Tundra Towing

"Destroys" is harsh, but for what I need the superior towing MPGs and range of the Tundra's 38 gallon tank does destroy the competition. From what I've seen, only the 3.0L Duramax Diesel bests the Tundra in towing MPGs in the 1/2 ton market. But with the Sierra/Silverado's 24 gallon tank and the need for DEF, the regular unleaded octane of the 38 gallon Tundra with a 4.30 rear axle beats the Duramax too.
In a short time, we should know if Toyota keeps a 1/2 ton truck for buyers like me, or if they've gone the way way of the mall-crawling big 3, and produces a bunch of mall crawlers, because 1/2 tons have become the new American sedan. In the meantime, if you need a 1/2 ton for towing long distance, nothing touches the current gen Tundra when it comes to mileage and range.

[@jeffwilliams6374]

Thank you, finally an honest review of what I consider the best truck ever built. 2007-2021 5.7 V8 4x4 Toyota Tundra.

[@kedrevs4037]

I agree, I think we are in the twilight of the golden age of 1/2 tons. CAFE legislation is about to do to the 1/2 ton market what new emissions standards did to muscle cars in the early 70s, it may never be the same.

[@jeffwilliams6374]

@@kedrevs4037 Yep, these idiots don’t understand the carbon cycle. The more CO2 we produce the greener the forest, the greener the forest, the more fruits and vegetables, the more fruit and vegetable the more food us and all the wild life., the more fruits and vegetables the more plant life = the more oxygen - the cleaner the air. This carbon neutral BS will put us back into the Stone Age and destroy the “natural” environment. Huh, is that really the objective?

[@jeremynelson8496]

no way Jeff, i love my pushrod 04 tundra way better than my 17 4.6 tundra.

[@jeffwilliams6374]

@@jeremynelson8496 I feel you Jeremy, prior to my Tundra, I had a 1997 T-100 for 13 years. Great truck also! 👍🏾

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

As a Toyota Tundra owner what I find absolutely impressive is from 2007 all the way until around 2016 Ford and Chevy and ram couldn’t even touch what the tundra could do. They finally caught up about five years ago but they haven’t surpassed what the tundra can do. This is why I bought a Tundra. Not only is it incredibly capable all these years later but it’s the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned.

[@kedrevs4037]

Of course you own a Tundra, what else would Snake Plissken own.

[@firesupport162]

Only pickup that towed more than it's rating in space shuttle too #Endeavor my pops in laws a Ram gut but now hrs looking at Tundras next

[@kevinusmc48]

I 100% agree. I tow a 7000 pound travel trailer with my tundra love it.

[@kedrevs4037]

Yep, any bigger TT and I'd be in 3/4 or 1 ton domestic, but hate to give up the reliability and functionality of the Tundra.

[@migwelder2153]

I tow with my 2019 tundra as well and I love it I traded a 3.5 eco boost for my tundra and it’s the best decision I have done. I’m sure Chevy and Ford pay these people for there videos so they have to give them all the praises.

[@ajr281]

Any overheating issues while towing? I have a 2019 SR5 crewmax and I ask cause the cooler was taken out. I haven’t towed anything yet as well.

[@migwelder2153]

@@ajr281 I have towed a 4 wheeler and a lawn mower nothing heavy but no issues

[@ultraneight]

@@migwelder2153This is just silly

[@louie4316]

Thank you for the honest REAL world review. My truck needs are the same as yours. I like to consider myself fortunate enough to make a living standing under a vehicle while it's on a hoist getting it's vital fluids changed out. I can tell you that nothing out there on the market is as rugged as Toyota trucks/SUV's.

[@stevenlefebvre2991]

I totally agree with you when you get underneath them the difference is readily apparent. I love my tundra. They make servicing the tundra pretty easy all except the transmission. But it’s not that bad once you’ve done it a few times.

[@kedrevs4037]

That's some quality info right here.

[@migwelder2153]

We also drove my brothers tundra to Colorado from Huntsville al and got 17.8 to 18 mpg there and back. Not back for a 400 hp 4x4 truck

[@ExpeditionNomadicAdventures]

Your video is incredible, and the numbers you have provided are exactly what I have with my 2018 Toyota Sequoia pulling a Little Guy Max Rough Rider RV. I live full-time on the road, and I have pulled the RV begining in Iowa to the Washington State Coast and back to East Coast and my miles per gallo are 9.2 pulling and 14 with out. The Toyota power and the durability is incredible unmatched. I’m looking to upgrade the trailer to either a Lance 2075 or the Arctic Fox 22G. Continue the great videos as I’m a subscriber.

[@kedrevs4037]

Thank you sir, coming from a full-timer that means a lot. I'll try to get some more videos up there.

[@truthjustice3313]

Agreed. The Tundra is a great towing machine. I have a 2016 Tundra Limited DC and the same trailer (2018 2375 w/GVWR of 6,500 lbs.). Picked the trailer up last year in Huntington Beach, CA and towed back to Pittsburgh. Averaged around 10.5 mpg. Comment on the fuel tank. The 38 gallon is really around a usable 30 to 32 gallon tank. The fuel gauge shows empty when 8 to 10 gallons are left. You must have a minimum of 5 gallons to prevent fuel pump damage. They should have an external fuel pump so that the tank capacity could be used. To help with towing, I also added front and rear TRD anti-sway bars, Roadmaster Active Suspension, and a Tekonsha P4 brake controller (the 2016 OEM controller was too weak. Toyota fixed it in 2018). Also Trail Ridge tow mirrors and higher load range tires. Great trucks. No issues.

[@kedrevs4037]

One of the beauties of the current generation Tundra, is that it Can be modified to each user’s needs/wants. Great post. Thank you.

[@melrose9252]

The best 1/2 ton on the market. If you want mileage buy a Prius.

[@johncapson248]

Or a Ford Maverick.

[@anthonyrybczynski5420]

A tundra is just like a honda ridgeline. Eccellent. Just don't ever hook a trailer on it. A tundra will not even budge a camper if you have a jeep helping pull. itkzbin.info/www/bejne/r5m7o5VqZsuqg9U

[@socalnation2373]

Awesome video. I share your opinions/ thinking. My 2015 Tundra 5.7 crewmax 4x4 is a reliable work horse.

[@kedrevs4037]

Thanks for the reply, trust this truck more than any vehicle I've ever owned.

[@austinpetersen1821]

Agree. Other than I think Ford has a 30something gallon tank. I tow with my 5.7 crew max weekly. Love it

[@kedrevs4037]

Yeah Ford has a 36 gallon option, but I think the standard f150 tank is only 23 gallons. Payload goes down by well over 100lbs when you select that bigger tank.

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Thank you , what a great review , I have a 2016 Toyota tundra SR5 4 x 4 and I love it and would never consider any other vehicle, your review was right on, thanks and greetings from Florida

[@kedrevs4037]

Thank you, love the sunshine state!

[@Millirawk]

That's impressive, I got 11 mpg highway uphill when I had 35s on not towing anything 😂

[@kedrevs4037]

If I were into offroading instead of trailering, my truck would be setup differently and probably be getting same mpgs as yours.

[@stevog44]

Same here but I’m about to re gear and go to 37s👊🏻

[@nightfall22]

As a former Ford guy, I love my 2018 tundra limited 4x4… best decision I’ve ever made

[@thomasmcghee2468]

Just curious what year and type of ford did you have? I’ve narrowed my search down to two specific trucks near me one Is a tundra the other a f150

[@Gdwin12]

I have a 2014 SR5 TSS package double cab.😃 Mods made: 46 gallon fuel tank Bilstein shocks and struts Need to add a aftermarket trailer brake and looking to buy a RV.

[@kedrevs4037]

Love the idea of a 46 gallon fuel tank

[@Gdwin12]

@@kedrevs4037 I can get 680-700miles on a full tank but that's only if I'm on highway and keeping it under 70mph. Lol the company is Transfer Flow and I did the installation with the help of my brother on the ground using a jack. 🙄. Much easier to pay someone or have a lift but I guess the pride that goes with doing it yourself and the bond is priceless.🤓 Great videos and be safe out there. 👍

[@Jlb-fz7nl]

Excellent points sir ! I was a toyota technician for 3 decades and I have owned several toyota trucks. Not fancy - not fast - but never lets you down. There are other very good trucks out there I just prefer the Toyota

[@kedrevs4037]

Agree, there are things that I like about all the 1/2 tons, but the Tundra suits me the best.

[@caseybunch6843]

I'm on my 3 Tundra in 20 years. I currently tow a 28' Sprint Car hauler on the weekends with my 2020 Limited. I haven't made any changes yet. Waiting on an opening at my local performance shop to put airbags on it, to go along with the load stabilizer hitch I currently use. However, It pulls beautifully with no changes. Trailer weighs 8,140 lbs fully loaded. The total vehicle/trailer weight with 3 adults and 2 kids is 16,540

[@kedrevs4037]

Great info, thank you for sharing. More real, practical uses of the truck are what is most helpful to everyone.

[@tomballard4794]

I have a 2013 and get 14mpg just driving around and towing I get 10mpg. I want to put a larger gas tank in ,I only have 25 gsl tank. When people ask how I like it I tell them it's a good truck but the mileage sucks. Great honest vid.

[@timothyspangenberg358]

Honest MPG is great to see and what I'm expecting from my 3 week to me 2021 TRD PRO. I've been a Toyota fan since just after high school and now own 4 including my wife's. What you are saying about reliability with Toyota is so true. As far as the capability the big 3 brag about how much there trucks can tow but that's only on the one's equipped to do so. Toyota built "ALL" the Tundra's to haul loads claimed at crazy high levels and more. Happy to have what may be the last V8 they offer because I'm old school and you can never make a V6 sound like an PRO V8! lol

[@kedrevs4037]

Smart choice. Maybe I need to a video just on the 5.7L and the 4.30 rear axle and why it will be disappointing to see this combo leave.

[@macho4x4warlock98]

I use premium fuel “Cali 10% alcohol, 91 octane since the second fill up when new. My SR5 double cab seems to be more pep. I have a Heavy foot around town. On the highway ( had it weighed 6800 no humans onboard ) I get 18 -19 @ 70mph.

[@nicholaspetre1]

Totally agree with you on every point!

[@nelson2757]

Great review and goes along with what Ive being saying. Toyota reliability and durability is second to none. So if you like car trobles buy something else and visit your dealership often like my friend.

[@kedrevs4037]

Thank you for sharing. I've owned 1/2 tons from each of the big 3, all were very good vehicles for me. But none of them are close to the quality of my Tundra.

[@Toxic_rnr]

I completely agree

[@DIYJIM]

You are doing exactly what I want to do in 5 years when I retire. How do you like your Lance TT how long is it and can it sleep 4 comfortably. I have looked at the Lance because it seems like a well built camper. I already have a Tundra and plan on buying another wish they would make a 3/4 ton. I just want to tow my camper safely. I plan on buying a Lance TT in a few years.

[@kedrevs4037]

Wife and I became empty nesters a couple years ago, really enjoying ong trips a few times per year. We have a Lance 2375, it's about 24' and 28' from hitch coupler to rear bumper. Mostly just two of us traveling. If we needed to sleep 4, the Lance 2185 would be the call. It is very sturdy and well-built. We bought it used and have had a few things that needed to be fixed. Need to do a review on it, but overall we really like it and it is high quality.

[@philip600rr]

I can't wait for my Ko2s to wear out. I tow a Toy Hauler with my 2016 Platinum. I get about 8.5 to 9.5 MPG towing 6500-7000 lbs. My KO2s weigh 55 lbs each. Gonna buy a lighter tire. Maybe Duratracs weigh 30lbs. It should bring up my mileage. Do you tow in 5th Gear and Tow Haul mode like the owners manual says?

[@kedrevs4037]

I stay in Tow/Haul mode except when using engine braking going down steep grades. Didn’t know the duratracs were that light. Have to check that out, Would like to have a better tire for being off grid, and love KO2s. But didn’t’ love the weight. Also thought about switching to Rock stars with +35 offset because they are about 10 lbs lighter than my stock platinums. Michelin Defenders would not go with the rock stars, but Duratracs woth Rock Stars might be the answer. Appreciate the info.

[@atanughosal01]

Bang on point .. and that's what I don't understand ..if my requirement is a "powerful" truck ..why am I even looking at gas mileage ? Mathematically speaking "gas-mileage and horse power are inversely proportional to each other. Where have we seen a horse that eats a volume like that of a Guinea pig, and yet still runs a derby race ? If I am to look for gas milage ..i better buy a Prius or a Corolla ....not a Tundra ....

[@kedrevs4037]

Your point is very well made.

[@jeepin48]

Do you see any value in the trucks electronic trailer sway control? It adds $ over say a pre 2017 and I'm curious if it makes a difference for towing.

[@kedrevs4037]

I wouldn’t tow without it. Kind of like seatbelt, try to avoid needing it, but when something bad happens, darn glad you had it.

[@cheatoracingteam]

I have an '07 DC 4X4, have towed 4 RV trailers with it, 2 fifth wheels and 2 bumper pulls...it didn't like the biggest one, a 27.5 Nash fiver, too heavy, too much drag and too much pin weight...all the others it does/did fine with...my fuel economy is all about the speed I tow...at about 60 I get 10.5 with 6500# bumper pull with a similar profile to your Lance...if I go over 65 it goes under 10...I am curious if anyone plays around with the tranny modes...I do not use tow haul mode and tow in S mode...it could be my imagination but it seems S modes delays downshifting in the hills a bit...I always try to keep the revs down, the main reason I don't use tow haul mode. Biggest issue with the Tundra is the low payload #s

[@kedrevs4037]

Good insight on speed being the key to mpg's.

[@markalbert7363]

When towing with my 08 Crewmax, I run it in fifth gear, in tow/haul mode. both fifth and sixth gears are overdrives. It cuts down the constant shifting back and forth, and gains a couple of mpg's.

[@jimsomerville3924]

The achilles heel is the low payload rating for towing or hauling. Ignore that and legal and insurance risks crop up.

[@kedrevs4037]

Did a video on payload. It can be frustrating, but do my best to keep it in the ballpark, but i always pay attention to my front and rear axle weight.

[@qouavang3646]

Yeah but that's what makes the tundra reliable, it's over built thus the components are heavier beefier and stronger so more weight less payload. Light cheap material high payload low reliability, and honestly toyota is very conservative unlike the other 3 they lie more about their numbers

[@Reggiestreet]

Yeah, my Ford f150 thats rated at 11,300 lbs towing with a 36 gallon gas tank won’t that far

[@dunsun131]

Reliability is the main reason I ditched the ecoboost for the tundra

[@kedrevs4037]

Same reason that my Ram Limited became a Tundra Platinum

[@phillip11625]

My real world fuel mileage on my f150 eco boost was about 14-16 mpg, and my real world mileage on my Tundra is 14-16. Just because the white sheet of paper on the window advertises one thing doesn’t always mean it’s true.

[@kedrevs4037]

Appreciate you sharing that info. I feel like that is what every manufacturer, even Toyota, is now chasing. Sticker numbers for the window, Payload, tow rating, even when it doesn't add up in the real world conditions people will use their trucks. Great post.

[@1gr8oil]

So is the 4.30 Gear ratio the standard gear ratio, or is the 4.30 Gear ratio an extra cost item?

[@kedrevs4037]

The 5.7L was available with a 4.10 for several years and 4.30 in certain trims, but only the 4.30 the last few years. The 4.6L got a 3.91 tear axle when it was produced,

[@1gr8oil]

@@kedrevs4037 Thanks for your reply!

[@charleshall9461]

What do you think about the 19 thru 21 models not having the trans cooler??

[@kedrevs4037]

Myself, I would add an aux trans cooler for the amount that I tow. I think Toyota probably had research showing relatively few tow heavy frequently, and for long durations. But for my purposes, I feel more comfortable with it.

[@charleshall9461]

@@kedrevs4037 I would tend to agree with you as I have read a lot of discussion on this very subject through Forums. Toyota appears to feel having no cooler is a non-issue.Some say to save money. Me, I don’t believe that. I had a Mustang years ago and ran and auxiliary cooler to protect the transmission as the engine always ran hot Best thing I ever did,

[@dealiopowersports2024]

What head unit is this?

[@anp3617]

Guaranteed will last 30 year’s +

[@kedrevs4037]

Oh man, that would be amazing. One part of me longs to be that guy that keeps his truck for 30 years, but the other part of me does love new. I'm always of the mindset that you have to make it worth my while to get me to turn my vehicle in. So far, not seeing it, we'll see what the new Tundra offers.

[@anp3617]

@@kedrevs4037 I have a 2016 1794 6” lifted 4WD from the dealer showroom when I bought it. And now they’re asking me if I would sell it back I was offered $55,000 I hardly use it it’s a 5 year old truck 48,000 miles. Inside and out of the truck even in engine compartment is in showroom condition. But I said NO Thank you! I’m keeping this V8. If anything I’ll just buy the new one later on..

[@kedrevs4037]

@@anp3617 Agree, it's hard to give up something that has been so good, but I am anxious to see the specs on the 2022. Right now I have a lot of concerns about what is coming, but we will see.

[@anp3617]

@@kedrevs4037 Yup, Same here 👍

[@YoutubeYouTube-hp7mt]

I get 4.2 miles per gallon on my 07. I have an Eaton fuller 13 and 3 intakes. I am not joking with you.

[@kedrevs4037]

Is that towing, or just the truck?

[@YoutubeYouTube-hp7mt]

@@kedrevs4037 the truck alone sadly

[@robertchapman4488]

@@KZbinKZbin-hp7mt my 2008 never got better than 14.2 miles per gallon and back then they had the small gas tanks it sucked filling up constantly with that damn thing I don't miss it