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Jdh · 10-08-2013, 11:39 PM

Just got home tonight with a 2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 to tow my 67 20' globetrotter, would love some opinions. After getting on the forums I'm second guessing myself as to whether I bought the right truck...... I figured my trailer weight being 3000 lbs dry, the towing capacity of 7800 would be more than enough, with the 4.6 being a bit better on the mpg. Thoughts, anyone?

r carl · 10-09-2013, 02:36 AM

Try it out and then you will know.

SteveSueMac · 10-09-2013, 04:31 AM

What r carl said.

If the truck can do 7800 lb and your trailer is 3000, can't imagine you have much to worry about! Hit the road and enjoy! :-)

andreasduess · 10-09-2013, 04:57 AM

You could tow that trailer with a much smaller car. You've got nothing to worry about. Enjoy

dkottum · 10-09-2013, 07:25 AM

Truck discussions here would have you believe you need twice the truck that can do the job well. Or that you are unsafe, or illegal, or just plain stupid if you don't. Or that an oversized truck is somehow better.

You and your wallet are better served overall by a truck that matches the trailer, and that one matches up very well.

Ahab · 10-09-2013, 08:36 AM

I think it's overkill.

kennyp315 · 10-09-2013, 09:04 AM

Your Tundra is fine. I have a '65 Globetrotter and tow with a 2005 Tundra. On my rebuild of trailer, I added close to 1500 more pounds. I have a weight distributing hitch and have towed my trailer all over the Western US. It tows like a hot knife through butter.

dkottum · 10-09-2013, 10:27 AM

We towed our 2007 20' Airstream 5000# fully loaded cross country through mountains with a 2006 Tundra small V8 and it felt unstable at times. The standard P (passenger) tires were too soft a sidewall allowing sideways motion in winds, trucks passing. Called Andy Thomson at CanAm Airstream in Canada (they specialize in all types of towing setups) and he recommended a XL (XL rated tire) of a specific size. Great improvement in stability.

The power was fine, keep it out of overdrive (or use tow/haul mode if you have it) when towing. Shift down as needed to keep 3500 rpm when climbing steep grades, and always approach steep descents slowly and shift the transmission down as needed to keep it that way. The cause of many power complaints is unwillingness to simply use the transmission as needed.

mandolindave · 10-09-2013, 12:52 PM

Truck discussions here would have you believe you need half the truck to do the job well ( just kidding)

But I think the right size tow vehicle has more to do with than just the size of the engine and trailer weight as factors.
I think that suspension, weight of the tow vehicle, wheel base of the tow vehicle, and braking also make for a safe match.

It has been said that you can damage your trailer, by getting to " much " of a truck. A suspension set up that is to stiff, could cause stress to your trailer.

I would recommend a weight distribution hitch. Besides safety, I get a nicer ride, with less porpoising. I found this out once when I left the bars off, while I was looking for level ground to put the bars on.

MrUKToad · 10-09-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkottum

The cause of many power complaints is unwillingness to simply use the transmission as needed.

I'm in agreement with that, Doug. Too often we hear complaints about down-shifting, but isn't that what the transmission is supposed to do? OK, constant upping and downing isn't good, but there's nothing wrong if the transmission down-shifts to deal with a gradient.

I couldn't venture an opinion about the Tundra other than the fact that it's a popular tow vehicle and clearly works for a lot of people

Jdh · 10-09-2013, 11:27 PM

Thanks all, hooked up the trailer today for a short trip around town to get a feel, I felt a lot more comfortable than with my last vehicle. Then promptly jack knifed backing it in and put a nice big dent in my shiny new bumper like an idiot. Sigh.

SteveSueMac · 10-10-2013, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdh

Thanks all, hooked up the trailer today for a short trip around town to get a feel, I felt a lot more comfortable than with my last vehicle. Then promptly jack knifed backing it in and put a nice big dent in my shiny new bumper like an idiot. Sigh.

Those are just "character" marks. :-)

Glad you're happy with the truck!

r carl · 10-10-2013, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdh

Thanks all, hooked up the trailer today for a short trip around town to get a feel, I felt a lot more comfortable than with my last vehicle. Then promptly jack knifed backing it in and put a nice big dent in my shiny new bumper like an idiot. Sigh.

Alway's take it easy while backing. Also try to have someone back there watching the whole operation communicating with you.

mandolindave · 10-10-2013, 05:12 AM

A little bit of correction goes a long way when backing up a trailer that has wheels so close to the hitch. ( I think it's true for bigger trailers, but maybe not as much, as I have no experience with the huge trailers )

Jim Flower · 10-10-2013, 01:31 PM

I have experience backing up and have concluded that one should never, ever, in a million years, back up with out a spotter. And the spotter needs a minimum of two signals that you both understand. Stop and go. The spotter must also understand that if he or she cannot see you in your mirror, you cannot see the spotter. That's it. I know a bunch of us have learned this the $ way. Jim

m.hony · 10-10-2013, 06:58 PM

Even the "small" motor is over 300 horsepower.
I don't see a problem.

andreasduess · 10-10-2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandolindave

A little bit of correction goes a long way when backing up a trailer that has wheels so close to the hitch. ( I think it's true for bigger trailers, but maybe not as much, as I have no experience with the huge trailers )

The longer trailers are a lot more forgiving. I was terrified not so much of towing my 34' but backing it up. It turns out that it is really no big deal*. The three axles turn the beast smooth and gentle, and because it is so long you can see where it is going in your mirrors.

Not that I ever back up without a spotter, if I can possibly help it. Nearly went into a low hanging tree branch a week ago.

*Except when it is. Like three weeks ago, when try as I might I could not get it lined up with its parking space. After 30 minutes, took a 10 minute break, walked away and did it first time when I returned.

TouringDan · 10-10-2013, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Flower

I have experience backing up and have concluded that one should never, ever, in a million years, back up with out a spotter. And the spotter needs a minimum of two signals that you both understand. Stop and go. The spotter must also understand that if he or she cannot see you in your mirror, you cannot see the spotter. That's it. I know a bunch of us have learned this the $ way. Jim

Jim is CORRECT! I have two blemishes in my otherwise beautiful Tundra to prove it. I received both backing up without a spotter (solo, no trailer). The problem is made worse by the Tundra being HUGE and I have a cap with tinted glass, so visibility is terrible.

BTW, I love my Tundra and you will love yours. It is a great TV.

I have the 5.7L with 2wd. I average 13.5 mpg towing gently but my trailer only weighs 5k loaded.

As others have said, make use of the tranny when driving in the mountains. It saves the brakes and gives you much more braking capacity.

Dan

Jdh · 10-11-2013, 12:38 AM

Thanks again everyone. As far as backing my trailer is concerned, my plan is to never do it again. Ever. As long as I live.

m.hony · 10-11-2013, 01:43 AM

My dented bumper is not from backing.
My dent came from towing a cargo trailer and forgetting to latch the coupler on the ball.
I realized what I had done, but was too stubborn to stop and latch the coupler.
I thought I could make it to the house.
I almost did make to the house before I hit a pothole and the trailer came off the truck.
I panicked and hit the brakes.
When I did that, the truck stopped but the trailer did not.
Y'all know the rest of the story.
All this to be a good Samaritan and help someone move for free...