How similar will a 1st gen Tundra be to a 100 series?

[dfinn]

I'm kind of a toyota guy but am open to looking into other options. Gladiator is out of my range I think. The OBS suggestion is interesting. You think one of those would be better offroad than a Tundra? Creature comfort as far as interior goes would definitely be a downgrade. I do some long road trips, I don't need it to be luxurious but it's gotta be comfortable for long drives.

 

[dividedan]

I'm kind of a toyota guy but am open to looking into other options. Gladiator is out of my range I think. The OBS suggestion is interesting. You think one of those would be better offroad than a Tundra? Creature comfort as far as interior goes would definitely be a downgrade. I do some long road trips, I don't need it to be luxurious but it's gotta be comfortable for long drives.

I can’t speak from experience as I haven’t owned one, just stuff I’ve read. If you find an F-250 or 350 that’s one ton beef and they’re solid axle so arguably more capable than a Tundra, definitely more able to handle bigger tires. They’re just cool too.

This one is over the top, but just an idea of what’s possible:

This $45K 1995 Ford F-250 Camper Truck Is a Backwoods Adventurer's Dream

With worthy off-road chops and room to sleep two, you could disappear for days in this purpose-built rig.

www.thedrive.com

Edit: diesel option which is a plus

 

[dfinn]

Definitely agree, very cool. I've actually always liked those older fords, I had a 2000 7.3 F250 for a while and it was a great truck, kind of wish I hadn't sold it. I'm wary of dumping a ton of money into a very old truck that in the end no one else thinks has much value. I still can't imagine that that truck would be more comfortable on a road trip to Canada or Baja than a 1st or 2nd gen tundra but maybe I'm wrong there.

 

[AlpineAccess]

I'm not sure how many of these folks sand bagging the first gen Tundra's have owned one, but mine was a PHENOMENAL vehicle.

I'd push you towards an '05 or '06. Opens up better at higher revs, get an extra gear, and the overdrive got beefed up to dummy proof it from people who were towing heavy with O/D. The body panels are a little more updated and there are a couple of other upgrades you will certainly have researched and found by now.

Break over, caused by the longer wheel base is the biggest handicap off road. The trips I did in the Tundra were only SLIGHTLY different than what I do with the land cruiser - my life is hardly any different by having one vs the other. When I get to a risky section of trail, I get out and hike or bike it - we have legs after all. I still don't understand the people who spend an extra $10k to take a slightly harder line they could have walked in a $100 pair of hiking boots.

The argument a LC rides nicer than a Tundra might apply to the LX with AHC but I don't agree overall. A stock, or well set up Tundra will ride super nice. Mine was nearly all stock, with a set of helper springs, new OEM shocks, and a whiteline rear sway bar for the weight I always had in the back. It was great. I also road in a buddy's truck with a very reasonably priced combo of progressive rate front springs, Dakars progressive rate leafs in the rear and some bilsteins. You can load the heck out of them and they ride awesome empty or loaded - all of this switching out springs for every weight change goes away. Suspension comfort was never an issue and you don't have to deal with all of this indexing, de-indexing, LCA reinforcing, weird post top shock mounting stuff.

I had a double cab, my dog had a boatload of space in the back and loved the truck. Can pull the rear seats out and built a platform like a lot of people do too for even more space and its four bolts to get them back in.

Long distance travel? No problem at all - super comfortable ride because you'll have some gear in the bed. I'd argue the only reason the 100 feels more comfortable are the seats. The longer wheel base tracks easier. We put a lot of miles on ours going all over the place - they are great distance cruisers.

The interior isn't quite as nice, but we're talking about Toyota - the difference between an '05 LC and an '05 Tundra off the lot was a $30k delta. If your expectations are right you'll realize it has all the right ergonomics, plenty of storage, great visibility, low wind noise and all the right climate control and sound features that you need.

I built some low profile drawers, threw a tall topper on it and we would camp out comfortably in it. A slide in camper would have been awesome but we never found one we liked that was in our price range. Obviously there are a lot of awesome options.

Another thing that was completely overlooked and I now really appreciate is how simple the Tundra was to work on. The Land Cruiser is certainly durable, but so is the Tundra - and the Tundra you can swap a brake rotors on in 30 minutes.

I really like our 100 and likely won't get rid of it for a long time, but having owned 13 or 14 cars now the one vehicle I miss the most is the my Tundra. That throne might go to the 100 eventually though. Time will tell.

 

[dfinn]

Thanks @AlpineAccess! Really appreciate the feedback from someone who has owned both. What you're saying kind of confirmed my suspicion that in real life they aren't all that drastically different and that moving to a 1st (or maybe 2nd) gen Tundra wouldn't be that huge of a change.

I should have mentioned that it's not like my 100 has the best top of the line suspension setup, I'm not running stage 3 Icons or anything like that. I'm on an older OME setup with 100k on the suspension so my standards might not be all that high.

 

[AlpineAccess]

Thanks @AlpineAccess! Really appreciate the feedback from someone who has owned both. What you're saying kind of confirmed my suspicion that in real life they aren't all that drastically different and that moving to a 1st (or maybe 2nd) gen Tundra wouldn't be that huge of a change.

I should have mentioned that it's not like my 100 has the best top of the line suspension setup, I'm not running stage 3 Icons or anything like that. I'm on an older OME setup with 100k on the suspension so my standards might not be all that high.

Yeah, I suppose I may not be the best judge of suspension but I thought my OME setup with a bit of weight on the front end and drawers in the back was actually quite good on the 100. I did upgrade to the Tough Dog setup but it certainly didn't net the performance gain I expected. The rear adjustables are nice when we load up though.

I think dollar for dollar, the Tundra is cheaper and easier to maintain, upgrades are very reasonable, and the trucks are quite competent off-road. Parked next to a new Tacoma I was surprised by how similar in size they were, but the bed and interior just feel so much bigger in the Tundra.

I do think in comparing an '05 cruiser to an '05 Tundra you'll see the cruiser to be a much more modern vehicle, but if you're more of a utility/function over form kind of person like I am you'll like the Tundra a lot.

I actually forgot though to pitch out the main con that I found with the Tundra. I MUCH prefer having my gear in "climate control" with me. With two people and a dog in the car, there is no room for keeping ski boots warm in the back. In the summer my standard coolers couldn't hack the heat under the topper and ice went quick. We upgraded to "yeti" style cooler and that took care of that.

Like you, I also do solo stuff (bring my dog too sometimes) and sleep in the back. Its nice to be able to fire up the engine in the morning to warm things up. The insulation of the cab is also superior to the insulation of a bed cap, so we ran into more condensation when sleeping in the back in cooler temps.

All of this is solved by getting a nice slide-in. For what its worth, I tested a few of the wildernest setups and even got to climb around one of the NEMO caps. I wasn't all that impressed for what they are and the attributed cost. I still think the way to go is a big topper canopy, and a set of drawers. Can throw an awning on the back with an awning room for a fraction of the cost as well.

 

[Coin]

I just sold an ‘05 Tundra and bought an ‘03 LX. I loved my Tundra, but there is no comparison, the LX is better in nearly every way. I sold it because I wanted to have more interior space for gear, a quieter ride, and safer drive. The biggest issues for me on the Tundra were the craptastic rear drum brakes, spinning the rear tires everytime it got wet, and the drive line vibration I could never solve.

Overall it was a great truck and I don’t regret buying it at all. The 100 just works better for my family. If you are dead set on a truck I would suggest the 2nd gen Tundra instead. More power, better brakes, not a big size difference. The size difference is mostly cosmetic.

 

[Live to Ski]

How about a tent. Several are tall enough to stand/walk around w tons of room. I have a redverz w huge vestibule. Also the gazelle t4 (w optional expander room) comes to mind. Both could handle base camp duties.

 

[dfinn]

I think we've been spoiled by a hard shell RTT at this point and going to a tent would be a big step backwards in terms of ease of setup and put away. I think I am pretty sold on the GFC style camper, I just need to figure out what to put it on.

 

[Live to Ski]

Time: straight tent setup time I have cut it down to solo 15m (doesn't include accessories...sleeping bags etc). Could save more time if I go haywire on efficiency.

 

[dfinn]

I can have my RTT setup solo in less than 2 minutes, we timed it once. Put away is slightly longer but still less than 5. Call me lazy but going back to a tent is a step in the wrong direction IMO. If I was only camping a handful of times a year it might be an option but I'm currently using my RTT over 50 nights a year if I had to guess.

I appreciate the suggestion but like I said above, I'm set on some kind of truck bed based camper, just trying to figure out what vehicle to put it on.

 

[Stewfish]

I should first start out by saying I love my 100. Best vehicle I've ever owned. I've had it for about 70k miles, only left me stranded once and that was because when the PO did the timing belt they did not replace the water pump which I wasn't aware of (until I was very aware of it when it failed). I never thought I'd sell the 100 but I think I've taken it as far as I can in regards to a vehicle to camp out of on extended trips.

My current setup:

It sees a lot of use traveling and camping. In the past 3 months it's been to Downieville/Tahoe, Steamboat Springs, Southern Utah and Northern Idaho. Several of those trips were ~10 days.

In good weather I have very few complaints about my setup. It's when I get stuck in crappy weather for several days on end that I start getting jealous of people with vans or some kind of roomy camper setup that they can hang out in. On this most recent trip to Northern Idaho it rained on me for 5 days in a row and even got into some snow.

Often times it's just me and our older dog on long trips but frequently my wife will join and so will all of the dogs. We recently just got a new puppy and now have 3 dogs total, although one is very small but the other 2 are a bit cramped even with the rear seat pulled out and a dog bed back there for them.

Ideally I will end up with something as capable offroad as the 100 and about the same size for trails. I don't rock crawl with this thing but it does get taken on some very rough and rowdy roads and trails. Ideally whatever I get won't have a much bigger trail footprint than the 100.

I've been reading up on other setups and what I am leaning towards right now is a 1st gen Tundra with either a GFC or Vagabond camper. I think this setup would alleviate most of my complaints about camping out of the 100. It would give a more usable shelter in crappy weather, it would be a much bigger space for the actual camping area and would allow the dogs to spread out and have more space as well. Weather depending and with a fan I think it may be ok to have the dogs ride in the camper as well, I hear mixed things on this but have a friend who does it and says the dogs are fine as long as it's not too hot. It seems like the 1st gen tundra would not be that much bigger than the 100, longer maybe but I'm thinking about the same width? Reliability is a huge concern and from what I know the 100 and the 1st gen tundra are pretty even there?

Anything else I'm missing or should be considering? I have no interest in any kind of trailer, my hitch almost always has either bikes or a moto on it.

Lot more weight vs a taco. I see a lot of tacos off-road, but the Tundra would be my truck if I didn't have to have a diesel that could tow 16k+.

I tow 16k+ so I went diesel which is way more weight but man you could put a 6 inch lift and 37s u der it and it's not IFS. Toyota IFS limits to 2 inch lift. My friends Tundra could tow my 8k lb boat no issues. Then I got a 5th wheel so that knocked Tundra out of my options. Amazing truck though. Big for offroading although I don't have experience so other could chime in for offroad.

Another friend has a '06 taco and he just got a 5th wheel and wants a diesel in the next year after he saw how my truck towed his RV. I keep telling him to save his taco if he gets another truck bc it's under 100k, value is really low for how awesome it is bc is 2006, and would be perfect for offroading and looks brand new everywhere.

The towing with our Rigs is pretty high and you could easily find a older pop up camper and add a new 6k axle and some 35s for a popup-offroader. My friend's pop up is amazing. Shower, sink, furnace, cooktop, patio mesh and canopy, a queen and king bed, a twin at the dinning table and a couch/bed across from the dinning table. 12v Lights, 120v system for parks w electric, mini fridge, quick connect propane for a BBQ outside. More room than our old 20 ft mini Winnie Class C RV we had.
303 fabric guard is recommended for convertibles and is the closest thing you can get to original coat water proofer. It works perfect on the pop up fabric and it stays open 365 days a year up at camp.

 

[dfinn]

Not interested in a trailer, I still want to be able to get to cool places and away from people. That would be a huge liability and hinderance in the places I usually camp at.

 

[Stewfish]

Not interested in a trailer, I still want to be able to get to cool places and away from people. That would be a huge liability and hinderance in the places I usually camp at.

Pop ups are small, like a larger vagabond. Little wide though. I think 80 inches

Also the tundra has a sweet back window that rolls all the way down so the whole back window is a great crawl way to a truck bed topper for the pups or a bed. Just need a topper with a large front window.

 

[Stewfish]

I just sold an ‘05 Tundra and bought an ‘03 LX. I loved my Tundra, but there is no comparison, the LX is better in nearly every way. I sold it because I wanted to have more interior space for gear, a quieter ride, and safer drive. The biggest issues for me on the Tundra were the craptastic rear drum brakes, spinning the rear tires everytime it got wet, and the drive line vibration I could never solve.

Overall it was a great truck and I don’t regret buying it at all. The 100 just works better for my family. If you are dead set on a truck I would suggest the 2nd gen Tundra instead. More power, better brakes, not a big size difference. The size difference is mostly cosmetic.

True - Rear drums suck esp vs disks that you can change in an hour

 

[Travis Bickle]

 

[Stewfish]

Not interested in a trailer, I still want to be able to get to cool places and away from people. That would be a huge liability and hinderance in the places I usually camp at.

Add 35s to this small guy

 

[FJBen]

I've had both. I currently only have the 2006 Tundra Double Cab. It's no Land Cruiser, but it's a nice truck. The 100 series 4WD setup is much better. Rides great, decent power unloaded, a little weak with a good load 5000lbs. Truck does pretty good and for mild trails, and built and working with travel it will go a lot of places. The truck bed is great for storage, and lots of topper/camper options.

Before I got my BJ74 I was planning on building up the Tundra. Not a lot of aftermarket at all. That said a lift, 33's or 35's, rear locker and some bumpers would get you all sorts of places.

just one build
not mine... @FirstGenTRD4x4 2006 DC Offroad / Overland Build

another

Or go all out...

 

[Stuckinthe80s]

That is a bad ass rig for sure and he's doing rowdier stuff than I'd be getting into. When you are driving 20+ hours from home you tend to dial it back a smidge.

A 2nd gen with the dual cab would give us a bunch of interior room plus still enough bed for a nice camper buildout.

Something like this maybe

I think this is the way you should go based on what you're looking for. I've owned a first gen Tundra and I currently own a 100. I too have been contemplating buying another Tundra as the Hundy is my wife's and I have an 80.

I don't want to repeat what others have said so I'll add points of discussion with this:

1. As much as I loved my Tundra, I always thought the turning radius sucked. The trails we do in CO and UT and everywhere else in the southwest have lots of switchbacks and I know that is what you are thinking about when you say you don't want a trailer. I'm not saying the turning radius was so bad that it will impede your ability to get places, it's just something to consider.

2. I don't know how spoiled your dogs are but I too used to travel with my dog at the time and she HATED riding in the back. She was a golden retriever/chow mix and was definitely a diva. Even though she had a nice bed to sleep on and we tried to make it as comfortable as possible, the whole process sucked to her and she would bark/pace constantly and never got settled. My truck was a regular cab (2002 regular cabs and extended cabs were the same wheel base) but we just kept her up front with us on trips nevertheless.

I share your concerns about size but everything is a compromise. The Tundra in this pic looks like it isn't much bigger than a 200 and I've seen those go just about everywhere I've taken my 80.

 

[dfinn]

@Stewfish do you work as a trailer salesman? for the 3rd or 4th time, not interested. It would be a giant pain in the ass but I'm glad that setup is working out for you. I'm guessing the places we go are drastically different.

@FJBen those look like some nice builds. I'm still all over the place but lately I'm thinking I'm just gonna go full size and not stress so much about size. I'm now thinking either a 2nd gen tundra but am also researching some other options like a user Power Wagon. I've always loved the FWCs but I think that's really more than what we need and I think something lighter like a GFC style camper will suit us pretty well.