liam821

While they're a bit more expensive new, used they're not as bad, I highly recommend the 2011+ BMW X5 diesel. I've towed 8000# across the country without a problem, although I think it's rated for 6500#. Gets great mpg too, I average around 14-15mpg pulling the big enclosed trailer. Without the trailer it can do high 20s mpg no problem.

The best part about the X5 is the self-leveling rear suspension (air suspension). You hitch up a big trailer and the rear suspension inflates and keeps the X5 level. It also has huge brakes and with the sports package model 315 wide rear tires.

It's really great tow car. My wife uses it mostly on the school run, and after 67k miles it's never let us down - and actually it has never had a problem!

joel n

I dont know much about the X5s, not even sure if canada has the X5 diesel but I left toyota to work at VW, and if the X5 diesel is anything like a diesel touerag, wow. I dove a 2011 for a few days problem solving it, and found i was getting 40MPG. travelled about 90 KMS a day to and from work. Then we used a 2009 to tow a open tralier and ITB golf to NHMS, they said it wasnt a noticable load. The 2011 also hauled a 24 foot V nose trailer to the track with it here once. No trailer brake setup and and the trailer loaded would be between 8-9000LBS. overweight for the rige but still no problem at all. We did used load bars, and they were very very loaded. But in the end, id still take the Tundra hands down. Higher tow rating, a bed to put stuff in. With no worry of the stuff doing damage to the back of the rear seats or trim. its cheaper to maintain, and draws much less attention. but Not as comfortable, and it wont see the fuel millage, with or without the trailer.

I call the tundra we use a farm truck. Reg cab, long box, manual locks, seats and windows. Unpainted grill and mirrors, steel wheels. Does have A/C and the tow mirrors. But does have the 5.7L motor, and 10,000LBS tow rating. Its the work truck for his paint stores.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

I call the tundra we use a farm truck. Reg cab, long box, manual locks, seats and windows. Unpainted grill and mirrors, steel wheels. Does have A/C and the tow mirrors. But does have the 5.7L motor, and 10,000LBS tow rating. Its the work truck for his paint stores.[/QUOTE]


Technically it is a 2500 Series truck so calling it a farm truck is correct

SRDFTITAN

iTrader: (3)

Sorry I have not been on the thread but first off I think its awesome that you are pulling an enclosed trailer with a bmw x5. Second the trailer is for sale. I only used it once. I must sell because of a back injury and is also the reason why I haven't been able to race this year. Been laying around collecting dust. If anyone is interested call me at 678-381-7223

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

Ohhh noooo, I hope you can get back in the game man, you've worked soooo hard on the car and setting up the trailer.
BTW I did find my Tundra. Sweetest truck ever. I highly recommend them.
Should I post a pic?

Kaan

iTrader: (3)

I'm not quite in the market for a trailer... or I'd pick it up. :-/

I cant find a new steel deck for $2k anywhere like the OP did!

117

I've always been leery of towing close to the limit of the rated specs for any vehicle. It seems that towing close to 10k lbs with the Tundra not only maxes out the towing capacity, but is likely to max out the GVWR as well (from what I could find the GVWR is 7k lbs, with a curb weight of a bit over 5k lbs). Not saying it can't or shouldn't be done, but I would certainly not exceed max specifications for any potential liability reasons.

That said, I was *really* surprised how different towing stability was between my former 2500 diesel and 3500 dually diesel with the same tag trailer (however it is a large heavy trailer at 9k+ lbs empty). The dually is so much nicer to tow with (naturally), but here in TX, there is not much difference in registration costs.

liam821

Sorry to hear that. Hope you're better soon!! And thanks.

Reyes

iTrader: (1)

Tundra's are great tow vehicles for cars like ours. I average about 14 mpg while towing my Civic on an open trailer. The truck has plenty of power and more room than I need. My only complaint is the rear suspension get quite a bit of sag when the truck is loaded up.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

We have options!

SuperSprings Self-Adjusting Suspension Stabilizers
airbags or add a leaf spring! no more sag and the ride isn't bad at all!

117

Had Air Lift bags on the back of our Tahoe when we towed the Prelude on an open deck trailer. Made a HUGE difference in ride quality and eliminated all the sag.

Calif_Kid

Another option might be to use a weight distribution hitch. It looks like the price on Amazon is around $230-300 or so. I've got a 20' enclosed trailer with my tow vehicle being a 2000 F150. The total weight of the trailer with tools and race car is probably around 5600-6000 lbs, and before I bought the weight distribution hitch, the trailer tilted down a pretty good amount at the front. When I bought the weight distribution hitch, I also got a sway controller, and both really helped.

The weight distribution setup will mean that you will have more things to store when the hitch is not hooked up, plus when you hookup the trailer to the truck, it will take longer. Also, when I pull my trailer back along the side of my house (going in reverse), I remove the weight distribution spring rods plus the anti sway piece as it is supposed to make backing in at sharper angles easier.

The air lift system or similar mounted directly on the truck probably will be easier, but the weight distribution hitch with sway controller my also be a reasonable way to go. - Jim

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

Got one of those when I had my Ram Jim. It made a huge difference!

Reyes

iTrader: (1)

I have looked into the "Sumo Spings" (Giant Bumpstops) I think an air bag setup would be ideal for my setup. I only tow about 1 time a month. Other than that its my daily driver.

I think part of my issue is that my trailer sits REALLY low. With an airdam/splitter on the car I can drive right on with no issue. I think the difference in heights is forcing the rear end down.

liam821

Air suspension in the rear for towing is really awesome.

raffaelli

The Toyota dealers around here have piles of chassis laying around. I understand there is a recall to replace the chassis?

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

That recall is for 2000-2003 tundra's. Mainly in cold weather states
Mine is no where near that old!
Recall Alert: Toyota Tundra | U.S. News Best Cars

.

raffaelli

Toyota has to be hating that.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

I'm sure they hate buying back or fixing a decade old truck.
Part of my search for a less than two year old truck was doing my homework and making sure the TSB's on that model year were minimal.

liam821

Ouch, that is really painful. If I was in the market for a dedicated (dedicated being the key word here) tow vehicle, while I might look at a Toyota I think I would end up with a diesel something. Having big diesel torque while pulling, especially pulling up hills or up in the mountains, is just so great. Not to mention the mpg advantage.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

Painful how?
Id rather have a gas over a diesel... just my preference.
I can baby it on a trip while hauling and get great gas mileage.

Pulling a racecar trailer tools etc has been an absolute dream to drive.
No problems pulling anything here including the grapevine both ways.

Reyes

iTrader: (1)

I average 14mpg fully loaded with trailer and gear. My drive also takes me through the grapevine to and from Buttonwillow. People say the MPG isn't good. I say they don't know how to drive it.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

Indeed ... just keep a light foot while driving up and down the mountains.
Drive during non traffic times,and let the 6 speed tranny do its work.
The tranny has no problems downshifting and upshifting on its own at the right times.

Reyes

iTrader: (1)

also, I know it is against the law in CA, but I have found that right about 65mph gets me the best MPG while towing. The truck has enough momentum that it is not constantly under load. Towing right at 55 gets pretty poor MPG.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

Agreed... just over 62 gets the mph the job done with the CC set.
I have been able to get from the bay area to downtown LA on a tank of gas.
I leave just before 6am get on I-5 set the CC make a pitstop bathroom and starbux just before the grapevine, continue up and make it to the LAX area before the fuel light comes on.