Forum Discussion

H2oSprt's avatar
H2oSprt
Explorer
Nov 17, 2018

Tundra Crewmax

Current trailer specs

Hitch Weight 528 lbs
Dry Weight 4233 lbs
Cargo Weight 3295 lbs

We don’t load up the trailer much at all, but in all honesty haven’t had it weighed.

I’m currently towing with an expedition el with eco boost. It does an ok job, mirrors are an issue but other than that it handles it ok. I’ve been considering a crewmax and was wondering if it would tow my trailer any better? Worse?

Thanks for any insight
  • I'd say the performance would be similar, but at slightly higher RPM as the Tundra is turboless.
  • Don't know if it would tow any better as I have never towed with an Expedition. All I do know is that the Tundra should have no trouble with that trailer. My previous trailer was 7200 lbs loaded and current trailer is 9400 lbs loaded and I have not had any issues towing either trailer with the Tundra. IMO the Tundra is a very capable and solid tow vehicle.

    My towing can be long distance too as we just got back from Florida with the 9400 lb Reflection and combo handled very well. Total distance was 4700 km or nearly 3000 miles.

    PS the weights are measured at a CAT scale not an estimate just for information.
  • The Toyota has a 25 inch longer wheelbase. I think this would help make the towing more stable. I have the 2012 Toyota crewmax. I tow my boat, which wieghs 8000 lbs no problem. My truck is rated for 10,400 lbs. You will have no problem with that trailer behind a tundra. 380 hp in the 5.7. The Toyota has lots of power for towing.
  • You're comparing 2 1/2 ton chassis vehicles. Neither is going to be heads and tails above the other.
    Guessing the Ferd has more snort and the Tundra will be slightly more stable?
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Assuming you have the 5.7, the Tundra will that trailer around like a little toy. Former 2007 Tundra Crewmax 5.7 owner here. Unbeatable bulletproof drive train too.
  • It will be no problem. I tow a lot heavier than that without an issue. Having the extra room of the CM is nice. BTW, I'm on my third Tundra simply because I like new. Never had a warranty issue, unlike all the other brands that I've owned.
  • Be careful which Tundra you pick.
    I looked at a lot of used ones and nearly all had low payload capacities.
  • Both have about the same amount payload, tow ratings, gearing. Crewmax has 15" longer wheelbase over the Expy EL, but I doubt that will have any affect on stability. The Ecoboost has a broader torque curve so will maintain speeds at 2000-3000rpm compared to the naturally aspirated V8 2500-4500rpm. Both will work well and should be durable for hundreds of thousands of miles. I don't see any reason why a Tundra should perform poorly.

    If you otherwise like your Expedition, I would focus on a couple things that could improve stability. Spend $100 on Grand Aero towing mirrors and keep enjoying.
  • H2oSprt wrote:
    Current trailer specs

    Hitch Weight 528 lbs
    Dry Weight 4233 lbs
    Cargo Weight 3295 lbs

    We don’t load up the trailer much at all, but in all honesty haven’t had it weighed.

    I’m currently towing with an expedition el with eco boost. It does an ok job, mirrors are an issue but other than that it handles it ok. I’ve been considering a crewmax and was wondering if it would tow my trailer any better? Worse?

    Thanks for any insight


    I would bet on better but probably not enough so to warrant the $$. If you want a significant boost go to a heavy duty truck. It isn't necessary for that trailer but it will still perform significantly better. Or as others have said, spend a little bit on some better mirrors and look into fine tuning your setup. Maybe explore one of the spendy hitches that some swear by (propride, hensley).
  • bikendan wrote:
    Be careful which Tundra you pick.
    I looked at a lot of used ones and nearly all had low payload capacities.


    Lol. What were you expecting?
    If your a door sticker reader , just move on to a HD truck to pull your TT because there will always be some capacity you’re “exceeding.”