Outside of its towing capabilities, the Toyota Tundra has extra details to make sure it works as hard as you do. Here’s what Canadian contractors (and other 2018 Toyota Tundra owners) should know about this pickup truck:
Toyota Tundra Towing Capabilities
The 2018 Tundra 5.7L model is powered by a iFORCE V8 engine and includes a Tow/Haul mode that allows drivers to maximize shift points in the transmission.
All 2018 Tundra pickup trucks equipped with a 5.7L iFORCE V8 enginealso come with a standard towing package that includes:
- Factory-installed heavy-duty trailer hitch receiver
- Standard 4-and 7-pin connectors
- Hitch platform
- Heavy-duty engine cooling
- Two supplemental transmission coolers
- Transmission fluid temperature readout
- Engine oil cooler
- Integrated trailer brake controller
To maintain its reliability and durability during the toughest of workdays, the Tundra has a 10.5-inch differential ring gear that helps to minimize stress on the differential when it tows heavy weights. The Tundra’s 4.30:1 rear differential gear ratio, combined with the six-speed automatic transmission, work together to provide both pulling power and efficiency.
Toyota Tundra Design
The Tundra’s rugged design includes a TripleTech™ frame that is both unique to the half-ton class and incorporates a similar design concept found in some ¾ and 1-ton heavy-duty trucks.
It consists of a full-boxed frame located beneath the engine; a reinforced C-channel centre section under the cab, and an open C-channel rear section beneath the bed — all meant to work with the weight of a heavy trailer, absorbing its energy as it transitions forward on the truck while providing a comfortable ride quality.
For a smoother and safer towing experience, the Tundra uses trapezoid-mounted rear leaf springs. The Tundra’s frame and suspension form a trapezoid shape for increased side-to-side stabilization, and to create a strong, stable platform for towing.
A clutch-driven engine cooling fan also offers greater durability for heavy-duty towing situations that require higher-capacity cooling.
There are many more smart design details incorporated into the Tundra, including all electrical connections that feature gaskets to seal out elements like water, salt and dirt, enhancing the reliability and durability of electrical connections. Continuous-run, flexible seam sealer is also applied to all the painted metal seams on the truck, in an effort to block out corrosion for the long term.
Toyota Tundra Performance
When it comes to performance, all 5.7L Tundra models come equipped with a heavy-duty battery, starter, alternator, engine oil cooler, two transmission oil coolers and a warmer to help the powertrain handle the grueling demands of towing heavy loads for years to come. The Tundra also features impressive 13.9” front brake rotors with class-exclusive four piston front calipers which provide quick stops even with heavy loads.
To help drivers ensure their lights are aimed correctly for better visibility and to avoid distracting on-coming drivers, the Tundra has a driver selectable headlight leveling system. The feature can be activated from the comfort of the cab by simply turning a dial on the instrument panel and can help contractors compensate for a heavy load or trailer.
And of course, no Tundra is complete without a standard backup camera to make backing-up or connecting a trailer less stressful. The camera lens is mounted directly above the trailer hitch for easy, one-person connections.
Owners may also find the truck’s hydraulic power steering system offers more steering feel and feedback than the typical electric system found in competitor trucks. It’s designed to be more durable in heavy duty off-road conditions, and the power steering unit features a cooler to help enhance performance and long-term durability.
These details have contributed to helping Tundra win the Canadian Black Book retained value award in the full-size truck category for nine years in a row. That award recognizes vehicles that retain the highest percentage of their original MSRP after four years.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra can be a vital tool and a valuable partner for your work and your business. It’s smart, tough and powerful towing features and capabilities will help ensure that you’re in good hands when you’ve got a job to do.
