Things in life change, and we had to sell our 1st generation tundra (realize that I need to update my signature) in order to help pay for wife's school. We are finally getting back on our feet and looking to purchase a 2nd generation tundra to help support our family outdoor lifestyle and weekend adventures. Most likely, we will purchase a canopy right away, and I will build a sleeping platform in the back to use for warm weekend excursion. But down the road, I am pretty keen on purchasing a hallmark Milner pop up camper (dry weight of 1200#s and I expect fully loaded to be 2100-2200#s) to go on a extended trips. We have 2 kids (age 6 and 9) and a dog.
So I know that I want 2010+ model (6 speed auto in 4.6 and major advancements in safety airbags), double cab, leather seats and of course 4x4. What I am having huge trouble deciding is the engine. the 4.6 vs 5.7. The criteria I am looking at (in order) is:
1. reliability (which I am factoring in the smaller engine will struggle more with added weight of camper),
2. gas mileage, (again, camper being a factor)
3. lower cost of maintenance
4. adequate power
5. able to do the job
So I am leaning towards the 4.6l as it seems that 95% of the time, would be the perfect engine for my needs with loading the kids up for a 3 day camping trip, or heading up with the buddies to go mountain biking, or road trip for a week long ski trip (no camper) as we would have more than enough power, I expect, better mileage and meet my criteria. What is making it a challenge, is the camper part. If we got a camper, would the 4.6l be underpower and would the engine struggle all the time? Would this add additional wear and tear on the engine and make it less reliable. Would the gas mileage be worse?
Also, I have heard people say that the they are getting the same mileage (unloaded) in the 5.7 as compared to the 4.6. I wonder if I got the 5.7l without the towing package and the gear ratio of 4.10 (vs 4.30) --is this statement true?? and would get better mileage, and that would fit the bill. I doubt I would over head the tranny when loaded with the camper. Except, a 5.7l without the towing package AND with leather seat, is that even an option?
And advice is greatly appreciated.
So I know that I want 2010+ model (6 speed auto in 4.6 and major advancements in safety airbags), double cab, leather seats and of course 4x4. What I am having huge trouble deciding is the engine. the 4.6 vs 5.7. The criteria I am looking at (in order) is:
1. reliability (which I am factoring in the smaller engine will struggle more with added weight of camper),
2. gas mileage, (again, camper being a factor)
3. lower cost of maintenance
4. adequate power
5. able to do the job
So I am leaning towards the 4.6l as it seems that 95% of the time, would be the perfect engine for my needs with loading the kids up for a 3 day camping trip, or heading up with the buddies to go mountain biking, or road trip for a week long ski trip (no camper) as we would have more than enough power, I expect, better mileage and meet my criteria. What is making it a challenge, is the camper part. If we got a camper, would the 4.6l be underpower and would the engine struggle all the time? Would this add additional wear and tear on the engine and make it less reliable. Would the gas mileage be worse?
Also, I have heard people say that the they are getting the same mileage (unloaded) in the 5.7 as compared to the 4.6. I wonder if I got the 5.7l without the towing package and the gear ratio of 4.10 (vs 4.30) --is this statement true?? and would get better mileage, and that would fit the bill. I doubt I would over head the tranny when loaded with the camper. Except, a 5.7l without the towing package AND with leather seat, is that even an option?
And advice is greatly appreciated.