First post here, and I'm wondering how the Tundra would work as family vehicle? The reason I ask is because my wife and I had twin boys 8 months ago and I'm now looking for a 4x4 vehicle that I can haul stuff in and possibly tow a 5k lb trailer. At first blush, an SUV seems like a more logical choice, but I'm not so sure. We'll be getting my wife a minivan for serious road trips and significant people hauling. A supercab pickup truck might be a more convenient option for me. With twins, everything is doubled. Big strollers, big diaper bags, and eventually lots of outdoor gear like bikes, balls, etc. The open bed seems like a simple way to carry all of that stuff and keep it out of the cabin. An SUV can't make that claim. I live in Seattle and frequently drive over a fairly significant mountain pass and of course I'm always dealing with rain. I truly need a 4x4. I'm also a salesman who will put 15-18K miles/year (mostly Hwy) on my car, which is why Ford is out of the question. Right or wrong, I trust Toyota reliability more than Ford or Chevy.
Last question. With 2 car seats installed in the back, could my wife sit between the car seats? I wouldn't do that to anyone on a long trip, but occasionally I might need to fit my Mom and Dad (small people) in the rig if we go to the park or something.
I have a 2006 DC that I use as my daily driver to work and I love it. Also, we have two kids in car seats and frequently I put them in the truck for weekend trips. Since one of them is a baby, there have been several times where my wife has had to jump back there mid trip and tend to him. She is able to sit between the car seats and buckle the seat belt. Also, since it is a shoulder belt, it is quite safe.
You are right, you wouldn't want to sit back there for a long haul, but she has done it for 1-2 hour trips without complaint.
I say go for it, you won't be disappointed.
__________________ Ace 2006 Tundra 4x4 Double-cab SR5 Silver Sky Metallic
Mods: Nickel leather kit by Classic Soft Trim Line-x black under the rail 80 GB ipod with USA-SPEC adapter
Mrs. Ace 2008 Highlander Sport AWD
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First post here, and I'm wondering how the Tundra would work as family vehicle? The reason I ask is because my wife and I had twin boys 8 months ago and I'm now looking for a 4x4 vehicle that I can haul stuff in and possibly tow a 5k lb trailer. At first blush, an SUV seems like a more logical choice, but I'm not so sure. We'll be getting my wife a minivan for serious road trips and significant people hauling. A supercab pickup truck might be a more convenient option for me. With twins, everything is doubled. Big strollers, big diaper bags, and eventually lots of outdoor gear like bikes, balls, etc. The open bed seems like a simple way to carry all of that stuff and keep it out of the cabin. An SUV can't make that claim. I live in Seattle and frequently drive over a fairly significant mountain pass and of course I'm always dealing with rain. I truly need a 4x4. I'm also a salesman who will put 15-18K miles/year (mostly Hwy) on my car, which is why Ford is out of the question. Right or wrong, I trust Toyota reliability more than Ford or Chevy.
Last question. With 2 car seats installed in the back, could my wife sit between the car seats? I wouldn't do that to anyone on a long trip, but occasionally I might need to fit my Mom and Dad (small people) in the rig if we go to the park or something.
Thanks in advance!
Well, I can add a little perspective. I hope it helps.
First, as a daily driver, I drive my 2006 AC SR5 V-8 52 miles each way to work (if the weather requires it, otherwise I'm on my Concours). I absolutely love it, wouldn't trade it for any other vehicle (very quiet, smooth, comfortable, great climate control, visibility, brakes, power, everything).
As a family vehicle, my thought is it might get a little crowded. I have four kids (mostly grown and gone) and when they were youngsters it was amazing how much stuff you need to bring with you, and more importantly, have quick access to while on the road.
We drove a new Ford Club Wagon during those days and the capacity was invaluable. Kids had room to play, we had food and other essentials right behind the rear bench seat. Wife (or me if she was driving) could get up, walk back, and deal with any issue with ease. Whenever we stopped for a break, sliding the big side door open allowed ease of going in and out, making lunch, etc.
I'm not really advocating the big van, but the newer SUV's (with captains chairs in front) are pretty darned handy.
For what it's worth, in my '06 access cab I can get both kids, that's a car seat and a booster seat, and my wife or mother-in-law between them just fine. Leg room is another topic with the access cab, but you should be fine with the double cab.
Have you given (and I'll probably get a flame or 2 from this..) consideration to a vehicle similar to the Honda Pilot?
IMO The Sequoia is a huge vehicle which may be somewhat impractical and the 4runner seems a bit smaller than the pilot (not researched, just observation)
We just recently sold our pilot and that was one heck of a SUV for a 6 cyl.
We traveled from South Florida, up through West Virginia into Eastern Kentucky (95 to 26 to 77 to 64) across Kentucky and down through Tennessee home on 75 over a 2 week span. Myself, wife, 2 wild kids, all our gear and it was a smooth trip, and we had PLENTY of room. Bear in mind 3 girls with me, that was a LOT of STUFF to pack in a vehicle.
The pilot has a terrific traction system too (AWD) and you can lock in 4wd for slow stuff like pulling a bonehead neighbor out of his ditch, no problem.
Another reason we selected the pilot over the minivan and other SUV's because the height was just right for a relatively easy process of strapping kids in place. The minivan was more of a bend and reach process, not good on mommy's back.
So you get Mommy a pilot or similar, and you get the truck you want, justified as capable if needed, but you won't need it because she'll have a cool vehicle too, and she'll likely want to take hers. lol
Mild trickery...
__________________
2006 Tundra AC LTD Stepside, Loaded
18" BBS - 275/55/18
Hellwig Sway Bar
Line-X
I think it would fit your needs quite well. One thing to be careful of though, is a DC might not fit in your garage (if you have one). My AC Tundra BARELY fits in my garage (I have a somewhat wider than usual curb in the garage though).
I know I'll get flamed by the die-hard Toyota fans here, but since you mentioned the topic of mostly highway driving, have you looked at the 07 Silverados? I read an article on them in this month's Motor Trend and they seem much, much improved over the previous models. With the cylinder cutoff capability, they are capable of 20+ MPG on the highway. They also have a much stronger chassis, which allows them to make the body panel gaps closer together, which Motor Trend claimed gave the truck the lowest wind noise out of any truck they've driven. Take that with a grain of salt though I suppose, I've never been too much of a fan of automotive journalists. Finally, if you plan on towing a lot, the GM 5.3 would *maybe* be a better choice than the Tundra's 4.7. The Gen IV small block is an AWESOME series of motors. Might be an option worth checking out.
All that said however, I love my Tundra. The fit and finish is very nice, the engine is smooth, and the 5-speed trans is very good as well. Plus, you can get some GREAT deals on the 06 models now that the redesigned 07 is coming out. There isn't really anything I would change about my Tundra.
__________________
2006 Tundra SR5 4x2 V8 TRD access cab- Phantom Grey- debadged with a steering wheel cover and a stubbie antenna (woot woot!).
2005 4Runner SR5 4x4 V8 Sport Edition- White (the wife's).
SOLD- 2002 Tundra SR5 4x2 V8 TRD access cab- Imperial Jade- Bassani rear exit exhaust, debadged.
Thanks a lot for your input. I don't think I was clear on a few things in my original message. Remember that my vehicle will not be our primary family car. We're going to purchase either a Sienna or Odyssey (different debate) for her in the Spring. The minivan will serve as her daily driver and our primary family car. Primary reasons why I've shifted my focus to a truck vs. an SUV are.
1) I'm looking for a 4x4 vehicle with 5-7K lb trailer towing capability. If you talk to most trailer haulers, they will all say that a pickup truck gives greater towing stability over an SUV. The 2007 Tundra is rumored to have tremendous towing capability for a 1/2 ton truck.
2) The majority of "my time" with the kids will involve picking them up from Grandma's and shuttling them to activities when my wife is at work 3 days a week. We'll be on the go, and I'm fairly active. We have a fairly large chariot double stroller that allows for jogging and biking. It seems like it would be a lot easier hauling it around in a truck vs. an SUV. I could mount my bike, the stroller and toss all the crap in the back AWAY from the cab. The front bench option would allow for seating of 4 adults and 2 car seats. It would be rare that I would need it, but it would get used 15-20 times/year. Again, seating for 5-6 AND the storage options make the truck a better option.
3) I was all set to get a 2007 Chevy Tahoe. Love em'. Thing is, when I went to look at them, there is virtually ZERO storage room when the 3rd seat is up. Worse yet is that the 3rd row seats don't fold flat. You either take them out and store them (60lbs each) in your garage or you have almost no cargo space. I could see that getting to be a real pain in daily life. "Do I need the seats today or not?" "Do I have to use a Thule roof rack storage system every time I go out with people?" With all that said, I do love the Chevy Tahoe. For the first time in decades, I honestly think GM finally "gets" it. Tight seams, beautiful and SIMPLE interior, etc. Another thread.
4) Here's where rubber hits the road. I can get a nicely loaded Tundra V-8 or Silverado 1500 for $30K (max). A comparably equipped Chevy Tahoe or Toyota 4-runner would cost me nearly $40K. We're talking about damn near the same truck here, mind you. Is the gain I'd get from an SUV worth $10K? Would there be a gain at all?
Anyway guys, that's my crisis of the month. This is a great site!
I live in Seattle and frequently drive over a fairly significant mountain pass and of course I'm always dealing with rain. I truly need a 4x4.
Remember, the Tundra 4WD is a part-time system. I believe the Sequoia has a center differential, so you can engage the 4WD system without worrying about binding.
The 4Runner has a full-time 4WD system on the V8s, but it has a smaller interior, although, I think 3rd row seating is available.
As far as the backseat, I had 3 adults in the back of my Tundra on a 2 hour trip. They didn't complain, but I noticed the center console protrudes into the seat space for the center. I haven't checked the LATCH system, but if its in the center, you could put a child seat there and let an adult sit to the side. If the bench seat is available, that might give back the leg room to the rear center.
Also consider that with all that rain, the bed will get wet--meaning diaper bags, strollers, whatever.
I think a DC Tundra would be very suitable.... especially if you wait for a larger 07' model.... I think even a 00-06 AC would be acceptable. My truck seems to have plenty of room for me, but not sure what happens when you add car seats. If you got the bench seat option, that would add extra space for a front seat passenger.
About the Tahoe.... one way to get extra space in the back is to upgrade to the larger Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL / Cadillac Escalade ESV (extended wheelbase). Much more room in the back, but much higher price tags.
Good luck
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobbyg123
3) I was all set to get a 2007 Chevy Tahoe. Love em'. Thing is, when I went to look at them, there is virtually ZERO storage room when the 3rd seat is up. Worse yet is that the 3rd row seats don't fold flat. You either take them out and store them (60lbs each) in your garage or you have almost no cargo space. I could see that getting to be a real pain in daily life. "Do I need the seats today or not?" "Do I have to use a Thule roof rack storage system every time I go out with people?" With all that said, I do love the Chevy Tahoe. For the first time in decades, I honestly think GM finally "gets" it. Tight seams, beautiful and SIMPLE interior, etc. Another thread.
See my sig. We're basically running what you're thinking about, except the 1-ton is thrown in for a 15,000# horse trailer.
I tried running an SUV as my DD a few years ago and all that dirty stuff, particularly gas/diesel cans just stinks the heck out of the interior. I just can't live without a truck as a DD. Everytime I needed the truck, it was at home and I was stuck folding down seats and trashing up the interior.
We also had a Tahoe before the Odyssey. The only SUV I'll consider for a family vehicle at this point is a Suburban/Yukon XL. We loved our Tahoe but it was not nearly as good at hauling people/stuff as the minivan. The price-tag and operational costs of a full loaded minivan is quite low compared to the full-size SUV's.
I can easily fit two carseats in the back of the Tundra and 3rd person in back is is relatively comfy. You just need a good versatile bed cover which I haven't figured out yet
We are in a similar situation to you: I have a Tundra DC and my wife now has a Civic Hybrid. My wife is due in March with our first child. We also have a 5000# boat. My wife had a Pilot before we got the hybrid. Now we don't have the extra child and my commute is about 2 miles (when I am working locally).
I spent a long time doing a lot of research and was coming to the same conclusions you are. SUVs are great, but in order to get the towing ability you are going to spend at least $10,000 more and you are still talking about short wheelbase vehicles vs. the long wheelbase Tundra DC (check out the Towing Forum if you have not already, it has some great information). We did love our Pilot but it just did not have the towing ability of the Tundra. Plus the Tundra is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I added a Truxedo Lo-pro cover and it is not 100% waterproof but when we pack things in the bed we take that into account and the small amount of water that gets in does not really hurt anything. The gas mileage in the Tundra is not great but it is a full size truck and I am getting about 13-14 in town, 17-20 on the highway, and 11-13 towing; which is about the same numbers if not a little higher than my parents are getting in their '06 Tahoe. This is also my first pickup truck and I have no idea how I lived without one, not only can you throw outdoor type gear and smelly stuff back there but I no longer need to get most things delivered and this is great for weekends working on the house, just go get what you need: mulch, firewood, drywall, lattice, new furniture, etc., etc. no waiting or fees.
Finally the LATCH system is behind the driver seat and the middle seat in the rear, the passenger side does not have it.
What I recommend is a nice taneau cover for the bed to keep it dry.
The problem with DC is it only has one Rear facing seat latch system for baby seats. (Driver Side)
I only have one kid so it's not a problem.
I think you said 8 months, so they're almost in forward facing seats.
You will be able to anchor forward facing seats in all 3 positions in the rear. There are anchors at seat and under seat.
Twins
My twins turned 5 last summer. I just traded in the mini-van for a 2006 DC last week. The van was great, almost a necessity when the twins are infants. Those sliding doors are just so easy to get in and out of and there is room for everything. Its was also much easier to clip in those car seats.
My truck is only 10 days old so I cant speak from a lot of experience, but I still have my twins and can give some input regarding them. First of all, they are tall for their age, and still have a hard time getting in and out of the Tundra. I have a set of nerf bars on the way. Secondly, the kids still have plenty of room in the back seat, and should be comfortable on long vacation/road trips.
This truck handles better than my previous trucks, more "car like" and I plan on using it as our new family car. Good luck with your twins.
I have twin 6 year olds and a 2002 access cab Tundra. This is my daily driver and does that very well. I haul the kids around from time to time and it seems to work well for that. Like you I needed 4WD and a pickup (as opposed to an SUV). Also, as many have mentioned, the ride is great.
Tundra as a daily driver, family car?
Twins
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