Suggestions on towing with 4.6L Toyota Tundra

Not exactly what you are looking for but I had a 2007 Tundra with the 4.7 and towed a TT with a gross weight of 6000lbs. We towed quite a bit with that setup but gas mileage was not great and the transmission would hunt between 5th and 6th so I usually kept it locked into 5th gear.
I'm sure a lot has changed with those trucks since I owned one but wanted to provide my experience.

I towed TT (UVW 6,000 GVW 8,000) in my sig with a 1500 Silverado w/5.3L. Truck felt very squishy when pulling the TT and transmission would always downshift on even the slightest inclines. After a few trips I traded it in for the truck in my sig and could not be happier! This truck may pull it, but I don't think you will find it enjoyable.

itpcpro wrote:
Ok, Here is what I am looking at:

2016 Keystone Bullet 287QBS 5734 lbs

2007 - 2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6L V8 tow rate 8600 lbs

Figure 1000 lbs for supplies and people

So looking at somewhere around 1500 lbs to play with

I know if I go with the 5.7L V8 (10,600 lbs tow rate) I would be fine
But I am on the fence with the 4.6L V8 as I don't want to head to the mountain and struggle up hills.

The main issue is finding a 5.7L V8 that is in my price range. I can find the 4.6L all day long but very limited with the 5.7L.

So my question is does anyone tow 7000 lbs with the 4.6 V8 Toyota Tundra and do you have any issue towing?

Thanks

I towed a lighter trailer (approx 4500 lb loaded) with the Sequoia with the same engine. It did fine, with some downshifting into 3rd on long or steep grades, like I-80 in eastern Wyoming. I would not have wanted to be towing anything as heavy as your trailer with it.

I'm just over 6000 with my 2003, and I do not like it. It is within limits, but am slow getting up to speed on the freeway, and it comes out of overdrive for highway overpasses. As a fiver is in our future, I'm currently shopping for a used 3500 SRW. They only seem to come in Tradesman trim with white paint though.

After I towed 6 hours to Stone Mountain, I decided to get a bigger TV and be more comfortable.

We like ours. Been towing a 7000+lb fifth wheel close to 13 years now without any trouble. Our 2001 has the 4.7L. The 4/5 half-ton size truck has proven to be very capable and reliable. I don't let it "hunt" for gears but pick the most appropriate one depending on the grade and I usually turn off overdrive while towing.

If you don't have the truck yet, wait to find one with the 5.7l, you'll be much happier. The 4.6l is a great engine but it will struggle with 7k, the 5.7 won't even know it's there.

The 5.7 is the motor to get...well worth the price difference. The smaller V8 is a great motor but the power difference is significant.

Also...the 4.6 came out in 2010...that motor is a nice pulling motor as it has 310 hp, timing chains, and is in the 5.7 family.

From 2007-2009 the V8 is a 4.7 v8 which is an entirely different motor at only 276 hp. This motor uses timing BELTS which must be changed at regular intervals. Not exactly cheap...and something you don't have to worry about on the 5.7


IMHO...go for a 2010 plus 4.6 as the maintenance on the older motor may off set the price difference....actually...IMHO ..save and get the 5.7 ;)

Thanks!

Jeremiah

1000lb for stuff and people? Not realistic. Propane, water, batteries, food, cloths, WD hitch, stuff......

Yeah that is what I figured, the 5.7L is the way to go. We have the Blue Ridge Mountain to attend with and Really don't want to start going into the mountain and struggle to get to the top. The other side of us is the beach to no worries there.

Nate, What do you guess the Stuff weight would be? I have always heard allow 1000 lbs for everything else. We will not be hauling water as I know that is heavy (Other than what is in the hot water tank) and I have not had to deal with a weight distribution hitch yet so not sure how much that adds.

So the search is on for a 5.7L

Thank you guys for the information..

itpcpro wrote:
.......don't want to start going into the mountain and struggle to get to the top.

Define "struggle".

Addressing uphill battles and not straight-line interstate...is it maintaining the speed limit or keeping RPM's low?


If not struggling means keeping RPM low going up hill it will feel like you are struggling...EVEN WITH THE 5.7L...and you will lose significant speed.


I define struggling if I cannot maintain the speed limit uphill with my right foot buried. I do NOT concern myself with RPM's. I let the truck decide what to do, unless its hunting, then I lock a gear.


This all true of any gas motor when towing from small V6's to big V8's.

You're "small" V8 is up to the task, if you do not fear RPM's. But I would also agree, the larger Tundra with larger motor will be more comfortable. It all depends how often you are towing.