An upgraded option for the half ton Pickup crowd

Over the years on this and other forums over ‘half ton’ and always thought those Unicorn half ton HD’s were for folks who insist on only a half ton, even though they are in 3/4 ton territory…

Dad was one of those after killing several station wagons hauling for our specialty grocery/butcher shop.

After picking up some cases of turkeys that spilled on the rugs…mom had it and told dad to get a truck…as the station wagon was also our ‘car’ for family trips.

Went around and around with dad till uncle bill said just order that 1980 Silverado C10 with the “Big Ten” option. Today’s 1500HD half ton.

Even had to install aftermarket, 1 ton helper coils on the rear axle. Today’s Timberns or air bags

Dad was also a ‘ride quality’ guy, but had a good reason…his back was fused after too many back injury’s carrying a beef quarter.

Marketing knows all that and continues the legend with half ton towing a stripped space shuttle commercials

^That didn’t really work for Nissan recently. And seems like the days of heavy half’s are gone. Just too easy and too many 3/4 ton trucks available to make that a worthwhile venture. Imo.

There’s a few F150HD buyers but in reality it’s mostly gimmick as any F150 with a 9.75 axle and some helper springs is the same truck.

Understand that most are more into the looks & bells/whistles, but towing is my main criteria for an TV…know am in the minority on that and also on ‘go’ power vs ‘stopping’ power (I’d take the one with better braking & handling over fast). Not to say ‘go’ isn’t important to me…

Thought for a moment that Toyota might have offered a Unicorn like the old F150HD & GM 1500HD with +5K RGAWR (for a few years, the GM1500HD had a 6K RGAWR, but not full floater like todays +6K RGAWR) and they both came with LT class tires

TurnThePage wrote:
That's my question too.

I don't know, I think it looks pretty cool. I loved my Tundra, it was a great truck with my smaller camper. 1900 lbs payload (didn't see it in the article, but someone mentioned it) is a nice upgrade, but still not enough to entice me to leave a true HD pickup truck.

Rear coils aren't a problem at all, if they are spec'ed out right. I LOVE my rear coils in my Ram, drives very nice and holds a LOT of weight (rated at 6500 lbs).

At the end of the day, I'm not a buyer for this Tundra, but its nice to see some mechanical upgrades (heavier payload and competitive engines) from Toyota. I love my truck, it drove great and had gobs of power... just not enough payload. Hope it does well and creates some real competition.

That's my question too.

BenK wrote:
Rear GAWR ?

Still "P" class tires or did they go "LT" class tires ?

What diff (pun intended) does it make? Rear axle looks the same as previous models.

Rear GAWR ?

Still "P" class tires or did they go "LT" class tires ?

I watched a TFL video this morning on the new Tundra. Honestly it would be the half ton to beat if I were in that market. I'd want the Crewmax cab and longer 6.5' bed. I know a few guys at work with Tundras and they're just stupid reliable, and I've always thought they were good looking trucks.

I'd go trade today if Toyota released a true HD version with a 6.7 Cummins.

I'm not sure which is worst....the exterior or the interior.

1940 payload wouldn't be too bad if it includes most common options including 4x4.