Time to buy another Tundra, but...

So I currently have my trusty and great 2005 access cab, TRD 4x4, and it's in great condition, and I love it! Wife and I want to buy a small travel trailer and everything we look at is right at the max threshold for towing capacity. I would prefer some breathing room. So time to step up to a 5.7 I guess. But, what year would be most suitable, what's the best year?

The access cab in my '05 is small, not really enough leg room for kids in car seats, and barely enough room for my dog, a 105 lb Bernese Mountain dog. I'm wondering how much more room the 2.5 Gen access cabs might have over my '05? Is there a difference? I've not seen the inside of one, yet.

I like the 2.5 gen access cabs, especially the long bed ones, just something about how they look like a truck, and not an SUV with a small bed. But, I don't really need a long bed. I do want a fiberglass topper, like I have now. I'm not so sure I need, or want, a full four door truck. They feel more like suv's than trucks, but not sure.

Thoughts, anyone with real experience between the two generations of access cabs, shed some light?

Thanks!

 

I believe if you search the two models on Edmunds it will give you the interior measurements.

 

Definitely cheaper to buy a 4x4 access cab. Your payload should also be a fair amount higher.

Payload on the 2.5 gen aren't great. Most crewmax (4 door suv with a small bed ) are under 1400lbs stock.

 

I did check, and it shows 12" more, from '05 to '15, but I find this hard to believe, 12" more. If this is the case, I'd likely stick with an access cab style.

I guess it's called a "double cab" and not an access cab, like my '05. So, DC or CM. I'll get it right eventually, or not. Either way, I think ( unverified ) the DC would be plenty enough room for kids and or a dog to sit comfortably enough, maybe.

 

If you have kids in car seats, they will continue to get bigger and a crew cab might be the better option.

 

Should be. I'd go sit in one first though. Nothing quite like the butt test.

 

NO, no kids anymore. Four Grandkids! Eph, a three small one's still in seats, one just turned 10 so is now free from carseats. From time to time, they may need to ride in the back of MY truck, with those difficult to figure out how to use carseats. It doesn't happen often. Usually when it does, I just take the LX 470 or my wife's LX570, or throw them in my class C Navion RV, which is my preferred choice. If my '05 had better towing capacity, I'd just use it, because then no one would want to ride in the back with me and my dog. LOL!

 

Reaf through this - https://www.tundras.com/threads/dc-vs-cm.8571/

 

They call the access cab a double cab in the 2007-2021 generation and it is significantly more room over the 1st generation access cab. There's more than enough room back there for adults so kids in car seats are fine but they'll definitely be able to kick the back of your seat if that bothers you too much. It'll be tight back there with kids and a dog though.

Structurally and mechanically the trucks are identical 2007-2021. I'd go 2018+ model year for the LED headlight option because they are absolutely awesome if you drive a lot at night.

Transmission cooler was removed in 2019+ trucks and the transmissions run noticeably hotter than the 2018 and older trucks. The OEM parts can be added to the later trucks, but it's extra labor and material expense on your part. Something to consider if you're towing a lot.

 

Lot's of opinions for sure. I get the point, just not so sure I need a CM.

 

This is good to know info for me, especially about the tranny cooler! Yeah, if the kids come, the dog stays home. Kid's will only be a once in a while thing. The dog is almost daily. I do like the auto open rear window feature, for the dog's sake; this would be nice to have on a DC/8' bed! Oh well. I will have to try and find one for sale and check it out, and then compare a DC and CM. Like so many have mentioned, a CM with a 6.5 bed would be nice.

 

I think you need a DC also. Improved payload, marginally MPG increase, no little kids, looks better (which I agree with, the DC looks good)

 

I feel like a 2016-2017 DC with upgraded shocks, leaf springs, and BBK would up the payload enough to make these things perfect for towing and hauling just short of anything bigger than a traditional full size. If you need more power just toss on the SC.

The problem is finding a great condition 16/17 DC is impossible without practically paying MSRP for a new one.

 

Yeah for every person that loves a DC, there's one that loves a CM.

Your best bet is to go find a few at dealerships and go sit in them and see what feels best for what works for you.

 

Had an ‘04 access cab that I drove until I purchased my ‘18 DC. Significant more room front and back. Back doors open as they always should have and I hope this one lasts as well as the other! But I agree, best to check them out yourself

 

My Dad has a 2010 DC 8' bed. Great truck, extremely stable 1/2 ton tow vehicle with that long wheelbase.

 

From my used truck searching a few months ago:

• CM are great, but you have the shorter bed. DC is very good (more room than competitors extended cabs) and you get a 6.5’ bed (or the elusive 8’ bed). Just depends on your needs. I have a backwards sitting car seat in the back of my DC, but the passenger seat is moved forward.
  
• Payloads are about the same between the two. I was only looking at 4wd, sr5 or limited. All ended up around 1200-1300lb payload. Iirc, CM has a 100lb higher gvwr to compensate.
  
• If you get pre 18 truck, LED headlights can be swapped in for under $750ish. If you get a 19+, trans cooler can be added for $500ish (I created a thread with parts list).
  
• 18+ trucks also get the radar cruise (which I like) but I do not have BSM (no great loss imo).

 

What about the 3.5 L-T V6/ 10 Spd tranny Vs V8 set up, how do these compare? Are the V-6's any good, worth having over the V8?

There is a 2022 CM SR5 4x4 6.5 bed w the V6 and 10 Spd tranny, with matching topper, 10,750 miles, TRD Premium PKG, Spray on Bed-liner, Heated steering wheel, for asking $61k. I'm not a big fan of the new front end look, but the color is nice, Lunar Rock. Thoughts?

 

Sounds nice! $61k for a used SR5 though...Thats a lotta money.

 

I have no clue about costs, and I need to get with it for sure. Researching all day to get my head in the game.

 

Quite a few to look at especially if you're willing to travel. I looked for a long time.

Also, i love having a topper if that pushes you towards that one. Just hope it's setup the way you want it. I purchased a new topper the way i wanted, ended up around $3500 if that impacts your buying decision.

 

I definitely want/need a topper. I'm not buying this one, just was mainly wondering about the V6 Vs. V8

 

let me know if you sell the gen. 1!

 

I have 3 car seats in my Tundra. You’ll greatly appreciate the additional room of the CM if you ever have to put one in.

Given how intermittent you haul them though, the DC may be your best bet.

 

Another item to consider is the 38 gallon tank. I think it is on some starting in 2016.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundras-for-sale-analysis.127132/

 

I'll repeat my post earlier lol. For each person that loves the 5.7 V8, there's someone that loves the 3.5(3.4) TT on the 3rd gen.

The 3rd gen has quite a bit more power but some say it's not the "same" as an old school V8. $61k is a lot for an SR5 but like you said, it also comes with a topper.

If you're in the market for either a 2.5 gen or a 3rd gen, then I'd HIGHLY recommend going to a dealer and driving them both. Get a feel for their size, cab size, engine power etc and go from there on making a decision.

It's great to hear you're doing a lot of researching before you buy because trucks aren't cheap!

 

What are the specs/dimensions of the travel trailers you are looking to purchase? That might determine if you should even look at Toyotas all together (may need a ¾ - 1 ton truck).

 

I got rid of my 2000 Access Cab when I bought my 2021 Double Cab Limited last year.

The 2.5 gen is much larger on the inside although I did raise two kids(0-20yrs) in the gen 1 without any real problems.

I would never have a short bed because I want to be able to sleep in it and also transport gear and our two dogs(65/75lbs) who never ride in the cab. Personally I do not get the dogs in the cab thing, especially large, active dogs who get really dirty, but to each his own.

The 5.7 is much nicer than the 4.7 although the 4.7 was not a bad engine. I get better mpg although my 2000 had some mods and 270,000mi. The 38 gallon tank is one of the most useful features.

I tow a lot, but it is a light trailer with a raft so I am not concerned about the missing trans cooler.

I like most of the TSS features, even the ACC although I rarely use it, preferring the standard.

I bought the 2021 because I found a pretty good deal and wanted a V8. Of course there was a significant wait for new trucks still, which didn't help. I got it with 9,300 on the odometer and through the help of members here, purchased an extended factory warranty which gives me 10yrs/100,000mi of peace of mind. That would be something to keep in mind. If you buy used, you can still but an extended factory warranty but the vehicle has to be under the original 3/36,000.

Good luck!

 

after 2018 theres no external Transmission cooler. You can add one (there's a great link+writeup in these forums).

a Double Cab with long bed would be right near or at the top of your list. My 2018 crewmax 1794 trim has ~1500 payload (less with all my extra doo-dads now)