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Old 07-07-2020, 12:16 PM   #1
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2020 25' Flying Cloud
Houston , Texas
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Toyota Tundra vs RAM

Hi,

We have a 2018 Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8. When towing our 22FT Sport AS no problem. We upgraded to a 25FT RB 2020 model and now struggling to tow especially uphill. There's a big change and we're looking onto a bigger/stronger truck.
Would like to know your input as the Tundra is almost at max towing capacity with the new AS. According to stats the RAM 150 trucks towing capacity is 11,500lbs vs the 10,000 for Tundra. The RAM 250 even better at almost 20,000lbs with 6.7L diesel.

Thx
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Old 07-07-2020, 07:36 PM   #2
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I am surprised your Tundra is struggling to pull a 25 ft AS
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Old 07-07-2020, 07:58 PM   #3
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Different folks have different definitions of what it means for a tow vehicle to be struggling. Most often is that its not comfortable or pleasant when a vehicle is near max trailer weight as the trailer will have significant affects on the vehicle.

Since you're not happy with the Tundra, it is unlikely you will be happy with the 1500 unless you are somehow able add significant payload to the 1500 to bring the burdened weight some 1000-1500 lbs higher than the Tundra. The 2500 Diesel is heavy without payload and when loaded it will surly keep the trailer on a tight leash. We tow a 25 with a Diesel 2500 and it is quite comfortable 98% of the time. It is also very stable and safe in every situation we have encountered thus far including some evasive swerves and some simulated emergencies just so I know what to expect. We don't speed but we don't hold up traffic either.

Note that the diesel does knock 800 lb or so off of payload.
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Old 07-07-2020, 09:26 PM   #4
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We are 2500 towing our classic 30 which is 10,000 lbs. zero issues after 35k miles and working on our third year full timing. Benefit of the 2500 is the integrated trailer break system. Don’t think the tundra or 1500 have that stock.
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Old 07-07-2020, 09:50 PM   #5
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I have been towing my 25FB with a Tundra, first an 08 and now a 2017, with the 5.7 set up. I have never "struggled" with it. I can hold most hills in 4th with the RPMs right at 3000. I would be more concerned if I were you with the payload capacity of the RAM 150. The Tundra is weak here. If you are not going to gain much, rethink your outlay of money. What will you pay and what will you get for it?


It sounds to me that you want a new truck which is fine and good. If I were going to move "up", I would not get rid of my Tundra for another half ton. You mentioned a 250 and then a diesel. Now that, would be an upgrade. Good luck. There are lots of good options out there.
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Old 07-08-2020, 04:11 AM   #6
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Toyota Tundra vs RAM

I don’t know why you’d trade one 1/2 Ton pickup for another.

I also believe 20,000 lb. towing capacity for a Ram 2500 (while I’ve never looked at one) might be a little optimistic. My 2018 Ram 3500 (with few options) has a Max Payload is 3,866 lbs. and Max Towing is 17,466 lbs. (with the 6.7L HO and Aisin transmission).
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Old 07-08-2020, 04:57 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 21Airstream View Post
I don’t know why you’d trade one 1/2 Ton pickup for another.

I also believe 20,000 lb. towing capacity for a Ram 2500 (while I’ve never looked at one) might be a little optimistic. My 2018 Ram 3500 (with few options) has a Max Payload is 3,866 lbs. and Max Towing is 17,466 lbs. (with the 6.7L HO and Aisin transmission).
Not all 1/2 tons are created equally. Find someone who knows how to spec a truck and broaden your brand choices.
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Old 07-08-2020, 05:56 AM   #8
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Toyota Tundra vs RAM

Okay. Until I get around to it I’ll probably be able to get by with what I have to tow my FC 27FB.
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Old 07-08-2020, 07:05 AM   #9
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I've owned both, although the Ram was then a Dodge Ram.
I've never had so many problems with a vehicle as I did with the Ram. Never got over 50 K miles before dash cracked overnight, sunglass holder flopped down broken, always pulled right, but dealer said it "was in spec." Electric window fell into door requiring replacement of motor.
I resolved to never, ever buy a truck made by FIAT!

I now have a 2015 Tundra and pull my 26' with ease. Since climbing mountains is at most 0.01% of my driving, I'll take it slow and enjoy a truck that doesn't fall apart.

I'm considering adding one leaf to the rear springs. Anyone done that?
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Old 07-08-2020, 07:54 AM   #10
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Have experience with 1500 & 2500’s

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerrit View Post
Hi,

We have a 2018 Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8. When towing our 22FT Sport AS no problem. We upgraded to a 25FT RB 2020 model and now struggling to tow especially uphill. There's a big change and we're looking onto a bigger/stronger truck.
Would like to know your input as the Tundra is almost at max towing capacity with the new AS. According to stats the RAM 150 trucks towing capacity is 11,500lbs vs the 10,000 for Tundra. The RAM 250 even better at almost 20,000lbs with 6.7L diesel.

Thx
Gerrit, congratulations on upgrading to your new 2020 25’ AS. That’s a great floor plan!

We upgraded from a Flying Cloud 23FBT to a Globetrotter 27FB which required a tow vehicle upgrade. We started with a 2019 RAM 1500 5.7 with 3.92 axle. It towed with no problem although at times it felt like the trailer would push the truck around. Plus the tongue weight of the AS put us right at the GARWR (max rear axle rating of 4100 lbs.) Dealer and RAM agreed to take the truck back because they sold it as having 1840 lbs. payload but the door sticker said 1220.

We now have a 2019 RAM 2500 6.4 Hemi with 2940 lbs. payload. Two trips to Colorado under our belt and the difference is amazing. The truck weighs over 1000 lbs. more than the 1500 yet gets better MPG. No more pucker incidents, no getting tossed around by passing semis.

I think BayouBiker is correct in saying if you’re not happy with the Tundra experience, you won’t be happy with the RAM 1500. The 2500 will ease your anxiety plus it’s got rear coil springs which helps the ride comfort.

If possible, get the Safety Technology package with Adaptive Cruise and autonomous braking. They’re a great feature when towing!

Good luck with your decision.
-Jeff

PS: Mollysdad, RAM isn’t “made by FIAT”, it’s “owned by FIAT”. RAM 1500’s are made it Michigan, 2500’s in Mexico. Fix it again Tony is reserved for the FIAT 500’s. Tongue firmly in cheek!
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Old 07-08-2020, 08:06 AM   #11
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Need bigger engine and truck...go. 3/4 ram..
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Old 07-08-2020, 08:45 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad View Post
I've owned both the Toyota Tundra and the Dodge although the Ram was then a Dodge Ram.

I've never had so many problems with a vehicle as I did with the Ram. Never got over 50 K miles before dash cracked overnight, sunglass holder flopped down broken, always pulled right, but dealer said it "was in spec." Electric window fell into door requiring replacement of motor.
I resolved to never, ever buy a truck made by FIAT!
You neglected to tell us what year model RAM truck you had.

You state you now have a 2015 Tundra and since most people do not trade for an older model truck. My assumption based upon the fact that you state your truck was a Dodge Ram means your Dodge RAM was much older than your current 2015 Toyota Tundra since the Dodge Ram brand name was dropped in 2009 with RAM being the brand since the 2009 model year!

Is that true?

A LOT has changed in just the last 5 years for the better from ALL the truck manufacturers. The Dodge dash cracking issue ended YEARS AGO in the early to mid 2000's so before you go trashing the Dodge Ram how about a little more information such as the year model of the RAM you did not like.

The 2019 AND 2020 Dodge RAM is the Motor Trend Truck of the Year for both years.

Sounds like "FIAT" is doing something RIGHT!
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Old 07-08-2020, 08:58 AM   #13
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We have a Ram 2500 MegaCab with Hemi and 4.10 rear end that tows our 2020 International 30'. Using a Blue Ox hitch with 1500 pound bars. This setup is a dream to drive. Barely know the trailer is back there. That said, if I had decided on going with the diesel then I probably would have moved up to the 3500 due to payload considerations.
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Old 07-08-2020, 09:34 AM   #14
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Towed 2 of our 25's with our F150 EB without any issues for 130K miles thru the Rockies each summer. That engine is a great engine in the F150, especially now with the 10speed trany. When I was looking at RAM's and Toyota 1/2T's, I could not find one on a dealer lot with payload over 1200-1300lbs... If your wanting 1/2T, I would surely check out the GM with the 6.2 or the Ford with the 3.6EB, but make sure they have the Trailer Tow package, decent payload (1400+lbs) and don't get the "loaded" options, as it detracts from the payload... Now, if your convinced on a 3/4T, lots of options...gas or diesel...with the 25', either will do a great job of towing. If you consider you "may" want a bigger AS (27', 28', 30 or-33'?) again in a year or 2, get the 3/4T diesel...you will be very happy in the long run, when towing. Downsides of the 3/4T is driving around town, parking, and overall maintenance of the diesel, though all is forgotten when your towing!
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Old 07-08-2020, 09:40 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerrit View Post
Hi,

We have a 2018 Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8. When towing our 22FT Sport AS no problem. We upgraded to a 25FT RB 2020 model and now struggling to tow especially uphill. There's a big change and we're looking onto a bigger/stronger truck.
Would like to know your input as the Tundra is almost at max towing capacity with the new AS. According to stats the RAM 150 trucks towing capacity is 11,500lbs vs the 10,000 for Tundra. The RAM 250 even better at almost 20,000lbs with 6.7L diesel.

Thx
Tow a 2018 27 ft Flying Cloud all day long with a Toyota FJ Cruiser .. Get the G-Force system ( 4 wires ) hooks onto your air fuel mixture , 30 % more horses , 4-6 more miles to the gallon ... Dodges ( Fiat ) , may have the horses , but they are rust buckets , you will see major rust problems in less than two years ..
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Old 07-08-2020, 09:42 AM   #16
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When I had a 25' I finally went with a 3/4 ton. Don't get tunnel vision on factory tow ratings. It will pull it on flat level ground. Don't forget you have to also stop the entire package.
Things to consider: Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and payload capacity. Check the driver's door on your Tundra. These figures can be found there on a sticker. If you exceed payload, handling can be a problem.
Never push the limits of your tow vehicle. In the end you won't be happy.
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Old 07-08-2020, 09:42 AM   #17
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Don't overlook a 3/4 or 1 ton gas truck, either. They will pull any AS with no problems and you wont have to worry about running out of payload.
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Old 07-08-2020, 09:53 AM   #18
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Power is not generally one of the issues with the Tundra, especially towing 25' or under. Perhaps this is a perception and how to maximize the tool thing.

Contrary to popular belief, in climbing HP is the name of the game. Yes, it's underpinning by torque, but there's another element to the equation. Namely RPM. HP = Torque x RPM ÷ 5252 Diesels have a more tractable powerband, but even they need to rev within their relatively narrow powerband to produce max HP. They may seem more relaxed, but the boost, cylinder pressures, and heat are enormous.

The 5.7L is a generally considered a brute and one of the least stressed and durable motors designs out there. Keeping it in the lower RPM band is artificially limiting performance. Another 30% more power can be had in the upper ranges. As a plus, on grades, being in higher RPM ranges will help the engine run cooler and less stressed. Plenty more power to do the job.

Note on climbing, use RPMs to your advantage. The engine is actually less stressed in ways with RPM than grunting torque (lower cylinder pressures). Fluid circulation and cooling are improved with RPM. This is also true for the transmission, where it also helps to use more gearing to multiply torque at the wheels.

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Old 07-08-2020, 10:02 AM   #19
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Quote:
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Tow a 2018 27 ft Flying Cloud all day long with a Toyota FJ Cruiser .. Get the G-Force system ( 4 wires ) hooks onto your air fuel mixture , 30 % more horses , 4-6 more miles to the gallon ... Dodges ( Fiat ) , may have the horses , but they are rust buckets , you will see major rust problems in less than two years ..
Strange, perhaps I'm lucky, My 2013 doesn't have a lick of rust on it. Sits out in the humidity and rain all year long. Been up north to Chicago in the winter snow a few times also, all winter once.
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Old 07-08-2020, 10:07 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fj56 View Post
Tow a 2018 27 ft Flying Cloud all day long with a Toyota FJ Cruiser .. Get the G-Force system ( 4 wires ) hooks onto your air fuel mixture , 30 % more horses , 4-6 more miles to the gallon ... Dodges ( Fiat ) , may have the horses , but they are rust buckets , you will see major rust problems in less than two years ..
What is the payload of your FJCruiser?? Pulling a 27' with this rig may be fun and fine for you, but it surely was not designed nor is it recommended for pulling a TT like a 27'AS safely.
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