If you were going to have a do everything Tacoma or Tundra, what model would you get.

[JCMatthews]

I know that I chimed in on page 2, but I thought I would expound a little. I used to drive a lifted Jeep Cherokee that was locked and geared and I rock crawled it all over Moab. I wanted to replace it with a first generation TRD DC Tacoma, but knew we would never fit. So I purchased an '05 DC Tundra. I chose the '05 because it has the VVTi 4.7l V8 rated @ 282 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque mated to a the new 5 speed automatic. This was quite a jump from the previous years 4.7l V8 rated @ 245 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque mated to only a 4 speed automatic.

I knew that the Tundra would never replace the Cherokee as a rock crawler, but it would be going off-road. To make it more capable I lifted the front 2" using bilstien 5100 adjustable shocks, and an AAL in the rear. I am currently running 285/75/17 Cooper ST Maxx tires. My truck is my DD and has been quite reliable. Set up this way I range from 15-17.5 mpg.

I moved into the Tundra to accommodate my growing family of 5. I have a 14, 13, and 9 year old, and they require plenty of room. They have never complained about being crowded in the back seat, or uncomfortable. I have ridden back there as well as my wife and 69 year old mother, and we have all been very comfortable.

I have added a cap to the back, built a sleeping/storage platform, and tow a small military M416 trailer. We could probably do without the trailer, but it has become our mobile kitchen.

Looking back on page 2 you can see that it is rather capable off road for something of its size. Last summer we completed a 31 day 8043 mile trip to Alaska. We have been more than happy with the truck, and could never have been happy in something smaller.

Now I know that I am talking about a first generation Tundra, and you have said they are getting old and hard to find with low miles. This is true, but I am really talking about size. My truck is not small. They are shaped in a way that they don't look as wide as the current Tundras, but they are less than an inch narrower. My truck is as wide as and longer than a Ford Excursion so I know what it is like to drive a full size vehicle daily and on long trips. Coming from the Cherokee this is so much better to drive anywhere (We also drove the Jeep to Alaska.) than the Jeep. It will go most of the places I want to go, and on the rare occasion I have to turn around it is okay. Find a second or third gen Tundra that you can afford, and go for it. It will fill big until it is completely full of your gear and family, and everyone will be comfortable and enjoy their trip.

 

[wrenchMonkey_]

I love my 2006 DC Limited Tundra. If I were to do it over again, I'd get a GX470. Same engine, full time 4WD. Useable internal cargo space. Not as long nor wide. Kinda sorta stopped putting $ into my truck while I re-eval what I really want/need.

 

[montypower]

Hey, montypower, I'm not calling you out, because you've got a lot of credibility with me as I've followed your ventures over the years. But I have to question the 20MPG claim on the Tundra. I was truck shopping a couple of months ago and it was between the Tundra and F150. Both drove very nice, both had large fuel tanks (38 gal, 36 gal). I was leaning towards the Tundra, but one thing kept me from getting it: MPG. Three of my friends have Tundras: 2008, 2009 and 2016. None are getting anywhere close to 20MPG. In fact, most are at 16MPG on the highway and an average of 13-14MPG overall. Yours must be a freak of nature if you're getting 20. If I knew that was possible, I may have gone for the Tundra.
.
By the way, 100% agreed with the rest of what you said--XL tank, 5.7L, bed size--all great!

Here's the numbers. I keep all records.

2010 Tundra DC Limited 4x4 - Ownership average 16.50 http://gitout.com/apics/10tundra/MPG/2010%20Tundra%20MPG.pdf

2016 Tundra DC Limited 4x4 - Ownership average 16.38 http://gitout.com/apics/10tundra/MPG/2016%20Tundra%20MPG.pdf

The 2016 Tundra dash MPG average computer has been within .1 mpg every fill up. I reset it after each fill. Driving to Bend and back it will be at 20-21mpg. Then I kill the mileage driving around town or hauling stuff. Even hauling the Tuffport Shell down from Canada it got over 16mpg and much was in 4WD in snow and buzzing around the village. The key with these big motors is to get to speed quickly. Don't drive like grandma. Get to speed and get out of the throttle. Mileage sucks if you are constantly on the throttle, even if you drive slow. Driver determines the mileage.

 

[Mojavejohn]

Thank you. I see you have an FJC. How does that compare to the Tacoma?

I love the FJ. It's a blast to drive on and off-road. Unfortunately it's my wife's and I rarely get to take it off-road. It's really a little to small to take hunting, or take on long trips with the kids/dog. My plan was to get my wife to give me the FJ as a DD and occasional hunting rig. I was going to keep my high mileage Silverado as a work/camping rig and buy her the car of her dreams. Unfortunately, the car of her dreams is way, way out of my price range. The Tacoma is a good compromise between the two. It does outstanding off-road. I've taken it on some difficult trails in search of the red legged devil, AKA chukar. I load it up with my hunting gear no problem. One day the FJ will be mine...One day.

 

[Pax2525]

Ha well I might as well chime in as I just read all the pages and have been in the same boat before.

I have a family of 4 about to be 5. I owned a 2006 double cab tundra but ended up selling it for a 2004 4Runner. I sold it for a couple reasons, one was the overall terrible mileage it got. I've tried driving like a grandma on a 5 HR drive and still only for 17mpg and it was a 2wd. Not terrible but come on. The 2nd reason which I haven't seen anyone say is the gas tank issue. I would have to manually hold the pump pretty frequently. My buddies all have the same issue. Lastly turning radius was terrible.

I looked at Tacomas but the price ranges are stupid expensive so I had opted for a full size. My buddies have had Tacomas and all have sold or slightly regret it. They've told me for mileage and space reason, they wish they would've gone tundra.

We ended up buying a 2003 sequoia to be the kid hauler camping vehicle because of #3 on the way. It's an awesome rig. Terrible mpg still but it's got a ton of room. I also like the larger towing capacity over my 4Runner

I'm torn on if we were to upgrade whether I'd go back to a truck or upgrade to a new sequoia. I love trucks and use them for their purpose a ton but have enjoyed the SUV's and made it work when needed a real truck.

Just my .02. Either way you'll be stoked I'm sure. Enjoy the ride and just get outside with the family!

 

[deeve]

Thanks again for all the info. We have a Grand Cherokee Overland as the "practical" family car, which also happens to be my wife car so I feel you Mojavejohn. IN all honestly, it is a High Altitude version and way too nice to take into the great unknown and get all muddy inside. I have been feeling like if I went 4Runner, it would be like owning two vehicles of the same type. The FJ is different enough that it would work, but I have yet to test drive one. I am thinking the rear seat might be a bit confining and the visibility out a knock on it.
A 4door Wrangler isn't out, but it aint no toyota.
DAVE

 

[bkg]

Here's the numbers. I keep all records.

2010 Tundra DC Limited 4x4 - Ownership average 16.50 http://gitout.com/apics/10tundra/MPG/2010%20Tundra%20MPG.pdf

2016 Tundra DC Limited 4x4 - Ownership average 16.38 http://gitout.com/apics/10tundra/MPG/2016%20Tundra%20MPG.pdf

The 2016 Tundra dash MPG average computer has been within .1 mpg every fill up. I reset it after each fill. Driving to Bend and back it will be at 20-21mpg. Then I kill the mileage driving around town or hauling stuff. Even hauling the Tuffport Shell down from Canada it got over 16mpg and much was in 4WD in snow and buzzing around the village. The key with these big motors is to get to speed quickly. Don't drive like grandma. Get to speed and get out of the throttle. Mileage sucks if you are constantly on the throttle, even if you drive slow. Driver determines the mileage.

My '15 has never topped 17....

 

[JCMatthews]

The 2nd reason which I haven't seen anyone say is the gas tank issue. I would have to manually hold the pump pretty frequently. My buddies all have the same issue.

Interesting, I've owned my '05 Tundra since May of 2010, and have put 50,000 miles on it and not only have I never had this issue, this is the first I've heard of it.

 

[Pax2525]

Makes me wonder if its a CA thing? Ive noticed pumps are different in different states so who knows?? But i know me and several buddies have all had the issues in So Cal

Interesting, I've owned my '05 Tundra since May of 2010, and have put 50,000 miles on it and not only have I never had this issue, this is the first I've heard of it.

 

[Mojavejohn]

Thanks again for all the info. We have a Grand Cherokee Overland as the "practical" family car, which also happens to be my wife car so I feel you Mojavejohn. IN all honestly, it is a High Altitude version and way too nice to take into the great unknown and get all muddy inside. I have been feeling like if I went 4Runner, it would be like owning two vehicles of the same type. The FJ is different enough that it would work, but I have yet to test drive one. I am thinking the rear seat might be a bit confining and the visibility out a knock on it.
A 4door Wrangler isn't out, but it aint no toyota.
DAVE

The rear seats in the FJ give you even less room than the Taco. The visibility is a little tough, but you really do get used to it. It's still a great car, just very prohibitive for your sized family. It wouldn't be to bad for short trips, but long trips would be really tough. You'd definitely need a small trailer to carry any amount of gear with you....Those Wranglers are really nice, but like you said, "it aint no Toyota".

 

[JCMatthews]

Makes me wonder if its a CA thing? Ive noticed pumps are different in different states so who knows?? But i know me and several buddies have all had the issues in So Cal

Maybe it's a California thing. I've gassed up in UT, ID, MT, CO, WY, NV, WA, AK, and in three different Canadian provinces.

 

[Clutch]

Maybe it's a California thing. I've gassed up in UT, ID, MT, CO, WY, NV, WA, AK, and in three different Canadian provinces.

My Trooper tends to be fussy with the gas nozzle, guessing it is how the bend in the filler neck is...it has to be in there just right or it kicks off.

It has been a while since I have been in California, but don't they have that flexible corrugated rubber hose over the nozzle to prevent off gassing? IIRC it is like that in Oregon. It tends to pushed the nozzle back just enough. Perhaps that is it?

 

[cycleman4]

I am not decided 100% between the Tacoma and Tundra, but I am looking for reasons why a Tacoma DCLB wouldn't be the best choice. My 9 year old is going to be a big kid, but if I can fit back there at 6'3" 260 then he should be ok for a while! I do plan on putting a small 2-3" lift on it at some point because I like the look, functionality, and with the DCLB I think it proportionally makes it look better. I am NOT certain how useful the locking differential or off road suspension would be, especially if I plan on the small lift.

My question is, if you were in my shoes, what would you go with and which trim?[/QUOTE]

I maybe to late to the party to chime in but....I have to girls 8 and 11 and I went with a truck that can be my daily driver and handle back country exploring. I also wanted enough rear seat space so they didn't feel cramped. This is what I have done so far. I plan on putting a RTT up top at some point. I am beyond happy with this truck. I didn't want to put a lift or huge tires on so this works great. I will however replace the current shoes for KO2's.

 

[p nut]

I maybe to late to the party to chime in but....I have to girls 8 and 11 and I went with a truck that can be my daily driver and handle back country exploring. I also wanted enough rear seat space so they didn't feel cramped. This is what I have done so far. I plan on putting a RTT up top at some point. I am beyond happy with this truck. I didn't want to put a lift or huge tires on so this works great. I will however replace the current shoes for KO2's.

That's a nice looking tundra! Two girls for me as well, and they love the back seat space on the full size. Also helps keep the peace on long road trips!

By the way, KO2's are superb. 100% happy with mine, although you will see a slight MPG drop. Well worth the performance and protection over crappy stock tires.

 

[TheSkeeter]

I just sold my 05 Tundra AC 4x4 and bought a lightly used 07 double cab. It amazed me at the room in the DC. A 70+ year old guy had it and only mod is true dual flowmaster. It's the SR5 4x4 with the 5.7. I've been averaging 18 mpg mixed but I also drive the speed limit or less. It truly looks and drives like a new one at 96,000 miles. I'd imagine it would be 20 mpg hwy if I took it out for a drive but I haven't yet. It's running 275/65r18 Michelin ltx ms2 tires.

I also have a 14 4runner sr5 that has averaged 19+ mpg over the first 30,000 miles.

I am 6'4 270 pounds. The wife is 5'11 170 and we have a 2 year old in a seat. The DC gives us plenty of room.

With that said, if I were you, I'd personally look at a crew cab Tundra or SUV. I really liked the 05-06 DC Tundra but the 07 kinda fell in my lap. The back seats are really bigger than expected in the DC but the crew cabs are bigger... the 07 and up crews are crazy big.

In the 4runner, the wife sits behind me on trips with the boy. The rear has lots of storage too. We routinely travel with our luggage and a 85 pound shepherd in the back.