How much have you towed?

[mallory25]

Yeah I suspect driving style has a lot to do with it for the most part. My brother in law is one those that while towing he gonna push it to the floor just to maintain speed. No run up, no manual downshift, just floors it screams up hill. Just plain rags it out really. I use select mode down shift as I see fit and around 3500rpms fourth is a decent pulling gear. Doesn't push it or strain at all, keeps ya from killin the mpg's.
I had an '05 tundra dcab and loved it would pull like dream. Saved me tons pulling out my companies large step truck (FedEx contractor) in the snow. I'd guess around 8-10k#. So was a little sad to see the v8 go when I got my 4runner. That said this 4.0 v6 will let the big dog eat if ya want her too. Maybe not as calm and collected as the 4.7 v8 but will get the job done. My thought is the Toyota set the tranny ECM to try and lug the motor to raise mpg in normal driving. I'm surprised though that given vehicle weight,body on frame, and engine numbers like the older 4.7 that the 4r is rated at only 5000 lbs towing. I would have hoped they would have put it at 7k. Comparable to jeep grand Cherokee or older tundras. But have no regrets really. The 4R will pull anything I need it too. And better mpg to boot.

 

[mallory25]

I pray one day TRD cures it's cranial-rectal inversion problem and designs a supercharger for the 5gen runner! Sheesh give the people what they want for Pete's sake! I mean come on really like we really care about a stupid radiator cap with their logo on it?!!! Or TRD stickers? Hello not a ricer all fast and furious and all! Took over a year and a half after the 5th gen release for a simple CAI. Boy the engineers musta been burning the candle at both ends designing that one! Toyota takes away V8 option perfect chance for TRD step in and take advantage of an opportunity from a marketing or business aspect. Who can afford a land cruiser, and the sequoia dying and all.. Perfect chance to reinforce 4R sales with a product that could make the truck comparable numerically to a grand Cherokee! ( it obviously is in our eyes or we wouldn't be here lol) I meant for everyone else! And a SC wouldnt affect Toyota's green and carbon footprint awareness campaign! It would just fill a gap in their vehicle line up! Right between the Cute-ute Rav/highlander and gas guzzling full size v8's ( which hear tell are goin away=sequioa).
Ok my rant is done just wanna little more power, a little giddyup in my get-a-long, and tow a little more. Not asking to much lol just a few more short hairs on this boy's truck nutz! No seriously rant over. Thought I'd give ya guys something ta read....

 

[SigSense]

Toyota Tows the 300,000 LB Space Shuttle?

Concerned about the towing ability of your 5th Gen, then you might want to check this out: Stock Toyota Tundra to tow 300,000 pound space shuttle

 

[rebelbowtie]

Concerned about the towing ability of your 5th Gen, then you might want to check this out: Stock Toyota Tundra to tow 300,000 pound space shuttle

Since the space shuttle is so iconic to American space program an American brand should be the one to tow the space shuttle not the Tundra.

 

[Antman]

Since the space shuttle is so iconic to American space program an American brand should be the one to tow the space shuttle not the Tundra.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...uYCIBQ&usg=AFQjCNE_GWjnST2ZqqmrUJKAC80TUIsNBQ

Maybe you should read this ^^^^^.

 

[rebelbowtie]

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...uYCIBQ&usg=AFQjCNE_GWjnST2ZqqmrUJKAC80TUIsNBQ

Maybe you should read this ^^^^^.

Incorrect URL but I'm going to guess you're trying to tell me the Tundra is assembled in American factories and use a lot of American parts right?

Who cares? It still doesn't make it an American truck brand or deserving to tow the space shuttle if it is such an iconic symbol of the space program.

 

[Antman]

Maybe they figured they would avoid the embarrassment of watching the Chebbie Silverado break down on the way...

Sorry- couldn't resist- too easy.:shrug:

 

[rebelbowtie]

Maybe they figured they would avoid the embarrassment of watching the Chebbie Silverado break down on the way...

Sorry- couldn't resist- too easy.:shrug:

That's expected on a Toyota forum

 

[SigSense]

... an American brand should be the one to tow the space shuttle not the Tundra.

Two quick stories for you from my youth:

1. My father was a Korean War veteran that was staunchly anti-foreign product. The first time I went home on military leave in 1980, I drove my newly-purchased Datsun (there's a flashback) truck home. There was Dad, in the driveway with his 1979 Chevy Nova. He said "What is wrong with you, can't you support American factories and by an American truck?" I thought about this for a second, shook my head and asked Dad to step in the house. In we went, and the first thing I did was point to the new Sony TV playing in the living room. "Dad that nice new TV is made in Japan, WHY can't you support American factories and purchase an American made TV?"

Next we went into the kitchen, and I pointed to the Sanyo microwave that was being by used by my Mom. Gave Mom a hug, turned to him and said "Dad, this microwave that is cooking your food right now is made in Japan. You REALLLLY should think of the Americans that don't have jobs right now because this microwave is built overseas." You could tell this was pissing him off, so we then sauntered over to the den, and I pointed to the Panasonic 8-Track, model RS-803. He loved that 8-track, and would play all of his country music on it. Finally, I gasped----- "Dad, this Panasonic is made in Japan too, what happened to you? If you are going to Live by the Sword, then you most certainly must Die by it, take all of these Japanese products BACK!"

He didn't say another word.

2. As a young military man stationed in the western part of America in the early 80's I bought a Kawasaki KZ750 street bike. One day I arrived at my squadron and parked just as this crusty Sergeant was getting off his Harley Davidson. Of course he had to start with the "Buy America" crap. It was truly embarrassing for him to learn that his beloved HD had a Mikuni (a Japanese company) carb. In fact many components such as brakes, forks, shocks, carburetors, electrics and wheels were outsourced from foreign manufacturers and quality increased, at a time when HD was doing poorly.

What do the stories have in common? People are quick to criticize foreign manufacturers, without FIRST looking in the mirror. RebelBowTie, do you have ANY foreign products in your house? Why do you drive/own a T4R?

Imagine if an additional 400,000 people were unemployed in America right NOW? As of last year, Japanese Auto Manufacturers employed 407,000 Americans at 63 Facilities and Hundreds of Auto Dealerships.

CARPE DIEM: Japanese Automakers Employ 407,000 Americans at 63 Facilities and Hundreds of Auto Dealerships

 

[rebelbowtie]

SigSense you are kind of missing the point here, it's a symbolic thing. The space shuttle is iconic to American history just as General Motors is. You don't have to like their products or business model to get that.

Being a military man I think you would be familiar with the contributions brands like Harley Davidson and General Motors have made to this nation.

 

[SigSense]

The space shuttle is iconic to American history just as General Motors is.

Understand, no hard feelings!

 

[mallory25]

God forbid we turn this into a flame war "buy American!" sheesh while GM is making headway economically now but hey which company was needing a bailout, call it economic "stimulus " if ya want. God forbid we let GM go under and leave all those employees trudging to the unemployment lines! While over a fifth of the revenue from each GM vehicle sold goes towards pensions and retirement funds fr employees that don't even work for the company anymore!
Yet "dem japs took our jobs" redesigned and released how many new models" ramp up production at Texas plant shifting tundra production there while also shifting the majority of manufacturing ofnhighlandersbfrom Japan to Princeton Indiana?( live twenty minutes south of plant and have family proudly employed there) Iconic you say? A company that remarkedly thrives during an economic recession while your iconic American brand realizes the the tragedies of poor business decisions and strategies. Even Honda building a new factories and facilities and also employing thousands of Americans to build those unpatriotic jap rice burners! Hmmm me thinks not so Iconic anymore!
But no really I'd buy several GM models! In a heartbeat pardon the pun if you will,. I'm just joshin ya bowtie! I see exactly what you meant I just have a broader view and feel in this day and age Toyota is garner the respect somewhat of an American brand now! That said ill shut my mouth as I ( that includes ya'll also !) bought 4runners( 5th gen specifically). As it's produced and imported from Japan, the majority of revenues from those sales go back Japan. Minus taxes, tariffs, transportation and handling of said vehicles. Also I'm not account for secondary revenue streams, such as those generated by all of us here on T4R.org for instance! Did ya catch the plug?.
I meant no ill-will rebel . I kid! I keed!

 

[shooter.mcgavin]

This is the camper that I tow with my 2011 SR5 4wd with only an electronic brake controller installed. All drivetrain components are stock and no additional sensors have been added. I have towed it from Tampa to western Colorado through the Rockies and back with no problems. I have put about 10,000 of the 32,000 miles on my T4R just towing this camper. It weighed #4300 dry and sits right around #5000 +/- #200 loaded.

Hambone,

That is almost exactly the rig I will have (down to the white T4R). I picked up a 23ft expandable trailer. It weighs almost exactly what yours does. I am very surprised that the back of the truck doesn't sag more. I get it tomorrow, and I have the brake controller installed, so I should be good to go.

Thanks for posting! Any hints, or tips you have for me...let em fly!

 

[shooter.mcgavin]

Anyone else tow a mid sized camper?

 

[Titanpat57]

About 2500#'s.....I have airbags, and Electric brakes..honestly forget it's there sometimes.