Tundra Towing Performance! How does the v8 Tundra tow a 27ft Airstream?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2023
- Overview of the Tundra performance, setup, and personal preferences for the best experience towing a travel trailer with the 2.5 gen Tundra.
- ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I bought a 2020 Tundra yesterday, I'm looking forward to learning more about it from your channel.
Great choice! I have a variety of content on the channel from Tundra to Airstream to LandCruiser. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I have a 2014 tundra crew max. I tow a 25' forest river toy hauler. It fits my polaris sportsman 2up and full size polaris ranger. Like others have said it has the power. I use a equalizer wdh. The biggest problem I had was the rear suspension just felt too soft. I put on Sumo Springs that replace the factory bump stops. It's a cheap alternative to air bags. Made the truck feel much more stable.
Sounds like a great setup! I added the RAS HS kit, helped with the rear springs as well. Safe travels. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I have a 2018 SR5 DC 2WD….i tow a similar sized Lance 2285 that’s around 28’ hitch to rear bumper. Total weight of the camper when loaded with food, bedding, clothes and appliances is around 6500-7000lbs. My weight distribution hitch is an Equalizer with 10,000lb stabilizer bars. I added the blue Sumo Springs last year and have virtually no squat whereas before it would squat about an inch. The Tundra and the Lance sit pretty level with that set up. I still get a little porpoising on undulating highways. All in all I feel I am at the Tundra’s “safe” limit. Rule of thumb that experienced campers use is 80% of the max tow capacity which would be 8,000lb. The Tundra does a great job at reasonable weight limits.
Sounds like a nice setup! I have the RAS installed and it works pretty well. With the lift I have, the truck sat level unloaded, so when attaching the trailer, it had a pretty good squat. The RAS has lifted the rear about 1 inch, and when towing I probably have 1.5 inches of squat. I do have the option of adjusting the RAS to the 40% assist, right now its around 25/30% if I really needed the truck to sit level. As is the camper sits level, whish works for me. Thanks for watching and commenting!
We have a 2018 Crewmax and a 23FB Airstream (4,500 lbs dry 6,000 GVWR) did a cross country 9,500 mi trip (Portland OR to Maine and back) in 2021 and averaged about 10mpg, although we probably would do better with speed down. I did a trip in January Oregon to AZ and back and kept speed at 55/60mph and increased mpg to 12/13. Looking at upgrading suspension (light lift) to OME (either Nitrochargers or BP51) and also looking at adding Roadmaster Active Suspension. One thing that I did add that I love is ICS Fab dash mount with 67 designs device holder, works great for trailer rear-view monitor and phone holder (navigation 2018 has no apple carplay). cheers, see you on the road!
Sounds like a great setup! I have the windshield suction cup mount at the moment, but the dash mount is for sure the way to go. I have to figure out how I'm going to get 12v up there for the camera display, not a big fan of the cord running down the front. Maybe content for down the road once I figure it out. Thanks for watching!
@@MakeItRad you bet! The set up I have actually has a USB connection that I hooked in is installed up top. Although I haven’t quite figured out how to change the cigarette 12 V adapter to the USB style. Think I may have to wire it myself.
I have a 2019 and I installed a tranny cooler from genuine cooling systems. Very expensive but it works properly. We tow a 25y Arctic fox. I wouldn’t regularly want to row more than that with the tundra. I love the truck and how I have it set up for towing and hauling.
Greetings. I have the same cooler as well, works great! 25-27ft are right in the sweet spot for the Tundra. Thanks for watching!
I ordered a 21 tundra arrived NOV 2021 one of the last v8 to be made. the first thing I did was purchase the trans cooler kit with hard lines and cooler and I installed that. I have a 18 ft Winnebago that is about 4500 lbs tows with no problems.
I have a rear monitor on the rear of my trailer that enables me to visibility behind the trailer. What amazes me is the turning radius
Is great on the tundra. I have a Curve distribution hitch. The engine with the 430 rear end makes it a great towing vehicle
I did get the rear stabilizer bar..that that reduces body roll a lot
Just thought I would add value
Nice setup! Our trucks are setup very similar. I have the trans cooler and camera on the back of the Airstream as well, tows great! Thanks for watching, commenting and safe travels!
All Tundras have 4:30 rear ends, at least the V8 models, I've owned a 2009 and 2014 both with 5.7 and both had 4:30 rear ends.
@@victorglaviano The vast majority have 4:30s that come with the 5.7 v8 and tow package. There are rare non tow package 5.7 v8 models with 4.10. The 4.6 v8 with the smaller 9.5 diff had 3.91 or with tow package 4.10.
@@MakeItRad both of mine had 4:30 rear ends, but both also had/have towing package.
I read 5.7s have either a 4:10 or 4:30 rear end gear, so I assume that's the non tow package and tow package models?
Correct, though non tow package is pretty rare.
Tundra is weak on Payload and the Airstream is already at 800 lbs of tongue weight and add your interior front gear/ items plus bed items and passengers; something tells me you’re at max or over your payload. All that rubber your using as tires make it worse! Now I do appreciate you going through this;
The tundra handles it beautifully. Did a 5 hour trip up and down 6-8% grades, summits above 5k feet just today. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thanks for the review- I own a 25’ Airstream and was wondering how well the Tundra pulled one - I would really like to see it on the highway and if you get any wiggle when a tractor trailer passes 🍻
Greetings! Yes, the Tundra pulls it great! The only challenge is the tongue weight being around 1k lbs. You will want a Weight Distribution Hitch with sway control. I have the Anderson because its light weight and has great sway control, but I do feel it lacks a bit on ability to distribute the weight back to the front axle. Thanks for watching.
I have a pro pride. My tundra tows great but not happy with payload margin on my 2019 tundra.
I agree the payload on Tundras are low. But I like to think of it as driving a tank. Toyota has put more steel strength in their trucks. And Toyota has always stated below the mpg and payload rating compared to competitors. @@RossYoungblood
What OBD bluetooth device are you using? I use my 2014 Tundra to tow a Keystone Outback 210 URS, about 25 feet and 7000 lbs loaded. The engine and drivetrain are fine, but even with my equalizer hitch the suspension seems to get bullied by the trailer. The trailer is twin axle with leaf springs by no shocks. I'm thinking a shock kit on the trailer will help. I really don't want to go up to a 3/4 ton truck. What's you're experience with the Tundra suspension and 25 foot Airstream?
Greetings, I'm using the veepeak BLE+ monitor. For the suspension I'd suggest the RAS HD (Road Active Suspension) kit, as it will help control the tongue weight. Thanks for watching!
Link to the module: www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Supports-Vehicles/dp/B076XVQMVS
Nice truck!
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
I didnt realize that on the trans cooler. What years had the cooler? Looking to possibly upgrade my Tacoma to a Tundra. My Tacoma gets it done with my little travel trailer, but pretty miserable sometimes and cramped with wife and 3 kids.
Greetings! The 2019+ models are missing the auxiliary transmission coolers. Toyota did revise the ECU and claims it is no longer needed, but many owner choose to install the prior year components and an aftermarket cooler. I have an earlier version of the "Genuine Cooling Systems" kit available here: genuinecoolingsystems.com/. Thanks for watching!
My 2009 had one, my 2014 has one as well.
Great video. I just subscribed. Can you give me some more info or link on the temp control gauge? Thanks Tim. .
Greetings! Yes, the gauges are via the OBD Fusion app connected to a bluetooth OBD sensor. You will probably want to download the advanced diagnostics pack for your year truck once you have the app. For bluetooth, Im using the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ available via Amazon here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076XVQMVS.
Thanks for watching and the sub!
What is the payload on this truck?
I have a 2019 + 25 foot. But I also have a smartcap with kitchen. It tows fine, but I think I’m over payload. Haven’t been to cat scales. That’s a must do.
Cat scales really are the best way to gauge. We tend to load strategically to make sure we aren't pushing it on payload, though the Tundra is more than capable.
My 2009 and 2014 Tundras with 5.7 have a towing capacity of 8,300 to 12,000.
Hey! I love the way your truck looks! Can you talk about your set up. Wheels, lift, tires, airbags?
Greetings. Thanks so much. I did an overview of the suspension and tires in this video. Hope this helps. Any questions please ask. th-cam.com/video/2-5r4nGoFzU/w-d-xo.html
thanks so much!@@MakeItRad
This video is very detail of info towing . Thank you.
Thanks for watching, hope it was helpful!
Getting ready to tow a 32 ft RV dry weight 6k hitch weight 1010 lbs. going to use a wdh and follow all of these tips. Ive towed before but not quite that large of an RV. My question is what trans cooler did you install and di you have the dealer isntall it?
also what is that monitor? Ill try to scour your videos to answer these questions as well
The transmission cooler is an early version of a kit put together by: genuinecoolingsystems.com/ It uses OEM Toyota parts and an aftermarket cooler. Installed myself. I should have done a video on the install, but may do a follow-up on all the components. The monitor is just my iPhone running OBD Fusion app connected to a Bluetooth BLE+ OBD2 dongle. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hi, nice video that you made sharing your towing setup. I have a 2015 Tundra 1794 with 4x4 so the load capacity is a little down due to the added Crewmax cab and a few extra farkles from the factory. Payload is 1330lbs. We also tow a 27 foot Airstream with the Tundra and feel it does well. Due to the payload restriction, we tend to travel with less in the truck bed and more in the Airstream in order to be below axle rating and payload.
QUESTION: what brand of Bluetooth monitor unit are you using to monitor the truck temps? When my wife and I were towing in CO I wished I'd one of those units to tell me the temps of the transmission and other data when pushing the truck over those 11k high highway passes.
Greetings. Sounds like a very nice setup and very similar to ours. The OBD adapter is the Veepeak BLE+ found on Amazon here: www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Supports-Vehicles/dp/B076XVQMVS. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks for the Amazon link. What App are you using in the video to show the temps such as ATF Temp on your smartphone?@@MakeItRad
Heya, There are a variety of options but I use OBD Fusion.
Many thanks sir. @@MakeItRad
Do you have any mods down to the engine? Trans cooler? Upgrade to 800 lbs coils and leafs all around, will help. Load F tires really help too man!!
Greetings! The engine is stock except for the TRD Intake. I do have an auxiliary transmission cooler and E Rated Toyo AT3 tires. Thanks for watching!
Is the auxiliary transmission cooler factory installed? Or did you install? @@MakeItRad
@@Rottingboards It is an early version of what is now available as a kit from Genuine Cooling Systems. Uses OEM components (thermostat, hardlines, etc) and an aftermarket upgraded cooler with mount. genuinecoolingsystems.com/
I have a question I have a 2017 5.3 sr5 tundra just got a weekend warrior fs2500 dry weight 6,000lb should I be worried about my purchase ? I’m new to this they said it was halftime towable and my truck from what I understand is a half ton towable.. gonna go out this weekend any feed back will help thank you 🙏🏽
Greetings. Yes, the Tundra is technically a half ton. You will want to have a properly setup Weight Distribution hitch. IIRC Toy Haulers tend to have higher tongue weight to offset the weight you will be adding in the back. Loading up and checking your weights at a cat scale would be a good idea and provide you with the actual weight and payload information.
I assume you mean 5.7 L, should not be a problem.
I’m getting a tundra sr5 limited crewmax, my camper I’m getting is only 6000, should I be worried about compatibility of hitch or am I Good? Going into the mountains from time to time with my family and I want us all to be safe
Greetings! A 6k camper will be no problem for the Tundra, assuming its the 5.7, but would probably still be okay with the 4.6 engine. If you have the new 2022+ , no problem there as well. The only thing to watch for, and this applies to any half-ton, is trailer tongue weight. Assuming 10% thats 600lbs. You will want to purchase a good Weight Distribution hitch, and you will be all set.
There are many different hitches, I use the Andersen and did a video on it here : th-cam.com/video/CXcuCBueWc8/w-d-xo.html
Happy Camping and thanks for watching!
Towing capacity of the Tundra is 8,300 to 12,000 at least the V8 models.
The 27 Globetrotter says 6,300 lb base weight. I assume when you say 7,200 lbs that is with water, propane and gear?
Greetings, It depends on the option packages, this particular model with 50amp, 2 AC, and Solar comes in at 6750 empty.
Our trucks are beasts yo!
They are indeed!
Can you see all the way to rear bumper with those mirrors?
Greetings. With these standard mirrors, no, only a bit down the side. There are OEM tow mirrors and aftermarket options available, but the rear camera in the airstream works well for keeping an eye out behind the trailer. Thanks for watching!
Some vehicles do not recommend a WD Hitch..guessing it's ok with the Toyota?
Yes, it's for sure something you will want for a travel trailer. I can't recall the exact weight specified in the manual but believe its somewhere around 500lbs tongue weight a WDH is recommended on the Tundra. Thanks for watching!
@@MakeItRad I tow mine with a VW Touareg and they say not to use one. My unit is only 4300 fully loaded.
Great great video
I have the same truck . What ap is that ?
Greetings, its a veepeak OBD2 BLE + module with the OBD Fusion app.!
I just got a 2020 limited 5.7 V8, what gas should I put? Can I put 87? Or should I stick with 88 ? Great vid btw
Greetings. Sounds like you just picked up a great Tundra! I run premium when I tow. My mind tells me it has more power running premium. I also realize I could be completely wrong, but I also like running the better additives in premium gas when under load. On the daily you can run 87 without issue. Thanks for watching!
@@MakeItRad hey bro! So i finally filled up my truck with 87, but now my range is saying 560-600 instead of the 360-410 range it would say with 89. What do you think? I dont usually drive my truck at all so is it getting used to my driving or should i stick with 89?
@@BestAdjusters Greetings. My guess is perhaps the last tank you did more highway driving and the computer is using that last average MPG to calculate the new range after fill up. I'm nearly certain the range calc has nothing to do with the grade of fuel. I bet it will quickly adjust down if it has not already. Interesting data point though, let me know how that turns out. Cheers!
Where did you get your monitor for the temp, etc? Thanks
Greetings! The gauges are via the OBD Fusion app on my iPhone. This reads from a bluetooth OBD sensor. You will probably want to download the advanced diagnostics pack for your year truck once you have the app. For bluetooth, Im using the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ available via Amazon here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076XVQMVS. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
I have a 2019 Tundra with the 5.7L. It tows good on the flats but does not like the hills in the southwest...or the rockies in general. High altitudes, steep grades, heavy loads (around 10k) = bad. Handles the weight well, with air bags, but it is a bit slow when things get steep. I imagine with a more aerodynamic trailer, like yours, it would be a better than the flat nose cargo trailer I have been using. I tend to tow in tow/haul mode but with the shifter in the "S" setting. I lock out 6th and keep it in 5th...most of the time. It also does not like cruse control while towing (remember around 10k with high wind drag), it will shift up and down quickly a few times before settling down...till it needs to shift again. I know people say don't use cruse when towing, but 2,400 miles towing is a long ways to not use cruse. Enjoy the truck and the camper.
I tow in S-5 on the flats and S-4 up hills. I'm in the Pacific Northwest and have towed up and over Mt.Hood a few times. I will shift down to 3rd up near the top on the curves as those grades and elevation do slow me down a good bit but the Tundra always gets us there safe and reliably with no drama. 10k is also quite a bit more than I am towing. Thanks for watching and commenting, be safe out there!
I agree with you 100%. I only tow a 5,500lb toy hauler with my 2020 TRD PRO. I even went as far to add airbags and a supercharger. That being said the chassis handles that trailer perfectly. Literally cannot feel it behind me unless I hit some bumps. Cruise control on the interstate is 100% a must when doing 12-14 hour days. The transmission is the limiting factor with this truck. S5 lockout on flat ground at 70 is great. About 2,300 rpms. Give it a slight incline and 10 mph headwind and it jumps almost 1000 rpm’s to 4th gear. And that TRD exhaust reverberates off the trailer sounding like a ski boat wide open. And as much as I love a little supercharger wine under high manifold, pressures for long times it just sounds like the main crank bearing is going🤣 I want to upgrade to a 28 foot toy hauler with a gross weight of 8500 pounds so all of this concerns me. I don’t want to have to upgrade to the 3.5 tt just for the 10 speed. In fact I’d pay 10k or more for a proper 10 speed conversion swap which obviously no one has done more will it happen😞 unladen the 6 speed is perfect and I absolutely love the truck.
I've always thought Toyota should have kept the 5.7 gave it the Yamaha tuning treatment the 5.0 in the ISF/GSF/RCF/LC500 received and put the 10 speed behind it. Closest you will get to the 5.7 and 10 speed would the the LandCruiser that has the 8 speed and 5.7 in 2016-2021. Not sure why they never brought that combo to the Tundra / Sequoia.
@@MakeItRad yeah I’ve wondered why they didn’t either. Maybe not robust enough for towing or maybe just too cheap to change the assembly line. It would obviously fit in the tundra just wish someone would try it and sort out the transmission ECU for it. A lot of fuss and money tho for only 2 more gears.
@@Captndarty I think it was/is the age of motor. The move in the market is going with turbos. More gears helps the power a bit but not the MPG. I had a F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost and it had way more towing power but liked fuel a bit too much when towing...but better MPG when not towing.
Can anyone download that app?
And you said engine braking or transmission braking? My tundra check engine came on because of trans temp
App is called OBD Fusion, you can pair that with a bluetooth OBD Monitor: www.amazon.com/Veepeak-OBDCheck-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Supports/dp/B073XKQQQW
If you have your trans temp too high, you may want to look into the Geniune Cooling Systems cooler. I have an earlier version of this on my Tundra. Uses Mostly all OEM parts with an aftermarket cooler: genuinecoolingsystems.com
You don't need to manually shift through gears it's in the manual only shift manually when conditions require you to.
Greetings. I'll politely disagree with regard to interpretation of the manual. Watching the temperatures of coolant, tranmission pan, and torque converter tells the story as well. Manually shifting makes a much cooler, towing experience (Literally). Gearing down for long descents vs riding the brakes, etc, all the benefits, no disadvantage of controlling the shift range. Thanks for watching and commenting.
You can tow a 27’ Airstream with a forklift or a farm tractor. Seen it done at dealerships all the time. To safely tow any size Airstream you have to know the actual tongue weight and the tow vehicles payload and axle capacities. It is also clear to me that you did not follow Andersen Hitches installation instructions. A simple check of a properly installed and active weight distribution system will have the trailer level to the road, the front tire fender of the tow vehicle closer to the road than the rear tire fender. This specific set up FAILS those tests and is unsafe. I’ve towed our 2018 Airstream 27 FB Flying Cloud over 32,000 miles with a 2018 GMC 1/2 ton with a Max Tow Package. 1850# max payload capacity. Andersen WD Hitch, 860# tongue weight, 350# of passengers, 10% (185#) safety, 100# bed tonneau and I could still carry 355# of stuff (tools, grill, etc) in the bed. The Airstream weighed in at 6800# (500# below max) which included a full fresh water tank and gear in totes stacked on the floor over the axles. It takes some time to get it properly set up while sitting on a CAT scale, but once you figure out where everything must go (truck, trailer or left at home), your towing experience will be much more enjoyable.
Greetings, Sure, you can haul them around a level parking lot w pretty much anything. This video was more tailored to the tundra performance, but yes, the hitch wasn't quite dialed in as it should have been. Unsafe is a bit of a stretch, if anything the tongue weight adds stability, steering and braking were perfectly fine. I did a followup on the Andersen hitch linked below. It took a while to get dialed in, and unfortunately still falls short on the WD capabilities compared to the competition. But it does have advantages in simplicity, sway control, and weight.
th-cam.com/video/CXcuCBueWc8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for commenting and watching.
It is not necessary to drive in Sequential shift Gears, thats a waste of time, tow haul compensates for all that
Greetings. You may want to check your manual. Toyota recommends dropping the transmission into S4. S4 is direct drive and helps keep the temps in check. Outside of that, I enjoy the additional control sequential provides.
Dude. The manual specifically suggests towing is S mode. Like he mentioned, the TC remains locked more in S mode.
7600 without water
Greetings. 7,600# is the GVWR. Which includes any weight, including propane, water, gray and black tanks, etc. Thanks for watching.
I have two tow suv's no toyotas but a range rover and excurison. The ford does wayyyyy better
Good Excursions are getting hard to come by these days! Thanks for watching.
Truck is way too small for that trailer, that and you don't have it set up right at all. The trailer should be almost level with the front up no more than an inch. At least get a real weight distribution hitch with the noisy bars if your going to keep risking it or do yourself a favor and get a 1 ton gasser.
Greetings, thanks for the comments. I did a follow-up video after this one and a few more adjustments to the hitch. The trailer now sits dead level once we have all of our gear loaded. You can watch that here: th-cam.com/video/CXcuCBueWc8/w-d-xo.html As for the truck being to small, it has no problem towing this 27 around over mountain passes, down mountain passes, and maintaining speed in the gearing without heating up the transmission. Its actually pretty dialed now.
@petebusch9069 Obviously, you don’t know anything about Toyota Tundra’s.
@@KeystoneTexan Ok genious make your argument and stand behind the statement you just made. Tell me and the rest of the world what I don't know.
@@petebusch9069 you didn’t state any numbers with your previous comment. You just looked at the truck and trailer and ran your mouth. I own a 2018 Tundra and pull a 31ft camper. I know the limitations of my truck.
@@KeystoneTexan Well good luck with that, there's no reasoning with idiots like you.