Hi All,
I'm new here, and I'm also new to trucks in general. However, I think that I need to get one because the Travel Trailer that I bought is right on the line for my SUV (of course I believed the Sales Guy when he said it would be fine).... SUV pulls 4500, Trailer GVWR is 3800. Me (200lbs, Wife 150, and 3 kids @50lbs each + gear when camping.... well you can do the math.)

My question is simple - I want opinions on if I should get a F150 or a Tundra. The Tundra guys say Tundra, and I'm thinking that the ford guys will say Ford. However, I was hoping to get some good constructive feedback with good arguments on why F150 would be a better choice for me.

The Truck would replace a daily driver car that gets me to and from work (about 30 miles per day), and pull the trailer (3800 GVWR) about 10 - 15 times a year.
It would also serve as a 2nd family vehicle (3 kids all in large car seats don't fit in the back of the car).

Here's what my brother the Mechanic has to say about the Tundra:
Pros = Reliability, 4.30 Diff
Cons = 14MPGs, Older Tech (no automatic headlights unless you are in the 50k truck, etc)

Here's what I read about the F150.
Pros = 20+ MPGs (although the tundra guys say it's really 15 - is that true)
Cons = 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating (tundra gets 4.5/5). 3.x rear diff (poor towing in favor of better MPGs)

So what do you all think? Should I get a Tundra that has proven reliability, and ignore the outdated tech? or go with a F150 and worry about when the 3.5 reliability rating will bite me and my brother will say "told you so"?
(I do NOT want a dodge... too many bad stories. Had an 88 suburban that I spent more time under than in it.)

 

Welcome!

So, you're pulling a small trailer. Will that trailer become larger as your family grows?

Where's the reliability rating coming from? Hard data and proof is important when you're trying to make a point. There are tons of guys on here with high or higher mileage Ford trucks with little or no issues. Though I will argue that the Tundra is likely more reliable than the F-150 and yet, far less refined and evolved and just as expensive.

Ford is able to use a numerically smaller axle ratio to perform more towing and hauling capability than the Tundra due to transmission gearing and number of gears. Again, Toyota is lagging way behind.

The Ford has the largest cab in the market, you've mentioned that this is important to you. The Ford can offer you two GTDI engines, a 3.5L V-6 and an amazing 5L V-8. You can get a Max Tow package that will increase your axle ratio and size, your payload and your towing capability. The Ford can literally be optioned to suit any need t hat you can imagine.

Having said all this, if Ford ever pissed me off, I'd buy a Toyota in a NY minute.

 

First, are you sure your SUV isn't up for it? 3800 is GVWR, so it can't be more than that, it's likely a good bit less. Load up the camper and see how much it really weighs, Chances are the RV shop has a scale too to measure how much you're actually adding to the SUV.

That being said, you want a truck. Any truck with any rating will be able to handle your configuration. The gear ratios won't even be a factor for such light duty towing, and a 4.30 would be overkill and a horrible choice. You could get the 2.7 EB with a low numbers gear set and be tickled with it, assuming you're not planning any major changes to load. If you want to buy a truck to last 10 years and do everything, get the big 3.5 Eb motor. The Toyota guy is blowing smoke in his MPG estimates. Toyota trucks are as funny as Toyota truck owners.

The 3.5 EB has been out since 2010 (2011 in the trucks) and has not showed to be a reliability issue. It's proven tech, unless you refuse to buy something until it's obsolete.

 

I generally agree with tseekins comments.

I was truck shopping this time last year to replace our Explorer. I spent a ton of time at the Toyota dealership. Couldn't talk myself into a Highlander and the wife didn't like the Tacoma. We both liked the 4Runner, but couldn't agree on a trim level. When we sat in the Tundra it just felt like taking a step back in time. Fit, finish, design, colors...the works. It was just outdated. But the biggest kicker for me was the MPGs. That V8 is a great engine, but it's crazy thirsty.

The Toyota does have the MAX cab (I think that's the name) that's larger than the ford offering, but last I checked you could only get that cab configuration in the shortest box configuration. My family of four can fill our 5.5' box pretty easily when we're headed out to the mountains or beach for the day, so I suggest the 6.5 box. Toyota (and Honda) have a reputation of reliability for a reason. Generally speaking, I would say they're more reliable. If that's your only critical measure, then go for the Toyota.

Talking about the F-150 now, it's hard to draw comparisons. These are two very different trucks. The EBs are getting low 20s on the highway. They're just as thirsty when towing as a V8. You can't overcome physics with turbos. But you will see better MPGs when not towing. I see low 20's if I hold it around 60mpgs. Some guys on here can get better mileage with the V8 (hypermiling).

I also think reliability with any of the engines is very good. There have been a few issues with the 1st gen EB, but other than a couple "advocates of issues" here on the forum, guys are generally not having issues unless they start adding performance mods or not performing scheduled maintenance on time. Ford just released the 2nd gen EB and most expect it to address the outlying concerns.

As for towing, you won't have a better experience than with an EB. They go like stink and will provide ample growth for your towing pleasure. The Toyota has a 4.3 rear diff so the engine can rev and hold it's sweet spot. The Fords don't need that with the 10-speed (or 6-speed in the 2016 and prior trucks).

Either way you can't go wrong, you just need to prioritize what's important and go from there. Just buy the max tow package in either truck. It doesn't hurt to have the extra ump and you don't want to be buying another truck if you upgrade your trailer (unless you go big, but that's another story)

 

My ability to post links is lacking today. Crash test results you may want to consider with 3 kids.

 

I will chime in because we have owned both Toyotas and now a 2015 F-150. Two truisms in your pro/con list. The Toyota trucks don't get very good gas mileage. our Older Tacomas never got better than 18, and the old Tundra was even worse. With the up-sized Tundra, it is worse still. I've heard good stories about the latest Tacoma, but the Atkinson cycle engine makes me very wary.

We have the 3.5L EB, and when we are traveling alone, we consistently get 21-22 MPG, even in the mountains. Truly amazing engine with enormous power. We tow our 5000 lb TT like it was nothing. I'm pretty sure that with the 2.7L EB it would be almost as good, with slightly better unloaded MPG.

The back seat of the F-150 is like a gymnasium. We joke about the room for 6 German shepherds. With the size of the back seat, you "almost" don't need the back box, but having both the back seat and the 6.5' box, we can haul a ton (quite literally).

I will say, that the Toyota trucks are reliable. We never had one single problem going through 4 different Toyota trucks over a 10 year period. We still have the 2010 Crew cab Tacoma, and it is still problem free.

So we were a bit worried about the reliability of the F-150, especially because the 2015 was the first year of the aluminum chassis. However, almost 2 years later, and almost 20,000 miles, it has been as reliable as our Toyotas.

The F-150 is also "like a luxury car" in terms of ride and quietness. We really like it on trips because the creature comfort aspect of it is the best we've ever experienced. I also use the F-150 as my DD, and my significant other drives her 2010 Tacoma as her DD. We're both happy, and that's what counts.

 

One small correction GlueGuy, the chassis is still steel, the body is aluminum. I know that you know that, but the OP may not.

Anyway, here in San Antonio there are A LOT of Tundras on the the road. They are built here. I know many peole who have them. They are great trucks. But most 5.7 owners will admit that they average about 12 MPG. Almost no one gets a 4.6 V8 or a V6 after test driving a 5.7. The mileage on the smaller engines isn't much better as they have to work harder to move the truck.

My opinion for your described use is a 2.7 EB, 3.73, 3.73 gears and a crew cab. Stick with the 5.5 ft bed for a daily family vehicle.

 

Yeah. That's what I meant. I guess I should have said "body" or "cab".

If you are getting 4x4 and the 2.7, be advised that the configurator will not let you choose the 6.5' box. But if the 5.5' box works, then the 2.7L EB would work too. Not sure that I would go with the 3.73; I bet the 3.55 would work great. We have the 3.31 in ours with the 3.5L EB, and it is not an issue at all.

Gobs and GOBS of Tundras in these parts. They seem to be very popular. Maybe more popular in this area than the F-150. At least I seem to see more of them than almost anything else. Amazingly poor gas mileage though.

 

F150 frame is fully boxed, Tundra frame is boxed to the trans, then is two different sizes of C channel to the rear.

Tundra does not offer power adjustable pedals.

 

Ford offered me $10k off for the F-150.. nothing from Toyota, i went with Ford and never looked back. Very reliable, got another one six months ago.. very happy with gas mileage, rear seat space (it's HUGE), and the overall fit and feel feels better than the Toyota's which appeared a little outdated.

 

And there in lies the secret of Toyota fan boys claim that their trucks hold value better. It's because no one gets a deal when new. Depreciation is factored from MSRP, not the price you pay.

 

I have the Coyote 5.0... easily get 20+ empty on the highway. My daily average is 18-19 mpg.

I tow various trailers and loads in the mountains range from 12 mpg to 17 mpg.

The Supercrew is Huuuuuuuge inside. Plenty of room for anything.

Josh

 

When deciding to go back to light duty trucks and leaving the HD's, i wasnt brand loyal to any as i was basically new to this field. After years of having friends with all the various makes and having rental trucks given to me when out of town, i ended up with the ford.

I will not knock any manufacturer but toyotas fuel mileage was the deal breaker for me, several people who have them bitch'd like crazy about the mileage compared to there previous trucks(other makes). I think the naturally aspirated ford light duty trucks are the winners, OHC V8, good transmission with descent rear ends, in my group of people, not one with any transfer case issues. Along with an aluminum body, that pretty much made up my mind, in terms of longevity of panels in the region i live in.

If i had my choice of truck, if ram made an aluminum bodied 1/2 ton, id be in it!!

Just to add also, wish i knew a little more about the hub actuation on the 4x4 models, not a very good system in my opinion but having said that, none of my friends have had any issues and all have different age and mileage on there trucks, so fingers crossed.

 

I don't think that's true at all. I test drove a Tundra back in '10 when I was debating between a half-ton and 3/4 ton. Selling price was right in line with what I was getting from the Ford dealer for an equivalent F150.

Here's a Truecar report for a truck equipped similar to my 301a F150. It's a Tundra SR5 CrewMax 4X4 with the convenience package.



That's right in line with what I could get a new F150 for. I think that's a fine deal if I could live with 17 MPG highway on the window sticker. Which I can't.

 

I've had both. I had a dealer issue with my 2014 FX4 screw eco. It was a lease as I really wanted to see what the next gen F150 offered. 1.5 years into it, dealer problem. Loved the truck. It was leveled, appearance package, etc. Anyway, after 3 weeks at the dealer, I got mad and traded it for a 16 Crewmax TRD Tundra. It was a 2 year lease. That was July.
As far as driving dynamics, the 5.7 ran well. About the same as the 2012 5.0 3.73 geared truck I had before the 14. But the Tundra drank gas. Averaged mid 12's totally stock. On the same drive, my leveled and bigger tired 14 F150 averaged 14 ish. The 5.0 truck averaged 16.
The Tundra has good brakes and a nice ride. But the bed literally shook when hitting bumps.
The interior is about 10 years behind Ford. Resetting the trip odometer is 1980's push button on the cluster.
It felt like a solid truck. But I was literally sick knowing at the end of the lease there was no way I was keeping it. Fast forward to Dec.
I took it back to the dealer and sold it back. I put 1 payment extra and got payoff. Bought a used truck for now and will buy a new F150 in 2 years. Paying wife's Expedition off first.
My vote is F150. All the way.