referring to brett13 i meant alex in regards to type of truck wife is getting,but am kind of wondering if the tundra is built the same ? frame boxed in or ,not,also have you ran across anyone who drives a v6 tundra,wonder how they stack up against a v6 tacoma! drive slow and enjoy "its the journey"
The 4.7L V8 version of the new Tundra is the same engine in my Landcruiser, which actually weighs a little less unloaded. I can tell you that is underpowered for hauling; even barely adequate for empty. The 06 and earlier tundra's weighed a lot less empty, so it was probably adequate. I have the 5.7L V8 and you don't even know the camper is back there. From some forums I'm on, I understand the 4.7 gets the same or worse gas mileage than the 5.7 because it has to work much harder, so I don't think there is much incentive to go with the smaller engine. Don't think you can even get a new tundra with a v6.
The new Tundras have a "triple tech" frame- fully boxed under the engine, reinforced c-channel under the cab and open c-channel under the bed. In my research, I came across someone claiming Toyota used some advanced metalurgy in this frame to make it much stronger. Some claim it is really a 3/4 (like a chevy 2500) ton truck, although Toyota rates the payload at 1650 in my doublecab and I don't think it is quite as strong as a 3/4t. It handled my load really well- so well I am going to wait a while before adding airbags, although I probably will anyway. Ask Ben about the 06 Tundra Doublecab frames, they are a little weak in the back for certain setups.