Possible Corvette towing application

[Joe R.]

I'm thinking of buying a new Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4x4. It comes standard with 8,100 pounds towing capacity. With the SR5 option, it'll tow 10,100 pounds. The only thing I can imagine I might tow would be the Corvette, probably in an enclosed trailer. Would 8,100 pounds do it? I hope so, because the SR5 option is expensive (~$3,000.00).

Thanks,
Joe

[Terry M.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

I will not comment on your choice of a tow vehicle, but:

One can never have too much towing capacity. A safety margin will make the trip much more comfortable. The down-side of excess towing capacity is increased capital investment (as you have noted) and generally increased fuel use and harsh ride when not loaded. These will be minor inconveniences if the primary or sole use of the vehicle is towing, but if you will be using it to run to Lowe's or the punkin patch those trips will be brutal.

In short you will be best served to try to figure out how much of which kind of use you will put the truck to, and reach some type of compromise you can live with.

[Lynn H.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

I do not intend to be offensive to anyone...but will comment on the type of truck...
PLEASE BY SOMETHING FROM THE FORMER BIG 3 (what can I say, I live in the detroit area)..
But, on the note of towing I will add that I have killed more than one vehicle over the years by towing big loads with undersized vehicles. That enclosed trailer is quite a load back there. I do a fair amount of towing a variety of trailers (both open and enclosed), and since I purchased a Ford F250 Super Duty stick shift this has become a non issue. Depends on just how much towing you plan on doing.
Good luck with your decision and your new truck, no matter what type you decide to buy!!

[Kenny C.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

Really a Toyota! Last I checked Chevy still makes a pretty good truck, (I own 4) good value dependable and oh yea made here. Just a thought.

[Kenneth H.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

Joe,

Its easy to figure out. How much does the corvette weigh and how much does the trailer weigh? Then get a vehicle that is at least rated to tow 15-20% over that total. But keep in mind what Terry said. If you're only towing occasionally, go for the best riding truck with the minimum towing capacity as above, but if you will be towing a lot, get one with a much higher capacity and you'll be more comfortable.

For a few years I occasionally towed a boat and trailer weiging about 7500 lbs. combined, with my 2001 Tahoe rated at 8000 lbs. It performed well and I still have the Tahoe with 110,000 miles and no problems. Great vehicle by the way, and I don't understand how Consumer Reports always has negative things to say about american cars.

One last word of caution; make sure the trailer hitch is up to the task. A class 3 hitch won't cut it for most applications.

[Richard L.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

I'd recommend a 3/4 ton minimum for towing an enclosed trailer...You want trailer brakes too...

Amen on buying one of the Big 3 -

Recently bought a 2001 3/4 ton Dodge Diesel for towing purposes (only) for next to nothing...Works extremely well, but the ride is "harsh", loaded or unloaded...

Would not recommend this truck as a daily driver, but it's one towing dude and gets about 15-16 mpg towing...

Do not undersize your towing vehicle under any circumstance...

JMHO..

Rick

[Phil D.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

PLEASE BY SOMETHING FROM THE FORMER BIG 3 (what can I say, I live in the detroit area)..

I think it was established in a recent similar thread that just as you get extra points for driving your Corvette to a meet, if you showed up towing your Corvette behind anything other than a Chevy or GMC, there's a point deduction for that.

[Fenwick B.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

I second the Chevrolet selection. I think that it depends on how mutch you will be towing it. I have a 2002 Tahoe, with the towing package, and I have been pulling my 24' enclosed trailer with my 1990 ZR1 in it, and have had no problems at all. I do have anti-sway and load leveling hitch. It how has 120,000 miles on it and the only thing that has been replaced is an Oxygen sensor.

[John F.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

If it has the 5.7 V8 go for it. My 4.7 pulls my open aluminum w/62 on board just fine.

[Pete B.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

I have an '07 Tundra with the 5.7. I traded my 05 3/4 ton Chev because of the rough ride, poor gas mileage and terrible resale... so let the flaming begin.
I gave GM over a quarter of a million dollars in business over the years and finally threw in the towel after I drove the Tundra.
Still love the old cars they made though!

You will LOVE towing with this, the factory hitch is great. The 6 speed gives you lots of gear options. Two and a half years and 30k miles never been to the dealer and have no reason to go....

Good luck and enjoy

[Michael F.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

I used my 93 1/2 ton chevy extended cab with 5.7 and 3.42 diff to haul 20' enclosed with 67 in it plus part with no real problem with weights up to 8k (trailer rated 7700) had towing package on truck but don't know what the max tow rate was. I am sure I exceeded it still have truck but sold trailer years ago...stupid move

[Tom M.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

Do the frames on the Tundra come with the holes from the factory or is that a dealer option?

http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2009/04/27/toyota-tundra-frame-rust/

[George C.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

Do the frames on the Tundra come with the holes from the factory or is that a dealer option?

http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/bl...ra-frame-rust/

Kinda like this Toyota.

[George C.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

Read this, Toyota race car being pulled by GM Truck at Texas State Fair. True story. What does that tell you import lovers.

http://jalopnik.com/cars/pickup-trucks/Toyota-at-texas-state-fair-to-race-leaving-towing-to-chevy-304526.php

[Gary C.]

Re: Possible Corvette towing application

Get the stiffest frame and springs you can afford and like to drive regardless of the brand of truck. Of course the big 3 trucks have stiffer frames than the imports. Check out the frame thickness and sizes. Speaking from experience that frame flex isn't a pretty sight. It happens even with equalizer hitches. Minimum frame for me is a HD 3/4 ton. Gary....