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I'm thinking about retiring my 1985 suburban due to its appetite for maintenance. I'm considering the Tundra because of Toyota's near spotless service record. Anybody here want to talk me out of it and into something else? My Seacat 21 and trailer come in about 4500+lbs. Thanks!!
You might want to try the search feature on this forum. I believe this topic was discussed in detail a couple of months back. I had an '01 Tundra to pull a smaller boat (approximately 2100 lbs.). I sold it because I now dry-store my current boat, but did like the truck very much. I think it's rated to tow around 7200 lbs, so be sure to figure in the weight of your fully loaded and fueled vessel.
I have a Tacoma and have been towing an utility trailer around (long distance....N.C. to Maine, Alabama, Texas, Canada, etc.) for about three years.
I have a four banger and it has beeen kicking butt!!!
I have towed anywhere from 3000lbs. to 6000lbs. with no problem. Trailer has brakes of course!
I got my truck in Dec. 1999 and I currently have 173,568 miles on my truck!!!
No problems at all. I have changed tires, spark plugs (twice only), oil and filters only!!! Except-the truck was stolen and recovered after a high speed chase with the police and the exhast gaskets were replaced afterwards. That was 90k ago! Still no problems.
The Toyota will shine like no other if you get half the use out of the Tundra as I have out of my Tacoma!!!!!
Sorry, emoting doesn't fly on that issue. As far as I'm concerned GM worked hard to get me to quit buying their products(parts coming off in my hand), and Ford, well, the last one I owned spontaneously combusted. I don't play that anymore. I spend my money where I get the most value. If GM will build a vehicle that would offer an equal amount of value and satisfaction as a Tundra I would buy one. The problem, see, is that they don't.
My son-in-law tows a '98 BW Outrage 17 with his '02 Tundra extra cab 4X4 V8. Hardly knows it is there. It is rated up there in the 7,000-9,000lb range.
Super vehicle! After a few trips my daughter sold her Sub and bought herself a V8 Sequoia.
Can't say I'm suprised by the responses. CASaquanut, I'd keep the American made Suburban (paid for) if it would quit anoying me. Its got 207,000 on it (about 100K are mine) and its on its 3rd engine, 3rd transmission, second drive shaft, second complete brake system (not counting pads), 4th exhaust system, 2nd radiator, 2nd set of ball joints, 2nd set of oil cooler hoses, the paint is popping off, second drivers door electric window actuator, 2nd distributor, etc etc. I sold my 89 toyota 4 runner (only changed the plugs in 200K) to buy the burb since the 4runner couldn't pull the SeaCat at highway speed. Now that Toyota has a V8, looks like its time to move on. Just this week I've blown a baffle loose in the Burbs muffler. rattling to beat the band.
If you have your heart set on the Toyota Tundra, at least wait for the new Double Cab version that should be available within the next few months as a 2004 model. I would not even consider a truck without four real doors and a full rear seat. Even if you don't need to carry the passengers, the larger cab is essential for hauling luggage, golf clubs, groceries and everything else you need to keep out of the weather.
I didn't know such a beast was coming. I'll see what I can find out about it. After coming from an 85 Burb with a football field of room inside, the thought of even an extended cab pickup does not excite me. One of my salesmen has one of those wolf ugly 4 door Chevys with with the tiny bed and he was complaining about it the other day as not being very good for anything. So hell... do I keep pumping bucks into the burb? I wish/hope toyota will make a super TUNDRA. 4 doors, a full size bed with an easily removable standard factory camper top, and a fold down rear wall so it could all be one continuous interior for carrying rods. My heart is fluttering!!
just checked the toyota web site.
The new D cab 4 door, full size bed, and a power rear window that goes up and down so the full window opens. Now I wait for the price to be anounced. Thanks again for the tip!!
Hi, I have 2 toyotas and love them. The tacoma has 109K miles of flawless work. The 4runner frequently pulls 5000lbs. without a sweat. May I recommend the new 4runner v8 to pull your boat. It is small inside compared to your old vehicle but the quality will amaze you. Change fluids and I'll hear from you at 200000 miles! It has the same motor as the tundra. My buddy has a 4runner back in California with 300000 miles--still goin strong...these stories are not uncommon. I'd love to buy american but too many horror stories. Good luck. Paul 98 4 runner, 96 tacoma
I like the 2003 4-runner also, it's a great family s.u.v. the problem is it's got a very low tow capacity I think it's 5000lbs and the dealer told me he wouldn't pull more than 3500-4000lbs himself, he said the truck is simply not designed for that. I have no idea about the Tundra, never liked it's design. I have a 02 2500HD 4x4 Chevy which will probably be replaced by a Tahoe Z-71 in the near future, more family frinedly than the 2500 is.
202 Scout Sportfisher, Suzuki 140HP, fish out of Point Judith, RI
Had an 1987 Toyota Supra ... wow what a machine... 143000miles... 8 years.... That was one strong damn engine.. never gave me a lick of trouble .. except the A/C compressor. I would buy another Toyota in a heart beat.
That butt-ugly Chevy abomination must have been the Avalanche!!!
However, they now are selling it w/o all the plastic wrap on the sides. Makes all the difference. I actually stopped and looked at one recently, a pretty cool vehicle.
About all the SUVs are just too damn fluffy for my purposes, Leather, plastic housings for this or that, when all I want is room for my rods, friends and stuff. The 4 runner is a great vehicle but inside its got vehicularsclerosis just like the tahoe and the new suburban, explorer, etc. they are all stuffed with so much fluffy crap there is no room left inside. Give me a truck with a smooth metal interior.
I have a 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer that I am selling...you want old time metal ineterior..here is your chance! The last of teh gas guzzling, ride like a buck board SUV's. But it does have a style, whatever that is.
Plastic or not on the sides, the bed of an avalanche seems to be of little use to anyone. A large family might have a tough time fitting the week's grocery purchase back there.
Anybody towing with a Toyota Tundra V8 ?? 
Sack and Scram! 
