turck advice

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
J

jack barnes

Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2005
Messages
371
Location
Springfield, Ma.
A while back in a post, I ask for some advice on a which truck I should buy. T took that advice and checked out each make and while any one of them would serve my needs, today I decided to buy the 2008 Toyota Tundra, double cab with 5.7l V8 with tow package. It was a better deal then the Ford, Chevy or Dodge dealers offered.

Jack
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Jack,

As I originally posted, I have no truck experience but read a lot of good things about it. Let us know how it performs.

CONGRATS!!!

By the way, you know it works great for wood collecting/hauling as well right? ;)[}:)]
 
I hate to say it, but you may have pulled the trigger too soon. I've heard from several sources that the 2009 model year will see the introduction of small desiels in several of the 150/1500 series trucks. Meaning you can get 20-25 mpg.
 
Oh yeah, that puppy is nice!! I had a 03 Tundra SR5 access cab for four years. Never broke down, I mean nothing. I replaced the tires twice and had breaks worked on once. I just traded it in. It had 102,000 miles. I got $10,000 trade in value. I almost got the new Tundra, then decided I really don't need to haul stuff anymore. I got the FJ Cruiser instead. I do like those new Tundras though. They're a little bigger than before, so not quite as good gas mileage as before. They are sweet though!!
 
Originally posted by Tanner

Never broke down, I mean nothing. I replaced the tires twice and had breaks worked on once. I just traded it in. It had 102,000 miles. I got $10,000 trade in value.
Click to expand...

For me, that is the real beauty of Toyota vehicles.

Very reliable, low maintenance, efficient and high resale value.

Some bash it...because they haven't tried it yet. Everyone I know who did try, shifted their "loyalty" right away though. ;)

On trucks, Toyota still have to prove their name but I am a believer because of their stable commitment to quality.

My car receives minimal maintenance and have close to 250,000 miles. I know its time will eventually come but for the use (abuse) I put it through vs. what I put in it...it is a miracle it lasted this long. [8)]
 
After the T-100, they have bit to prove.:D

Honestly, Toyota, Nissan and Honda will never make much of a dent in the US truck trade until they offer 2500/3500 series trucks.

They are fine for average Joes, but for Heavy Duty use on a regular basis, they have nothing to offer. Yet.
 
Originally posted by Russianwolf

After the T-100, they have bit to prove.:D

Honestly, Toyota, Nissan and Honda will never make much of a dent in the US truck trade until they offer 2500/3500 series trucks.

They are fine for average Joes, but for Heavy Duty use on a regular basis, they have nothing to offer. Yet.
Click to expand...

NEVER is such a strong word to use. I think I heard similar statements 3 decades ago about their cars and look at it now.

Truck market has multi stages...not just HD and on light and mid duty, I can at least see a lot of them on the road already and seem to be taking their slice of the pie.

I used to work for a General Contractor and most of our fleet (for daily use) are Toyota pickup. Of course we also have full size TRUCK/flatbeds, lowboys, rigs, cranes, excavators, and various heavy equipment for other purposes. My point is after a while...it is much more efficient to have a mid sized truck and a dedicated truck/equipment for real grunt work. Don't get me wrong, I agree that there is a market for HD trucks, I am just not sure how big.

I also agree that for now, they seem to be targeting the "average Joe" market and not the Super Heavy Duty (yet) maybe they will not go after it but only time can tell.
 
Originally posted by Dario


NEVER is such a strong word to use. I think I heard similar statements 3 decades ago about their cars and look at it now.

Truck market has multi stages...not just HD and on light and mid duty, I can at least see a lot of them on the road already and seem to be taking their slice of the pie.
Click to expand...
Ah, but the trucks don't have the advantage their cars did 30 years ago. In the late seventies the average American car got what, 15mpg? the average import (asian) got, 25?

Today, The average American truck capable of pulling a decent load gets 15mpg roughly. The average Asian import (I exclude Honda as their offering isn't really meant to tow much) gets what? 15mpg. So now it come down more to options and loyalty and price.

They have come a long way since the T-100 (sniggers), but I wouldn't want to hook a travel trailer, or horse trailer (I live in horse country) up to any 150/1500 (domestic or import) on a regular basis. It's just not designed to take that kind of load regularly.
 
Originally posted by Russianwolf

So now it come down more to options and loyalty and price.
Click to expand...

Loyalty is what helped the American cars survive to date. Look at what grandpa and grandma drives then look at the colleges and universities and see what majority of them drive.

That loyalty transfers from car to truck too and guess what the newer generations will most likely buy in the future. It is a double edged sword that American manufacturers banked on before but could become a big hurdle for them in the future.

For the record and knowing what I know now...even if an American car (or any other import other than Honda) have the same efficiency as my Camry sells for two thousand dollars cheaper, I will still buy a Camry (granted I can afford it). For me, it just offers the best value.

You seem to know a lot about trucks and I respect your opinions. I know nil about it...but I stand on my "observations" and if I buy a truck, I will most likely (99.9%) buy a Toyota.
 
yep, I'm a truck guy. I doubt I'll ever drive a car again.

Toyota makes some great trucks, especially the Tocoma. They made some mistakes with the T-100, and definitely stepped up their game with the Tundra. I'm hoping that all thee imports get more into it as more competition leads to better products accross the board.

I myself owned 2 mazda trucks (before they were replaced by ranger clones) and they were great little trucks too. When I decided to get a big truck, I went for a Dodge 1500. The only problem I ever had with it was the gas guage going down so fast [:0] but that's what big trucks do. Had it for 3 years and about 60k miles. I didn't baby it, but I didn't abuse it either. Hated trading it, but we were reduced to one car and the wife wouldn't drive it.

My Dad's work truck was a 2500 Chevy. We never had any problems with it and used it for horses for the better part of 6 years. Well, except for backing into a fence with it, but you can't blame the truck for that. ;)

But as long as you get a truck that fits your needs, you aren't likely to have all that many problems. But I can tell you this, I won't buy ANYTHING that doesn't have a desiel engine in it. Except for a 70's vitage CJ-5.
 
Not being a truck person, I realize the Tundra is not a true heavy duty truck but I beleave with the 5.7 V8 and the tow package, or hope, it will pull a 28 foot toy hauler cross country a couple times a year with out any problems. The real test will be this Sept. when we take a trip to Pheonix Az.

Jack
 
Jack,

Do let us know how it performs. I checked the 2008 Tundra Competitor Comparisons with (comparable sized) Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Mitsubishi and looks like it has more HP and torque than all of them (including their HD and Super Duty).

For the half ton size, it seems like the best choice...unless you have to go to the next size/level (or a diesel).

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2008.../index.html?vehicle.fullTrimId=&page.number=1
 
Originally posted by jack barnes

Not being a truck person, I realize the Tundra is not a true heavy duty truck but I beleave with the 5.7 V8 and the tow package, or hope, it will pull a 28 foot toy hauler cross country a couple times a year with out any problems. The real test will be this Sept. when we take a trip to Pheonix Az.

Jack
Click to expand...
how much will the trailer weigh loaded? And remember that the engine isn't the only consideration in towing. Braking is the big thing. If the brakes are adequate to stop the load with good control, you are putting yourself in a lot of danger. That is the most important reason to keep in well within the weight limits the manufacturer sets.

When towing, make sure that you take it out of overdrive (assuming auto tranny), or you will overwork the tranny and could cause it to fail.

The engines are usually okay (now that they got rid of the v-6's). But for towing you want a good bit of torque in the lower RPM band.
 
Up date on the Tundra. Dario I really like the truck, handles great, lots of power and rides good. Mike I haven't done any towing yet, but I can tell you the gas mileage is not good so far, only 11 MPG. but I realized it was going to suck, but was hoping for a little better.

Jack
 
I'll stick to American good ol Ford F250 Super Duty V-10 lwb. 4X4 187,000 miles. Tires & after 132,000,new brake pads. Still 14mpg. Gonna get new spark plugs soon. Can even take a nap in the back seat.:D:D:D
 
Does it have the roll down back window. I'm a Chevy fan,but a Toyota Tundra would be my second choice. My first choice would be a 2004 Chevy Silverado crew cab short box. Nice pipes,tinted windows,and a little chrome. Now back to your pickup. I've been begging dad to get a Tundra,but he don't think we need one just yet.[V]:D:D Congrats on your buy!:D:D[^]
 
Jack,
Are you planning to tow a bumper pull or goose neck trailer?
I've got a 3/4 ton Dodge with a Cummins diesel. We've put 18,000 miles on it in a little over two years, mostly with a heavy goose neck horse trailer in tow. Its a great hauler for a big load, but very expensive to drive around town. The milage is about 16MPG without a load and 13-14MPG with loaded trailer. It is a lot of vehicle to leave sitting out in the drive way 90% of the time. Sometimes we go weeks without even unhooking it from the trailer.
I'm thinking about selling the big diesel and getting a 1/2 ton Toyota, even if I have to get a small bumper pull horse trailer. The Toyatas are built in my neighborhood, I have friends and relatives working in the factory, and I really like the way the trucks look and preform. But 11MPG? I'm afraid I'd end up with a slightly smaller truck sitting in the driveway unused. Does the milage get better?
 
Jack,
My son has a '02 Tundra, I think that was second year they came out (don't hold me to that though) he loves it.. I've suggested he needs a new truck several times and then he can let me have his old one.. he has said things to me that a son should not say to his dear old dad... :D:D
 
You should be seeing at least 15mpg in that Tundra, all the big v8's are gas hogs, but unless you are riding the skinny pedal hard you might have a problem.

My 02 Ram with the 5.9 gas guzzler (one known for bad milage) got 15-17mpg average and 13-14 in town. Tops was 19mpg on nice level hiways.

what axle ratios do you have?
 
Originally posted by Chasper

Jack,
Are you planning to tow a bumper pull or goose neck trailer?
I've got a 3/4 ton Dodge with a Cummins diesel. We've put 18,000 miles on it in a little over two years, mostly with a heavy goose neck horse trailer in tow. Its a great hauler for a big load, but very expensive to drive around town. The milage is about 16MPG without a load and 13-14MPG with loaded trailer. It is a lot of vehicle to leave sitting out in the drive way 90% of the time. Sometimes we go weeks without even unhooking it from the trailer.
I'm thinking about selling the big diesel and getting a 1/2 ton Toyota, even if I have to get a small bumper pull horse trailer. The Toyatas are built in my neighborhood, I have friends and relatives working in the factory, and I really like the way the trucks look and preform. But 11MPG? I'm afraid I'd end up with a slightly smaller truck sitting in the driveway unused. Does the milage get better?
Click to expand...
what tranny/axle set up do you have? And how heavy is your loaded trailer? You might be set up for really HD towing and not need quite as much. The CTD's I'm familiar with usual get about 20 unloaded and drop to about 15 pulling about 8000lbs.
 
Mike,
CTD is Cummings Truck Diesel? The trailer weighs 6,500 empty, and nearly 12,000 when it is loaded up with three horses, tack, horse feed, etc. I don't know the tranny/axle info but I do know I had the trailer specs along when I bought the truck and the tech guy at the dealer showed me on the manufacturing spec sheets that the heavy duty towing package that it has is sized for what I'm towing.
What about diesels getting better milage after they are well broken; 40,000 to 50,000 miles at least? Is that real or myth? At the rate we use this we will be driving this truck four more years before it is broken in. It looks like 14-15MPG is as good as it is going to get.
 
Originally posted by Chasper

Mike,
CTD is Cummings Truck Diesel? The trailer weighs 6,500 empty, and nearly 12,000 when it is loaded up with three horses, tack, horse feed, etc. I don't know the tranny/axle info but I do know I had the trailer specs along when I bought the truck and the tech guy at the dealer showed me on the manufacturing spec sheets that the heavy duty towing package that it has is sized for what I'm towing.
What about diesels getting better milage after they are well broken; 40,000 to 50,000 miles at least? Is that real or myth? At the rate we use this we will be driving this truck four more years before it is broken in. It looks like 14-15MPG is as good as it is going to get.
Click to expand...

What year model is your Dodge. I have owned several Dodge trucks over the past few years, (I owned a small hotshot delivery business). No mechanical problems ever</u> and 18-22 MPG empty 13-16 MPG towing up to 18,000 Lbs. I now have a 04 2500 as a daily driver 22 Mpg average. If the gear ratio is in the 4:?? range get a price on changing it to 3:73 or so. The 4:?? ratio gears suck fuel at highway speeds. The Cummins has the power to pull with 3:73. Also if you don't abuse the truck a power chip helps the mileage. I use the Banks system, I have also used the Edge system in the past with good results. If you chip you will need exhaust temp turbo boost and (if automatic) transmission temp gages, also if you decide to chip get one that you can adjust while driving. (the settings are different when empty vs towing.)
 
CTD is Cummins Turbo Diesel

Like jughead posted, the axle ratio can have a big effect on your milage. Tranny can to a lesser extent as most of the Trannies are fairly close in gear ratios, but you had three tranny options most likely. The 6 speed manual and a couple automatics.

your milage will likely improve with milage as you mentioned.

I will put in one caveat. I'm familiar with the 5.9L Cummins and not the new 6.7L model so my milage numbers may be old.
 
This thread reminds me of my days over on RV.net where we talked about RV's all the time. Looks like the power and mileage exaggerations hold constant regardless where you go![:p]

Jack, that’s a pretty good size trailer to be pulling around with a ½ ton pickup, is it bumper hitch or fifth wheel hitch?

Have you weighed the trailer yet or more to the point, have you weighed it loaded? A trailer that size loaded with toys, food, fuel and water for a week in the boonies can easily weigh over twice what your truck weighs and can do funny things when stopping.

And if you think the 11 mpg is lousy, wait 'till you hitch up and start getting 6-8 mpg![:0]
 
The truck is set up for towing, it has a 6 speed automatic transmission built for towing. the trailer is a bumper hatch and the weight loaded will be around 9000 lbs. loaded. Dealer is going to check out mileage issue for me.
Jack
 
My brother in law have a 2008 V8 Tundra and I was told he gets an average of 16-20 MPG on it. He does get 11 mpg if they let the truck sit for long and only use on very short city trips. They don't use it to pull anything though.
 
You have 4.30 gears in that thing which is going to give bad milage compared to the non-towing geared versions which have 3.90's and 4.10's. With the 6th gear you should be doing better than 11mpg still, assuming you are getting into it regularly.

The Tranny is supposed to have a "towing mode" button, make sure that you don't have this activated. This will prevent the truck from getting into the overdrive gears and sap milage. You don't want to use the overdrive gears during towing though, so that's what the button is there for.
 
Originally posted by Russianwolf

...The Tranny is supposed to have a "towing mode" button, make sure that you don't have this activated. This will prevent the truck from getting into the overdrive gears and sap milage. You don't want to use the overdrive gears during towing though, so that's what the button is there for.
Click to expand...
I tow an 18,000 lb fifth wheel and tow in 6th gear all the time because that's what my truck is designed to do. I also activate the "Tow/Haul" button which still lets me go through all the gears, just changes the shift points. I get better mileage when in overdrive than running in fifth gear. Maybe the trucks are just different.
 
Originally posted by Texatdurango

Originally posted by Russianwolf

...The Tranny is supposed to have a "towing mode" button, make sure that you don't have this activated. This will prevent the truck from getting into the overdrive gears and sap milage. You don't want to use the overdrive gears during towing though, so that's what the button is there for.
Click to expand...
I tow an 18,000 lb fifth wheel and tow in 6th gear all the time because that's what my truck is designed to do. I also activate the "Tow/Haul" button which still lets me go through all the gears, just changes the shift points. I get better mileage when in overdrive than running in fifth gear. Maybe the trucks are just different.
Click to expand...
At 18klbs you aren't driving a 1/2 ton truck and yes they are designed a heck of a lot differently in trannies. I'm betting you have more than just 6 gears too. :D

I am assuming the tow/haul button Toyota has is similar to the OD off button on the Ram/Ford/Chevy. And none of those three recommend towing with OD. Causes too much stress on the Tranny.

See my truck shift when I want it to, but then again I have a 3 speed Manual on my 40 year old heavy 1/2 ton.
 
let me rephrase slightly.

If you are towing a load and the tranny has to shift back and forth between gears constantly, it's not good. Can happen a lot if you are towing in the hills. If you are in OD and the tranny goes to OD and stays there, you should be fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom