Tacoma vs Tundra for International overland travel

[rockandroll]

I had asked the group in fireside chat what the best vehicle would be for 2 traveling down to Cape Horn for 9 months and we arrived at a Toyota with a four wheel pop-up camper (FWC), or a Sportsmobile if cash weren't a problem. Now the question I pose to you is Tacoma or Tundra?

Because of cash constraints either one would be a 2002-03, so neither would be the newer larger models. For price a 4x4 access cab model ends up being about 13k (+1k for a Tundra).

Other considerations: I imagine after loading the rig up with a cabover camper and gear the MPG would be about equal. I like the extra cab storage with the Tundra which also affords me a slightly larger camper in the back. But is the Tundra as reliable as the Taco and would it be as easy to service while down south?

Are there any other drawbacks I'm not aware of?

 

[zukrider]

i personally have not ownes either, but am in a similar boat. i think that the size and extra power will put the tundra on top. only downside i have found to the tundra is no manual trans option. i love taco's, but the tundra will make you much happier.

i would also like to point you in the direction of the flippac! it will be lighter, more aerodynamic, and wont give much fuss in tight trees and such.

good luck with your choice and happy trails

joe

 

[kcowyo]

With a Four Wheel Camper, no doubt about it, the Tundra for three reasons; bigger gas tank, a super reliable V8 engine and access cab doors.

The 4.7L V8 may be Toyota's best kept secret, or at least it's most unsung hero. I can't speak for the ability to get it serviced in South America, but it certainly is one of the top 3 drivetrains I would want to take on an extended trip.

I have the Tacoma's drivetrain in a Tundra sized truck and it is ideal. No complaints there. But setting up & packing up would be so much easier if my truck had the rear doors. It's one of those things that may not sound important in the planning stages, but by the 9th morning on the trip, you'll be wishing you had them.

The FWC, with its hard top, will be an excellent choice for your trip. It has already been proven by the Wescott's Turtle Expeditions South America adventure 20 years ago. They have earned their reputation for reliability and durability with good reason.

You're definitely on the right track -

.

 

[Trail Monkey]

The older Tundras are really great, you get a good size and the little V8. But i would do a 7.3L diesel Sportsmobile.

 

[Applejack]

I say Tundra, even if only for it's size. Being the owner of an '05 Taco and having taken a few 1000+mile trips. Even with the extra roominess of these newer Taco's, the driving position is not as good (comfortable) as the Tundras for people of my size or bigger. I'm 6'2'' and about 200lbs and feel a little cramped and uncomfortable after about 500 miles. I couldn't imagine being trapped in a smaller cabin for mile after mile.

 

[ryguy]

I would chose a tundra. Having owned an 02 tacoma and being 6'2", it gets a little cramped on long trips.

 

[78Bronco]

I would choose the Tundra based on the requirement to carry a FWC and all your gear south.

 

[rockandroll]

:victory: Thanks for all of your replies so far! Sounds like it's nearly unanimous with the Tundra. I've found I can actually get a Tundra for slightly less than a similar Taco in my area, further convincing me Tundra is the way to go.

 

[GTABurnout]

I was going to mention that, I just bought a 4 door tundra and I love it. I wanted a tacoma but a 4 door tacoma was almost 5K more. Crazy, people love there tacos...

 

[Cackalak Han]

Did 00-04 Tundras get the same transmission as Tacomas? (4sp A340F). I know in 05, they switched to the 5sp auto with the vvti engine, right?

Comfort wise, no beating a Tundra. Great trucks. But I wouldn't hesitate to drive my Tacoma down, either (maybe with some different seats). Don't know if a double cab is acceptable for you, but I've seen a few go for $12-$13k. Some guy on Yotatech bought a clean one on eBay for $8k. 02 Tacoma DC TRD with 90k miles. He got a steal. I like the overall size better than a Tundra and aftermarket parts availability. I know there are some parts that interchange with Hilux down South (I think). Anyone know if this will be an issue with either vehicles? How is the OEM or aftermarket support down South?

 

[7wt]

A Tundra would make a sweet platform no doubt. The only draw back as I see it is the lack of a manual transmission and the extra width the thing totes around. The larger bed would make nice and comfy sleeping platform.

 

[01tundra]

Did 00-04 Tundras get the same transmission as Tacomas? (4sp A340F). I know in 05, they switched to the 5sp auto with the vvti engine, right?

Comfort wise, no beating a Tundra. Great trucks. But I wouldn't hesitate to drive my Tacoma down, either (maybe with some different seats). Don't know if a double cab is acceptable for you, but I've seen a few go for $12-$13k. Some guy on Yotatech bought a clean one on eBay for $8k. 02 Tacoma DC TRD with 90k miles. He got a steal. I like the overall size better than a Tundra and aftermarket parts availability. I know there are some parts that interchange with Hilux down South (I think). Anyone know if this will be an issue with either vehicles? How is the OEM or aftermarket support down South?

Yep, same transmission.

 

[4Rescue]

Add another vote for a Quad-cab 4.7 Tundra (In dark Charcoal greay or special spray it Dune Beige like the old Cruiser color :drool: ). Those trucks are so nice and occupy such a great little niche of "not too big, but not too small" trucks. This is litteraly the exact truck I'm trying to convince my Dad to go to to replace his rapidly againg and under-equiped to tow 98 4.0 XJ. It (the Tundra) will haul the FWC no problem and still be plenty capable off-road. I honestly think it might be one of Toyotas most overlooked Expo platform. The engine is more then up to the task, it's got a good payload, they're not too big not too small. I only wish there was a Manual tranny offered (although I'd imagine an r151 would work just fine behind it if you could find the bell housing). Man all this talk has me dreaming of 1st Gen Tundras. Such great trucks.

So when are you going to start your build ???

Cheers

Dave

 

[Haggis]

We just got our '06 Tundra DC back in February and so far have been very pleased with it. Since then we've put abpout 10,000 miles on it, about 4,000 miles on "ExPo" style trips. It's handled mud, rock shelves, wash out roads and sand way better than I thought it would. Performance and comfort wise it's the best truck I've ever had, plus I'm still averaging around 17.5 mpg. The 4.7 mil and the tranny are the best drivetrain I've ever had experience with, it's a hoot to drive.

My only (serious) complaint is the rear leafs. They're just to soft and makes these Tundras not true 1/2 ton trucks, more like 2/5 ton trucks. I was aware of this when I bought it and will be taking care of that this winter with a set of Deaver custom springs. OK the other complaint...I can't slide the truck gun under the rear seat because of the way they're designed.

 

[rockandroll]

Any idea on whether I should seek out a TRD for the trip?