2012 Toyota Tundra TV

[beckyruns]

Several of you have indicated an interest in hearing how we are doing with our new 2012 Toyota Tundra Double Cab TV for our 2011 5th wheel Scamp. We are currently in York, Nebraska on our way to Alaska. I am having trouble posting to my blog, but as soon as I get those issues resolved, I will post a link.


Prior to the purchase of this Tundra, we had a 2005 Toyota Tundra Crew Cab which we used to pull a 2010 Scamp 16 footer to Alaska and other destinations, spending a total of 100 nights in it. We sold it in Alaska and went over to Backus and picked up the 5th wheel which we pulled with the 2005 and have spent about 25-30 nights in it so far.


The 2012 Tundra is a V8 double cab with 4.6 engine 4x2. The bed is much higher than the 2005 and at the time we got the 5th wheel the Scamp people installed the hitch with a “lift kit.” When we towed with the 2005 we had it in the top hole and when we got the 2012, we started out with it one hole from the top. That was too close to the bed and we now have it in the top hole and it seems to work fine.


As far as gas mileage, we are getting 17-18 MPG going no faster than 55 MPH. In town, we have been getting 16-17 MPG. Today, we have had wind gusts up to 30 MPH and have had no issues.

[Raz]

Hi Becky. I had an '03. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Since you have owned both generations, which do you like better? Raz

[Ken C]

Do you tow in or out of overdrive? Thanks.

[beckyruns]

We really do like the 2012. Even though this truck is billed as a "work truck" package, it has many more comfort items than the 2005. The cruise control is so much better. The 2005 was not smooth at all, with rough surge when increasing speed. Regarding whether we tow in overdrive, yes we do when on flat road, but not when elevation changes.

[Deb & Chuck]

I tow with a 2007 Tundra 4x4 Mega Cab 5.7V8 Limited. We have towed a 16ft Scamp averaged 13.6, towed a Escape 19 averaged 12.5, towed a Bigfoot 21 averaged 12 mpg.
Chuck

[Ray N]

Originally Posted by beckyruns

The 2012 Tundra is a V8 double cab with 4.6 engine 4x2....As far as gas mileage, we are getting 17-18 MPG going no faster than 55 MPH. In town, we have been getting 16-17 MPG. Today, we have had wind gusts up to 30 MPH and have had no issues.

We love our 2011 Tundra double cab with the same 4.6 engine and 4x2. NOT towing we get 16 mpg around "town" (actually suburbs), and 20 mpg going at interstate speeds of 70-75 mph; we hit 22mpg twice, but conditions were perfect. While towing we get 15 -16 mpg doing a steady 65 mph.

We used to have a compact truck and the difference in comfort is amazing! We recently put in a 14 hour day and arrived still somewhat fresh - when we did the same trip in our little S-10 we were beat at the end of the day. That's what large, thick, high, comfortable seats can do for you!

[Ken C]

I don't own one but ray or becky have you come across what it says in the manual as to towing in overdrive? Thanks.

[Ray N]

Originally Posted by Ken C

I don't own one but ray or becky have you come across what it says in the manual as to towing in overdrive? Thanks.

I can't even find the term "overdrive" in my manual. Perhaps in this day of electronically controlled transmissions the term is no longer relevant? My manual does say to tow with the transmission in 5th gear instead of 6th. I have the tow package in mine which includes a "tow/haul" switch which automatically changes shift points and possibly keeps the transmission out of 6th gear? I must admit that when I'm on flat ground, I just put the transmission in drive and forget about it. I figure with a towing limit of 8200 lbs my 2500 lb trailer isn't going to stress it much.

[Rob in Vista]

Hi Becky how much did you lift your Scamp 19 and how? Did the lift change the handling in side winds? Rob

[beckyruns]

We have 14" tires and the lift was 3 inches. This was all done by Scamp using the hitch that they installed in our 2005 Tundra which we then moved to the 2012 Tundra.

[Rob in Vista]

Becky thank you for your reply Rob

[Cyndi B.]

My husband finds the Tundra seats more comfortable then Chevy's for him. We too have the lift kit. I like pulling the 5ver with it better then our 13'.

[Rob in Vista]

Cyndi thank you I am leaning to the Tundra but as you know it takes two Rob