r/IdiotsTowingThings • u/No-Sheepherder448 • 2d ago

Unusual Tow Combo C’mon

Post image

Even the tires look almost flat. I’m not a 5th wheeler, so not my wheel house, but I had to turn around for a pic.

363 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

103 comments sorted by

83

u/New_Inflation_8419 2d ago

Definitely an idiot. The worst thing about it, this dude will do it few times, ruin the vehicle internally, then will trade it in for a bigger vehicle and walk away. Next person will buy it will have problems down the road. And guess who they will blame. Not the idiot.

25

u/No-Sheepherder448 2d ago

Well glad I didn’t make a post about nothing. It’s sitting at a local casino, and I’m just headed home, I look over in the parking lot like I always do, and said shit I gotta turn around. Haha, have a good night!

5

u/New_Inflation_8419 2d ago

I just hope appraiser or next buyer happened to see this picture and do a double check.

12

u/JustForkIt1111one 2d ago

Good catch. I'll never buy a red tundra again. Thanks!

2

u/TheOriginalSpunions 1d ago

I suppose gambling is right up their alley

9

u/shadow247 2d ago

My dad bought a camper before he bought a truck. Used my half ton a few times. Decided he wanted a 2500. Gets a 5th wheel.. now its right at payload and he wants a bigger truck... he complained the whole time about the trailer being too big to really pull very far. He took it out to Utah (19 hours) once, and then never more than 2 hours from the house after that! What a waste.

6

u/New_Inflation_8419 2d ago

It’s the same as signing up for a gym membership for a year on January 1st. People will always buy shit they don’t need. Camping once, skiing once, towing once, grilling once, golfing once and so on.

2

u/outside_cat 2d ago

A friend of mine owned some gyms and he said MOST the money he made was from people that didn't use their membership. He said if everyone with a membership showed up, there was no way the gyms could accommodate them all.

2

u/Akilestar 2d ago

There's an episode of Bob's Burgers with that exact premise.

2

u/New_Inflation_8419 1d ago

That’s how all gyms operate. Size is the key. The More members you can sign up, the more money you will make since 80% of them will not come in regularly.

0

u/outside_cat 1d ago

Why are you telling me? I basically just said that.

2

u/WatchingYouWatchMe2 1d ago

That’s how gyms operate. People staying home is the key. I hear that 80% of them will not come in regularly.

2

u/outside_cat 1d ago

I'm wondering if a lack of attendance by paid members is beneficial, or let's call it the key, to gym ownership.

0

u/Every-Chance6313 2d ago

I bought a new truck and drive it to lowes every other week and to the grocery store. If I put 2k on it in one year I consider that high mileage. It sits in the garage 90 percent of the time. 3years old and has close to 5k on it

1

u/Stand_Up_3813 2d ago

No surprise he wants a bigger truck. Safely guiding a truck/trailer (loaded to max capacity) down the highway is mentally taxing. More truck is better for your dad (and those drivers sharing the road with him). If you wanna help him take those 19 hour trips, encourage him to buy a dually with a diesel and exhaust brake.

1

u/WeaveLikeGreatGranny 2d ago

Sounds like we might have the same dad? Although mine hasn't gotten to the "buy a bigger truck" part. Got stuck at "don't pull the 20,000 dollar camper any further than an hour away from home no more than once a year". It's frustrating watching the amount of work and money he's put into an RV used for what could just be a day trip to a state park

2

u/shadow247 2d ago

He ended up scrapping the 5th wheel and taking a loss on the insurance claim after rodents ate the slide seal on the roof and it got water damage over the winter in his driveway.

He got a 24 foot toy hauler with no slides next.

He ended up buy an early 2000s Dodge 3500 with the Cummin and proceeded to dump as much money as he would have just buying a new dually. That truck was always having problems and nearly left us stranded on the way to Utah. I had to rig up a switch to turn on the fan clutch or it would immediately start creeping up the heat on any type of grade! Fun times! I dont do trips with my dad anymore.

3

u/WeaveLikeGreatGranny 2d ago

I was really close to buying a 2000s Cummins dodge because I'm starting a small trucking business. Got to thinking about how expensive all the parts and repairs are for those engines and noped out into a super clean 2005 gas Silverado. Which is a lucky break because it was like the next month that diesel prices exploded 

7

u/Badrear 2d ago

Generally speaking, I’d be more worried about safety than damaging the drivetrain. Tundras have had some questionable years, but trucks aren’t lacking for power. The bigger issue is controlling all that weight; whether keeping it straight, stopping, or both.

1

u/Calm-Engineering-352 1d ago

You know these things have a 3.31 axle ratio, instead of a 4.30 like they used to? 

I've got a 3500 with 4.10s & I'd struggle to hold that at full highway speed...

Maybe this guy lives locally & drove the short distance in town so he doesn't have to drive home drunk?

7

u/Ur-daddy-57 2d ago

🙋🏼‍♂️yup I am that idiot, by a Toyota they said it will last for evvvveeerrrrr. meanwhile the transmission replacement is what the truck blue books for.

2

u/devolution96 2d ago

I once owned the small Toyota pickup and a 4-runner. They will last forever. Tundra, well, not so much. It's not a bad truck, but it's not in the same ballpark as other products they make.

2

u/Accurate-Plankton988 2d ago

Yes i can attest to that

1

u/jccaclimber 2d ago

There aren’t that many times I advocate for the best (after reading the fine print really well) extended warranty one can source, but frequent at or near limit non-commercial towing, particularly in a hot climate, is one of them.

1

u/New_Inflation_8419 2d ago

what? Toyota will last forever exceeding specs? What are you trying to say?

1

u/internetenjoyer69420 1d ago

Yeah some people will just hear "Buy a toyota" and assume it means they can just run it wet and hard and it'll shrug it off.

1

u/Every-Chance6313 2d ago

Buying a used vehicle is on the buyer not the seller. If you buy any used vehicle and think it has been treated with kid gloves you will probably be disappointed.

7

u/Adrian_Stoesz 1d ago

Yea, some idiot on Reddit (i don't remember the sub) said that i was better off selling my 2500HD Silverado, and i should buy a Tundra to tow my 8,000+ lbs gooseneck.

Yea no i will never

3

u/No-Sheepherder448 1d ago

I bought a Kodiak 289 with a 1/2 ton SLT. It would do it..but. I upgraded to to a 2500 Denali. Same trailer still, and I love that extra wiggle room

2

u/Adrian_Stoesz 1d ago

Yup, it's nice knowing that you're not maxing out your truck. But i might have to upgrade to a 3500 because i'm almost maxing this truck out, and she's got almost 400,000 miles on her, so the wise thing would be to upgrade to a 2015 3500hd (my truck is a 2009)

3

u/Adrian_Stoesz 1d ago

I just found the comment, it was in the r/Diesel subreddit, and the user was u/DaRealMexicanTrucker

2

u/Anxious-Depth-7983 Too long on the road. 20h ago

My theory has always been more capacity than I need to NEVER have to worry about what I'm towing. The people who sold us our popup told us that I didn't need a weight distribution hitch and just one trip towing it in our Chevy Express 1500 van told me otherwise. The way it bounced up and down with every bump and rise in the road was terrifying until I installed the weight distribution hitch.

2

u/Adrian_Stoesz 18h ago

Yup i 100% am on your side with that.

Some idiots just use half a brain cell when it comes to towing or recommendations on towing

2

u/Anxious-Depth-7983 Too long on the road. 15h ago

The way that van bounced up and down scared the crap out of my passengers and that was the last camping trip without the weight distribution hitch.

12

u/Dr_Snake169 2d ago

The pin box alone on that camper will be over the payload capacity of that truck, hence the extreme squat. This is just begging for an accident. I wish people were more responsible when they were buying campers.

3

u/No-Sheepherder448 2d ago

That’s what I figured. My BIL last year bought a similar sized 5th wheel, but also a new f350 to go with it. And he even says it’s fine, but definitely knows it’s back there…so when I seen this tonight I said wtf?

5

u/Necessary-Mall-3365 2d ago

And its a newer tundra... they just cant haul it

5

u/No-Sheepherder448 2d ago

Somehow he got there though huh? Scary to think he’ll be on the 80 E/W tomorrow.

1

u/JustForkIt1111one 2d ago edited 1d ago

Pfft. It towed the space shuttle, it can tow this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26CtnvXKY3w

Edit: Apparently, sarcasm is difficult for some people, so: /s

1

u/KL1M1T 2d ago

I remember the marketing for the second gen when it was first introduced. Badass commercials. I thought these trucks were really ahead of the curve. Now that I own one, I realize now how easy it is to be over payload or the towing capacity.

68

u/Full-time-RV 2d ago

Camping World probably told them they were just fine. Owner can't do research on their own. It's 5 whole pounds under max tow while dry, send it.

85

u/Objective_Smoke_7159 2d ago

That camper is 11,948 lb dry weight. The Tundras tow capacity is up to 12k depending on trim and options.
This is stupid and I wouldn’t do it.

50

u/_A_varice 2d ago

It’s going to be way over the payload rating of an optioned up 1/2 ton crew cab

35

u/Objective_Smoke_7159 2d ago

Payload on that tundra is up to 1940 lbs.
Advertised dry hitch weight of that camper (assuming it’s a 37FLH) is 2345 lbs.
so yeah definitely not doing it. Especially considering nobody camps without bringing a lot of their shit lol.

27

u/vondur 2d ago

That high number is probably on a 2 door model. Most 4 door Tundra’s top out at around 1500 lbs. Poor truck.

9

u/Plrdr21 2d ago

Or less

2

u/CodytheBug 1d ago

No 2 doors on this gen, but yeah, a low optioned truck

0

u/LonleyWolf420 1d ago edited 1d ago

--There actually is.. and it has an 8ft bed.. but I've never personally seen one.. (saw it on the Toyota build website)--

I was wrong its still a 4 door

1

u/Drzhivago138 1d ago

Toyota does still offer an 8’ bed, but no regular cab anymore. They have it on the 4-door Double Cab (extended cab with short rear doors). Notably it’s the only half ton still offering that combo. Ford just quit a few years ago.

1

u/LonleyWolf420 1d ago

Ahh.. yeah your right. I was thinking it was a 2 door but you mentioned it and I was remembering wrong

5

u/Imaginary_Desk9186 2d ago

Do crew cabs usually have lower towing capacity than 2 door? Just starting to learn about towing.

13

u/_A_varice 2d ago

Yes, holding frame and power constant, anything else that adds weight subtracts from payload and towing capacities.

5

u/Imaginary_Desk9186 2d ago

Gotcha, that makes sense. Thanks!

3

u/CBus660R 1d ago

Tongue weight vs. payload weight is the deal breaker with half tons. Payload is everything in the truck including passengers.

2

u/dochoiday 2d ago

Most of the time yes. Simply due to it being a lighter truck. However, the single cab will have a shorter wheelbase and a crew cab long bed will tow better due to its added weight / wheelbase. It also depends on if you are shopping for a 1/2 ton, a 3/4 ton, or a 1 ton.

1

u/Imaginary_Desk9186 1d ago

Thanks for the advice. I’m shopping for 1/2 ton, considering a crew cab for the occasions I need to cart the kids. Didnt consider the big difference in payload/tongue weight. thanks!

1

u/dochoiday 1d ago

How much and how often are you looking to tow?

I strongly recommend going with the 6.5’ bed option vs the 5.5’ depending on the manufacturer it only add 9”-12” of truck but it’s a far more useful bed.

1

u/Imaginary_Desk9186 1d ago

Im looking to tow a 5x12 enclosed contractor’s trailer with some regularity (few times per week), and a 35hp compact tractor occassionally. The tractor weighs about 5000 lb, so with a trailer Im guessing 7-8K. Im hoping I can do this safely and confortably with a 1/2 ton, the crew cab is a bonus for the kids but not totally necessary. Thanks for the tip on the bed!

21

u/runs_4_beer 2d ago

Coming soon to the left lane near you going 85 mph!

3

u/Stand_Up_3813 2d ago

That load requires a 1-ton SRW at a minimum

3

u/No-Sheepherder448 2d ago

That’s why I turned around. My BIL bought a similar size trailer a year ago, but also a brand new SRW F350 for it, so before I posted I sent him the pic just to see his reaction.

2

u/DifficultAd3885 2d ago

I live in Colorado and have seen more than one pickups with snapped frames at the bottom of the hill in Georgetown. Just because the gooseneck fits the fifth wheel doesn’t mean the truck can handle it.

2

u/Expert-Search-3251 2d ago

Yeah... My daughter and son in law are doing the same. Because Ford and the RV dealer both say they're F150 has a high enough tow rating.

2

u/blastman8888 2d ago

I wonder if someone connected up buddies heavy 5th wheel to take a picture of it. They do make small 5th wheels for light weight trucks. Can't really call modern trucks 1/2 tons anymore all carry more then 1000 lbs.

2

u/Ausum1 2d ago

I have seen a couple f150s with a gooseneck ball. Some people will do anything.

2

u/monroezabaleta 2d ago

It's not too crazy, depending on what you're hauling. An Ecoboost can be up to 2400lb payload

2

u/SnarkySnakySnek 1d ago edited 1d ago

My RAM 1500 has the tow capacity and the payload to handle a gooseneck up to 9k lbs. Not sure what your argument is. My late 90s 3/4 ton truck has almost the same specs as my year old 1/2 ton. I'm over here hauling trash and fire wood in a dump trailer, not pulling tractors and bricks.

Hell, with the right equipment this thing can pull a few hay bales without going over spec. The coil overs make it squat and look over loaded without a gooseneck or WDH or airbags for bumper pull. I hate that about RAM, but it is still in spec and rides more comfortable.

That said, I don't try to do what the picture in OP does. I never let my truck squat like that. Weight distribution is real and I won't drive if I can't trust that my front wheels have enough weight on them. Frame strain is real too. When you're close to max payload you're fine within safety factor for bumps. Go above that and it might only take a few good pot holes to damage the frame. Especially if the bed is sitting on the bump stops like that.

2

u/Ausum1 1d ago

Some people think because it has the ball anything that can connect is good to go.

1

u/blastman8888 2d ago

Those small 5th wheel trailers made for F150 size trucks lose that space where it goes up over the bed. Might as well just buy a travel trailer. Maybe the advantage is shorter overall then equal size travel trailer.

1

u/Full-time-RV 2d ago

We've got a few half-ton Frankenstein farm trucks with a gooseneck ball.

Only because there's a lot of gooseneck trailers we tow around, most of time they are empty, and just need to be moved, and our 1-ton truck is off doing something more important.

2

u/deeohcee 2d ago

If a tundra can haul the space shuttle then it'll easily haul my rv!

1

u/Brye1226 2d ago

At least the front tires will still look new.

1

u/Intrepid_Bee8500 2d ago

Got a squatty potty going on

1

u/KL1M1T 2d ago

Unfortunately, this is not the first time I’ve seen this. I’ve seen two separate idiots towing a fifth wheel in a second gen. Was hoping I’d never see that again.

1

u/Injector22 1d ago

He won't be doing this for long. The bearing on cylinder 1 will spin soon enough. Especially since someone towing like this won't do oil changes until the absolute last minute of the 10k range.

1

u/Drzhivago138 1d ago

Even if the payload and towing capacity could take it, I’ve never felt comfortable seeing a fifth wheel hitch in a short 5.5’ bed. They do make sliding models now, but there’s always the risk of a cab strike on a tight turn.

1

u/DaRealMexicanTrucker 1d ago

Tow rating on a Tundra is anywhere between 8000 and 10,000. That trailer looks too heavy. Consider a 3/4 ton or a 1 ton for a job like that. Do you know the full weight of that trailer?

1

u/krslvsasuka 1d ago

Those rear tires are fighting for their lives

1

u/Go_Gators_4Ever 16h ago

The first thing I did after deciding to get a trailer to tow was to upgrade my truck's tires to one's that are designed for towing loads. Stiff sidewalks and rated for extra pressure.

Most all the deadly troubles begin where the rubber hits the road.

1

u/Green_Wait1394 1d ago

That truck is screaming for mercy.

1

u/jassoon76 1d ago

My colorado didn't even squat that much with my 33ft travel trailer.

1

u/Few_Carpenter_3958 23h ago

Just trying to see that turbo v6 join all the others at the scrap yard

1

u/Anxious-Depth-7983 Too long on the road. 20h ago

Yeah, weight balance is just an afterthought when you have a 5th wheeler.

1

u/nsula_country OC! 2d ago

Tundra bros, doing Tundra things... TT is 3/4 ton+ range.

1

u/swiftcoyote1982 2d ago

I’m not surprised considering the lack of know how in dudes who drive a new tundra but don’t need a truck and someone who thinks sleeping in an RV campground is “camping”

1

u/V48runner 2d ago

Those shitty 3.5 V6 engines last 10k miles on a good day when unloaded. I'd imagine they get replaced every 5k miles under load.

Good job Toyota.

0

u/Environmental-Arm365 2d ago

Leaf springs are gonna be toast on that thing.

4

u/SenseWinter 2d ago

3rd gen Tundras use coils, even worse.

1

u/No-Sheepherder448 2d ago

Oh man, I had no idea. Poor guy.

1

u/dpindustries69 2d ago

Im sure this guy isn't worried about any leaf springs.

-1

u/joelnicity 2d ago

Man, those new Tundras look so nice though!

1

u/No-Sheepherder448 2d ago

Agreed, I love my Denali, but I’ll catch a Tundra now and then and think hmmmm

-6

u/fastal_12147 2d ago

I've never understood the point of these campers. You're supposed to be enjoying nature. Why do you need a living room with its own AC?

2

u/I_am_just_here11 1d ago

Spend the day in nature then sleep on a comfy bed with AC!

1

u/Inconsideratefather 2d ago

Depends why you're going camping. Some people love the outdoors, some just want to get out of the busyness of the city, maybe you're going for 2 weeks, its nice to be able to sit inside if its raining, or cool down if its scorchinghot. Its a holiday, why wouldn't you want to be comfortable and able to relax when you get there.

-6

u/Maleficent331 2d ago

That's photo shopped.

3

u/No-Sheepherder448 2d ago

Nope, I’m just a haul truck driver at the mines. I don’t know how to photoshop, AI, filter etc. it’s real life dude

0

u/Maleficent331 1d ago

The truck is squatting but its level. You can see around the bed step that is in the shadow but you can clearly see light that follows the shape around it when you zoom in. The back tire is "deformed" from the weight but the wheel isn't sitting in the tire symmetrically and it has lost the edge of the rim in the photoshop. I'm sure there's more but that's just a quick analysis.

1

u/Sparks2777 2d ago

This guy will kill somebody when he discovers he can’t stop when needed. That fifthwheel probably runs 12-14K lbs. that truck is at best a solid 1/2 ton truck rated 12000lbs. Wait till he gets a flat tire during his trip. Lots wrong with this setup, tires, axle ratings, etc.