6 replies to this topic

[penner]

I've been looking around for a low mileage 2020 or 2021 Toyota Tundra Double Cab. Of all the ones that I have found , the highest payload I have found is 1500lbs. I know a lot of Guys are running air bags but I was wondering what other upgrades you have made? Thanks.

[Cottonww]

I added a leaf to my springs and have airbags. Doesn't the double cab have only a 5.5" bed??

[Taku]

21 tundra double cab 8' bed. Had Toyota install a sway bar at the dealer and Boise Spring built a new spring pack and had that installed. ~25K on it so far and satisfied with the handling (have an ATC Cougar shell I built out on it)

[Espresso]

While you're on the conservative side of most people's approach to sizing their truck, I 100% agree a 1/2 ton truck is dangerously undersized for most truck campers.  And adding air bags and leaf springs doesn't turn a 1/2 ton into a 3/4 ton. 

[penner]

I added a leaf to my springs and have airbags. Doesn't the double cab have only a 5.5" bed??

I believe they call the Tundras with the 5.5ft bed the Crew Max.

[penner]

Chet. I have followed your build and that is an awesome set-up you have there. BUT, my Ocelot shell is on for a max of 2 months per year and I travel very light. My current and previous Chevs have had payloads of 1600 lbs and have handled just fine. I'm not ruling out the possibility of going to a 3/4 ton if I change trucks but I've always heard the Tundras are built a little heavier than others so I just asked the question. 

[TacomaAustin]

.... I've always heard the Tundras are built a little heavier than others so I just asked the question. 

I have a 1st Gen Tundra Access Cab with a 1575 lb payload rating.  In my opinion, payload capacity is not a Toyota strong point. I say this because both Chevy and Ford offer a special order heavy duty payload package on their full sized half ton trucks.  Toyota does not.

 

With that said, I've added a set of Firestone Ride Rite air bags and a Hellwig sway bar to the truck's rear axle.  I'm hauling an All Terrain Bobcat shell model that weighs around 950 lbs with camping gear according to the CAT scale at a local truck stop. The truck handles the load just fine - but with a hit to fuel mileage. 

 

I also need to mention that I'm riding on stock sized E-Rate AT tires and Bilstein 5100 shocks.  Also, it is usually just me riding in the truck.  Total build cost on the truck and camper combo is less than $25K. The combo is not an overlander by any means, but it does well enough on dirt roads.