Newbi - Tundra Envy

[luverofpeanuts]

New member here, from Minnesota. I'm researching what to replace my '97 Expedition. The Tundra Crew Max is on the very short list now, so digging for more than the standard advertising hype... ;-) this forum has been valuable reading.

I currently use my Expedition as my daily driver and have enjoyed it. I pull a 23 foot travel trailer that is about 4500 pounds loaded with gear, but no water/waste. I'm planning on upgrading to 26ft unit that weighs about 6700 dry.

I'm here looking for real world experiences on how the Crew Max will handle that load a few weekends through the summer...as well as a couple of week long trips. I'm looking for reassurance that this 1/2 ton truck can operate with this much weight without putting undo stress on frame, brakes. In reasearching the TT I want to upgrade to, most say don't consider a 1/2 vehicle at all. My concern with a 3/4 ton vehicle is that even the crew cabs don't have as much room as the crew max...and since this is a daily driver, I really have to consider these creature comforts are as important as the strength of the vehicle overall. I could pick up a V10 Excursion, or V10 F250/350 easily and for good prices... but I'd only do that if there was a significant reason to choose them over a Crew Max.

I don't expect anyone here to say the Crew Max won't work ;-) lol. But I'm particularly interested in those that have experience comparing the 3/4 ton class crew cabs to the Crew Max.

Personally, my gut tells me the Crew Max is the perfect fit for my needs. But I'm an analyst at heart, and suffer from "analysis paralysis", so I have to work through the decision ;-)

I've already read quite a few great threads here; it's good to see such an active list. With luck, I'll move beyond envy someday ;-)

--lp

[Tundrawwjd]

Whoever says that the crewmax wont do it because it is a 1/2 ton is wrong!!! There is others on here that can help you, thats all i had to say!

[turnandburn]

Welcome to the site, lots of good people on here, im sure you will get some honest info to help you make your decision. I have a DC and have not towed anything with mine so i can't help you out.

[2008_CrewMax]

i've only towed a boat, from what i read, guys are on here towing 7500+ pounds with their Tundra 5.7L with absolutely no issues whatsoever.

good choice on the crewmax

[kwarstler]

I have a '07 Crewmax and I regularly pull a 30' Jayco TT. It weighs 6500# dry - approx. 7500# loaded, and I have absolutely no problems towing this load. I've never owned a heavy duty prior to this, but I can truly say the 5.7 is a force to be reckoned with. I tow the trailer to various camp destinations on weekends and usually take a week or two trip down south. Simply put - the TUNDRA can tow!!

[Codiac]

I have the Double Cab but I have towed right up to the weight limit with mine...just over 10,000lbs and it did just fine. I tow a 25ft travel trailer all the time fully loaded (full tanks, gear, etc, etc.) it weighs in at about 6,000lbs and it is a piece of cake and I don't use an equalizer. It barely squats my truck. I have also towed said trailer with a 650lb 4x4 atv in the back and it again was a piece of cake. Just this weekend I towed the same trailer, I had 5 passengers in the cab with me (4 adults and one toddler) and a bed full of gear. Guess what?????? It was a piece of cake and this was thru a pretty mountainous region of Montana. I got 11 mpg average on this trip.

SO...a Crew Max will pull the trailer you are looking at with ease. A 3/4 ton will work do it better in most cases just because it is a heavier duty truck but you really don't need one. I have owned 3/4's before and this truck is damn near as good.

[ramoine]

Welcome to the forum , try reading this and also do a search . There are a couple of threads related to this as well .

5ver and a heavy trailer

[NewToToys]

Welcome to the forum. I am from Minnesota, as well. PM me if you need any information on dealers. I got mine at Maplewood Toyota. Treated me great. I guess that would only really work if you live in the Twin Cities vacinity. Good Luck with the decision. I mulled over it for a few weeks, as well.

[luverofpeanuts]

Originally Posted by NewToToys

Welcome to the forum. I am from Minnesota, as well. PM me if you need any information on dealers. I got mine at Maplewood Toyota. Treated me great. I guess that would only really work if you live in the Twin Cities vacinity. Good Luck with the decision. I mulled over it for a few weeks, as well.

Cool ;-) I'm in Rochester, but I bought my Expedition from Stillwater Ford in '97, and my wife bought her car in Maplewood back in 2003 (she still takes it for service there). I have no problem traveling an hour or so for good service.

I do take my time with decisions though...so it may be a while ;-)

[luverofpeanuts]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes ;-)

[turnandburn]

Originally Posted by ramoine

Welcome to the forum , try reading this and also do a search . There are a couple of threads related to this as well .

5ver and a heavy trailer

Good call on that one, great write up.

[ramoine]

Originally Posted by turnandburn

Good call on that one, great write up.

Thank you !!!

[Mickey]

Welcome Luver to the wonderful site.... We have several people on here with Crewmax's that pull campers behind them... I only pull my 18.5ft boat so far.. I haven't heard of any issues about towing a camper yet....Looking forward in seeing pics of your new ride when you decide.....

[jbk23]

Welcome to the forum !