[drewnick]

I finally 'pulled the trigger' on a 9,000 lb Travel Trailer : an '08 Jayco Eagle.

KEY SPECS :

Truck: 07 CrewMax 5.7 TRD 4x2 SR5. 1,680 payload (limiting factor)
Trailer: 08 Jayco Eagle 328 RLS, 34' 11"
Tongue Weight (diminished payload): estimated to be 1200 - 1400 lbs, loaded.

The TT is 7500 unloaded, and we have loaded it up to about 8,500 to 9,000 lbs. We are using an Equal-i-zer brand 4-pt hitch and here's my report:

* Acceleration on hills: pulling hills with no starting momentum is the toughest part. It's here when you remember you have a gas motor. See below for the good parts.
* Acceleration at full speed: very good. Similar to when truck is not towing.
* Maintaining 60-65 on highway: relatively easy. We do hit 4th a good bit, and I think even third on the big hills. Overall, it seems comfortable.
* Truck body: drops about 2-3 or maybe 3-4 inches when we hook up. The hitch distributes the weight well via spring bars, but the rear end does seem stressed a tiny bit more than I hoped.
* Braking: diminished, but good, as you'd expect pulling a house down the road. Feels very safe. Had an emergency stop today and it did well.
* Sway: under control with Equal-i-zer. Not phased by trucks or light winds. You drift into their foredraft and then back out of their backdraft as one solid unit - no sway has been noticed YET, at speeds to 70 MPH.
* Fuel milage: so far, 10 MPG! This is a wonderful welcome for me. If we drive faster, it drops to 9. It feels so much safer at 55-60 than 65-70, so staying at 60 MPH avg speed, and getting 10 MPG, I'm very happy.

Considering this Tundra is also my daily driver, I'm still VERY happy I went with the less expensive gas Tundra over, say, a Duramax. I was extremely impressed with how well it did. So far, I've towed over 500 miles without one white knuckle moment.

Anyone who doubts this "half ton" ability really needs to try it. I honestly think it does better than any 2500 gas product, overall. The powertrain and that 6 speed tranny are the keys.