Tundra Turn Radius

I just purchased my 3rd Tundra, a 2017 Crewmax 4x4 Sr5 with a modest lift and 35" wheels. The turn radius is horrible again. My first Tundra was a 2006 stock crewmax and the turn radius was also horrible. Then I bought a 2011 Crewmax with 35" wheels, no lift and I was amazed that I could do u turns that would rival many cars. I was disappointed that my 2017 turn radius went back to my 2006 Tundra. Is this my lift on my 2017 or did something change between the 2011 and 2017 models? The only difference between my 2011 Tundra and the 2017 Tundra is the year of the model and the modest lift. It isn't the end of the world because I love my truck but it is annoying. I appreciate any feedback!

 

My 06 is awful, I’m pretty sure my dually cuts sharper. My wife’s 07 sequoia cuts on a dime. In to see what’s up

 

My non lifted 2020 DC has a tighter turn radius than my non lifted 2006 DC. There are specific turns that I made in my 2006 that I would have to either swing wide or run the curb that I can make without a swing out in my 2020.

 

Did you test drive prior to purchase?

 

Go test the radius on Ford and I’m sure you will be less annoyed again.

 

My stock 3rd gen has a great turn radius. My long-travel 1st gen does not. But so far I’ve been able to U-turn both in every intersection. Just gotta maneuver like the posted Left or U-turn sign indicates— go all the way out into the intersection maintaining the same lane as for a left turn, then complete the “U”. The weird cramped sharp cut to the left immediately past the limit line that’s become the “norm” doesn’t work for even little cars.

Edit: sorry, OP, I’m not saying that’s what you do, only that it’s my peave so I offer instruction on “proper technique” at every perceived opportunity.

 

This is my first tundra (2017 CM) so I can’t comment about other years, but I previously drove a 2014 Silverado and a 2016 Suburban and both the chevys had a way sharper turning radius

 

My 17 turns on a dime. What kind of lift? Would check your knuckles and lower control arms to see if they are hitting the stops. What offset and width are you running for wheels?

 

My 2010 corners impressively. I noticed no difference after leveling the front and putting on 37s.

 

Nothing to add as far as turning radius, but recommendations in the steering rack thread say to never go full lock to one side. They say it’s bad for the rack and can contribute to the failure.

 

Having had an 02' AC, a 06' DC and a 17' CM... The gen 1's have a turning radius equal to a large yacht compared to the 17'. I could never pull into a parking spot with the gen 1's, I always had to back in like a tow-motor. My lifted with 34's 17 turns beautiful for a bigger truck, and I have no more need for my captains license.

 

My 2018 Tundra turns MUCH sharper than the 2018 Silverado I just got from work.

 

Just mash the gas and swing it around...

 

What's the offset of your wheels? That can affect you turning radius.

I don't know about the older ones but 07's Tundra's and up have one of the best turning radius of the full size truck segment.
Last week I was following a nice new tundra that was lifted and with wheels sticking pretty out there. The road got closed so we had to do a u-turn it took him about a five point turn. I made the u-turn wth one go barley going onto the shoulder.

 

haha!

I have no clue why nobody will reach in their glove box and read the 487 page manual in their glove box. It is amazing what kind of information is in there. The excerpt was taking directly out of page 272 in the OP's manual for his truck:

1. At a dead stop, turn wheel all the way to left until fully locked.

2. Press brake in roughly half way.

3. After brakes are engaged, slowly ease in the gas pedal making sure truck front wheels do not move and truck does not lurch forward.

4. With brakes still applied, bring RPM's up to about 3,000. Rear wheels at this time should start to break loose. Once you here a little squeal and see a little smoke coming from the side view mirrors, proceed to 5th and final step.

5. At this time, it now time to give that SOB pure hell! At the same time depress the brake fully and push gas petal until you do not feel any resistance and the pedal stops in its fully pressed position. Please make sure you are wearing your safety belts while attempting this quick turning maneuver.

Disclaimer at the bottom of the page of the manual:

Toyota Manufacturing and its subsidiaries will not be responsible for increased tire wear or injuries resulting from this turning practice. We hereby will not be held responsible for potential health defects resulting in the inhalation of smoke and rubber particles.

I know it is hard to believe, but this feature in a tundra does work!

 

Dude couldn’t drive.

 

Like @tundra121 said offset matters , i have a 3" lift with 33x12s on 20x9 +25 it turns decent an very well ... when i had 2 inch spacers on it it wouldn't turn worth a dam.

 

I think we need more details on “modest lift”. If you have a drop bracket usually steering stops are included and welded on which affects turning radius.
My 16 with 3” lift turns very sharp. My 11 and 14 with the 7” BDS lift that had steering stops installed had poor turning radius.