Is a Tundra out of the Question

spoon059 wrote:

Look, some of us are intelligent here and know that a 3/4 ton truck is better for towing than a 1/2 ton. We also know a 1 ton is better. Then again, so is a class 8 tractor. Just because something is BETTER than a half ton does not mean that the half ton isn't adequate for the job. For people that can't afford to go drop $40K on a new heavy duty truck, can't afford to register it, can't afford to insure it, don't want to deal with the heavier weight when not towing, or any other plethora of reasons than there is nothing wrong with a properly set up half ton towing within its perimeters.

spoon059 wrote:

All the ignorance about half ton trucks is just as misleading as people claiming they can (safely) pull a trailer with a golf cart in the bed. How many people are we scaring away from enjoying the experience of camping when we tell them that their half ton can't pull a sub 8000 lbs trailer? How many people have a half ton and want to buy a small camper and experience what this country has to offer and get talked out of it because the fear mongorers amongst us scare them into thinking their half ton won't do the job? Those that can't afford a $20K camper AND a new truck are scared away from the one thing that we all supposedly share in common.

Quoting just a couple of your points to add my comments.

I agree with a lot of what you're saying, and speaking only for myself, I never said a 1/2 ton was not adequate for the load the OP was asking about. I think it will work fine. What I did say is that, it doesn't make sense to go out and buy a 1/2 ton to go full-timing. And I think some of your comments above represent a misconception among many that a 3/4 ton or 1 ton costs a lot more to own and operate. I just don't think that is true. The cost of a well equipped Tundra is pretty danged high, and it is going to be really close to an equally equipped 3/4 ton truck. As for registration, here in CA where our registration is higher than just about any state, we have to register all pickups as commercial and we have to pay weight fees on their GVWR. I'm sure a 3/4 ton cost a little more because it does weigh more, but it is going to be a small fraction of the total registration. Insurance is going to be a little higher, but not much, so let's not overstate how much extra all this costs. The difference is peanuts. The fuel mileage *while towing* is also going to be pretty close. I also don't think most 1/2 ton owners realize just how much more truck they are getting with a 3/4 ton, and unless you've owned current versions of both you aren't going to get it.

Now where I really agree with you is how much nicer the 1/2 tons ride when not towing, and general good behavior around town. They are more comfortable. But the OP asked about a truck specifically for towing and full-timing. The 3/4 ton is a better tool for the job. Doesn't mean a lesser tool can't do the job.

If someone owns a 1/2 ton, I say use it. Enjoy. But if you are buying a tool for the specific job of towing, get the better tool for about the same money. Just makes good sense.