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Gillianw's avatar
Gillianw
Explorer
Sep 09, 2017

Towing a TT with 5.7 Tundra??

Hi, Im new to the forum and am looking for some advice. We are considering a new trailer and want to ensure our tow vehicle can handle it, the specifications for both follow:

Tow Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Tundra 4x4 CrewMax 5.7 v8 Specifications:
· Maximum payload capacity of 1325lbs
· Maximum towing capacity of 10100lbs
· Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 7200lbs
· Gross Axle Weight Rating Front 4000lbs Rear 4150lbs

Travel Trailer - 2017 Jayco Jayflight SLX model 294QBS Specifications:
· UVW 6480lbs.
· GVWR of 8250lbs.
· CCC of 1770lbs.
· Dry hitch weight of 780lbs.

In addition to the brake controller, I will be installing a WDH with sway control. I feel I will be close to the max with this set up but dont want or have the $ to upgrade truck to a 3/4 ton.
Any thought would be greatly appreciated
  • The Tundra is capable to tow that trailer but you will be over payload for sure. The bigger question would be can you keep it under the tire and axle ratings?

    I towed a tt of similar weights with my old '07 crewmax. Loaded up we were 7600lbs with 950lbs of tongue weight. With the wife and two boys on board we were 400lbs over payload. I was able to keep it under the axle rating and the upgraded E range tires. It towed great but I was never a fan of pushing limits or having to watch what I packed, plus the kids weren't going to get any lighter. I now have a 3/4 ton truck. (Still miss that Tundra) I have no doubt that the Tundra could tow that tt safely but I think you would be more comfortable with something a little smaller/lighter.
  • No... not with a family and all the gear that entails. If it was just you and the missus, you might be able to pack light and stay within specs, but it'd still be right at the limit. Towing at the limit is no fun, and it's hard on your truck.
  • Exactly, you and only you have to know your limatations and what is safe for your situation. If the saleman sells you something that is too much for your tow vehicle he can give the old two shoulder shrug and say, oh well. Then your the stuckee and will be spending more money to fix the problem. Much cheaper to know before you open your wallet.


    darsben1 wrote:
    and because the salesman does not give a sheet about your safety.
    If you buy from a dealer remember this bit of education you just received. The salesman is not your friend and he is out to get your money anyway he can.
  • stripit wrote:
    Exactly, you and only you have to know your limatations and what is safe for your situation. If the saleman sells you something that is too much for your tow vehicle he can give the old two shoulder shrug and say, oh well. Then your the stuckee and will be spending more money to fix the problem. Much cheaper to know before you open your wallet.


    darsben1 wrote:
    and because the salesman does not give a sheet about your safety.
    If you buy from a dealer remember this bit of education you just received. The salesman is not your friend and he is out to get your money anyway he can.

    Funny that Casa Grande residents know this
  • OP, I think you are making the right decision. The Tundra 5.7 is a GREAT truck, solid engine, transmission and brakes. The problem is low payload and low truck weight. We bought a 2015 Jayflight 29QBS. I thought we would sneak in under my ratings. With all the extra stuff that the wife wanted, now that we had a bigger trailer, we went over our numbers. I stumbled into my truck, which was used. The heavier truck was more solid, braked better and could carry a LOT more than the Tundra.

    I still miss the immediate application of HP from my 5.7 and the tight feeling transmission. My Cummins has more power, but it builds slower in the engine and the transmission has a little more looseness in it.
  • The limiting factor for payload with that particular year Tundra is the OEM tires and suspension. The rest of the truck is fine with heavier loads. Upgrade those and you will gain another few hundred pounds of payload. You will still be overweight according to the sticker, but the truck will handle it fine.

    Spend time getting the WDH dialed in right, and make a conscious effort to mind the stuff you haul. It is easy to to just keep adding stuff to the bed or the TT until you are really overloaded.
  • I just got back home from Colorado again. I go every year. Man, the RV net boyz would go crazy out there....you just can't believe the number of folks who tow not only rather large TT's, but fifth wheel trailers also with....gasp....Tundra's and F150's.

    ....oh my....

    The real world sure seems different to me than the internet forum world.
  • I have a 2008 Tundra double cab towing about the same weight as yours for the last 9 years. I did upgrade to LT tires and use a Reese dual cam hitch. Been happy with my set up.
  • I tow nearly the same weight as what you are looking to tow. UVW 6200lbs, hitch weight 680 lbs. When loaded I am at about 7200 lbs give or take a couple hundred pounds depending on the trip. always tow without water, have 2 older kids that come along.

    My 2009 Tundra Crewmax tows this trailer extremely well for the last 8 years. Based on what I am towing you should be fine. I would not buy a new truck just to tow that trailer. The Tundra is a very capable tow vehicle. As others have stated payload will be the first issue but pack sensibly and you should be fine.