Truck advice - Towing an 80

[UWdave]

I plan to buy a truck in maybe a years time, and for me this meansI need to start my research now. For 99% of what I'm going to use this truck for, any full size truck would make due. The desire to haul the FZJ80 on a flat trailer is the driving requirement.

(not sure if this is the write section to put this)

So here is the usage:
- fair amount of around town daily driving with the occasional long HWY trip
- tow a pop-up trailer (4,400lbbs max) for family camping a couple of times a year
- tow the 80 (6000lb rig + 2500lb trailer) a couple of times a year
- weekend home depot trip

Here is what I'm thinking:
3/4 ton crew cab w/ short bed, 4x4

Here are some of my questions:
- Should I rule a 5.7 Tundra out? Capacities are above other 1/2 tons. Could it easily handle the weight?
- Diesel or not? I know it will make towing a breeze, but will it be worth it if I keep the rig 8-10 years? I can deal with being in the slow lane over the mountain passes.

I'll be looking at new or 1-2 year old trucks. Right now price isn't a big issue. If I'm going to be towing something heavy, I want to do it safely.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

The Tundra is rated at 10,000 # for towing. It would easily handle your 80 & trailer. I still wish it was available with a diesel.

We towed my 40 on a very heavy car hauler behind my wife's 200 with the 5.7 and it did great but only got 9 mpg.

 

[UWdave]

If I understand it correctly, there is no standard (SAE or other) on how to determine a tow rating. There is often commentary on how a company will increase the tow capacity for the new model year when there were no mechanical changes.

What I'm trying to find is actual experience. What people out here use to tow.

Tundra 4x4 Doublecab w/ 5.7 Limited or regular with tow package
10200lb

Dodge 1500 w/ 5.7 & tow package
~10k lb

Dodge 2500 w/ 5.7 & tow
10-11k lb

Even though the 2500 doesn't have a much larger tow capacity, it has a more rigid chasis, stronger axles, etc. The Dodge 1500 has coil springs in the rear for instance.

So I've determined I can't just trust specs and need to find people with experience.

 

[AShoe]

It's not a comparison but I have a dodge ram 2500 with the v10 for towing. I've pulled around 14k lbs with it and power has never been a problem. I've pulled a few 10,000 lb loads of hay up into the mountains without any heat/transmission issues. It gets 10mpg when towing which is a downside. If price wasn't an issue when i bought it I would have gotten a the lowest mileage diesel i could find with a manual.

 

[UncleJesse]

resurrecting a slightly older post here...

any more thoughts on this topic? I too am looking for a pickup that is capable of towing an 80, But also drive around town with the kids in the back.

Anyone with any experience towing an 80 with a Tundra crew max?

Silverado Vortec max?

 

[UWdave]

I ended up going with a '06 Chevy Duramax CCLB 4x4. Very happy with my choice. Towing the 80 is a breeze. Towing the 80 with the in-bed camper is fine (~18.5 klb total weight without water in the tanks). I can keep speed limit on all but the steepest of grades.

My buddy just bought a '13 Chevy 2500 4x4 w/ the 6.0L. We used it to tow my 80 once, it was fine but you could definitely feel the power difference compared to the Duramax. We didn't hit any steep grades, but I would guess you wouldn't be passing anybody.

Another guy I wheel with tows his heavy 40 on a 10k trailer with a 5.7 Tundra. He says it tows great.

The only reason I ruled out the Tundra was because of low payload and lack of CCLB.

 

[se2000]

The DCLB Tundra has an 8' bed and a big rear seat, not as big as the CM but bigger than most cars. A 06 chevy would be all rusted out here so not a good choice. And the maint. costs are going to be a lot higher.
It all boils down to what you are happy with.

 

[cruiserdan]

In my experience a diesel pickup is a better choice for heavy towing. I prefer Cummins engines so that makes my pick a Dodge/Ram.

Gas trucks burn way more fuel when heavily loaded. My sister-in-law and her husband have a Dodge Cummins and a 5.7 Tundra. They also have a large travel trailer. Both trucks pull it just fine but the Tundra uses over twice as much fuel in the process.

 

[se2000]

Good diesels do have more torque.
But how many miles are towing? And if both trucks drive 15k a year, what would be the total cost?
It all depends on the unique situation.
You'd be hard pressed to get me to get another diesel. A gasser is way less work and money.
The fiat cummins is a good engine, now if they could only put a good auto. behind it and put it in a reliable truck.
Not trying to do a brand war. Lots of threads on that.

 

[Elbert]

if you are towing heavy...hands down diesel is the choice...I would say if pushing around 10K or more...is time to look at a Dodge/Ford/GM diesel. IF you are towing a small boat or lawnmower stuff..it does not matter. Diesel maintenance cost are high..but if you want to tow heavy ...you have smart choice. You will Definitively feed any gas burner plenty of fuel...

I have a 6.0 GM 2500HD and it tows fine, but if I were to tow much more in weight I would have a diesel. Other thing to think about is the range of the truck (fuel tank size and fuel mileage). I don't do that many trips and don't drive the truck that often. You will not like stopping at the gas station every 2hours or so if you go gas power..but thats what will happen. I don't put around at 55-60 either on the interstate.