Can't tow enough...

Well, this is a trip report... of sorts. I have taken a trip away from Toyota and Tacoma. I needed more towing capacity... and I didn't care for the mileage of the Tundra. But first, FWIW... I found my way to Toyota after being dumped on by the "Big Three". Dodge sold me a brand new truck (before Lemon laws) that would only do 42 mph, flat out... and needed 4WD Low Range to get over a curb. Honest. GM provided a diesel that their dealers didn't know how to service. Ford sold me a Bronco II and milked out the warranty instead of replacing the tranny, ignoring numerous service bulletins on the problem.

My Toyota vehicles have included a FJ-40, multiple 4-Runners and Tacomas (1 Hi-Lux)... over the span of a half-century. (Yes, I'm older than most dirt.) 100% satisfaction with every one. I tried towing a car trailer with my last Tacoma, a 2012 (V6 with the TRD supercharger) and it was absolutely maxed out. Towing over mountain passes, I could watch the gas gauge move with the rpm's @ 3k+ to make it over the top.

So... off to give Ford another chance with a 2018 F-150 3.5L Ecoboost. Great power. (375hp) Great ride. Nice fit and finish, inside at out. But... there is a problem... WINTER. It is a slippery, goosey handful on ice and snow. I could drag the skid plates through snow in my Tacomas in 2WD, on a good set of Blizzaks. The Tacomas also never needed 600# of sand in back to stay connected. Even wearing Blizzaks, the F-150 is nowhere close to the stability of the Tacoma on ice and snow. Not close.

More winter woes... I got it high-centered in snow, on a flat, paved surface. Trying to rock it out... no gears grinding or other abuse... just patiently trying to get un-stuck... the front ring gear broke. I've been stuck many times in a Toyota and NEVER needed a tow, let alone a major repair. It was especially easy to solve on the Toyota models that had a locking diff... stop everything, select low range 4WD, select diff loc... and drive out.

As most of you surely know, it's not just power, but also enough weight for stability that is required of a tow vehicle. So if Toyota happens to visit this forum... how about a turbo V6 Tundra with 350-400 hp that gets 23-25 mpg and can tow 12K#? (10K# would be just fine) I like the F-150, but I do miss the Tacoma. Cheers.

 

So what are you towing

 

A 24' Haulmark with a 4000# +/- car inside. The Tacoma didn't like it.

 

Oof. yeah. Not a surprise.

 

Turbo V6 hybrid tunrda is coming. dont worry.

 

Any idea when... for the Turbo V6 Hybrid Tundra?