Toyota Tundra payload issues?

2013 Toyota Tundra/Payload
Image result for 2013 tundra payload capacity
1,450 to 2,090 lbs
Towing capacity: 4,500 to 10,400 lbs
Curb weight: 4,580 to 5,660 lbs
MPG: Up to 16 city / 20 highway

As you can see it varies from truck to truck. You will have to check the sticker on the truck's door jam. My opinion you will be overweight with most 1/2 ton trucks. Remember you will have to subtract the weight of your passangers and cargo from that number.

A Tundra can work with a smaller camper. If you want the potential to go larger, go for a 1 ton.

There is no pop-up camper that I know of that has a tongue weight over 1,000lbs.

Yes, the Tundra and so many other 1/2 tons, suffer from low payload specs.

Properly managed, you can tow a significant travel trailer.


But I think you need to better understand each weight spec a little better to know how to crunch and work with the numbers. Look up "towing guide" in Google and read some of the OEM guides and Trailer Life guides.

RinconVTR wrote:
There is no pop-up camper that I know of that has a tongue weight over 1,000lbs.

I believe the OP is asking about Truck Camper not trailer. ;)

RinconVTR wrote:
There is no pop-up camper that I know of that has a tongue weight over 1,000lbs.

Yes, the Tundra and so many other 1/2 tons, suffer from low payload specs.

Properly managed, you can tow a significant travel trailer.


But I think you need to better understand each weight spec a little better to know how to crunch and work with the numbers. Look up "towing guide" in Google and read some of the OEM guides and Trailer Life guides.

He's not asking about towing. He's asking about a truck camper.

Yes this is for a slide in truck camper, Toyota says the payload is 1515-1640 but I dont know if thats including passengers, etc or in addition to it. I read somewhere where they now take in to consideration average passenger weight, etc. I might also tow a small aluminum boat at times. Anyone here use a Tundra?

Yes I use a Tundra for a TT and am happy with it. That listed payload figures a 150lb driver and I believe gas in the fuel tank. Any other passengers and cargo weight would be subtracted from your payload. Cloths, food, propane, it's gonna put you overweight.

TT is tow trailer?

robertjp wrote:
TT is tow trailer?

Sorry. Travel Trailer

That payload number is including passengers. Toyota has no idea how much your passengers will weigh or whether you will even have passengers. If you weigh over 150lbs, it also includes that amount too.

Also, your intended 1550lb popup is EMPTY. No water, no food, no clothing, no fishing equipment, no chairs, no firewood.

Depending on how many passengers you have and what you plan on doing while camping, your realistic load will be somewhere between 2000 and 2500lbs. The first rule of RVing is, it always weighs more than you think it does.

Now, is that the end of the world? For some, yes. For others, no, they just start adding suspension helpers to their trucks, upgrade their tires, and hit the road.

Some people will tell you to sell your truck and get a 1 ton, period. The other camp will tell you that such people are "weight police" and "worry warts" and that your Tundra will haul a camper just fine.

All I wish to do here is provide you with a clear picture of what you are getting yourself into if you choose to move forward. You need to make your own decision and take responsibility for it.