3rd Gen Tacoma Vs 1st Gen Tundra

So as title states I just purchased a 5150 dryweight travel trailer and I have 2 vehicles currently

Vehicle 1 - 2021 Tacoma Double-Cab V6 3.5L - Stated Tow Capacity 6800 lbs per Toyota

Vehicle 2 - 2000 Toyota Tundra Access Cab - V8 4.7L - Stated Towing Capcity 7100 Lbs Per Toyota

I've been doing a lot of reading and it seems like a closer call than I would have expected?

I almost feel like either choice though if I add any bit of weight with wife + dogs and I'll be over my capacity, I do not want to have to get another truck or trade/sell one of these trucks but safety is a big concern for me on this decision, any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance.

 

Depends on distance traveled, terrain traveled, your expectations as the driver, weather conditions, etc.

What you have may or may not work well (safely, comfortably) based on these factors.

The smart move would have been doing the research before buying the trailer.


F 150

 

I did my research Bill, Thank you, but ended up going for a bit larger than I had originally planned due to liking the trailer. Didn't say getting another truck would be an issue though, asking for advice on these 2 trucks or if I should look at another truck.

I appreciate the feedback Bill, did you have any input on the options I had asked about or ?

 

I expect the torque V8 will give the tundra the edge.

Do the door jamb stickers have stated payload? It’s related to towing, but not quite the same.

 

Payload on Tundra is 1,406.0 lbs

Payload for Tacoma is 1,685 pounds

 

Interesting. Are they 2wd or 4wd?

 

The Tacoma is 2WD and the Tundra is 4WD

 

Personally, I'd be going for the 4x4 option. I live where we have winter conditions though.

If it's no object, the Taco is newer and will get much better MPG than the Tundra.

 

Yes my Tacoma is 4x2 and my Tundra is 4x4.

 

Ah ok that explains the difference. To me it’s pretty much a wash, you’re at the upper end for both vehicles and you’ll have to watch the number of toys you take along. I suspect the tundra will feel better towing due to the v8, especially compared to the 3.5’s need to rev high to make power.


Can you do a test drive with each?

 

I'm going to be mostly in the South, fairly flat-ish, mostly New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas will be my radius. Do not plan on doing lots of mountain driving.

 

I would buy a new truck. I bet if you actually take that trailer over the scales with a battery or two and full propane tanks it’s closer to 6000lbs. The manufacturer advertised dry weights and tongue weights are always off by several hundred pounds at a minimum.

 

I could yes. Not adding any toys to the mix as far as ATVs or anything, just luggage/wife/dogs.

I don't want to have to go buy a new truck but all my prior reading just makes me feel I should go get a 3/4 diesel so going to pick up this unit is making me nervous.

 

This is what I am contemplating, even with the extra few hundred lbs from the Tundras capacity it just feels too close to the capacity for either truck. Was hoping to be able to keep the Tacoma due to the mpg when I get to destination.

 

My son tows a 26' tt with my old '05 Tundra AC 2WD. With the V8, WD hitch and brakes, tows with no problems at all. I wouldn't even consider it with my Tacoma. It's just not enough truck.

 

Yea, I think the Tundra could pull it no problem, guess I'll just have to trade the Tacoma in for a real truck