Forum Discussion

Luv2Q's avatar
Luv2Q
Explorer
Jul 12, 2013

Tundra 4.6L capability?

Howdy, All!

My wife & I are total rookies when it comes to travel trailers & could sure use some advice. We're leaning towards the 15-16 ft sizes (+/-).

We have a '13 Tundra Double Cab with the 4.6L V8, towing package and 6-speed. "Trailer Weight Rating" (trailer wt + occupants & cargo) is around 8,200 lbs but what is realistic in the real world?

It seems like the 15-16 foot trailers run around 1500-2200 lbs dry. If that's correct, I'd think the Tundra - even with such a small engine - would handle it. But .. Does that mean it'll just be creeping up hills? I'm already finding the dang thing wants to downshift at every change in grade.

Any/all observations, comments will be appreciated. As mentioned, we're at ground zero on the learning curve.

Thanks in advance ..

John
Tow Vehicles
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Jul 12, 2013
    Hitch up and go camping. You'll be fine with that setup.
  • Santa_Fe's avatar
    Santa_Fe
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2013
    I have a 4Runner with the 4.7L V8 and just bought a 3300lbs dry hybrid. My Runner does a fine job pulling it and never struggles going up hills. I'd say the setup that you're looking at would be a great fit. Good luck!
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Jul 12, 2013
    With a towing rating of 8200 lbs, you have more truck than needed to tow a 2200 lb dry weight camper by a factor of at least 2. You won't even notice it's back there, try to not fall over from shock when you arrive and realize somebody tagged on a trailer while you were traveling.

    You got nothing to worry about.

    Oh, the reason it wants to downshift at every change in grade is that it is set up to squeeze every inch of travel out of every drop of gas. While you are towing, it will certainly get poorer mileage than when you are not towing, so expect it to use lower gears than normal pretty much all the time. But that's only because of the programming. In the old days, they just would not have given you those extra tall gears, the ones needed to squeeze every drop of fuel 'till it screamed for mercy.

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