Forum Discussion

jmb667's avatar
jmb667
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013

2011 Tundra reduced max tow capacity, options?

So my wife and I have started looking at TTs to determine what we like...we're not buying until next spring, but it's gonna take us that long to figure out the options we like, floorplans, see what's around, etc.

When we bought our 2011 4x4 Tundra CrewMax in August of that year, the spec sheet said we were good for up to 10K. Toyota has since reduced that number to 9K...to me, that's a huge difference? What really stinks is that one of the TTs we like is the Cougar High County 321RES, but it weighs in at 7865 shipped weight (I can't find a UVW or GVWR on the Keystone site).

Being completely new to this, and having never towed anything besides a couple small utility trailers (sub-1K) locally, I'm hoping for some advice:
1. Based on my math, with a 20% safety margin, I'm looking at 7800lbs max tow weight; is that correct?
2. That 7800lbs should be the GVWR...so UVW plus any stuff we put in the TT, correct?
3. Will a WDH make any difference in the max capacity (a coworker told me that it would...but I'm cautious)?

I've already assumed that we'll get a WDH with whatever TT we get...seems like a no brainer based on my reading here (been lurking for quite a while before posting).

Thanks in advance for your help; I've read dozens of threads and looked at what other Tundra owners are pulling, so I have a good idea, but thought I'd ask some specifics if anyone has a minute to assist.

Thanks!!
  • I agree, the heck with the 20% thing - that's just internet folklore.
    No manufacturer even suggests this "rule".
  • Screw your 20% safety margin. If you are looking at RVs near half ton tow ratings where the reduced one is a factor, then it's too much. If it were a boat, then it might matter.

    Most half tons will be limited on something other than tow rating/GCWR, substantially below them. Start with your truck's receiver. What is the rating when using a WDH? 1050 pounds? You will want something with a dry tongue weight at least 200 pounds lower than that rating. Next payload, check the Tire and Loading sticker on driver's door or door jam. That has to include people, cargo in the cab and bed, and trailer tongue weight.

    For a couple, stick to under 7k dry, under 750 dry TW and you should be pleased with how the Tundra tows (assuming 5.7L/4.30).
  • Based on my personal experience towing a 6,000 lb travel trailer I would not be comfortable towing that camper. I would not get a bigger trailer than the one in my sig line without moving up to a 250/2500 series truck or larger.

    Thanks,
    Jack
  • Forget the towing capacity.... you really need to consider the truck's payload capacity and RAWR. Towing capacity really doesn't ever come into play when towing a travel trailer as you will gross out the payload and rawr LONG before you max out the towing capacity.

    Ron