tundra 1/2 ton

Have hung around these forums for a few years and read all the 1/2 ton bashing and especially Toyota. I retired 2 years ago after 45 years as a auto tech, last 22 years with Toyota. We sold many Tundras to oilfield companies who overloaded and abused them every day and they stood us so well several companies changed their entire fleet to them. Now I am not advocating overloading any truck, just pointing out that those who mock Tundras frames or ability are uninformed. I would say most 3/4 ton diesels I see towing 5th wheels are overloaded but that seems ok to most. Now to my experience, I have towed for about 35 years, thousands of miles. Currently we tow a 30 ft Cougar 5th wheel that loaded is just over 9000 lbs with a 2011 Tundra 4by4 long box. Its payload re sticker is 1820 lbs. I am under all weight ratings although within 100 lbs of max truck gross when trailer loaded to max as when coming home from Arizona with fruit. Truck handles this with no problem at all, most stable towing experience I have ever had. Our first 5th wheel also a 30 ft Cougar was over 10000 lbs because it had bedroom slide and when max loaded had pin weight of 1800 lbs so truck was about 300 lbs over gross. Tundra handled it fine even up and down mountain grades in British Columbia but I did not want to be over legal weight as they inforce RV weights there so we traded to the lighter 5th wheel. It amazes me that people praise the Ford 6.2 gas engine as able to pull anything but the Tundra with 4 less horsepower and 4 less foot pounds of torque is incapable. Also biggest brakes and rear axle in a 1/2 ton. Not saying a diesel would not be better, just don't want to deal with the problems might have with one. Also be clear I do not advocate towing overweight.