1st gen Tundra or new Tacoma for FWC?

[skiroc]

I'm looking to get a FWC camper and need to get a truck. I really like the size of the 1st gen Tundras and like that they have a V8. I can get an 05 or 06 for $15 - $20k. Should I be concerned about buying a truck that is 5 years old with 50 - 60k miles? I haven't bought a used car since I was a kid and I'm a little nervous about it. I only drive about 10k miles a year so could I reasonably expect this to last another 10 years and another 100k miles?

Another option is to get a new Tacoma. But the reason I like the Tundra option is that I can get the bigger Hawk, rather than the Eagle or Fleet.

I almost always travel by myself so maybe a Tacoma and Eagle or Fleet is big enough? I've never been inside a FWC so I don't know how much bigger a Hawk is.

Although cost is always a consideration, I am more concerned about getting the right truck. If a new Tacoma is the best option then I'll go for it. But if a 5 year old 1st gen Tundra will get me 8-10 years, then I might want to go that way which gives me a V8 and more room in the camper.

I'm going to FWC in a few weeks to check them out, but am interested in peoples thoughts on trucks.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Note: I'm a Toyota guy and anything bigger than the 1st gen Tundra is too big for the trails I go on. So a new Tundra or Fords and Chevy's are too big.

 

[RickNV]

I have owned two tacoma's. A 2003 and a 2007. The 2003 was a much better truck than the 2007. I bought a 2006 Tundra almost three years ago and it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. The 2006 tundra is the way I would go for sure. The gas milage on the tundra's v8 is about the same as I got on the 2007 v6 taco but is so much smoother and more powerful. My Tundra is an access cab not the four door. The suicide doors on the access cab are a big funky - thats the only thing I would redesign - most prefer the four door tundra. If Im not mistaken the engines in the 05 +06 Tundras are a big better (vvti) than older years. It might be challanging and expensive to find a mint 06 (last year) tundra with four wheel drive but be patient and prepared to spend full retail for the right one and try and avoid one that has been jacked up with big tires etc. I think the older model tundras are the most popular truck for the four wheel camper set-up. I have been tempted to get a Hawk or Kestral four wheel camper for quite some time. if your really lucky maybe you can find someone who is selling the combo. Out west I have seen several F150's with the four wheel campers- the new ford ecoboost turbo v6 offers similar gas milage to what an 06 tundra will give you and you might be able to get one at a pretty good price now. I would not consider the new Tundra right now if gas milage is an issure for you Plus a new redesigned Tundra will be out next year I believe. Also, keep in mind that the bed in the older style access cab tundra is a different depth/size than the four door model so if your thinking about switching trucks or getting the access cab the Hawk model will be more versitel and fit the four door better and the access cab which will take a Kestrel model (shorter height). good luck and keep us posted on what you get. did you see the new videos that Stan posted at four wheel campers? Rick

 

[JCMatthews]

I purchased an '05 Tundra last May with just over 40 K on the clock. It is in great shape, and it has no known problems. I would not hesitate to get another one. I did my research, and knew that the '05s had the most horsepower available with the 4.7 so that was the year I picked. I test drove a couple and choose the one I felt was the best. Also, for hauling a camper, I'd choose a Tundra over the Tacoma any day. The Tacoma has its strong points, but if you are hauling a load the larger motor and payload of the Tundra will be welcomed. Also, for long overland type trips the larger cab interior will be nicer as well. I have the double cab model and love the back seat. It makes it a little long, but has not stopped me from playing in Moab and driving through the Maze District of Canyonlands.
When it comes to choosing a camper the Hawk model fits both trucks as well as any short bed camper model will. The difference in the beds is the depth. The length and width are the same. The cab is slightly taller on the douible cabe as well.

 

[NothingClever]

I purchased an '05 Tundra last May with just over 40 K on the clock.

JC shoots...he SCORES!

Belated congratulations on finding a jewel.

 

[motochain]

I've got a 2000 Tundra I'll be selling soon. You won't have to do a thing to it. PM me if you're interested.

 

[bluedog]

I have my 05 Tundra double cab since new, 85,000 miles later, no mechanical issues at all.


B

 

[YukonRob]

I have an 06 Tundra dc and love it. The only caveat I would add is that the aftermarket support is somewhat limited, so if you have a long list of additional mods you plan on doing it might be a challenge.

 

[Overland Hadley]

I like my Tacoma.

 

[jim65wagon]

I love my Tundra:sombrero:

 

[Chainslap]

I've had my 95.5 Tacoma for almost 10 years and love the thing to death...I've driven a couple of the 05+ Tacoma's and was really unimpressed. Muuuch cheaper feeling.

I think my next truck will also be the 05/06 Tundra though. Shooting for 300k miles on the Tacoma, I'm at 222K. I think it's more likely to get totaled then die, ha...

 

[Runt]

If you are doing a lot of off roading or tough terrain in my opinion the Tacoma is a better platform with a very light FWC (shell or Eagle). Other then that the Tundra has the Tacoma beat for carrying around a camper. I own a Tacoma & it kicks *** off road but on road the full size power and room would be nice. However I do not regret buying the Tacoma. Fuel economy I would think would be similiar. Those Tacoma 4.0L 1GR motors are thirsty little suckers!

 

[Flagster]

If you are doing a lot of off roading or tough terrain in my opinion the Tacoma is a better platform with a very light FWC (shell or Eagle). Other then that the Tundra has the Tacoma beat for carrying around a camper. I own a Tacoma & it kicks *** off road but on road the full size power and room would be nice. However I do not regret buying the Tacoma. Fuel economy I would think would be similiar. Those Tacoma 4.0L 1GR motors are thirsty little suckers!

I think Runt nailed it...smaller package/e locker/lots more aftermarket for the tacomas (compared to 1st gen tundras)...but I think you need to go as light as possible if you chose the tacoma. My 2005 Double Cab 4x4 only has a 1200lb payload...that only allows for about 900 lbs of gear/camper/fuel/etc after my girlfriend and me. And also sucks gas after a lift/tires/winchbar/shell/etc...15-17mpg at most...
I would go at least 1/2 ton (tundra) if I was dishing out the $$$$ for a nice pop up camper and get a slightly bigger camper...I think even then you would be close to maxing out your payload...2500/3500 is probably the safest if you have lots of gear...

 

[bill harr]

You can off road with a Tundra and Hawk.

Me on Slick Rock Road, Alpine Co. CA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJeADuBSP54

Bill

 

[jim65wagon]

I think what most people fail to realize is just how close in size the 2005+ Tacoma and the 2000-2006 Access Cab Tundra are to each other. The difference is:
……………........Tundra………………………………........Tacoma
Wheelbase:…Access Cab:..128.3 in………………. Access Cab: ………....…...127.8 in
...................Double Cab:.140.5 in………………..Double Cab Long Bed:...140.9 in


Length: Access Cab: 2000-04: 217.5 in……… Access Cab: ……...……..208.1 in
............Double Cab:............. 230.1 in……… Double Cab Long Bed: 221.3 in
............Access Cab: 2005-06 218.3 in

Width: Access Cab:.....75.2 in …………………….4WD:........................ 74.7 in
Double Cab & Limited: 79.3 in

It's really only inches, but that few inches gains you a more comfortable riding vehicle with a more comfortable seating position (and seats), a sweet V8 that gets good mileage, and decent elbow room in the cab......and a real fullsize steel bed.
.
If those few inches seem way too large for you, your best bet is to find a 2004 or earlier Tacoma....unless you don't mind scratches on your beautiful truck....:sombrero:

.
The only real gain the 2005+ Tacoma has over the Tundra is the rear locker, but ARB has an app for that.....

 

[Overland Hadley]

I think what most people fail to realize is just how close in size the 2005+ Tacoma and the 2000-2006 Access Cab Tundra are to each other. The difference is:
……………........Tundra………………………………........Tacoma
Wheelbase:…Access Cab:..128.3 in………………. Access Cab: ………....…...127.8 in
...................Double Cab:.140.5 in………………..Double Cab Long Bed:...140.9 in


Length: Access Cab: 2000-04: 217.5 in……… Access Cab: ……...……..208.1 in
............Double Cab:............. 230.1 in……… Double Cab Long Bed: 221.3 in
............Access Cab: 2005-06 218.3 in

Width: Access Cab:.....75.2 in …………………….4WD:........................ 74.7 in
Double Cab & Limited: 79.3 in

What is the payload of the 05-06 Tundra?