Tundra or 3/4 ton

In the near future I will be towing a 8.5×16 trailer for work 5 days a week. Fully loaded will be about 4500-5500lbs. I currently have a 2004 f150 but was thinking of getting a 2014-2018 tundra 5.7 to do the job and was wondering if this was adequate to do daily or should I look into a 3/4 ton? Thanks

 

Tundra can tow 5.5k around town comfortably.

Believe it or not the 13mpg I get in the Tundra is a lot better than what we get in our 1 ton Chevy 6.0s haha.

 

It will tow it just fine but may sag a bit depending on tongue weight. I’d expect MPGs to be around 10-11 and I’d keep it out of OD.

 

always heavier duty, imo you need to do some work on the tundra to make it a proper towing machine, where most 3/4 ton trucks out of the box is properly equipped with heavier duty suspension etc.

 

Ha, 10 mpg if your lucky towing that rig!!

 

Tundra can handle that towing work everyday. The truck and drivetrain components are more 3/4-ton sized than 1/2-ton.

But, the factory rear springs are softer (for ride quality), so you're probably gonna want (at a minimum) a set of airbags or SumoSpring/Timbren helper springs.

I run the Sumos, and highly recommend them. Those and the Timbrens replace your factory bump stop, and are "set-it and forget-it". Airbags are handy, but you have to keep an eye on the PSI's, and users report leaks in the fittings over time.

My Sumosprings have about 1/2" gap to the frame when the truck bed is empty, so the ride quality isn't compromised when empty.

You can also upgrade your rear spring packs and shocks, for the ultimate rear half-ton truck suspension.

ToolCat

 

I'd suggest you look further into the future. Is it possible that your work may end up needing something heavier? Being that it will be for work, look CLOSELY at your capacity and ratings. Would suck to be over on one and have a wreck that isn't your fault but get the blame and responsibility because you were overweight.

 

A 5.7L iForce Tundra will be perfectly capable for your needs. 2nd and 2.5 Gens will be suitable. Double Cabs will allow for more payload (generally speaking). But a CrewMax will still probably be within your capacity requirements.

 

I’d trust a 5.7 tundra to reliably tow 5k daily for work over any 3/4 ton personally.