge pickups.

If it comes down to compromises and fitting a vehicle to your budget the Tundra probably is fine. Yes you might have to gear down to maintain revs in 3rd at 3000 or more to pull the bigger grades and even drop some speed in the steepest mountains but you don't have to always keep up with the fastest solo vehicles to be safe, and the Tundra has a much beefier chassis and brakes to handle the 5400 lbs of a loaded 22; CCD. BTW, our friends pull a 2004 22' CCD with a V8 2005 GMC Yukon Denali and they keep up with us on the highways and freeways in Arizona.

Given that new Tundra two wheel drive half tons have been priced as much as a 4X4 Dodge 3/4 ton and I would expect they are similarly priced used, you might look at a late model 1/2 ton Dodge Hemi (my preference), Chevy or Ford and save some money.

[Jack46]

We probably went a bit overboard with a 2500 Suburban for our International 28. But, I was concerned that if I were to exceed tow limits, in the event of an accident, I might be on my own.

[Ray Eklund]

Hi Jay- I posted on your other posting in "Beward Tundra Owners...", so you can refer to it if you like.

The wife and I spent several weeks in the Gila National Forest a week ago and always enjoy visiting this part of Arizona and New Mexico! My 2006 Tundra with a shell pulled our 23 foot Airstream easily. The engine RPM on a flat road would run 1800 to 2200 RPM, which is as good as it gets. I would average about 9 to 10 mpg on 4500 foot elevation and higher travel. I prefer having four wheel drive, as it does not hurt when on gravel roads in the mountains. I have towed up the highest passes in Colorado and you will be at 4000 RPM and doing 55mph. If I had any complaint on the Tundra, I would not be bashful letting you know. I " Rockdock", so the roads we travel are sometimes challenging, and the Tundra can tow through it all in 4 wheel...

I had 48,000 miles on our 2006 when I sold it. Half of that mileage was towing our trailer. Truck brakes and trailer brakes had little wear to speak of after 48K miles. I also use the transmission for braking on long steeper grade roads and that probably helps. My neighbor pulls a 25 foot Arctic Fox with his 2000 Tundra and he says the front end of the Tundra will get goosey when on asphalt that has big waves. I think he has his equalizer bars putting too much weight up front... I always had a firm feel in the 2006 when towing.

When you need tires, go to Goodrich Load Range D's. You will pay more for them, but they will be trouble free.

[mortjameson]

Thanks to everyone for the replys. They are very helpful. I picked up the truck today. Can't tell you how excited I am to finally have a tow vehicle. We're a Toyato family- four of them altogether, so I'm glad to add the Tundra to the family. OK- If I can expand my question a bit, especially for those who mentioned equalizer bars.

I assumed that I would simply drop the trailer on the ball and take off with the tow package that came with the Tundra. Is my assumption a poor one? Will I need equalizer bars or some other "add on"? Should I take the vehicle with trailer in tow to someone who can assess the set up?

Thanks again to everyone!

Jay

[SnorkyII]

Jay: I tow a 25Ft, 2004 Safari (GVW rating 6000#) with a 2003 Tundra 4X4. I use a weight distribution hitch, and swar bar. I also have added Timbren SES for additional rear suspension capacity. I tow with the overdrive off, and average 10mpg. The 2003 Tundra has a 4 speed transmission with overdrive, while the later years have a 5 speed transmission with overdrive. I have towed over all the major grades in California without any problem. I drop a gear on the grades and keep the RPM between 2000 and usually don't go over 3400. The later year Tundras also have more horsepower which will help.

Sam