Time for a new TV - Tundra or Sierra?

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

When you posted those payload numbers, were they from the spec. sheet from mfg?? A caution against using those dealer/mfg. numbers without seeing the specific truck....Unless something has changed in the 2019 models, I could not find a Toyota Tundra above 1300lbs when I was looking on the lot at the new 2017 models...the Toyota guys argued with me, pointing to the spec sheets...when I challenged them to show me, we looked at 8 different nicely equipped Tundra's, and not one had a payload above 1300 lbs...surprised them also. Same with RAM 1500 models...finding a decent payload was very difficult. Also, Tundra still has the 6 speed trany...great truck for lots of people, but wouldn't work for my needs, and why are they still with that 6 speed?

Yeah. Payload will vary with the trucks equipment. The more the truck weighs (crew cab, extended cab, 4x4 etc) the less there is left for payload.
I’ve heard comments about going by axle ratings (and tire load ratings) instead. That method seems to make sense and is a little more generous than GVWR. Need to hitch up and go to scales, though.

[gregwall]

Originally Posted by walker77

So we have a 03 F-150 currently with 95k on it. I decided we need a new truck when the brakes went out while towing our 25ft classic. We were coming off the highway when they went out. Only thing that saved us was the brakes on the trailer. That has been the only time that I've really been shook up while pulling. Ended up the hydraulic line running to the rear had been rubbing on the frame all these years and finally broke. Lost all pressure. Peddle went all the way to the floor.

I've really been looking at the 1/2 ton 2018 sierra. I really like the looks of it. And I've towed with my dads 2015 duramax. I fell in love with the built in trailer brake control.

I stopped by the Toyota dealer tonight. The new tundra isn't bad either. And we have had good luck with our Camry.


Anyone tow with both? How does the built in trailer brake compare?

Originally Posted by gypsydad

When you posted those payload numbers, were they from the spec. sheet from mfg?? A caution against using those dealer/mfg. numbers without seeing the specific truck....Unless something has changed in the 2019 models, I could not find a Toyota Tundra above 1300lbs when I was looking on the lot at the new 2017 models...the Toyota guys argued with me, pointing to the spec sheets...when I challenged them to show me, we looked at 8 different nicely equipped Tundra's, and not one had a payload above 1300 lbs...surprised them also. Same with RAM 1500 models...finding a decent payload was very difficult. Also, Tundra still has the 6 speed trany...great truck for lots of people, but wouldn't work for my needs, and why are they still with that 6 speed?

You are right. I saw it on an advertisement and should have looked closer Here is the spec sheet on the the different Toyota Tundra models. Thanks for the correction.
Googling 2019 Tundra Product information, I found this, which puts it in the exact same position I found myself with the Nissan Titan - not enough payload or tongue weight capacity.

[Lensman]

To help keep a fellow AS'er from making a terrible mistake. HA HA HoHoHoHo! P.S. Its fun.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by gregwall

You are right. I saw it on an advertisement and should have looked closer Here is the spec sheet on the the different Toyota Tundra models. Thanks for the correction.
Googling 2019 Tundra Product information, I found this, which puts it in the exact same position I found myself with the Nissan Titan - not enough payload or tongue weight capacity.

You reminded me of the guy here a while back that said tundra's have 3/4 ton brakes.

[Bgibbs]

I would recommend buying American built. Almost anywhere in the country, you can find a Ford or Chevy/GMC dealer, or someone that works on them. Toyota, Nissan not so much. All trucks break down sooner or later and when they do, you need to get it fixed ASAP.

[AlinCal]

Door stickers

2013 Tundra double cab 4.6 very lightly optioned 1335#

2018 Silverado double cab 4x4 5.3 LTZ highly optioned 1693#

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by gregwall

You are right. I saw it on an advertisement and should have looked closer Here is the spec sheet on the the different Toyota Tundra models. Thanks for the correction.
Googling 2019 Tundra Product information, I found this, which puts it in the exact same position I found myself with the Nissan Titan - not enough payload or tongue weight capacity.

Yea, and those weights don't deduct for options on those models...sunroof, TRS package, 20" wheels, running boards, etc...it's amazing how those options add up! We bought a 2012 F150 EB 4x4 shortbed, Platinum model....before reading the Forum! Loved the truck and we always carried kayaks, generator, bbq, camp gear, etc...but the payload was only 1039 lbs...pulling a 25 AS! We were always overloaded and wouldn't have known it, except for the Forum. Enter the 3/4T TV we now have...2300lb payload works for us There are plenty good 1/2T models out there also, if set up properly...not so much a few years back it seems.

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by Bgibbs

I would recommend buying American built. Almost anywhere in the country, you can find a Ford or Chevy/GMC dealer, or someone that works on them. Toyota, Nissan not so much. All trucks break down sooner or later and when they do, you need to get it fixed ASAP.

FYI, Tundra is American built. Not just assembled. Design & Engineering team in the US. Engine & Transmission: yes, American built.

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by AlinCal

Door stickers

2013 Tundra double cab 4.6 very lightly optioned 1335#

2018 Silverado double cab 4x4 5.3 LTZ highly optioned 1693#

FWIW, the door sticker on my loaded 2015 Tundra Limited CrewMax 5.7 4x4 says 1300 lb load. 7200 lb GVWR. Took it to the scales while on a trip with my 23D hooked up, everything fully loaded (people, dogs, chairs, tools etc) and I was just at the truck GVWR, but under the axle ratings by a good margin. When it was time for new tires, I paid close attention to the tire load ratings. Everything works fine. Nice and stable on the road and enough power.

I have no regrets with this rig.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by KK4YZ

FWIW, the door sticker on my loaded 2015 Tundra Limited CrewMax 5.7 4x4 says 1300 lb load. 7200 lb GVWR. Took it to the scales while on a trip with my 23D hooked up, everything fully loaded (people, dogs, chairs, tools etc) and I was just at the truck GVWR, but under the axle ratings by a good margin. When it was time for new tires, I paid close attention to the tire load ratings. Everything works fine. Nice and stable on the road and enough power.

I have no regrets with this rig.

Yea, with the 23 your likely under payload unless carrying a bunch of folks in the cab and cargo in the back, canoe or kayaks, etc.... Interesting though these nice 1/2T PU's had such a low payload rating and many of us didn't pay attention few years back...now it's one of the first things to check it seems.

[Daquenzer]

I wonder in the 1960’s and 1970’s before all these big trucks if all this payload stuff was even considered. I saw an old 3/4 ton pickup the other day. My 1/2 ton was bigger.

Has anyone ever investigated how they determine these numbers?

My wife drives a Pacifica. I looked at the payload on it. Heck if 7 adults just averaging 150lbs got into this vehicle (which is 7 passenger) it would be above the payload!

To the CAT scales!!!

[basecampbuds]

We have a Tundra with almost 400,000 miles, at least 150,000 towing heavy dual axle trailer w/brakes, and a truck camper to boot. Still runs super quiet and comfortable. Original engine, just changed the oil religiously.

[Goal15]

Originally Posted by basecampbuds

We have a Tundra with almost 400,000 miles, at least 150,000 towing heavy dual axle trailer w/brakes, and a truck camper to boot. Still runs super quiet and comfortable. Original engine, just changed the oil religiously.

Good to know that I can expect another 300,000 on my Tundra. That should take me up to age 90!

[r carl]

Originally Posted by basecampbuds

We have a Tundra with almost 400,000 miles, at least 150,000 towing heavy dual axle trailer w/brakes, and a truck camper to boot. Still runs super quiet and comfortable. Original engine, just changed the oil religiously.

What year and what engine?

[Daver49]

We have a 2014 Tundra. We tow a 28ft International. I have always been pleased by the truck. Extremely reliable and tows the trailer well. The Tundra has 107K miles and still drives like new. I need to replace the truck, and I have had terrible luck with domestic cars in the past. However, I don't think the new Tundra's will work, only on account of the payload. Toyota has eliminated the standard truck body, and in the process has decreased the payload by around 300 pounds or so. That takes it out of contention for me. I'm going to go with the GMC diesel Denali (if I can afford it) or the Chevy Sierra diesel.

[AGraham]

Just sold my 2011 Sierra duramax great tow vehicle but very prone to mechanical + quality problems only 72000 miles . Bought a 2019 Tundra. Once you get used to poor fuel efficiency great tow vehicle. Configured with crew max it is still classified as 1/2 ton. Being life long GM owner broke my heart to purchase Toyota, but so far no problems unlike GMC. Had to go for lemon law early on with GMC. If Toyota had diesel I would have purchased, also did not like variable timing on new 1/2 Sierra. Toyota has 5.7 , loads of power!

[flyfshrmn]

Neither of those vehicles is suitable for towing on anything but flat and level. both are under powered and would push the GVW limit even with the classic. There are tons of good trucks that will do the job better. Look for a good used Ford diesel 250, the new diesel 150, or a similar Chevy.

[JDArmstrong]

Having managed a fleet of hundreds of different trucks I have used all (Ram, GM, Ford, Toyota) over 30 years. By far, Ford has been the most durable and offer lower operational costs. The most problematic was GM followed by Ram and Toyota. Toyota has not stood the test of time like the Ford. They may be ok in the short term, but have not proven themselves yet in the long term. There is a reason why Ford is the most popular PU on the road....they last.

[nduncan]

We had a new 2007 Silverado that the transmission was blown twice towing our 19' Bambi. My friend Al sold us his 2007 Tundra w/towing pkg. We have been to Alaska and back, the rockies several times and the Appalachians numerous times, 168000 miles on the Tundra no major problems.

[Thonevan]

I just bought a 2018 Tundra in October. I towed my 22 International 4,800 lbs from the Eastern Shore of Maryland to Jackson Center for some service. Got 11.7 towing up hill through the mountains of Western Maryland & West Virginia.. 18.7 on the way home with no Trailer.. It has plenty
of power and is a great Tow Vehicle ..