I’ve owned several toyotas over the years and currently own a 2017 Tundra and a couple 4runners. We pull our 30’ grand design trailer and my dad’s fishing boat with the tundra and it does good. The only issue with mine was the stereo went out. Not a huge deal since I usually upgrade the sound system in my vehicles anyway. Some folk complain about the mpg but I honestly don’t think it’s too bad. I have 34” all terrain tires and still get 16.5 hand calculated on the freeway and about 13 in the city. It’s actually the same mpg as the 5.3 chevy I once owned and better than the f150 ecoboost I owned before this tundra but not as hungry as the lifted and supercharged 383 chevy truck from years ago I had. It is what it is. I do enjoy driving it and the note from the TRD dual exhaust is intoxicating. Aftermarket support for these tundras is pretty good as well.
If the tundra in question has been maintained properly and the price is right, I wouldn’t hesitate buying it. There are a few things to look out for when looking at these tundras. First off, if you live in the rust belt, thoroughly look underneath for rust in the bed channels and the truck frame itself. If it’s rusty, I’d probably pass. Next, I’d check the steering rack, specifically the inside tie rod boots of signs of a leaking rack. Not too bad to change out but it’s time consuming and most shops charge an arm and leg to change it. Next is the camshaft tower for signs of leaking. These can be observed by looking through the front wheel wells to the engine. These are usually no more than a seep but are a pain to fix and can be expensive. Of course, if someone was sloppy pouring in new oil, it’ll run down the valve cover and camshaft tower and look like a leak on the driver side. Next, make sure it shifts in and out of 4 wheel drive, hi and low range. These actuators can get sluggish with that much time/ mileage. Of course, with that much mileage there could be a few more things worn like bushings, bearings, brakes, etc., so check it out. These tundras have relatively low payload capacity compared to other new trucks. However, in my experience, they seem to actually handle the weight/trailers better than other trucks I’ve owned and towed with. The other downside to that year of tundra is the small fuel tank. It’s only 26 gallon and you’ll burn through it fairly quickly towing. This isn’t the end of the world if you don’t mind stopping. You can also upgrade/install the 38 gallon tank from the current generation of tundras or go with a 45 gallon tank from TransferFlow or Long Range Automotive, of course you can also just carry some 5 gallon gas cans.
