2006 Toyota Tundra towing capacity question

Hi everyone. Yet another "what can I safely tow with this thing?" question...

My tow vehicle is a 2006 Toyota Tundra 4x4 double cab (4.7 liter)

mileage: 60,000 (runs great)
towing capacity: 6700 lbs.
payload max: 1580
curb weight: 5100
GVWR: 6600
GCWR: 11,800
GAWR: 3500/3700

We currently tow a 2002 Trail-lite Bantam B19.

GVWR: 5000
GAWR: 2500/2500
Dry weight: 2800

Our kids are growing, and we now have a second dog, so we'd like to upgrade our TT. Staying with a hybrid, we are looking at a TT with a third bed and a slide. Here are the specs for the 2011 FR Rockwood Roo.

GVWR: 6278
GAWR: 2856/2856
Dry weight: 4550
Cargo max: 1689
Hitch weight: 532

The Tundra has towed the Bantam with ease for the past five seasons. We camp locally in the Adirondacks, always within 100 miles, and our stays range from 2-6 days. We camp 2-4 times a year. We are a family of four (two pre-teen kids) and two smallish dogs. We don't bring bikes or boats. We do bring clothes, bedding, food, a small generator when needed, and lawn chairs. We have minimal kitchenware, and our camping supply box includes a lantern, flashlights, rope, hatchet, and a few tools. And duct tape. :)

In short, we pack light and have no intention to drive distances longer than 100 miles. On many trips, we bring a second vehicle so my wife or I can go back home for work as needed. In these cases, I am in the Tundra by myself.

I hope this is enough information (and I apologize if it's too much.)

One of my brothers says I'm already at my 'safe maximum' with the Bantam. However, my FIL says towing the Roo will be no problem. I used a few online calculators, which say I'm in the 88-92% range of the Tundra's GCVWR.

To say the least, my head is spinning.

We love the Roo that we found (and we aren't in the position to upgrade the Tundra) but of course, safety is top priority. If we don't go with the Roo, we either keep looking for a lighter camper with the room we want or we keep the Bantam (actually...that's not an option) ;)

Any insights are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

DustyR
Explorer
Aug 30, 2014
jbres wrote:
Give it a little more time and a few more test runs. Overall it will work much harder on steep hills like any gas truck, but it will probably be just fine.

I towed with a 2008 Tundra 4.7, very good stable platform. The TT weight is doable. Travel light and slow down on the rough road for a better ride. Enjoy
jbres
Explorer
Aug 30, 2014
Give it a little more time and a few more test runs. Overall it will work much harder on steep hills like any gas truck, but it will probably be just fine.
jbres
Explorer
Aug 30, 2014
I have used my brothers 2010 tundra with the 4.7 to tow my boat (I know its totally different as it doesn't have the frontal area like a TT) and it towed it absolutely flawlessly. I have never towed or even driven a Toyota, and I was impressed. My boat weighs 4,500# plus some depending how much fuel I have in it.
gem1122
Explorer
Aug 30, 2014
Update: We went on a spontaneous trip, driving over 3 hours through lots of hills and on many windy roads. With all four of us, plus the dogs (600+ lbs total), the truck strained. It never felt unsafe except for a very steep decline during which I crawled along and gritted my teeth. Our load was light, including totally empty tanks--no LP even.

I know future trips will be closer to home and on more level roads, so I'm not concerned, but I feel like I just found the truck's limit. It was a good learning experience.
flat_twin
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
I agree with those who said you are just about at the comfortable limits of a first generation Tundra. I felt our 2002 Tundra was at it's limits with a loaded 5500 lb 7x16 Haulmark Toy hauler w/ 800 lbs tongue weight. The Tundra seldom lacked for power. It was the braking and soft suspension that was concerning. I'm sure those who towed with similar Tundras and moved up to a newer 2nd gen Tundra or like us, made the jump to something larger like our F250 crew cab, will attest to the sense of safer more sure footed towing compared to the early Tundras.

Your current Tundra should be fine with your new RV. I don't think it's too large... yet.

gone but not forgotten...

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Aug 09, 2014
Good job, looks like a nice rig.
gem1122
Explorer
Aug 09, 2014
mkirsch wrote:
As long as the tongue weight isn't ridiculous, you probably won't notice much difference in towing, especially at speed. The trailers' frontal areas and profiles are similar, and aerodynamics play a larger part during cruising.

I towed it home yesterday. It did feel heavier, but I think it actually towed better than my previous trailer. I'm not sure why. Maybe the hitch? It's a 10,000 Equalizer. Really nice and easy to use. Using it as it was already set up, it felt/looked pretty level. Pic below.

Like you say, at speed and on a relatively smooth road, there was no difference I could tell. The truck strained a bit more on hills, but nothing major. The worst part of the two hour drive home was a 5 mile stretch of bumpy road. The bouncing made me nauseous. I don't remember that happening with my other camper.

We opened it up, and everyone's excited for our first trip in two weeks.
DustyR
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014
Ron3rd wrote:
The problem with the old Tundra is it is not a full sized 1/2 ton. When I changed to the second gen Tundra, it was like night and day. Not just the power of the 5.7 V8, but the fact it's a much bigger, heavier, stouter truck. But to answer the OP's question, yes he can tow that trailer.

X-2

I towed right at the max (cat scaled) with a 4.7L Tundra, was the vehicle working hard? Yes. The platform was still safe with adequate braking, although a little short on power. Given the short distances you plan on towing, I see no problem with your tow vehicle. Be sure that the air pressure on your TV is at the max listed.

Enjoy!
mkirsch
Nomad II
Aug 01, 2014
As long as the tongue weight isn't ridiculous, you probably won't notice much difference in towing, especially at speed. The trailers' frontal areas and profiles are similar, and aerodynamics play a larger part during cruising.
gem1122
Explorer
Jul 31, 2014
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think we will go ahead and get the Roo and see how it feels for the rest of the summer (2 more short trips). If it feels like the Tundra is really struggling then we can revisit the idea of maybe upgrading to the bigger engine.