Just wondering who is towing a camper with a newer 5.7 Tundra.If so give us the details on your truck and the camper you are towing.And how satisfied are you with its Towing capabilities?

I just came in from a 34 day trip out. I saw several Tundra's towing, on the road and in the campground. I did talk with two owners and both were very happy with the performance. One trailer was about 31', guessing by make, maybe 8-9,000#. Another was a little smaller. I am seriously considering going from 2500 Dodge Ram to a Tundra, that is why I talked with the owners.Both Tundra owners had the 5.7.

With an absolute max payload of 1730 pounds (and lower) and 10200 max towing (and lower), what’s the advantage over a Dodge 2500, Lady? Cuzz its “new?” See http://www.cavatoyota.com/blog/2018-toyota-tundra-payload-and-towing-capacities/

I had a 5.7 Tundra and pulled a 27’ TT. I’m now with a 3500 diesel and couldn’t be happier. The Tundra did just Okay but it was pushed by big trucks. I was worried about stopping sometimes too. I’d suggest getting a diesel for towing. You’d be much much better off.

I towed our current tt with an ‘07 crewmax. We’re 34’ and 7600lbs loaded. Truck pulled it great, tons of power and great tow gearing, but we were overweight by a few hundred pounds once loaded up with the family, dog, kayaks etc. Mine was lifted with load range E 33” AT tires and airbags. I miss that truck.I was due for a newer truck and didn’t want to have to worry about weight so I traded for a ‘14 Ram 2500 with the 5.7hemi. Similar power so I figured no problem. I was wrong. The Tundra towed better. The heavy duty suspension on the Ram handled the weight better but the Tundra drivetrain pulled much better. The Tundra pulled hills like a freight train where the Ram would stumble and bog down. I ended up trading the Ram after a year. I was looking for a new Tundra but couldn’t find a dealer willing to take my Ram on trade without losing my shirt. Eventually got a good deal on a new diesel Ram for only a couple grand more than what a new Tundra was going to cost.I wouldn’t hesitate to get another Tundra though. They serve well as a tv for trailers under 30’ and 7k loaded. Maybe a little heavier depending on what you plan on carrying in the truck and which model you want. Lots of haters here but mostly from people who have never owned/towed with one. The majority of those who have love their trucks and have nothing but good things to say.

We towed a 23 ft Airstream with our Tundra. It did fine but was hard on gas when not towing. Toyota is hard to beat for dependability.

TOYOTA TUNDRA - who's towing a camper with a Tundra?

Gulfcoast
Explorer
Sep 08, 2018
My Tundra towing experience by request.... it's not for me.

I won't tow any trailer over 5000# with a half-ton truck.
camp-n-family
Explorer
Sep 08, 2018
Gulfcoast wrote:
I sold my Tundra and got a Cummins Diesel... what a huge difference in towing power in the mountains.

You could say that for any gas vs diesel. No comparison. You'd also be comparing a 1/2 ton to a 3/4 ton or 1 ton. Not sure how that is supposed to help the OP? How about including your Tundra towing experience. Not everybody needs/wants a HD diesel truck.
Gulfcoast
Explorer
Sep 08, 2018
I sold my Tundra and got a Cummins Diesel... what a huge difference in towing power in the mountains.
trailer_newbe
Explorer III
Sep 08, 2018
See below. 2008 CrewMax
webwrangler
Explorer
Sep 07, 2018
I'm towing the 4,000 lb. Rockwood in my sig, and I really really like the Tundra towing this trailer. I live at over 6,000 feet elevation, and I go over high mountain passes on many of my trips. The Tundra does great on up- and down-grades.

I'm looking at newer trailers, and I wouldn't hesitate to get something up to 7,000 lbs GVW.

I lusted after a diesel for a few years, but I'm over it. There are lots of threads here on diesel vs. gas, and I've watched them a lot. The Tundra is the only truck for me, but I don't need or want a big, heavy trailer. YMMV.
spoon059
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2018
Shouldn't this be in Tow Vehicles...?

I had a 2010 Tundra Rock Warrior with the 5.7 and factory E rated tires. Towed a 22' 6500 lbs camper and it was great. Baby #2 came and we upgraded to a 31' 9500 lbs trailer. With tongue weight and associated camping gear in the bed we were over payload, so we traded for a used Ram.

The 5.7 is a great engine, always had plenty of power. The transmission was solid and awesome for towing. It had the "sport shift" mode that allowed me to easily downshift to control speeds coming down a mountain. Fuel mileage was around 10 with the 22' trailer, around 7-8 with the 31' trailer.

As long as you don't exceed (or only slightly exceed) your payload rating you have a great tow vehicle. I loved my Tundra. Make sure to do your homework and know your weights, or else it will be an expensive mistake to try to fix.
camp-n-family
Explorer
Sep 06, 2018
The biggest complaint is usually that it is thirsty and has a small fuel tank. The tank issue was resolved with an optional 38gal tank. The drivetrain hasn’t changed since it was introduced in 2007 and it doesn’t have some of the fuel saving measures other manufacturers offer so it can be a little thirsty but it is pretty much bulletproof.
T18skyguy
Explorer
Sep 06, 2018
I use to own a Tundra. It was a great truck and a good puller if you stay within it's limits. It's a half ton, so you can't just drop any fiver on the bed, but can pull plenty of trailers. I sold it and got a 1 ton Duramax. The Tundra's a great truck, but my Chevy Duramax weighs almost twice what the Tundra weighed. The Tundra is just not in the league with the big boys, but if it serves your purpose you can't do better.
samsontdog
Explorer
Sep 06, 2018
My son tows a 30 ft TT, 7,800 pds with a 2014 Tundra. He says it tows the same Tt better than the 2007 Ram diesel that he had. The diesel got much better fuel mileage than the Tundra. He would buy another Tundra as long as he stayed under 8,000 pounds towing
APT
Explorer
Sep 06, 2018
Stick to near 6k dry. Get the 4.30 gearing. Performance will be good as well as stability and comfort for driver and passengers. What's the biggest fuel tank? 8mpg * 20 gallons isn't far.