So my wife and I have started looking at TTs to determine what we like...we're not buying until next spring, but it's gonna take us that long to figure out the options we like, floorplans, see what's around, etc.When we bought our 2011 4x4 Tundra CrewMax in August of that year, the spec sheet said we were good for up to 10K. Toyota has since reduced that number to 9K...to me, that's a huge difference? What really stinks is that one of the TTs we like is the Cougar High County 321RES, but it weighs in at 7865 shipped weight (I can't find a UVW or GVWR on the Keystone site).Being completely new to this, and having never towed anything besides a couple small utility trailers (sub-1K) locally, I'm hoping for some advice:1. Based on my math, with a 20% safety margin, I'm looking at 7800lbs max tow weight; is that correct?2. That 7800lbs should be the GVWR...so UVW plus any stuff we put in the TT, correct?3. Will a WDH make any difference in the max capacity (a coworker told me that it would...but I'm cautious)?I've already assumed that we'll get a WDH with whatever TT we get...seems like a no brainer based on my reading here (been lurking for quite a while before posting).Thanks in advance for your help; I've read dozens of threads and looked at what other Tundra owners are pulling, so I have a good idea, but thought I'd ask some specifics if anyone has a minute to assist.Thanks!!

Forget the towing capacity.... you really need to consider the truck's payload capacity and RAWR. Towing capacity really doesn't ever come into play when towing a travel trailer as you will gross out the payload and rawr LONG before you max out the towing capacity.Ron

Based on my personal experience towing a 6,000 lb travel trailer I would not be comfortable towing that camper. I would not get a bigger trailer than the one in my sig line without moving up to a 250/2500 series truck or larger.Thanks,Jack

Screw your 20% safety margin. If you are looking at RVs near half ton tow ratings where the reduced one is a factor, then it's too much. If it were a boat, then it might matter.Most half tons will be limited on something other than tow rating/GCWR, substantially below them. Start with your truck's receiver. What is the rating when using a WDH? 1050 pounds? You will want something with a dry tongue weight at least 200 pounds lower than that rating. Next payload, check the Tire and Loading sticker on driver's door or door jam. That has to include people, cargo in the cab and bed, and trailer tongue weight.For a couple, stick to under 7k dry, under 750 dry TW and you should be pleased with how the Tundra tows (assuming 5.7L/4.30).

I agree, the heck with the 20% thing - that's just internet folklore.No manufacturer even suggests this "rule".

I have a 2013 Keystone Bullet Premier 31bhpr. It was 6400 shipped weight. It is basicly 36' overall. 8000lbs gvwr. I had a Nissan Titan with 10ply Terra grappler tires, Bilstein shocks, Power programmer, etc when I bought my TT. I pulled it around some unloaded and the Titan had plenty of power to pull it, but the first windy day I had the tail wagging the dog experience and did not enjoy it. Then I started figuring everything up that I would have loaded in the TT and the truck when the wife and kids were finished and decided I needed a bigger truck. I now have a 2013 F-250 CC 4x4 gasser. I think the length is more of an issue with a TT more than the weight.

2011 Tundra reduced max tow capacity, options?

lanerd
Explorer II
Jun 07, 2013
Forget the towing capacity.... you really need to consider the truck's payload capacity and RAWR. Towing capacity really doesn't ever come into play when towing a travel trailer as you will gross out the payload and rawr LONG before you max out the towing capacity.

Ron
jeshoffstall
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
Based on my personal experience towing a 6,000 lb travel trailer I would not be comfortable towing that camper. I would not get a bigger trailer than the one in my sig line without moving up to a 250/2500 series truck or larger.

Thanks,
Jack
APT
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
Screw your 20% safety margin. If you are looking at RVs near half ton tow ratings where the reduced one is a factor, then it's too much. If it were a boat, then it might matter.

Most half tons will be limited on something other than tow rating/GCWR, substantially below them. Start with your truck's receiver. What is the rating when using a WDH? 1050 pounds? You will want something with a dry tongue weight at least 200 pounds lower than that rating. Next payload, check the Tire and Loading sticker on driver's door or door jam. That has to include people, cargo in the cab and bed, and trailer tongue weight.

For a couple, stick to under 7k dry, under 750 dry TW and you should be pleased with how the Tundra tows (assuming 5.7L/4.30).
ScottG
Nomad
Jun 07, 2013
I agree, the heck with the 20% thing - that's just internet folklore.
No manufacturer even suggests this "rule".
kirklandsc
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
I have a 2013 Keystone Bullet Premier 31bhpr. It was 6400 shipped weight. It is basicly 36' overall. 8000lbs gvwr. I had a Nissan Titan with 10ply Terra grappler tires, Bilstein shocks, Power programmer, etc when I bought my TT. I pulled it around some unloaded and the Titan had plenty of power to pull it, but the first windy day I had the tail wagging the dog experience and did not enjoy it. Then I started figuring everything up that I would have loaded in the TT and the truck when the wife and kids were finished and decided I needed a bigger truck. I now have a 2013 F-250 CC 4x4 gasser. I think the length is more of an issue with a TT more than the weight.
jmb667
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
Thanks for all the input thus far; I'm going to double-check the door sticker and manual at lunch today, though the manual is pretty light on information thus far.

Yes, engine is the 5.7L, factory tow package (with transmission cooler, tow/haul mode, etc).

We looked at other trailers this past weekend, and I was trying to keep the UVW around 6K or so...found some nice models (Keystone Cougar 30RKSWE at 6727 and 24RKSWE at 5576). It's funny how features change so dramatically with the weight/length of the trailer...
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
That's one reason I did'nt buy a Toyota for our farm. They are just too light although my friend did tow a 26 ft Coachmen with his but he used to drive truck. I am bitterly disappointed at all the pickup builders anymore. They build a car, a 3/4 ton with all the bells and whistles for $50K and they are junk. Toyota still builds good vehicles, I like them and we have owned 7 cars and never had problems with them.
Majja13
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
The trailer may move that truck around a bit as the truck is about 5600 lbs. As opposed to a 250/2500 or 350/3500 class truck with a Diesel that comes in at about 7500lb's
jeshoffstall
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
Here is a Forest River we have been looking at that has the dual rear slides, like the Cougar, but quite a bit lighter.

27RLWS

We are also looking at a Jayco Whitehawk

25DSRL

A GVWR of 7,500 would be at the extreme top of my comfort level.

Good luck with your search, plenty of campers the Tundra can pull safely.
John___Angela
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
Good morning. In my humble opinion don't worry about GVWR of the trailer. When figuring your numbers use the loaded or GVW of the trailer, not the GVWR. There is no listing of the GVW as it must be calculated using the dry or shipped weight of the trailer plus your expected load. GVWR is a rating not a weight. The bigger the better. Just like a truck. Use real numbers and come up with real answers.

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