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1Gen-TundraGeneral discussion forum for the 2000 to 2006 Toyota Tundra.
This is a discussion thread titled "Questions/Observations from a new owner...", within the 1Gen-Tundra forum, part of the Truck Forums category.
As a new Tundra owner I have been surfing this site for the last week and think it's great. Glad to be aboard...
I did alot of research before buying my 3005 Tundra SR5 DC 4x4 in Phantom Grey, looked at Ford, GMC, Nissan, but knew I was going to get the Tundra. Not even the "Big 3's" employee pricing program tempted me. I have always driven foreign cars (1998 Honda Civic & 1987 Accord, and 2002 Nissan Pathfinder) and I do believe they are better engineered and assembled than domestic. The styling is great, and truthfully, I really don't need a pickup, but I really wanted one. At 32, this is not a midlife crisis thing, just a "I needed a new toy" thing.
I am a new dad, so the DC was a must for the baby and his stuff. That was the only way I was going to convince my wife. Traded in the Pathfinder last month, and I haven't looked back since. My only concern is the braking distance, which will probably take some getting used to because after all, it is a truck.
I have added a bedliner, Challenger side steps, hood protector and chrome tailpipe tip. I am looking to add a couple things like rubber mats, ventvisors and maybe a tonneau, but that may have to wait a bit.
Questions for the veterans here:
Any feedback on the toyota rubber floor mats? Would you recommend or are there other brands that do a better job protecting the carpet?
My "empty gastank" light seems to go on when I have approx. 10 gallons of fuel left...is this common? I know because every time I fill up (the tank is 26.5 capacity) I am only able to pump 16-18 gallons before the pump shuts off. I am too much of a wuss to push it to the limit, but that is the only way I'll ever know my true MPG.
Is the Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar a good idea for a guy who will probably drive offroad maybe 4x a year? It seems a lot of you rave about it, but I am not sure I'd be a good candidate. Not too many trails in central Connecticut...
Anybody use an aftermarket compass/ thermometer they would recommend? The only thing I miss from my Pathfinder is the standard compass/thermometer on the ceiling console...I never realized how much I used it until I traded it in for the Tundra. The SR5 obviously doesn't have it standard like the Limited and i'm sick of looking at the "filler" plastic...
Winter driving: what should I be prepared for? Do you recommend "weighing down" the bed with sandbags for snow driving? Any other suggestions for safe driving in prep for a harsh New England winter?
What is the best car wax for the Tundra? Anybody have a brand they would enthusiastically recommend?
Most of my posts won't be this long but I guess I am just an enthusiastic new member and have learned alot from many of you already. Thanks in advance for your help-
Welcome aboard Dave, I think the anti-sway bar is more for cornering on the road than an off-road thing. Most serious off-roaders here want to remove it to go on their off-road adventures (I hope I got that right). There was a thread in the last 2 days about the temp/compass add on.
Congrats on your new ride, I'm sure you'll love it.
As for floor mats, I bought the Husky liners, I really like them. They're not the prettiest mats out there, but they hold in the mud and sand, and don't move around at all...
I always use Mother's pure carnuba wax, been using it for years, goes on easy, and comes off easy too. Couldn't really tell you how long it lasts, as I wax at least 3x a year, usually more. But I like it. I've used Zymoil in the past, it was a little harder to remove, but it left a real brilliant shine too..
I'd be interested in hearing some of the responses on the antisway myself, I've been considering one. I'll keep my eye on this post for sure.
__________________
Blacked out 2003 Limited 4X4 Access Cab with TRD Off-Road Package Debadged
2.5" Fabtech suspension lift
3" body lift
As a new Tundra owner I have been surfing this site for the last week and think it's great. Glad to be aboard...
I did alot of research before buying my 3005 Tundra SR5 DC 4x4 in Phantom Grey, looked at Ford, GMC, Nissan, but knew I was going to get the Tundra. Not even the "Big 3's" employee pricing program tempted me. I have always driven foreign cars (1998 Honda Civic & 1987 Accord, and 2002 Nissan Pathfinder) and I do believe they are better engineered and assembled than domestic. The styling is great, and truthfully, I really don't need a pickup, but I really wanted one. At 32, this is not a midlife crisis thing, just a "I needed a new toy" thing.
I am a new dad, so the DC was a must for the baby and his stuff. That was the only way I was going to convince my wife. Traded in the Pathfinder last month, and I haven't looked back since. My only concern is the braking distance, which will probably take some getting used to because after all, it is a truck.
I have added a bedliner, Challenger side steps, hood protector and chrome tailpipe tip. I am looking to add a couple things like rubber mats, ventvisors and maybe a tonneau, but that may have to wait a bit.
Questions for the veterans here:
Any feedback on the toyota rubber floor mats? Would you recommend or are there other brands that do a better job protecting the carpet?
My "empty gastank" light seems to go on when I have approx. 10 gallons of fuel left...is this common? I know because every time I fill up (the tank is 26.5 capacity) I am only able to pump 16-18 gallons before the pump shuts off. I am too much of a wuss to push it to the limit, but that is the only way I'll ever know my true MPG.
Is the Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar a good idea for a guy who will probably drive offroad maybe 4x a year? It seems a lot of you rave about it, but I am not sure I'd be a good candidate. Not too many trails in central Connecticut...
Anybody use an aftermarket compass/ thermometer they would recommend? The only thing I miss from my Pathfinder is the standard compass/thermometer on the ceiling console...I never realized how much I used it until I traded it in for the Tundra. The SR5 obviously doesn't have it standard like the Limited and i'm sick of looking at the "filler" plastic...
Winter driving: what should I be prepared for? Do you recommend "weighing down" the bed with sandbags for snow driving? Any other suggestions for safe driving in prep for a harsh New England winter?
What is the best car wax for the Tundra? Anybody have a brand they would enthusiastically recommend?
Most of my posts won't be this long but I guess I am just an enthusiastic new member and have learned alot from many of you already. Thanks in advance for your help-
Dave
Hi Dave,
Welcome to the club! So far I've Line-X'ed my bed and put a Jeraco cap on the back. I bought mine to get me around in the winter and make the occasional hardware store run. It's about a year old and I've only now broken 4000 miles.
The braking distance is definitely something to get used to. The first time I really had to bear down on the brakes, I was a bit surprised at how long it took to stop. (My daily driver is a BMW M3.) I've taken to leaving a good lead time in front of me now.
I was worried about the back end being too light in the winter, but actually it did a lot better than I expected. I performed controlled experiments in foot-deep snow where I would give some throttle around turns to see if the rear end would lose grip, and it didn't. The BFG All-Terrain T/A KOs have been impressive in the snow, considering they are not a dedicated snow tire.
The other day my gas light went on just as I was pulling into the gas station. It took 22.5 gallons of gas to fill. Don't forget that you can calculate an accurate MPG, regardless of whether you stop to fill your tank at empty or at 1/2 tank. The important thing is that you measure your mileage since the last fillup, so the amount of gas corresponds with the distance driven.
Not needed for off road driving. It only aids in onroad driving as far as cornnering and load distribution are concerned. Off road you want the rear axle to be able to articulate through and over rough terrain. The sway bar will greatly reduce this ability. Welcome aboard friend and enjoy that rig, I love mine.
I've purchased the husky front floor mats from Cabelas and love them. They stay in place very well, I would definitely recommend them (perfect fit). I thought the overhead compass/temp was standard but apparently it isn't.
Hi Dave,
Welcome to T/S. I can only add a few comments to your questions. The swaybar is great add on I waited way to many years before I put it on, it should suit you well on the windy back roads in Conn.
What wax to use is a open question everybody has there favorite brand,or type. I have been looking for something to last through the winters we have.
I have tested one type for durability this summer that has lasted over three months so far and still shines and beads water great. Now I have a thunder gray color a lighter silver gray than yours but this stuff really makes the paint pop and the metalics jump out. This truck is 5yrs old and have been through as many salty winters and still makes it look good. You can get small 16oz sample bottle from the following link. The product name is Meguiars #21 and that sample bottle will last you a couple years,goes on thin and easy and comes off the same way. http://www.autodetailingsolutions.com/index.htm
Winter driving: what should I be prepared for? Do you recommend "weighing down" the bed with sandbags for snow driving? Any other suggestions for safe driving in prep for a harsh New England winter?
I probably saw same/worse winter conditions, played with weight, snow tires, etc.
Best option:
Real dedicated snow tires. Amazing traction/control over regular all season tires. I tried steel wheels first, switched to alloys as the steels tended to ice up and get seriously out of balance (chip, chip, chip on a cold winter morning). The alloys I had were shaped to throw snow/slush OFF the wheel, didn't build up like steels.
For REALLY deep stuff (over the front hood deep):
I added sand bags - 360 Lbs. I split the weight , 120 Lbs INSIDE the cab on the rear floor, as far to the rear as possible, the rest in the bed at the forward (cab) edge, low as possible. I was trying to keep the CG down, lessen the "swing" or polar moment of the added weight (prevent sudden, wicked oversteer in an emergency). Worked extremely well.
REMEMBER - the sand must be sealed against the weather or it will freeze and become a 60LB projectile in any accident/quick stop. I don't mind vacuming up loose sand - I do object to the sand bags coming through the rear cab wall as rock hard 60 Lb bombs!!!
No off-road trails near Hartford, its quite the opposite, I use to live in Farmington and would take my tahoe/81 GMC offroading everyday. I suggest driving down rt4 to Unionville. Take a left on river road. Trail entrances start on the right in less than 1/4 mile. There are about 6 different trails you can have fun on for hours. Hit me on AIM at D2coupe for more info
There are plenty of car waxes out there that will make you truck look good. However, they vary quite a bit in regard to durability. I've used Zaino for years (www.zainostore.com) and the durability is hard to beat.
The two most popular brands (on corvetteforum.com) is Zaino and Meguires NXT. Zaino's shine lasts longer.
Questions/Observations from a new owner...
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