I have no doubt that it is demand driven. As I mentioned above, they only ask $700 more for the 4x4 F-150 than they do the 4x2 F-150, so any significant margin would need to come from production cost savings.

 

Bob got me to thinking if the F150 price difference is similar for the Tundra. The Toyota on-line configuration tool does not permit the selection of a crew cab (the large 4-door) with 2x4 drive, only 4x4. I called a local dealer and learned that the price difference between 2x4 and 4x4 for an otherwise identical truck is $1,500 list. I then went to Edmunds and priced a used Tundra with 2x4 and 4x4. The spread was $1,200.

That said, I do expect a 4x4 to be much more popular in my area. I have time to order a 2x4, though, as I do not need it before April/May.

 

I realize I'm stubborn and old fashioned, but Japanese HD pickup truck = Jumbo Shrimp.....just seems wrong.

I've yet to find a Japanese pickup truck that can run with a Ford HD....hopefully my hearse is a Ford diesel.....love that sound.

 

Chris, If a Tundra is what you are looking at, from my experience, I recommend a Ford F250 Super Duty for towing. I love my 2004 Tundra. Very good exceleration, it is nimble, (for a truck) brakes well but, its at the low end of the tow margin. The new trucks are bigger and that my add margin. Its just that 1/2 ton PUs and towing is iffy. It has to do with axel, brake rotor and pad sizes. My truck eats front brake pads. Other than towing I love it. I will not be replacing it with another Tundra though.

 

Randy, I thought the 2007/8 Tundras were completely different from the 2004s. The towing capacity of the Tundra is 10,100 lbs. and the F250 SD is 12,500, but the Tundra's 5.7 l. V8 has more HP and torque than the Ford's 5.4 l. Ford does sell a diesel, but I cannot justify the higher price it commands, especially with the price of diesel fuel now. I plan to tow a steel 24' trailer.

 

Chris, I used the NADA consumer book when I did my Ford comparison. Using the same book, and looking at a '05 Tundra SR5, using 30k miles, same options, etc., it gives a difference $2950 for the retail value of the 4x4 vs. 2x4.

 

Thanks, Bob!

 

Good luck with whatever you choose. I'm sure I'll see it in a Paddock near us next season!

 

They are very different now. Toyotas are pretty expensive. End of year deals on a loaded F250 SD Diesel would probably put them in the same range. A friend has a F250 SD-D and he gets around 16mpg Hwy. Towing about 11mpg. I average 16.5-16.7 consistantly and 11.5 - 12mpg towing. Food fro thought. You will like the dependability of a Toyota.

 

Chris & Randy,

If you are going to tow an open trailer + car at approx. 5000 lbs, a 1/2 ton truck is no problem, especially if it is also going to be a daily or often driver. I have over 64k mi. on my F150 and still have a ton of original front brake pads left. I have removed the front wheels three times with new pads in my hand to change, and chose to put the new pads back on the shelf. I am guessing the new Tundra and Titan are similarly equipped.

I occasionally tow a 24' enclosed trailer with a load-distributing hitch. It is safe, but I take it very easy and would prefer to be in a 2500 Duramax or equivalent.

Don

 

A diesel will provide better fuel economy, higher torque and much longer engine life than a gas engine under towing conditions.

As others have said, 24' steel enclosed with a wet car + spares.....IMHO, you are in diesel HD territory.

Note: NOT trying to turn this into another 'which tow vehicle is best' thread.

 

How much interior difference is there between a Toyata Tundra and a Ford F150?

At 6 '4'' I fit in the F150 good. My 2001 F150 SuperCrew 2WD tows my steel open trailer well, but I don't like the braking compared to my 99 Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 that I used for the same car and trailer. The Dodge also just felt more stable when pullng the trailer. I'm guessing because it was heavier. Acceleration is better with the F150 though.

 

The '04 and later F-150s have larger brakes, amongst other changes.

 

I did not like the braking on my truck either and switched to Hawk HPS -- a huge difference. I would have bought a 2WD truck if one was available, now a year later (and only 300 miles South of you) I am glad I didn't.

 

AFAIK, if the trailer brakes/controller are set properly, the vehicle brakes should not have to do any additional stopping duties compared to when not towing.
Trailer brakes are much cheaper to replace/maintain than vehicle brakes.