Upgrading Trucks Tundra, Gm, or f150

[loadsandlattes]

Another happy Tundra owner. 2018 Tundra with 66k miles, not a single issue aside from some damage to the front quarter panel from a hit and run. I tow a 14' trailer and full size Canam Defender quite a bit between ranch work, hunting, checking lease, etc. Tows very well and once you get used to the high revs, it's no big deal.

As others have mentioned, gas mileage is terrible unless you are a really gentle driver. I'm not. I average around 13mph per tank, give or take. Towing I get 9-10 mpg at highway speed.

 

[Highvoltage1]

Surprised you’re not considering a ram. I bought a 12 new, kept if for 10 years with zero mechanical issues. Biggest regret was selling it with 92k. I did replace the manifold bolts which is common but I averaged 15.5 City and 20 hwy. we pulled a trailer with an atv and all our gear from Wv to co and got 16 mpg. I always let it warm up a little before driving. My buddy was so impressed he got rid of his 2500 Chevy and bought a ram. He said it pulls his ranger way better than his 2500 ever did. Fast forward, I have a 19 ram 2500 and it’s a lot of truck. Pulls our 28’ bumper pull like a champ. We’re selling the camper, so I’m looking to sell now and move back to a 1500. Test drove a few trucks the other day and I was impressed with both 16’ tundra and 20’ f150. GMC with 6.2 was a step back. I need to drive a gen 5 ram to make up my mind. Best wishes.

 

[ztc92]

I’m the happy third owner of a 2010 Tundra and would also cast my vote to the Tundra given your choices. I’ve put about 30,000 miles on mine in the 3 years I’ve owned it and haven’t had a single issue. One word of warning though, which I learned the hard way with mine…

The second generation tundras (2007-2013) had a flaw that allowed moisture to get between the two layers of steel that make up the bed near the fenders. If that moisture includes salt, it will eventually create a characteristic pattern of rust that is basically impossible to fix without replacing the entire bed. Mine had this when I bought it but I didn’t know any better and found out too late. Ultimately I had a body shop do their best to address the rust and then rhino-line the bed, which I’m content with for now, but I’m sure it will be back eventually. I’ve attached a few photos of my bed with the rust pattern I’m referencing, but you can read a lot more about it here:

2nd Gen bed rust.

Well, I bout my 2011 about 4 months ago and it’s in great shape minus a few scratches and a couple parking lot door dings. I pulled the plastic liner...

www.tundras.com

 

[ztc92]

Oh also, regarding gas mileage, mine is a stock SR5 double cab, 6.5 foot box with the 5.7 engine. I’ve added a camper shell and homemade drawer system to the bed that’s probably 500 pounds. I get about 13 in the city and 15-17 on the highway depending on how hard I drive it. Given how capable and dependable my Tundra is, I’m perfectly okay with the lower MPG’s.

 

[rodney482]

2016 f150 w 2.7 …. Love it

 

[dan25]

thanks for that information about the bed rust. That's why these forums are awesome.

 

[bergdallj]

Been happy with the F150's I've owned.

 

[BurtMacklin]

2018 Tundra with 60k miles and no issues. Mine is leveled and I average 14 MPG. As everyone has said the mileage stinks but I love the truck.
Depending on where you live I would recommend getting a catalytic converter theft shield. They are easily accessible from underneath and it takes about 30 seconds to cut all 4 out. Last time I checked they were on backorder for months.

 

[Broomd]

Mileage update here for those interested:
Filled the tank twice since January 9th posting here. The first average was 18.6, the second, 19.1.
Forgot to punch the trip odo after that first fill-up. Grr!

Hauled about 425lbs in TSC grain and Winco groceries last night from CoeurD'Alene to home (57 miles over little Lolo pass) and still nailed 20 mpg to the house. 46 miles on highway at 65mph, 11 miles of gravel at 30+/- mph.

 

[couesbitten]

2nd owner of a 2008 Tundra, has 5.7 liter with 243,000 miles. Under normal conditions, I average 15 mpg, my milage doesn't fluctuate much unless I'm towing or it's time for an oil change. The truck has been great, but I did just replace the starter and I have a cracked exhaust manifold, otherwise, it's perfect.

 

[Icelk]

I’ve owned two tundras. 4.6 and 5.7.
Zero issues. Towed/hauled with both. Only downside, as everyone has said is mpg. But when you factor in the cost to fix and maintain other brands, I’ll take the slight increase in fuel cost.

 

[Broomd]

I’ve owned two tundras. 4.6 and 5.7.
Zero issues. Towed/hauled with both. Only downside, as everyone has said is mpg. But when you factor in the cost to fix and maintain other brands, I’ll take the slight increase in fuel cost.

I had the the 4.6 in my '08, and the 5.7 in the '20. Find the 5.7 to be a better motor all around.
More power, better economy. It isn't even close with the economy, likely due to the new 6 speed auto. The 4.6 was a bit smoother/quieter at idle.

What are your thoughts on how the engines compare?

 

[11boo]

I have the 21 tundra. Mileage is 15-16 mpg. Too new to say much else. 10k miles. I like it, but I need to figure out WTH happens when I chain up. Rear wheels grab, front don’t and it goes into kind of a limp mode. Some traction control thing, and it almost made me turn around.

 

[Thinkingman]

Buy a Tundra for the styling like everybody else.
Buy an F150 if you don't need a tall Subaru that gets 13mpg.

 

[Millwood21]

I have a 17 Tundra I just bought last year. I had Tacoma's in the past. Had two kids needed a bigger truck. Went against my gut and everyone saying mileage was terrible in the tundra and got a GMC. I sold the gmc after having oil leaks fixed at 50k and bought the tundra. Stock truck I got 17-20 mpg if I drove considerate. I lifted it 2.5" and put 37s on it and now I get about 12-13.5. Should have bought a tundra to begin with. I also had a 2012 eco boost f150 and I had to have intercooler replaced cats replaced and a new radiator. It was an early model eco boost but still that will steer you away in the future.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

I have 2 F-150s (work and personal) My work is the 5.0 and mine is a 3.5. As for mileage, mine does get better fuel mileage by 1/2 mpg but my work track has beefy KO2 tires on it. I am about to get new tires so we will know for sure what the comparison is. I am guessing my mileage will drop to 14 city/ 16 highway. We have a 28ft bumper pull camper. If I put the cruise on 65, I can get about 12 mpg. Any higher than that, I can watch the gage move.

 

[Savagenut]

Any thoughts on the Nissan titan? Resale looks horrible but I drive my vehicles until they die.


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[N.ID7803]

IMO- Just as if not more reliable than a Tundra. Resale is not that bad, but if you are driving it until is dies, who cares. I've owned one frontier and two titans, no major issues that were not covered under warranty. I will buy again until they quit making them.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Im looking for a dc tundra in cement color,a lot harder to find and I definitely don’t want the short bed on the crew,both my buddies have tundras and love them.

 

[tradman]

Stay away from anything GM. Stepfather has had his less than 2 years, transmission already has to be replaced after being in the shop twice already. GMs first two fixes were to change the AT fluid, and that the transmission slipping was normal. Transmission gave up the ghost while they were on their way home. Left stranded for a few hours until the tow truck picked them up. Dealer is paying 7k to replace with a new trans, if they can find a new one. Trucks been sitting at the dealer for 2 weeks now.