I think you got a good eye opening experience there. I could even see the trailer sway a little when the tractor and trailer passed you. Most people see these astronomical tow ratings and think they are fine but your car trailer is a load even for a 3/4 ton if we are being honest. It’s too much for a half ton. 9000 pounds on an open trailer is probably OK for a half ton but 9000 pounds with a big box behind you is pushing it. I agree with you. Safety first. Power is never the problem with the half tons but stopping and just handling the weight is. That trailer is probably close to 4000 pounds heavier than a half ton. That’s almost twice its weight.

Wished Toyota would build a 2500 HD and 3500 HD Tundra diesel.

The Tundra 5.7 being a 3/4...I mean 1/2 ton with a 4:30 diff, 6-S gears. I had zero problems towing a 35FT DBH plus a hugh toolbox in the bed from MI to Washington the state. I pulled it over the rookies with no problems. My Tundra has 270K, runs great,

I've got a '14 Tundra that pulls a 36' Travel trailer (7500 lbs dry) with WDH and sway control. I do 70mph all the time unless I'm going up a steep hill. Never have any problems at all with it. Love my Tundra! Just wish they made a 3/4 ton!

I think you provided a fairly objective review and I appreciate that. I will say that I worked for a RV dealer as their towing resource for a number of years and my personal truck is the Tundra with the 5.7l and I tow a 30' RV trailer that when loaded for camping, is 7,800 lbs. Would a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel pull it better? Sure! But, I only tow about 7-8% of the total annual miles I put on the truck each year, so I'm perfectly happy with the Tundra. First thing, as mentioned in the video, is a properly setup weight distribution system. That is a given even with a heavier duty 3/4 or 1 ton truck, but especially so on a half ton! However, while air bags will lift up the rear some, bags won't do anything to make it "feel" more in control when driving, just makes it "look" better. Air bags are helpful when you have cargo weight in the bed of the pickup over the rear axle such as a truck camper in the bed, hauling firewood, or even a fifth wheel hitch that sits 2" forward of the rear axle. When you have a bumper tow trailer, air bags don't do anything other than offer a cosmetic improvement.

A trailer like that would require a weight distribution hitch with sway control. It would be worth doing this over with the proper hitch setup.

Awesome video bro. I recently got my 2020 TRD sport. And I do love it. Yesterday, I towed with it for the first time. Pulled a 2,300lb trailer with a 08 ford explorer on top. Roughly 7,600. Total and towed with no issue .

Great video, pretty informative , just recently picked up our trailer and got a tundra to go with it, WD hitch and all. It tows fairly comfortably, but it’s kind of a difference of it can tow heavy VS Wants to tow heavy. If you want a DD that can tow the tundra fits the bill pretty well, but if you want a truck that will tow and can be a DD stepping up may be in order.

Very nice job on your vids!...very detailed and very informative thank-you!

Great review. This is my first time seeing any of your videos, but it's clear that you know what you're talking about and that you are comfortable towing trailers.

100% facts!! After 15yrs of camping on weekends and loading the 1/2 tons I've had I finally bought a 01 gmc 2500HD with the 8.1/Allison trans with 4.10 rear. Holy shit!!! Night and day difference and no more white knuckle driving. To be fair I was close to max tow on the half tons but now I've got way more truck I need with our 9k trailer. No I enjoy towing rather than dreading it.

Great job on the review! I subscribed!

I'm glad you pointed out the weight distribution hitch. I can't understand why anyone would not use one with a haft ton. It should be standard equipment .

This guy needs a Weight Distribution Hitch for a better experience. Tundra super reliable.

The Tundra can still handle it's own when it comes to towing especially compared to the big 3 with their constant updates. I test drove all 5 of the half ton V8s with my 7500# TT with WDH and surprisingly the Tundra seemed to have the best overall handling to power ratio. You can clearly tell they were built with towing in mind.

I have a 2020 sr5 tundra . Until this truck I towed with diesel trucks. I’m here to tell you the way these trucks tow is UNREAL! If you want a dependable truck that will tow almost anything you put behind it buy one of these trucks. As you can tell I’m extremely pleased with mine.

How cool is this guy he should have his own television show

I've got a 2014 Tundra. With a half ton towing 10k you really need to take the time to center the weight on the trailer axles. Slightly forward makes a big difference towing and eliminating the sway. I also put in trailer brakes, air bags and the heavy duty square bar sway bars. Every little bit helps.

So far I've towed over 11,000 miles coast to coast/north and south across the country (many times over many mountain passes) almost maxed out. I use a weight distribution/anti sway hitch. I also have air bags that keep it level and solid. It's also lifted with oversize tires. I can two finger drive it in high winds and even when passed by semis, although I usually don't LOL. This truck is solid as a rock and does amazing. Use manual and tow/haul. Nice video !

I would probably tow with this setup, max a few times a month with a WDH set up properly. Any more frequently than that it's HD pickup time. That being said I like the Tundras.

I have a 2016 Tundra crewmax limited with tow package. I tow a 8,500 lb Travel Trailer and use an equalizer WDH with 4 point sway control. I have now towed it over 30 hours, up steep hills, curves, hundreds of tractor trailers passing and no problems.

Awesome review, nice job! Cheers

Great video man. I have the same truck in the pro trim. Honestly hearing that 5.7 wind out like that pulling that weight makes me not ever want to tow close to max weight LOL.

I finally bought my truck 😂. I bought a 2018 tundra crewmax limited. Mesquite brown on black leather. Only 16k miles. 4x4 trd off-road with those exact rims. I’m so in love with the truck. She’s beautiful!! I’m extremely happy with her. Took a while for me to narrow down my truck but I finally got it and I finally did it.

Love the videos, I sold my old hitch like yours here due to towing issues with it. It wobbles, moves and you feel like inside the truck at the steering wheel. I prefer a solid hitch now always...keep up the good work

Great job! That was fun and informative!

I have a 2015 Platinum and your comment of feeling tired and not wanting to travel for very long is, DEAD ON BALLS ACCURATE!

I just traded my 2018 Tundra Limited Crewmax for a RAM 2500. I loved my awesome Tundra but simply need a 3/4 truck for heavier towing that I do now. Love Toyota!

I have a 18 Tundra, with Tembren bump stops ,I have a 7 thousand pound toy hauler with WDH.. Those stock mirrors suck.. Put it Manuel mode an you can pass anybody.

I'd like to say a few things. I own a 2018 Tundra CrewMax, and I've towed pretty heavy with it on multiple occasions (10k lbs loaded dump trailer). Keep in mind, the Tundra is still only a half-ton, and therefore isn't as capable as a 3/4 or 1-ton truck. While 9000lbs is within the capabilities of the truck, you definitely pointed out that the Tundra feels pretty 'sketchy', and I would tend to agree with you. BUT, I'd temper that by saying that a half ton (any half ton) is probably most comfortable towing around 6000lbs. If you're towing close to the maximum rating often, you need a bigger truck, as you should only occasionally be towing close to the max (I know you know this, given that you have an HD). With regards to the brakes, well, Tundra's brake controller needs to be set with quite a high gain. When you were testing out the brakes in the parking lot, it sounded like the Tundra's ABS was kicking on, and I'm pretty sure I heard tires screeching as the Tundra locked up its tires. On a trailer that big and heavy, I'd try setting the Gain closer towards the top end. Toyota has issued a few TSB's concerning the brake controller not being powerful enough, and I'm not sure if it would have been resolved on the truck you're driving here. All that being said, when you keep the trailer loads reasonable, I find the Tundra to be a very capable hauler. The 5.7 is powerful, the transmission is responsive and decisive, and that 4.30 rear end is amazing. The Tundra is also a relatively heavy half-ton, which helps lessen the impact a trailer has on the truck.

Good video. Thanks for taking the time to do videos like this. Btw. You also failed to put a trailer coupler pin in place, not sure what the law is there but around here that will get you a fine. Cheers

I have airbags and 5th wheel I use twice a week. Never had any problems. Although the first thing I did my 2007 was upgrade the brakes.

Nice review. Just bought a 2014. I tow small trailers only.

I regularly tow 16 ft trailer and I love it.

Agree with the adjustable lights. I use mine all of the time. Great to have them set low when driving slower in town, and then set them higher for more down-the-road spread when driving fast. That allows for more reaction time. Interior of Tundra, agreed as well...Meh. However, Tundras don't cost $70k either. 2021 Ford F150, $74,250; 2021 Toyo Tundra $53,050. That's a $21,000 difference (not counting the $1,450 tax difference at 7%...never mind if you have to finance). The difference will buy another car...for my wife. Note: the trailer he's using looks like a 24', which I looked up online (exact trailer) and found it to be 3800 lbs empty. The Charger Hellcat is 4586 lbs, for a total of 8386 lbs. That's some serious weight to pull with a standard truck (non 5th-wheel). Not saying it can't be done, but emergency situations may have dire consequences. Me personally, I would not tow that weight with that truck. I own a 2013 Tundra, also black, TRD-SR5 with a 4.30 rear axle ratio, and love it. Just put money into it for the first time ever: Brake job all around, including bleeding lines/flush, resurface and new brake pads, oil change-full synthetic of course, tire rotation and new lifetime battery. Total cost was $854.00 with a military discount of 10%, at the dealership. Not bad for a 8.5 year old truck. That breaks down to an average of $100 per year. I will admit that I only have 68k miles on her though. And, I've been in a GMC Sierra, XLT, with leather seats. I'll take my cloth seats over the Sierra's any day. They are larger and more comfortable. The Sierra seats are way too firm. Not to mention the cavernous back seat area which would swallow the Sierra back seat space. My kids love the space. I'm expecting to drive my T another 200k. Additional plus, my Tundra was built in Alabama, by American hands, not Mexico. Well, robotic AND human hands. Safety note: Complete ALL tasks prior to putting your car in drive, ie., seat belt. Great video and review. Well done!

Thank You very much for your excellent, derailed, practical and honest review, please stay safe out there. I'm on mission to choose a truck between toyota and other 3 other manufacures, to tow light rv trailer for long haul. Your excellent review and few others are essential part of my decision making. Thank You

Very Nice Truck. Let me share what I've done to mine. Added OEM Tow Mirrors, buy online through dealers, only cost $450 pair, local dealer wanted over $800. Best part, factory plug in adds side marker lights w/directional. Also best hitch made, Bulletproof, USA. Well worth the cost. Love my Tundra. Best of luck with yours.

This seems more like a "how not to tow" video. I'm glad you pointed out that bags and WDH would be better. You also need to take the Gain all the way up to 10 with a load that heavy. Would never attempt this weight in my Tundra or any other half ton for that matter. I tow my TT between 6500 and 7000lbs with air bags set to about 30-35 psi, appropriate Weight distribution hitch , and full gain on trailer brake controller. I wouldn't go any higher than that, and I'm just at my payload max. With that set up I feel very secure on the interstate. Again, if I had your load, I would only go HD truck.

Hey I like the flag on the back sides of your truck. I have a 2019 Toyota TRD Sport... bummed they did away with the trans cooler. Thanks for sharing your videos

You are spot on. I love Toyota trucks, but I traded my 16 Tundra for a new F-250. Towing a 34' travel trailer on the highway with the Tundra was a bit scary at times. The Toyota had all the power in the world, but the trailer felt like it was in control. I miss the Toyota, but there is no comparison towing.

I own a 2007 Tundra with 270k and still looks new, runs great. I pull a 35ft DBH. Never had an issue. Pulled it from coast to coast and over the Rockies. A Ford or Chevy would have issues.

Great video JB. I'm a owner of a 2017 Tundra Crewmax can speak that there are Tundra's Crewmax with a long bed similar to the size of a Tundra Double Cab. The Crewmax with a long bed are very hard to find but they do exist. Tundra's are great at tolling but for "PERSONAL" tolling. Their not Super Heavy Duty haulers but I've met some business owners whom converted over from Dodge & Ford to the Tundra so that they can peacefully run their business and tow their business trailers. So some people do haul big trailers with their Tundra's without an issue but no it will not tow like a Dodge Cummins. It's no secret, Tundra's are NOT truck owners looking to save on Gas MPG. They are built for being a reliable/dependable light duty truck. For people looking to tow and save gas they should look at Dodge, Chevy or Ford. But it's rumored that the 2022 Toyota Tundra will have a v6 turbo from the Lexus LS500 which may have 500 HP but will get better MPG. But we will find out sometime in February on this year. Tundra are great reliable trucks and are VERY affordable to maintain but if you looking for heavy duty towing and good gas, you may want to look the diesel route.

Nicely done and great tips.

Nice review dude. Appreciated 👍🏻

Just came across your video. Even though I don't row as heavy as you do, I just traded my 2020 Tundra SR5 for a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 3.0L Duramax. I tow a 5k lb pressure washing trailer every week and the Tundra fuel mileage is bad to begin with without a trailer and way worse towing. I had been wanting a diesel for awhile and this fit the bill. Nothing but torque as soon as you step on the pedal with 460 ft lbs of torque at 1500 rpms. The Tundra is a good truck but it's nice to get 16mpg towing a trailer.

I pull my 38ft 9300lbs (Dry) travel trailer with my 5.7 2017 Tundra. I put airbags on and I have a weight distribution hitch and I still get that pucker effect every now and again. It definitely does the job but it does have that uncomfortable feeling. Being a truck driver who did over the road for quite awhile I don't get that pucker feeling very often.

Thanks, informative. You have bigger balls than me pulling that rig at 65 mph on highway. I think if I was going big I would get bigger rotors and calipers. The Toyota brakes are soft as on my 2011. Maybe even swap out whole brakes system. That engine sounds like the 2011.

I tow a 4,500lb trailer 4 days a week. I HAD a 5.7 Tundra and it towed just fine. I live in Utah so it had to be able to handle some steep hills and snow at times. It always got the job done. But I felt unstable on the freeway, and you always knew you were towing. You can feel every move that trailer makes. And the breaking can be sketchy at times. You mentioned almost everything I hated about towing with my tundra. Which is why I recently traded my 2019 Tundra for a 2020 Ram 2500 cummins. My first day towing with the ram... I almost wanted to cry at the difference. I feel so secure and safe with my Ram. Tundra gets the job done, for sure. But I wouldn’t recommend it for regular hauling or anything over 5000-6000lbs.

Still better to start with the tundra truck and adjust it to haul. It will be on the road a lot longer than any Dodge!

Awesome review. I think In general Toyota trucks can’t tow as much etc. But that Tundra will out last any Ford and Dodge by a long shot. Fords are notorious for transmission issues, electrical issues and turbos even with less than 50k miles on them.

Wow, I like your video so much! Thanks for sharing!!! I'm currently having Tundra 2018 CrewMax Limited 2WD (Not 4x4). I'm going to get a RV trailer 7.5k lbs~25ft long soon. I installed Toyota TRD Swag Bar Rear on this truck a few years ago; I'm not sure what else will be best for towing this RV trailer. Any suggestions will be appreciated!!

That trailer is WAY PAST needing a weight distribution type of hitch, with sway control. Great job on the video.👍

Thanks JB, learned a lot.

Great vid with details 👍🏼

Great video. I love my Toyota tundra truck

Great video learned a lot

Like the review, I am a big Toyota fan. I always owned a Toyota, from 1983 and up. I have a 2014 Tundra, but I do not tow like you guys do, so a half ton works well for me. I would lime to understand why Toyota doesn't build at least a 3/4 ton for you big tow guys. I know it would get alot of people interested, like your tow class and alot of farmers too?

That is an awesome setup!

Also remember the 4x4 tow less due to the suspension... great review

4:59 dis boi started up the truck hella fast😂

Awesome video. Can you do a video explaining the use and functionality of the “trailer braking “ options? What’s vest for what use? Why are there options and what do each do?

Great video. I have a 2019 Tundra pulling a Lance 2465 travel trailer, comes in about 7800lbs. I did add air bags, Bilstein shocks front and rear, and E-rated Tires all the way around. I use an Anderson weight distribution and anti-sway Hitch. With all this it tows OK. Not as good ad my previous Chef 3500HD Duramx pulling a 34' fifth wheel, however. The Tundra is OK, it is not fatiguing to drive and it has adequate power even up steep highway grades. Fuel mileage is OK, but it has a wonderful 144 liter tank, so I don't worry about fuel usage. For the number of times and miles I put on going RVing, fuel mileage really doesn't matter. If I was commuting a big distance or towing everyday for work, the mileage might be an issue. I did get proper trailer mirrors, and they are wonderful. I also have a back up camera on the trailer which also is very nice, helpful for parking, and while driving I could see what is directly behind me if I needed to. My son-in-law has a similar size trailer and an F-150, and I think it tows better. So why did I get a Tundra -- ultimately reliability and resale value!

Great video!

You gotta do this test again with the weight distribution hitch!

Dude I was laughing at your facial expressions when you got on the highway. That's the same shit I do when Im pulling my airstream with my tundra.

That’s a awesome looking hitch,, does it allow tailgate to open without hitting the trailer jack?

Great video. I want to do some towing and would like to avoid the problems the other makes have.

I use a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch like any educated person would do if they want to tow a heavy load. My 2019 Tundra pulls a 8800 pound 33 foot travel trailer and my tundra doesn’t sag an inch and pulls it just fine. I travel all over New England with it. Also, the length of your hitch will alter tongue weight.

Thanks bro I got a 4.6... but I’m only towing 6x12 uhaul with boxes of clothes in it ...I feel better now..

I got the 2011 with low miles long bed, single cab. I’m trying to figure out the best trailer for my contracting business. Something that can ergonomicly store a generator compressor and hand tools/hardware.

Were you driving with passenger rated tires or LT tires? Just curious if the type of tires mattered?

I just traded a ram 1500 in for a 20 tundra sr5 crewmax in cement. 2019 n 20 Toyota omitted the external trans cooler which was a mistake especially for towing. My ram towed a 6700 pd. Boat n trailer with ease. The trans temp never got past 210 and stayed at 190.The Ram had a 8 speed trans. and a 330 differential. I haven't towed with the tundra and probably won't till I add a trans cooler once the warranty is up. I'm a truck driver by occupation and tow 48,000 pd loads on as regular basis. I always see F150s roadside hood up in the summer months with a trailer in tow.

Great video well done thank you so much

How does the tow vehicle affect the amount of sway? My travel trailer weighs 8600 dry and sways like crazy without the weight distribution hitch. Also, I don't need the tow mirrors for boat or sxs trailer but definitely advantage with travel trailer.

If you have more than 500 lbs tongue weight on that class 1V hitch you need a weight distribution hitch. However, it doesn't look like 800 lbs because my horse trailer tongue weight is 795 lbs and my 2015 SR5 double cab sinks right to the bump stops if I don't have the weight distribution hitch on it.

You are braver than me. Like many have said in the comments below, you may be able to pull it, but have fun trying to stop it. Since I have been towing with my RAM 3500, I would never tow with anything less when towing over 6500 to 7000 pounds.

“Great video Brother!”

I loved my tundra when I had it. Great family truck. Front jump seat, rear reclining seats, full window that lowers in the rear, and was able to handle light loads. Nothing too heavy or at the max... When I got my 5th wheel, had to upgrade to a Ram 3500 dually. Tundra's payload was very bad.

Nice video, I have a 2020 tundra crew Maxx with the TRD sport package and tow a jayco 24bh 30ft weight is about 6800 packed for a trip I take a 100 pound genny and so.e tools in the bed, 2 kids and my wife amd myself I am 200 kids and wife under 200 all together. We tow our trailer all over with no issues what so ever I do keep it at 65, amd use a weight distribution hitch. We travel with a friend that has a similar trailer and a 1500 ram, he seems to lack power when really needed and do to the rear-end he had to install airbags, if I'm towing with a half ton I'll stick with the tundra. I have towed with others and with the tundra I never feel like I need more power.

I have a 2nd Gen Tundra with the LSD double cab and long bed(8ft) with the sr5 tow package (tow mirrors and bigger gas tank) and I really only recommend towing/hauling under 8k pounds. So far have 0 issues with my 2nd Gen towing Mostly 5-6k. I recommend putting any truck to 4wd then putting on the Ebrake. Sometimes when loading trailers it'll lift the trucks rear wheels. The 3rd Gen updated model tundra based off price and the package(looks like you have the 4th stage sr5 upgrade with tow package) which will set you back to 44k based off the 2021 pricing on the sr5 model. For 44k you can get a Chevy 2500hd custom(or the WT trim). For 46k you can get the ram 2500. And 49k you can get the Ford f250 with the 7.3L(xlt trim). The tundra is just not worth it in my opinion just based off its performance and what you're getting, Because with the 3 other trucks their interior is a lot better. Plus all the 3 trucks Is rated for these type of heavy towing and all of the other 3 trucks have a 8ft bed option with a full dual cab... Because it ain't a real truck if it ain't got no 8ft bed.

This comes down to expierence, pulling near a trucks max load can be extremely dangerous if you don't have the expierence but can be perfectly safe if you know what you're doing.

TFL needs to hire you!

I have a 2021 Tundra Nightshade with Supercharger and pulls my Track loader and Mini X with no problems. I've added Air Lift 5000 bags with on board compressor. No issues

Great video. WDH would have probably helped. I lived in FRNX for 10 years, great town!

Toyota says you need a WDH for anything above 5k i think on the tundra. most of us also have the trd rear sway bar and an add a leaf or air bags when we tow our race cars with an enclosed. we also run the more aggressive front pad and the same race brake fluid in our cars.

I use a 2013 Tundra that was built for towing. 5.7L 6 speed auto 4.10 gears 2WD with positive lock. I have also added Firestone air bags to the back. I air them up to 20psi towing a Grand Design 2850MK 35 feet from hitch to rear bumper. (verified hitch weight with a scale of 800#). When I tow I use E-2 leveling and anti sway bar. I also added E rated tires. The only thing it does not like is hills ;-) Heated towing mirrors inside adjustable but manual pull out. I have not found a 3/4 ton truck under 10000# that is much better than what I have now... I have owned Ford, Ram, trucks in the past. I do not want to go over 10k because I would need more than a class C drivers license. Towing weight on my Toyota is 10200#. I am about 5% under. I have 4 years with this setup. California Driver... ;-)

that trailer needs a wdh with sway controle. Do you even know what your tong weight with that setup? did you measure it? I tow a 28ft ATC toy hauler with a car in side that is 2750lbs. combined weight with car and trailer is around 9000lbs with gear and water. I use a blue ox wdh with say control. It tows perfect.

Would you try 2020 -2021 GMC Sierra 1500 diesel if that is possible thanks

Great video 👍

Good review brother. That Toyota with the 4:30 gears is a work horse but, I agree if your towing heavy get a big boy truck. Thanks JB

How do you thing it would with lime a 16 FT 5000 pound trailer?

I got tow sway system with steel sway bars from truck to trailer it does good.

Good review

It’s probably the tires, they have to be I think e rated 12 ply to be a good tow tire. Bc the flex in the tread.

Pulling a trailer that big you need a good hitch with sway bars. I have 2017 tundra and pull a 30ft toy hauler full of toys total 10,000 lbs I have air bags with correct hitch and the tundra rocks the trailer over mountains I can run 65-70 mph no problem. I just really wish I got better gas mileage lol 😆 😪 😩 🙃

On the subject of the mirrors I have a 2008 Toyota tundra with the trailer mirrors and this was my first pickup with trailer mirrors and though there great with a trailer behind you its like driving a tractor as a bobtail when you don't have a trailer behind you. Basically it makes maneuvering without the trailer more difficult since the mirrors are extremely far off of the body of the truck. I really wish they made a retractable option.

The trailer u towing is Empty ? Or tell me how many load capacity u load inside... Just want to know

I have a 2018 4x4 sr-5 double can with the 5.7 and this is EXACTLY why I am looking at 1 tons. Great truck but it’s not the best tool for the towing job. I’m going to miss it…maybe.

Thanks got your video because I love Toyota but unfortunately I see I'm going to have to buy a 3/4 ton truck to pull my 40' travel trailer. Question for me is as far as reliability and for a daily driver which of the big 3 should I go with? I too wish Toyota made a 2500. Thanks again

I noticed the pin missing to lock it from popping off ball mount just before he took off