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Old 11-04-2011, 10:28 AM   #21
pkemmerlin
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Tundra

I have made the decision to store the camper at the campground instead of pulling it. Thanks for all the help.
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Old 11-04-2011, 10:48 AM   #22
dksd39
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as a current 07 Tundra owner and someone that has towed using 250 and 350 trucks I can say this from experience....the Tundra will do as well as ANY truck under good conditions and will have no problem towing at and over its rating (I do it all the time). Like many here have mentioned the issue arises when conditions are bad...that said when conditions get bad even the largest most expensive TV might be equally destroyed but it will of course offers the driver a much larger opportunity of control. Franky I trust my Tundra and push it far harder than most would feel prudent but thats me...after 95k flawless miles most of it towing I expect it to continue just as it has for another 95k
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Old 11-04-2011, 12:04 PM   #23
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Ahhhh, there is nothing better that getting a bunch of guys stirred up talking about their trucks!
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Old 11-04-2011, 12:07 PM   #24
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Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by exsailor View Post
ahhhh, there is nothing better that getting a bunch of guys stirred up talking about their trucks!
lol........................
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Old 11-04-2011, 12:35 PM   #25
DTJ9610
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All this truck talk is making me miss my little 2dr Acura. That was a fun little speed deamon...

However I don't miss the minivan that I upgrade to the Tundra from..
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Old 11-04-2011, 12:37 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DTJ9610 View Post
All this truck talk is making me miss my little 2dr Acura. That was a fun little speed deamon...

However I don't miss the minivan that I upgrade to the Tundra from..
LOL...I sure miss my TDI VW
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Old 11-04-2011, 02:08 PM   #27
flybouy
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Speaking as a 1/2 ton owner towing a 303 TG ....

Am I unsafe? - towing at reasonable speeds ie. <65, not carriying 1/2 ton of firewood and beer in the bed, and using a good sway control I don't think so.
I have towed it up 12% grades without issue and down 12% grades without issue. I've seen posts about braking issues with this set up - I have to ask, doesn't your trailer have brakes? If you are depending on your TV to stop your rig you are dangerous to everyone.

I have been towing boats, campers, and utility trailers for 30 years and IMHO the experienced, well prepared driver will come out ahead of the guy who thinks the bigger/higher performance vehichle will gain them an advantage every time.

Personaly, I tow with the 1/2 ton because I don't want to have to wear a kidney belt the 99.9% of the time I use the truck as I am not a full timer but rather a week end warrior camper.

While the 3/4+ ton rigs are passing me at 80 mph and laughing at me going 60, I say a prayer for them that they don't have a tire failure or some other need to stop or change lanes quickly. I've seen many a 3/4 or 1 ton TV rig in a pile from overspeed just as I see many a 4 WD vehichle in the ditch in snow storms. Over confidence in the vehichles ability to overcome the driver's lack of experience or common sense will often end in disaster.

These are just my honest observations; I left the testosterone exhibiting in my past when I stopped volunteering to be the poster child for traffic court.
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Old 11-04-2011, 02:16 PM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pkemmerlin View Post
I'm not trying to be rude but just a ?. How did you come up with 10,000 pounds? I just hope we didn't miss something.


Specs for Model 321RES

Weight:

7565(lb)
Is that gvwr?
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Old 11-04-2011, 02:18 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH View Post
What you list is the empty weight. I don't know of anyone who hasn't added at least 500 or more pounds in cargo, not to mention propane, battery, hitch, etc.


actually here are the specs from the Keystone website:

Shipping weight 7751
Cargo capacity 2249 That's a total of 10,000 lbs
Hitch 900
Length 35'4"
Height 10'9"

That's a MIGHTY BIG trailer for any 1/2 ton truck regardless of manufacturer.
I will second this.
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Old 11-04-2011, 03:35 PM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flybouy View Post
Over confidence in the vehichles ability to overcome the driver's lack of experience or common sense will often end in disaster.
I agree 100%. But you also have to agree that exceeding manufacturer's limits whether with a ½, ¾, or 1 ton TV will also often end in disaster and that particular trailer (which has a gross weight 1000 lbs more than yours) is most likely going to exceed the safety limits of the truck.
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Old 11-04-2011, 04:43 PM   #31
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Us guys love our sports teams (Buffalo Bills & Sabres for me), we love our families, & we love our trucks. We don't like to be told that what we like is not right. Lets put this whole post behind us, learn from it & move on, enjoy our RV life style and be a smarter guy from this exchanged experience. Carolyn & I are leaving next Tuesday AM for a week going to Grayton Beach State Park (Florida Pan Handle) & while on the road my focus will be on tow vehicles & what they are pulling. Like you, I want to know as much as I can about my truck & what it's pulling & how it's reacting along the way.....AMEN TO THIS !!!
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Old 11-06-2011, 08:15 AM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pkemmerlin View Post
Why is it some many people are quick to put down the Tundra for Towing? We have a 2008 Keystone Hornet 30 FKS and it pulls it like a dream! We even have pulled a trailer with a golf cart behind it. Before anyone says anything we have since learned that will void the warranty on the camper so we will no longer be doing that. But again the Tundra had no problems pulling it. We have ordered the Cougar HC 321 RES and I keep hearing the Tundra is going to struggle. The HC is only 600 pound heavier. Why?
The Tundra can do more than any one who has never owned and towed with one would give it credit for. As a rule I like to stay within 80% of the Tundra's max tow capability and for the crew-max that would be about 8400lbs, it is rated for 10400lbs max. Your trailer has an empty weight of 7751 according to Keystone. I figure that you will load 1100lbs into the trailer (battery, LP, kitchen stuff, tools, etc. etc.) so that will bring you to about 8851lbs as a tow weight keep the holding tanks empty when towing and your Tundra will do it OK. Just make sure that your GCVWR of 16000lbs is not exceeded (that's total of Tundra and trailer weight). The Crew-Max gross weight is 7000lbs; if you load it to 7000lbs then all you have left for the trailer is 9000lbs. You'll be OK but you’re at about the max. You won't like the mileage though, figure on about 8 to 10 mpg's and anything more is a plus. I tow a FW now but did tow a Passport before, I tow in S-5 with the tow/haul switch on and when I hit the hills I drop it down to S-4. The Tundra's brakes are massive and are more like 3/4 ton then 1/2 ton so you won't have any trouble stopping that load make sure that your trailer's brakes are working and adjusted properly. Gear down when going down a mountain and you will be surprised at how little braking you will need, the Tundra's engine and tranny do a great job in controlling speed and speaking of which you should not tow any faster than 55 or 60 mph for safety and best mileage. When you go to gas up make sure that you take the gas pump on the end so as to have an easier time getting in and out and give yourself a wide berth when making turns. I came pretty close to hitting the trailer a couple of times and have learned. That's a long trailer (35 plus feet) so be careful. For this trailer with the Tundra I would buy a Hensley Arrow or the Pro-Pride 3P WDH, and one with a 1200lb rating (1000 as an alternate), you will need it with the wind side load on that trailer and that 900lb tongue weight. Good luck, happy camping and tow safe.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:31 PM   #33
JimEli
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Let's take this beyond the "my Dad is bigger than your Dad" level. How about some facts.

Why is a ¾ ton always better than a ½ ton?
How is the maximum tow rating derived?
What are the critical issues when towing? Aerodyamics? Horse power? Torque? Wheel base? GVW? Tow rating?

Please back up your answers with verifiable information.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:49 PM   #34
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I've owned late model 1/2, 3/4 and 1 tons, with my latest in my sig. For starters, much more rigid heavier frame, heavier drive line, tranny, engine, radiator, oil and tranny coolers, larger brakes, heavier suspension/springs, Load Range E tires to name a few. All provide a tougher, more durable, more stable and safer platform for towing.
If you look at payload ratings between the three, there are large differences. Many 1/2 tons boast large tow ratings, but don't have the payload abilities to back them up.
Steve
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Old 11-06-2011, 08:03 PM   #35
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Time for a new thread?????

Gentlemen:
Perhaps it is time to start a new thread as we now seem to be heading off in a new direction. DTJ9610, the original poster, submitted a post which indicated that he is pleased with the way his 2008 Tundra tows his 2011 Laredo 303TG. Since then, we have had numerous replies and responses - and some "spirited" discussions about towing with a 1/2 ton verses towing with a 3/4 ton tow vehicle.

What about a thread about the advantages and disadvantages of towing with a 1/2 T and with a 3/4 T? Obviously, there is a place for both in the towing world.

Would anyone care to start a new thread using the above or some other suitable title??
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Old 11-08-2011, 09:55 AM   #36
pkemmerlin
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Thank you.

Thank you Flyguy for all your help!


Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyguy View Post
The Tundra can do more than any one who has never owned and towed with one would give it credit for. As a rule I like to stay within 80% of the Tundra's max tow capability and for the crew-max that would be about 8400lbs, it is rated for 10400lbs max. Your trailer has an empty weight of 7751 according to Keystone. I figure that you will load 1100lbs into the trailer (battery, LP, kitchen stuff, tools, etc. etc.) so that will bring you to about 8851lbs as a tow weight keep the holding tanks empty when towing and your Tundra will do it OK. Just make sure that your GCVWR of 16000lbs is not exceeded (that's total of Tundra and trailer weight). The Crew-Max gross weight is 7000lbs; if you load it to 7000lbs then all you have left for the trailer is 9000lbs. You'll be OK but you’re at about the max. You won't like the mileage though, figure on about 8 to 10 mpg's and anything more is a plus. I tow a FW now but did tow a Passport before, I tow in S-5 with the tow/haul switch on and when I hit the hills I drop it down to S-4. The Tundra's brakes are massive and are more like 3/4 ton then 1/2 ton so you won't have any trouble stopping that load make sure that your trailer's brakes are working and adjusted properly. Gear down when going down a mountain and you will be surprised at how little braking you will need, the Tundra's engine and tranny do a great job in controlling speed and speaking of which you should not tow any faster than 55 or 60 mph for safety and best mileage. When you go to gas up make sure that you take the gas pump on the end so as to have an easier time getting in and out and give yourself a wide berth when making turns. I came pretty close to hitting the trailer a couple of times and have learned. That's a long trailer (35 plus feet) so be careful. For this trailer with the Tundra I would buy a Hensley Arrow or the Pro-Pride 3P WDH, and one with a 1200lb rating (1000 as an alternate), you will need it with the wind side load on that trailer and that 900lb tongue weight. Good luck, happy camping and tow safe.
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Old 11-08-2011, 04:33 PM   #37
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PKEMMERLIN just so you know that you are not alone here are some pics of other Tundra owners pulling FW's;

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/1.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/10.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/11.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/12.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/2.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/3.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/4.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/5.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/6.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/7.jpg

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/8.JPG

http://www.eaa1358.com/Tundra/9.jpg

I would say that your Tundra could tow your trailer as per my last post.
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