Quote:
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Originally Posted by steve_peq
Hello,
I am currently a 2000 Dodge Durango owner but am looking for a replacement. After being a very happy Toyota owner for many years (celica, 4-runner, extended cab v-6 pick-up), I regret making the move to Dodge but at the time Toyota didn't have a V-8 solution to my towing needs.
Current vehicles that I am considering:
- Toyota Tundra
- Ford F-150
- Nissan Titan
The question I have about the Tundra is the towing capabilities of the truck. I have a 4,000 LB boat on a tandem trailer and am wondering if you've got any feedback on the truck's towability.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve.
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As others have mentioned above, your short answer is yes, any
V8 Tundra
should handle a 4000 lb boat. But "should" will get sometimes get you into big trouble.
The correct way to determine this is (as Ken suggests) to subtract the expected maximum loaded truck weight from the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). All V8 Tundras have a GCWR of 11,800 lbs. The typical loaded weight ranges a lot depending on which model (standard, Access, or Double Cab) and whether or not it has 4WD. It also ranges a lot depending on how you load the truck. However, a loaded (for a trip) AC or Double Cab 4WD will often run between 5700 and 6200 lbs. Lets assume a typical 5800 lbs. Subtracting 5800 from 11,800 means your total trailer weight (boat, accessories, and trailer) could way as much as 6000 lbs. Allowing a 10% safety margin, that means the maximum weight of boat with trailer is 5400 lbs. Lets assume your trailer weighs 1000 lbs...with your 4000 lb boat, your total is 5000 lbs which is close to but under the maximum. So far, so good. But you also have to consider that some percentage (lets assume 10%) of the boat weight is being carried by the hitch. In this case that would be 500 lbs...and that 500 lbs has to considered in the total truck weight, which can't exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 6200 lbs (this GVWR applies to all V8 Tundras, regardless of cab). Sooooo, adding 500 to 5800 puts us at 6300 which is a bit over the allowed. You're going to have not take something so your truck loaded, but without trailer, is under 5700.
The bottom line is the Tundra can handle a 4000 lb boat on a 1000 lb trailer but only if you fairly lightly load the truck, particularly if it's the very heavy Double Cab: 2 adults max, 2 kids max, not much cargo in the bed. If your trailer is lighter, then more in the truck; if the trailer is heavier than 1000 lbs, then much less in the truck. If the weight you gave is for boat with trailer, then no problems at all.
Ray
Towing Moderator