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View Full Version : 2011 Tundra 4.6l V8 and 3100RK???


chris199
03-05-2012, 10:38 AM
We're seriously looking at the 3100RK and the 3180RE Passport Travel Trailers.

I suspect I'm getting close to limits with this truck (7900 lb max) here but I think I'm technically still good. Any thoughts?

I am tempted to see if I can trade my 2011 Tundra 4.6L for the 2012 Tundra 5.6L......basically the same truck but towing capacities increase from 7900 to ~ 10,000 lbs. (Sorry Ford and Chevy guys....I'm a Toyota guy through and through.)

I'd appreciate some insight from someone with experience.

I am towing a 199ML now with the 4.6 L V8 and have had no issues whatsoever.

SteveC7010
03-05-2012, 11:45 AM
I pulled a 5,500# GVWR trailer with the Dodge 5.2 V8 for eight years. I was never happy with its performance in the hills and mountains but on flat ground it was pretty good. The towing max on that truck was 7,800#. I always was a bit envious of the folks with the 5.9's that towed heavier trailers with ease here in the Adirondacks.

I suspect your existing Tundra with a 7,400# or 7,500# GVWR trailer would be even less satisfactory. It'll probably pull fairly well on flat roads, but any hills or worse will be a real strain.

The 5.6L Tundra sounds like a real good choice.

Festus2
03-05-2012, 03:01 PM
You may have no issues towing the 199ML with the 4.6L Tundra but I would expect you to have problems if you went up to either of two Passports. I would agree with Steve's comments and recommendation that you go with the Tundra 5.6L. You won't regret doing so.

DTJ9610
03-06-2012, 07:34 AM
I have an '08 5.7L V8 with 10,300# towing and 16k combined. Pulling a 2011 Laredo 303TG and have been very happy with the performance. I'm not sure what difference in gas mileage you'll have with the bigger tuck, however if you can get a great deal I would go with it.

SAABDOCTOR
03-06-2012, 12:31 PM
Hi chris 199 i would go with the bigger yota you will be much happier. don't need to be sorry about likeing toyota's iI never appolagise for owning a dodge! can't even say well it's made in the USA as it was built in Mexico. I think yours was made here kinda makes import or domestic a challange now lol .enjoy

Bob Landry
03-06-2012, 12:57 PM
I pulled a Jayco 22FB(5000lbs) with a Tundra 4.7 and suapected that the truck was really working. That was verified during a trip across West Texas with 25mph winds. Since then, I've upgraded the truck to a 5.7L and the trailer to an Outback 277RL, approx 8K lbs, and truck and driver are both happy. The Tundra with the 5.7L and the tow package with the 4:30 rear end is a horse. It pulls my trailer all day at 60mph/2000rpm and doesn't even breath hard. You won't go wrong with th bigger truck.

mapleman3
03-06-2012, 01:26 PM
Whrn your pulling those trailers with the bigger engines ever wat h the instant milage on the computer? Mine will drop to like 3mpg on a hill...but if I push the gas it has more power to go no problem...that's a 6.0 Gmc....but man it will drink ...no guzzle the gas when I do.....but yeah go with the bigger so you have it when you need it. I guess since we pull big trailers we have to look away from the milage on the dash readout...ouch

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk

Bob Landry
03-06-2012, 02:27 PM
Thank God my truck doesn't have the computer that shows MPG. That would make me nuts. I figure it by hand every few tanks just to see what the truck is doing. I get around 10mpg towing. The guys with the bigger gas trucks pulling bigger trailers are doing about the same.

chris199
03-07-2012, 04:14 AM
I'm sold!! Looks like I can get a decent deal on the 5.7l v8. Now the complication:

I was planning to get the Standard Bed...wheelbase 145". TT Length is 33' 9". Am I stretching safety? Do I really need to go to the Long Bed....wheelbase 165" ?????

SteveC7010
03-07-2012, 05:35 AM
I'm sold!! Looks like I can get a decent deal on the 5.7l v8. Now the complication:

I was planning to get the Standard Bed...wheelbase 145". TT Length is 33' 9". Am I stretching safety? Do I really need to go to the Long Bed....wheelbase 165" ?????

I don't think it is going matter. I would guess you are getting the extended cab and short bed, right? You should be fine. It's the shorty-short SUV's that have real problems with long trailers. If you're using decent sway control (Reese DC, Equalizer, etc.) it's pretty much a non-issue.

Bowline
03-07-2012, 09:18 AM
My two cents: I have been towing my Cougar 27 RLS for a couple of years and about 15,000 miles with my Tundra 5.7 long bed. The extended wheel base makes for a very secure ride. I have dealt with strong lateral winds in excess of 40 mph with no sway problems (using a friction anti-sway bar). We have a double cab, which allows for plenty of leg room back there. The long bed has been a godsend, with plenty of room for extra gear. It has been invaluable around the house, too, with the ability to carry full sheets of plywood and 8' boards.

chris199
03-08-2012, 02:42 AM
Went with the 5.7L double Cab with the Standard Bed I6. 5 feet)...wheelbase 145".

Stopped by the RV dealer to see the 3100rk...man does that think look huge. Have just been towing the 199ml.......this new unit looks like a high rise laying on its side. Hopefully the truck helps with making the towing effort a little safer and easier. Still can't get over the overall length.....I guess experience will be the best teacher.

I hope we don't have too many issues getting sites. I know the camper is not unusually long as campers go but I got the impression we were able to get some sites last year because the camper was only 20 feet long. Time will tell I guess.

Thank you for all of your input and help!!!

TonyOIB
12-30-2017, 02:09 PM
Hi Chris, I'm reading an old post from when you first joined your Tundra with your 3100rk. Just wondering how that went for you. I'm new to the forum and own a 2014 Tundra 5.7 and wondering as well what my limits are. Although I'm planning on staying small with Bullet 248. Thanks

notanlines
12-30-2017, 02:28 PM
Tony, I believe Chris went with a big GMC if I'm not mistaken.

busterbrown
12-30-2017, 03:48 PM
Tundra's are equipped so differently from the factory so it's nearly impossible to tell you what your 'limits' are. A Toyota dealer can hopefully get a list of your truck's options via your VIN. If properly optioned with EBC, WDH, rear end ratio, wheels/tires, etc., I think your Bullet selection is appropriate. I remember reading that the Tundra's can pull up to 10,500 lbs but payload come into play way before your max towing specs. Remembe, payload is the achilles heel to the half ton. Especially if you want to bring toys.