Tundra MPGs, new vs. old while towing

Okay, I'm in a bit of a Tundundrum (tundra conundrum) here.

First a little background:

I've been eyeing a tundra for a little while now. I'm going to be replacing my '17 4Runner that I tow a ~3500+# camper trailer (Winnie Micro Mini). I've been wanting the ability to toss a couple dirt bikes in the back to take along for the ride (obviously impossible with a 4Runner). Currently, I either use my 1st gen Tacoma, or pack the bike(s) on a utility trailer. I first considered a new Tacoma, but when adding up the cargo/weight capacities, it just isn't quite going to cut it for my comfort level. A Tacoma COULD do it, probably, but it's pushing it, and I'm definitely not one to want to be driving around at max capacity, especially since I live in the hills.

So Tundra it is... Overkill for a 3500-4000# trailer? Absolutely!

Now the question is new vs. old. My problem is the MPGs vs cost. So I'm hoping to get some opinions with some real world data and experiences. I've done some pretty basic estimates and figure it could be 10+ years for the cost of new to be paid for with the MPG savings (10k+ miles/year, $4.50/gallon, etc...), but that's assuming I can even get a basic SR5 Tundra DC long bed for ~$45k (technically possible using the build feature on Toyota website), but never seen one that cheap on a lot...

So I'm curious what kind of mileage you Tundra owners get towing a comparable trailer (~4k#). My theory is that even though the older Tundra gets overall worse MPGs than my 4Runner, it is not going to take as much of a hit while towing. So if it seems realistic to get ~15mpg+ out of a 5.7L while towing, I'd actually be pretty happy with that since that would be an improvement over my 4Runner.

I was really hoping for the hybrid, but with the MPGs finally released, it seems like it hardly adds to the MPGs, it seems to just be a devise to crank out high HP/torque numbers. And even then, Toyota has a habit of only offering the hybrids on their high end models, further putting a hybrid out of reach cost-wise.

Sorry for the long post. What say ye?

 

It seems that some of the '22 Tundras have defective turbo wastegates. May be a small percentage of trucks, but you likely don't want to spend $50-60K then find yourself among that group of very pissed owners.

Some of the later built '21 Tundras had a power steering recall. Due to supply chain issues there was difficulty procuring parts & many sat & are sitting on dealer lots. This situation has mostly been rectified now & there are savings to be had on those now repaired leftover '21s. Any $$$ you might save on fuel with a '22 could be offset by those savings. And you get the proven 5.7L rather than the yet to be proven twin turbo. Just food for thought.

 

Yeah, you are definitely right about jumping on a brand new model etc...

I've heard about the turbo issue, and honestly it doesn't really frighten me THAT much. Seems really rare, and isn't a safety issue, and is still covered under warranty, although I could see supply chain issues possibly delaying the repairs.

I'm likely looking at more like a '17 or '18, as those are the ones that are in a much more reasonable price. Pretty easy to find one well under $40k.

 

Tow whatever you want with this thing. I'm hesitant to buy anything the first year of a re-design, especially the Tundra (not that I'm looking - happy with my Taco). If anything happens to my Taco a diesel is what I am going with. Surprisingly, CarMax has a decent price for this trim level. Get you a Carli Suspension, have Steve Goerend rebuild the tranny and you are set. It even has the manual shift transfer case which is getting harder and harder to come by. Sure it is a Dodge, but that Cummins will pull 20,000 lbs. Sexy, aside from the fin that American auto makers insist on sticking between the roof marker lights. Fucking yuck!

 

I'll keep an eye on this since we want to go to a bigger trailer. I've been eyeing F150's but I'm open to others.

 

I already said a Tundra is overkill. And here you suggest killing a fly with a howitzer, lol.

I have no interest whatsoever in towing anything even close to what this thing can tow. My current trailer (1700BH) is sometimes a tight squeeze for the camping spots I like to go. No way.

 

I'd stick with an older one. you can pick one up for a decent price and they'll run forever.

 

I towed this ~2000lb TD and was getting about 13.7mpg according to the dash on a 350mi trip from the mtns in CO to Moab and doing about 75-80mph. Towed like a dream as I couldn't feel it but that mpg was no diff than my 5th gen 4R which was odd.

 

It's almost a 6liter V8 with a 5 speed. You can't even think about mpgs with that combination.

 

It's a 6speed trans since 2007 with 5.7 V8. 2010 4.6 V8 also got 6speed. The 2007-2009 4.7 2UZ V8 only got 5 speed, but those are the million mile motors, 5.7s ARE NOT!

Maybe get a 2010 4.6?

One thing I think with the 2022 Tundras as regards MPG is going to be swapping the lame 3.31:1 gear ratios. They put a 10-speed trans in it with multiple overdrive gears then smother it with a 3.31, trans does have a deep ~4.8:1 1st gear at least.

I think swapping to 4:10s will lower the throttle input %, which will let it get better mpgs all around. Very nice interiors though and very nice to drive.