Considering switching to a tundra

After moving up here to Alaska, I have noticed the need for a half-ton truck in the future. I have a camaro I will need to tow up here at some point(from California), I also would like to be able to haul new projects around if needed as well as well as 4wheels in the future. I am considering keeping the tacoma for another year to save for a good down payment, but I still don't know what to think. I basically love this truck, but it's limited--even the v6 will be limited with the car trailer/car and a toolbox full of tools.

Kind of just putting my thoughts out there. Right now I am averaging 25.2 mpg which is AMAZING.

 

I work for a Toyota dealership in WA state... We have a lot of customers up in Alaska that love their Tacomas up there (how they handle, what they're towing, ect...). I would recommend holding on to your Tacoma for a full 'season' (9 months snow, depending on where in AK!) and see if she/he/it will be suitable for your needs. BTW: Homer is beautiful! My husband grew up in Alaska (all over) and took me up there for a summer and a winter to explore. It was the last of the 50 states that I had yet to see. Would love to have a vacation cabin there some day.

 

Yeah, I plan on getting through winter with it for sure. I was thinking next summer/spring area of trading it in or private sell.
I love the way it feels and drives, but looking at future needs--I need something that will tow 8000-10,000 pounds. The quads/dirtbikes part is more for when I am better settled. I plan on staying, that is for sure.

If I could keep this and have the tundra for towing I definitely would. I don't trust an older truck that someone has messed with(been burnt by one).

 

Maybe when that time comes around, you can have both!?!

 

Let us hope!
If a trd off road 4x4 6 speed could do what I want, I would buy that in a heart beat.. That is for sure.

 

I sold me tacoma and bought a tundra. A tacoma is awesome due to size for trails etc. but the tundra is way better for towing and hauling. The extra space is nice to! Bith have pros and cons. But having actual power is nice!! The tacoma v6 is a dog.

 

Even the new tacoma is?
I am between a base tundra with a 5.7 or the tacoma v6 offroad

 

If you're comparing a Tundra to a 3rd Gen Tacoma, it's no contest. The Tundra is hands down a clear winner on towing, and I've owned both mid-size and full-size trucks and towed with both.

Parking, non-towing times around town, size (fit in garage, etc) are different subjects, which you must decide.

MPGs (they are trucks so I don't really care, but so many people seem to care) is going to be about 60% of what a Tacoma is at best. The 5.7 Tundra is a beast of an engine, a thirsty beast.

Tundras are kind of overbuilt, and are not quite 3/4 Ton trucks but more than most 1/2 Tons. They are great tow vehicles, and if that's your priority, that's what you need. The first time you hook 10,000 lbs of trailer up in Alaska in snow with a Tacoma, you'll see why a Tundra is it's big brother.

 

Never, ever hook 10,000 lbs to a Tacoma!!! Pulling that much with a tundra is even scary!

 

And in the snow!?!? Yikes. You'll just be spinning tires on the spot

 

Pulling 10k ... I'd want a diesel... if it was for distance and a regular basis...

 

I guess that was my point. My 1/2 Ton Chevy was rated for 9500, and putting just 7500 lbs (weighed on a CAT scale) was completely nerve wracking for that vehicle. I never like to approach max tow loads. I'm not here to prove anything to anyone anyways, I'd rather just find another way to do it.

Father in law just bought a new Travel Trailer, 8800lbs weighed. Pulled it with a 2013 Expedition XL w/ Tow rated @ 9200 lbs for 190 miles. We did 60 the whole way home, HATING every time an 18 wheeler passed us. If I was towing 10k I'd have a 3/4 Ton without hesitation, just for the extra headroom.

Keep in mind your suspension is going to the the limiting factor long before engine power usually is.

 

Why a Tundra? I would open your eyes to other makers. Not that the Tundra isn't a good truck but Toyota really offers very little in the full-size market compared to the other major truck makers.

 

You're well outside what a Tacoma can safely tow, and pulling it with your 4 banger is going to be pretty hard on your truck.

 

I think some of you missed what I said lol, no one is towing with the 4 cylinder
After research, I think it will be closer to 6000 pounds, meaning a 6 cylinder tacoma can tow it.
It is a one time two, and won't happen a lot.

I have had chevys and fords and the toyotas have never had problems(my father has a tundra and I towed with it as well).

I would POSSIBLY consider a 4x4 chevy as long as it is floor shift for 4x4

 

You ain't buying new then. I haven't seen a single one like that, including the Colorado/Canyon and the GMC Sierra's. Chevy is all electronic transfer case. However, being such a simple machine I don't worry about it much. THAT SAID, grabbing the lever on my wife's 4Runner and shifting it old school just feels badass.

 

They are back, at least up here in Alaska, only on LS, WT, and Custom models.
The electronic transfer case is fine, but the sensor goes out causing issues and GETTING YOU STUCK. Trust me.. I got stuck in one. NEVER AGAIN.

 

Bummer man!