1/2 ton Tundra pulling 8200 lbs

herbhofmann wrote:

Camperluver43 wrote:

herbhofmann wrote:
My first TV was a 1989 Suburban 1/2 ton pulling a 4,000 pound trailer. It was a nightmare. It became "ok" once I added a sway bar but it still felt like I was pulling a sled instead of a trailer. When the transmission gave out in 2007, I found a 2002 Tundra with 26,000 miles on it. It's 4.7L engine had more horsepower and torque than the 5.7L Suburban and weighed 500-1000lbs less. I couldn't hardly tell I had the trailer behind me!

Your comparing a 1989 to a 2002, a lot had changed in regards to power output and technology in engines in those years. On top of that as you mentioned, your Tundra weighed nearly 1,000 lbs less. Same power from an engine will always push the lighter vehicle easier.

herbhofmann wrote:
American vehicle manufacturers have always over sold their vehicle's capabilities, whether mpg, mph or towing capacity. the foreign manufactures tend to understate and let their customers be pleasantly surprised.

No they haven't, they all domestic or foreign use whatever number is better to advertise their products. Your comparing apples to oranges with your vehicles.

As for being overweight, its no big deal about getting going or stopping, its when the camper starts swaying and tosses your truck into the ditch upside down that the issues begin. (not saying that is going to happen, but it does happen)

I really didn't intend to compare anything. I simply wanted to point out that the Tundra is more capable that many think. I did say that one always needs to make sure that everything is within the weight limits.

My comment about foreign vs. domestic manufactures was based on 35 years experience working as a technician at dealerships that sell both foreign and domestic vehicles. I can't "prove" my conjecture, it's just something I've notice over the years. IN GENERAL, the foreign manufactures would rather have happy customers for life than sell one vehicle and never get them back for another one. Just saying...