Thinking of trading 3500 for new Tundra

[dward]

After I sell my camper I won't need my 4x4 dually, so I was thinking of making it into a srw and installing a flatbed. A post from Grizzly asked why not trade it for a srw and save the hassle.

I read an article in American Hunter that had a really good review of the new Toyota Tundra with the 5. 7 v-8 (381 hp/ 401 ftlbs) and 18 mpg+.

I stopped and looked a couple today and they seem pretty nice. Didn't drive it, but it should do well on power. Enough to tow a 10k gvw 21' toyhauler that I will now use once a month or less.

We drove the Dodge today down to LA and it is definately a truck, empty it rides like a tank, so I think the Tundra will work out better and make a better traveling rig.

Once I sell the Lance I plan to list it in the Auto Trader. Not sure what it's worth but I know I won't recoup all of extras I have on it. Buckstop, Banks exhaust, Aeroflow 60 gal tank, Hy-Tec pans, etc.

I'm going to try to drive the Tundra in the next week or so, to see if it's what I want.

I'll keep you posted.

 

[pservano]

After I sell my camper I won't need my 4x4 dually, so I was thinking of making it into a srw and installing a flatbed. A post from Grizzly asked why not trade it for a srw and save the hassle.

I read an article in American Hunter that had a really good review of the new Toyota Tundra with the 5. 7 v-8 (381 hp/ 401 ftlbs) and 18 mpg+.

I stopped and looked a couple today and they seem pretty nice. Didn't drive it, but it should do well on power. Enough to tow a 10k gvw 21' toyhauler that I will now use once a month or less.

We drove the Dodge today down to LA and it is definately a truck, empty it rides like a tank, so I think the Tundra will work out better and make a better traveling rig.

Once I sell the Lance I plan to list it in the Auto Trader. Not sure what it's worth but I know I won't recoup all of extras I have on it. Buckstop, Banks exhaust, Aeroflow 60 gal tank, Hy-Tec pans, etc.

I'm going to try to drive the Tundra in the next week or so, to see if it's what I want.

I'll keep you posted.

I'm having a lot of electrical issues on mine. I test drove a 5. 7 Toyota Tundra Crew Max the bed is kind a short, I think 5. 5 ft, I was thinking of the double cab which have an option of an full 8ft bed, I sold my 12,000 lbs trailer, so I don't need a towing rig, plus the truck spend more time @ the dealer than me driving it... I will be trading in my 3500 as soon as i get it from the dealer. It has been 11 days fo parts and troubleshooting from the dealer... . The Tundra has a lot of power and nice ride.

 

[Bertram65]

I looked at them also, the only thing I did not like was they come with P rated car tires, change those out and it should be a great truck. The crew max is huge and it looks nice too.

 

[SSalzer]

American Hunter probably gets paid to write a good review. Have you ever read a review in a magazine that was negative (except Consumer Reports)? I'd rather push my Dodge than drive some Japanese junk.

 

[Simplysmn]

A buddy just bought a new toyota tundra and its ok but if you are taller then 6 ft you will feel like you are in a Tuna Can all plastic interior other then making it look small with me in it it was Ok but I wont buy one .

 

[MStrain]

My business partner has the new Tundra, the 6 foot bed is tiny with the toolbox in it, the crew max with the 5 foot bed is a joke. It is pretty powerful, I think that power will evaporate pretty quick with 10K on the hitch, also 18 mpg may be possible, if your driving downhill in a vacuum. It really gets 12 to 14 surface, maybe 15 or 16 highway. The interior is pretty nice and well laid out, but very plasticy, the door handles have a wierd cheap feeling to them, I do like the 2 din stereo, he already installed the 2 din navigation head unit, wish my truck had 2 din, instead the geniuses at Mopar made it 1. 5 din so you are really limited to what will fit.

 

[ModifiedDiesel]

MStrain,

Off topic, but check the pictures in my gallery, you can always get a nav bezel from Dodge and then a 2 din head unit will fit with no problems.

 

[BHolm]

My concern would be the 10k lb toy hauler you still want to pull. That is the max the Tundra is rated for and I would bet it will struggle with that kind of a load. I would also agree that it is doubtful you will see 18 mpg from a truck with that kind of size and power. The Hemi with MDS is probably a better bet for gas milage in a gasser truck. My wife drives a Hemi 2500 QC SB and it is a sweet little truck. Adding the MDS of the newer ones would sertainly give the Tundra a run for its money. Personally I think they are painfully ugly too, the Japanese have NO sense of style, never have.



What do they cost? I know the Cummins adds a substantial amount to the cost of a new truck but my guess is the Tundra isn't exactly cheap. I have a 3500 SRW diesel because as a used truck, it was the same money as a used Toyota , way more capable and easily as efficient on fuel as even the smaller Tacoma. It was a no brainer in my case. The CTD was way more rig for the same $$.

 

[RRees]

I'm to American, even though some of the Dodge parts are sourced overseas, it's still an American Brand. I served in the U. S Navy, not the Imperial Japanese Navy. Oh well, everyone has to do what is comfortable for them.

 

[MStrain]

I am pretty sure the Tundras are made in the US, I think they build the engines in Japan. Oh yeah and price wise, keep your 3500, my business partner paid almost as much as I did for my 2500 LB QC CTD 4x4, for his 1500 5. 7 SB QC 4x4, and when I say almost as much, I mean within a few hundred dollars.

 

[JFlagg]

Also, that 381/401 looks good on paper, but I would do alot of testdriving before you commited. I think you'll miss the torque you'll loose if you tow anything. Plus, that 18 mpg sounds a little hopeful, I would expect a few mpg less.

 

[Simplysmn]

Well you also have to look at what gears they put in the tundra's I am sure if you put low gears in it it will pull 10,000 lbs but the question is for how long will it pull weight and not have troubles as for there numbers on mpg I think thats a joke keep the real truck and dont worry about the tundra .

 

[Bertram65]

My concern would be the 10k lb toy hauler you still want to pull. That is the max the Tundra is rated for and I would bet it will struggle with that kind of a load. I would also agree that it is doubtful you will see 18 mpg from a truck with that kind of size and power. The Hemi with MDS is probably a better bet for gas milage in a gasser truck. My wife drives a Hemi 2500 QC SB and it is a sweet little truck. Adding the MDS of the newer ones would sertainly give the Tundra a run for its money. Personally I think they are painfully ugly too, the Japanese have NO sense of style, never have.



What do they cost? I know the Cummins adds a substantial amount to the cost of a new truck but my guess is the Tundra isn't exactly cheap. I have a 3500 SRW diesel because as a used truck, it was the same money as a used Toyota , way more capable and easily as efficient on fuel as even the smaller Tacoma. It was a no brainer in my case. The CTD was way more rig for the same $$.

I am not pro Toyota, they probably make a decent truck though, but the hemi is the just about the weakest gas engine you can get right now in a pickup, they are way over rated by the factory, they usually dyno around 260hp at the wheels. I hope Dodge comes out with a decent gas engine at some point I like the rest of the HD truck.

 

[dward]

Thanks for all the feedback. I would get the double cab shortbed(6. 5') which is 19' overall length. The crewmax only comes with a shortbed(5') for this year. They have 4:30 gears with a 6 speed trans so I'm sure this helps the tow cap.

The one I looked at had cloth int, but most other options in 4x4 and had a sticker of around $34k, but $3k factory rebate. Not sure what invoice was, not that serious yet so didn't take the time, but the salesman was ready to sell that minute.

My TH has a 10k# gvw, but I'm probably around 7k most of the time.

Once I sell the camper, I have a set of srw wheels and tires to put on and check the ride difference. I will also pull my rt. damaged fender to see how far the wheels stick out and see how much body work will be needed and if fender flares will cover the tires.

I also priced a dually fender from Dodge and it was over $900, I'm probably looking at $1500+ for a body shop to do the repair. May talk to my Ins agent and see if they will give the the cost of repair minus deductible to apply to a flatbed or service body.

I think the ultimate offroad camper would be this truck with a flatbed or service body and a pop up truck camper, hard to convince the girlfriend after the Lance.

 

[HLewallen]

I investigated the Tundras before I bought my '07. 5 - they are plenty fast unloaded (I think the 4x4 crewmax with the 5. 7 does 0-60 in 6. 3 seconds!). Lots of heavy duty parts. I did read a review from an owner (so this is hearsay) that the truck did not do well towing. I would google it a bunch and find some owner feedback or get some real world experience towing with one. The price and IFS did them in for me. I am glad I did not get one now - the front ends look like a Cylon to me.

 

[HLewallen]

Oh yeah - and don't forget the redesigned Ram 1500s that will be out in - what - 08? Rumors are closer to 400hp with a larger displacement Hemi . . .

 

[JAKE 2544]

I heard rumor that they had a big crankshaft issue with the new tundra,and sales were not that good on them(that would explain 0%financing for 60 months or cash back)how often has toyota done that?Also they are built in the U. S. but they are still a TIN CAN on wheels. I. M. O.

 

['strokeThis_'07]

Id stick with the Dodge, but I may be a little biased! I havent read anything that impressed me about the tundra, theyre UGLY, and nearly everybody that I know thats traded their Dodge on something else, especially a gasser, has traded that in on... guess what?... another Dodge. Youll definately miss the power for sure, I dont care how much the tundra has, itll feel nothing like the Cummins. Your money though, hope you like it if you get it. Good luck

 

[CUMMINZ]

I am sure the Tundra will be a great truck. Did you all not see it pull that load up that see/saw on TV and down on the other side. It stopped before it ran off that cliff. HAS to be a tuff truck! YeeyowwOo.

 

[SNoyes]

Had the 2000 version of the Toyota Tundra. It was a nice truck, but pulling was not fun. The simple fact it that when it comes to pulling, 3/4 ton or 1 ton do better. They are heavier, beefier suspension...



I would have you look at motor trend's most recent truck of the year comparision. Should give you good information on that truck. . I think basically the truck was a rocket, engine was strong, but overall fit and finish took a ding (which, for toyota is HUGE suprise).



The resale value was awesome, sold my tundra in less than 24 hours for what i was asking for it (actually had to take the sign out of the window to stop the calls). Maintenance wise, i would say the truck held up. Had a few issues...



Hope it helps. .