Toyota Tundra Owner Experiences

ken0 · April 2001

Cliffie - for your info - 33" from cab to rear axel center.Didn't do it fast enough and salesman said I wouldn't have any problem with a fifthwheel
(Yeah- like a dented cab and trailer corner the first time I made a turn)told him it was 10" too short for me to safely use it.
Alson sent email to dealer in adjacent town and in it asked for email reply - no phone calls and guess what - next morning first thing - the phone rings and--------

ken0 · April 2001

anybody there have an educated guess as to when Tundra will get a longer wheel base?

mjhammer · April 2001

First of all I would go to www.tirerack.com and look around. They are very knowledgeable and if you give them a call chances are they will know maximums for clearance purposes etc.
I looked at some info. there and the stock 265/70-16 tires are 30.7" in diameter (in Bridgestone, other brands may vary 1/10" or so) the following sizes would probably work without affecting MPG, speedo, or computer much: 265/60-18 (30.4"), 285/60-18 (31.4"), 295/45-20 (30.5"). I believe tire rack says you can go + or- 1/2" and be within acceptable tolerances. The 285's above maybe a little tall. I would think you could go up to around 33" tall tires also and still stuff them in the wheel wells, but keep in mind you will have slower acceleration, longer stopping distances and more unsprung weight which I would think would adversely affect your mpg a little and definately throw off your speedo by about 10%. I'm not sure about the computer. My personal experience is that if you are just looking for the big tire look, as in 33" or bigger, they will work. If you are looking for improved or comparable performance to stock you will need to stay about the same total diameter using a bigger rim and lower profile tire. Other than extensive off-road low range use where taller tires and more aggressive tread would actually help. The tall ones are usually very noisy on pavement, too.

lcaldwell · May 2001

Hello,

I need some advice on buying a new truck. All I need is a very dependable, low cost truck to drive back and forth to work. I drive 42 miles one way each day. don't want to be cramped up for space though. I want something to haul things in, and it will seat 4 people comfortably. I am considering the Toyota Taco ma. Probably V6. Are there any out there in the 4 cylinder range that have good pick up on the freeway?

Also I am considering the MC Sonomas. If you that drive pickups can give this single mother some great advice as to which way I should go, I would greatly appreciate it.

quadrunner500 · May 2001

Want to have a beer after work? (kidding)

The problem always...is having all things at once. You are going to rack up miles fast, so I understand your need. Taco would be a good choice, except seating 4 confortably? The 4 banger will last just as long as the six and give better economy, but leave you very disappointed with acceleration, especially highway acceleration.

You'll have to compromise somewhere, because there is no perfect truck. If you could at all afford it, the six will make your commute much more secure feeling, but you'll pay at the pump, and on the sticker.

Sonoma has more room, more comfortable and a better ride, about the same fuel economy, not quite as sturdy.

Ranger is a good choice, maybe the best choice.

obyone · May 2001

ranger is the best choice...better not let the taco owner hear that....but bang for the buck, I'd go with the ranger.

jwhaelen1 · May 2001

I should have stuck with buying the Dakota,I was passed on a 6% grade by one the other day! I was empty and the Dakota was pulling a 25 foot Bayliner!?! Talk about having no power......Could stand some more ponies under my hood.Probably gonna go get a Dakota next time around.One of my neighbors has one and it rides soooooo much better than any Toyota out there!! I know because he let me borrow it to help move some of my things to a storage unit.Is anyone else having any power problems out there?

bamatundra · May 2001

GMC Sonoma? Were you embarassed to say Chevy S10? What a joke. If Single mom wanted to get to know her Chev service manager better - I guess it might be a good choice. GM has consistently rated "much worse than average" quality and reliability by Consumer Reports across its whole product line.

I would guess that Single mom wants a quality, solidly built vehicle - the Toyota Tacoma quad-cab would fit her perfectly.

lcaldwell · May 2001

So the Ford Ranger would be a better deal than the Toyota Sonoma? I just want something dependable, economical, and easy to drive. I don't want a big truck, with gas being too expensive. On a side note. Any suggestions of where I can go to get information on how to maintain a vehicle. My daughter and I tried for an hour to change a tire this past weekend. We finally gave up and had to ask for a man's assistance.. :-)

ratboy3 · May 2001

test drive.. it's gotta be the best thing to do when shopping.. test drive all of them no matter what brand.. it's your money and your satisfaction that's important

quadrunner500 · May 2001

Ford Ranger is the top rated small truck. Dependable, economical, and easy to drive. No one makes a bad small truck at this point.

rander14 · May 2001

Not to spoil the fun here - but I have a 2001 Access 4x4 which is a beautiful truck, but I am having some vibration problems that Toyota has not been able to fix. I consider this a serious quality problem and I am disgusted with Toyota right now. It is a shame because I think there are some fairly simple fixes that could solve the problem (see Tundrasolutions.com), but my local service people have been inept and the Toyota regional people have not contacted me.

I am on the verge of litigation to give them back their truck. Toyota quality is not what I had expected.

obyone · May 2001

They are most effective when battling a large corporation especially at cutting through red tape. Plus it won't cost you anything.

quadrunner500 · May 2001

Rander, did you read the posts about increasing caster? Might have to get an independent alignment shop to do it.

bamatundra · May 2001

Yes, my truck has been perfect. I did not mean to infer that all Tundras are perfect. I just am saying that the chances of getting a perfect Tundra are much better than the chances of getting a perfect Chev.

On a side note: While I am a member group of far less members than you, I make it a point to post under only one name. Sorry to disappoint you.

This attack surprises me coming from you, I have respected you because you have mainly posted just about trucks. Oh well, I guess you joined the rest of the Chev pack. Too bad!

cliffy1 · May 2001

There is a fix for what you are describing. It has to do with the alignment specs. Unfortunately, most dealers don't have the know how, nor equipment to align some of these to eliminate the vibration and you will need to see an alignment specialist. E-mail me and I will forward you the specs. My address is sclifford@kjtoyota.com

ryanbab · May 2001

HEY CLIFFY

How have you been?

selling lots of vehicles?

cliffy1 · May 2001

Very well thanks. This topic has been a bit dormant lately, but I post when something come up.

jwhaelen1 · May 2001

I really should have gone with buying the Dakota.This thing is already starting to turn into a "rattle-trap" and the driver's side door won't always fully close like it used to unless you push down slightly just before it shuts.....Took truck to dealership and they said my latch was fine?? they said: "all it needed was a minor adjustment."(on a new truck??) Also, I asked them if it was normal for the engine to still burn 1/2 a quart every 500-600 miles. Truck has just over 12K on it and is broken in properly. The dealer said it was normal until it gets near 15k.I'm not very impressed so far.......Only time will tell.

bamatundra · May 2001

It seems that the insecure Chev pack will be here whether I am here or not! Just wanted to post the facts!

1949 · May 2001

Check out this site....you might find a TSB that addresses your door problem or oil issue. It's a very informative site for anyone doing research.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/

PF_Flyer · May 2001

Once again, you'll notice some holes where posts USED to be.

It's simple folks. Just DON'T go after other users. Check the topic titles once in a while and you'll stay right on track. Resist the urge to be "clever".

PF Flyer

Host

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lake5 · May 2001

so i hope i'm asking in the right place.
i'm looking to buy a tundra and need advice as to whether the tundra will perform 5th wheel duties. all i get from the dealer on this subject is "sure you bet". uh huh
i usually find it smarter to inquire with people that have used a vehicle in this manner.
thanks in advance for any replies.

bamatundra · May 2001

My answer is that the Tundra will perform 5th wheel duties as well as any other 1/2ton. What trailer do you have in mind?

cliffy1 · May 2001

I am a Toyota salesman and I would be the first to tell you the Tundra is not ideally suited to 5th wheel towing. The wheel base is a bit short and this mounts the attachment point pretty close to the cab. Also, the payload of the Tundra (like most 1/2 ton trucks) is in the 1700 to 1800 pound range. The weight on the rear axle counts toward this capacity. In most cases, you are better off with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

Now, if your trailer will fit behind the cab and the weight is fairly low, the Tundra will do fine. The I-Force engine is very strong, the transmission is up to the task and it is a pretty stable platform. I tow a 4200 pound boat with mine and love it. I barely notice it behind me. I'm just not sure I'd put a 5th wheel on it.

ryanbab · May 2001

very nice post

exactly what i was thinking about the wheelbase. With any shortbed a fifth wheel is tough. Turning might get close or hit the cab.

Best bet is to go with a long bed just for sufficient room

lake5 · May 2001

thanks but, i'm looking for serious advice on this subject.

lake5 · May 2001

so how much is this new truck gonna cost me(wink).
thank you for the advice. very well put, and clearly opens my eyes to look at all possibilities when considering a vehicle for doing the type of towing i plan on. before i go to far though, i notice that most people in towing disscusions don't even recommend the tundra for towing large trailers that are near the tundras wieght capacity due to the short wheelbase. do you have any recommendations as to what trucks are best suited to my needs in the 3/4 ton size?

lake5 · May 2001

else that knows. i'm determined to buy the tundra, but at this time i have not bought a trailer for 5th wheeling, my question is this, does anyone have any suggestion for a combo that will work?

cliffy1 · May 2001

I can't answer your cost question without being banned from Edmunds.

As for general towing issues, I really like the Tundra. With the exception of 5th wheel towing, I think the Tundra will have no problems right up to its weight limits. As I said before, I'm pulling 4200 pounds and don't have the slightest problem. I know people who do a lot more than this as well.

If my needs required 5th wheel towing, I'd probably look at a long box Chevy 2500 or wait until the 2004 Tundra came out with the larger engine and wheel base.

bamatundra · May 2001

c'mon - you can do it - tell us WHAT YOU WANT TO TOW? Good luck on this one now!

tundradude · May 2001

If you went with a long bed model, and you got a ultralite or lite fifth-wheel, then it can be done.

I tow a 26 foot sunnybook (travel trailer) with mine. I tow around 4900 pounds.

I would personally not get a fifth-wheel. Its nice to fill the bed of the truck with camping stuff you do want to put in the trailer.

If you wanted a serious fifth-wheel, go buy a F-250 or a Chevy 2500 with a long bed.

jwhaelen1 · May 2001

Hi Folks, I just took my truck in AGAIN for another vibration problem(3rd time)It's doing the same thing it's done before.Vibrates wicked bad between 50-70 mph.Last time they found loose X-fer case bolts!!!!!(imagine that falling out going down the highway.....)I didn't find any loose this time upon a brief inspection underneith.Anyway,It's still at the dealer as I type this....Oh-yeah, the Oil problem is getting better after changing pCV valve out.I'll keep you posted on the results if I hear anything.At least I'm not paying for the Re-repair work.For now I'm driving my other truck(Ram 2500 QC 4x4).Any Ideas on vibe problem would be greatly appreciated. (Anyone wanna buy a freshly squeezed Lemon??) Bye for now. Jon

cliffy1 · May 2001

Most vibrations on the 2000 and some early 2001 Tundras can be traced to the wheel alignment. This issue has been discussed at length at another web site and a "fix" has been found. The problem is, most dealerships will not align it to the specs you need. This means you will have an out of pocket expense for an alignment but this will cure most vibration issues.

Due to liability concerns, I will not post the specs here. If you want them, send me an e-mail at sclifford@kjtoyota.com.

jmess · May 2001

I just spent the week driving a 2000 Ford F150 Harley Davidson Edition 2wd truck which included towing an enclosed car trailer (5000 lbs). It was the super cab; they went to a 4 door this year. It's suspension is tuned more towards a sport truck, sits about 1.5" lower than a standard F150, has 20" wheels and tires, and a limited slip diff. It had no vibrations, the drive line didn't clunk, the transmission shifted smoothly, it handled better, towed better, had a much better sterio, and got a little better mileage than my Tundra. It had a 260HP 5.4 engine which is a little more than the standard 5.4 via a SVT Lighting style exhaust system.

I have owned my Tundra for a year now and it has not come close to meeting the expectations I had for quality and refinement when I bought it. Driving the Harley edition F150 showed me how much I had been in denial/ ignoring all the built-in shortcomings the current Tundra suspension and drive train has.

Today a guy asked me how I liked my Tundra and I told him if I had to do it all over again I would buy a Ford F150 and set it up like the Harley edition minus the Black paint and Harley labels; after spending a week driving one I couldn't recommend a 2wd Tundra anymore.

If you are happy with your Tundra then I am happy for you. I am expressing my opinion so forgive me if it doesn't match yours. I have had my truck into the dealer and read all the posts in tundrasolutions.com.. I think there are still problems with the design. The dealer doesn't have any answers and Toyota can't fix the design problems with the existing trucks. In 2002 Toyota should get it right, until then you are better off with a F150 for ride and drive quality. One closing thought, never buy a 2wd V8 powered truck that doesn't have a limited slip differential.

lake5 · May 2001

as it is, i've decided on the chevy HD with a 6.0 and 4.10 rear. evrything else i want on the truck is still being worked out. big difference between the tundra and the chevy though, it's like comparing a chicken egg to an ostrich egg. LOL
the tundra is a cute little pickup, but no where near the size of the fullsize trucks. also it's great to be able to learn what i have learned about trucks here at edmunds.

lake5 · May 2001

thanks to those for pointing me in the right direction. i came on here with the dtermination of buying the tundra, but after seeing all the reasons why the bigger trucks are better known for the type of towing i intend to do, it makes sense to buy a fullsize truck with at least a bed that's long enough to use for 5th wheeling. also that any of the 1/2 ton trucks made by chevy or ford and dodge are good candidates. i did however like the responsive attitude that the chevy 6.0 has. but it's only available in the HD versions i believe.

johnmei · June 2001

Folks- I need some honest advice. I am sold on Toyota quality, reliability, OK. Currently own an Avalon. My wife and I are retired and live in Maine. We need to know how good the Tundra 4 x 4, V8, automatic is in snow/icey conditions. I noticed at a dealer that the off road package has different tires with more aggressive threads. Better in snow? We live where we must go up and down a fairly steep hill with one switchback and a 90 degree turn. We are considering a Tundra vs a Subaru Outback with snow as the ONLY consideration. Would also like to know the Tundra's true gas mileage experience, highway as well as around town.

In advance, I thank you for your time and responses.
John (jmeisten2u@clinic.net)

jwhaelen1 · June 2001

Hi John,As far as getting around in the snow and ice in Maine go,You will do fine on level ground,but getting around in the driveway you described,You are going to have problems(more than nice tires are needed).Mostly due to the light weight of these types of trucks and the lack of usable torque to the wheels if you get the automatic.I know because I live in NH and own one myself,But am considering selling mine due to the repeated problems that mine is having.I also own a '99 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton 4wd w/the diesel in it that absolutely loves the snow and gets around just fine(haven't gotten stuck yet),and averages 22 mpg hwy and 17 in town thanks to the diesel engine. As far as MPG's are concerned on the Yota(summer truck),mine averages 19 hwy and 15 around town in mostly level areas.It's your $$$ and your choice(forget Subaru,Long story). I'm either getting a Dakota or a Jeep Liberty next time. Good luck in your selection & happy motoring!

johnmei · June 2001

Give me a hint please. Why not Subaru?
John

frey4 · June 2001

Get a big Dodge, Ford or GMC diesel. Forget the Tundra. You'll toast that tranny. You can't even get limited slip (ludicrous).

jwhaelen1 · June 2001

My 67 yr old Aunt lives in Calais,ME and on one cold & snowy day and she was going down her driveway in her Subaru Forrester(basically,same type of car as the Outback w/ a different name)and slid right across the road and went approx.halfway into the ditch.The ditch is only about 2-3' deep and approx. 6-7'wide.It's only purpose is so the plows have a place to put the excess snow.Anyway,after shearing 2 out of 4 hubs & partially damaging the driveshaft(according to the dealer) trying to get out,it took her neighbors Kubota tractor to un- stick it and about $1,500.00 to fix the thing.That included the tow to dealership.NOT CHEAP!I wouldn't put up with that kind of B.S.Would you?She now owns a GMC Jimmy and doesn't worry about getting stuck anymore(in ditches or at the dealer).'Nuff said? I'm not trying to change your mind,just informing you that not all vehicles are created equal.That's why there are so may choices out there to fit different needs.Anyway,Take Care John.I hope this helps.

jwhaelen1 · June 2001

I'm not trying to degrade Subaru's in any way But,plan on having rust repair done in about 3-4 years of winter driving up here if you get the Outback.The salt they use on the roads up here reiks havoc on the front areas of them,such as the:front of the hood,front area of roof,tailgate/hatch,& door lock areas& under sides.Keep an eye on the weld seams also.Roof rack attatch areas are prone to damage also.I have a friend that does body work at the Subaru/Toyota dealer I go to when my Tundra is sick And he constantly fixes these types of problems all the time.Take a look around, not too many Subaru's on the road up here due to these very reasons.....I'm on your side John, just giving you the facts and trying to help you out.Have a "wicked"good time;As Tim Sample says(LOL).C-ya

cliffy1 · June 2001

Here in VA, we don't get a huge amount of snow, but a fair amount of ice. My Tundra with the BF Goodrich tires does very well on ice, which surprised me. I get very little slip with them and they seem to grip better than most other trucks I see on the roads. Snow is a different matter. Those tires are not quite aggressive enough for me. They tend to cake up quickly in wet snow. Same goes for mud. If I lived in an area with more snow, I would probably replace them. Since rain and ice are a bigger problem here, I'm extremely satisfied with what I have.

The other thing to consider for snow is ground clearance. "High centering" is a condition that occurs when the underside of your car or truck compresses the snow beneath you and prevents the tires from getting a good grip. The Tundra has the highest ground clearance of any full sized truck at about 11 inches. This combined with good snow tires should make the Tundra 4x4 a natural on snow.

ryanbab · June 2001

My bfg all terrain TA's are excellent tires. Great traction its very hard to spin the rear wheels

I had a question. No one could answer it for me. Just out of curiosity whats the largest tire you can put on a tundra?

I know stock is 265's. but can you go bigger

My silverado came with 265's (largest offered) and i have since added 285's

Thanks

Ryan

cliffy1 · June 2001

I don't know how big you can go. Beyond the obvious things like the speedometer, odometer and actual clearance in the wheel wells, there is one other thing to consider. If you have ABS, you could potentially mess up the system. I am NOT an expert on this subject, so don't kill me if I speak out of line here, but here is what I have been told. The ABS sensors measures tire rotation and anything affecting the rate of rotation will affect how the ABS functions. Point being, find an expert on this subject before moving to a larger tire if you have ABS.

ryanbab · June 2001

I used the HPIII to reprogram the speedo.

I have 6K on the new tires and no problems

ratboy3 · June 2001

are they the width? the 265's

ryanbab · June 2001

huh?

quadrunner500 · June 2001

>The Tundra has the highest ground clearance of any full sized truck at about 11 inches.<

Poor toy-odor salesmen just can't help himself. The question was Subaru vs Tundra.

I'm going to put a tape under the differential, photograph it for the near sighted, serial exaggerators.

Toyota Tundra Owner Experiences

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