Here are 5 “best of Craigslist” posts that have at least something to do with cars. Some important points before we continue:

1. There will not be any apologies for offensive language. If you read from this point forward and click on the links, you WILL see something offensive. Such is the beast.
2. None of the holier-than-thou “I ride a bicycle and I’m better than you” rants that are so popular on Craigslist made it on our list. Sorry. (OK, not really sorry. Screw those people.)
3. Keep the conversation going. Feel free to post a link to a best of Craigslist post that’s automotive in nature in the comments

Best of Craigslist posts with an automotive flavor

Number 1: One BAD Personalized Plate

How can one person get 50 parking tickets, each one for a different car…the answer? They have a personalized plate that’s simply “NV.”

Number 2: Rant For Anyone Who Works In The Auto Business

If you work at a dealership, repair shop, or any sort of retail repair type business, this rant from an oven repairman will make you bust a gut. Best part:

We get 50 or more broken oven calls in the few days leading up to turkey day and santa day. We get one or two any other week. Ovens don’t collectively go on strike. Most people just admit their sh*t has been broken since the Clinton administration, but some of you think you can bullsh*t me.

Read it – seriously.

Number 3: Traffic Rants

There are dozens of rants about traffic, but a couple stand out. First, we have an introduction to rush hour traffic – “definitions and how to for beginners.” It’s profane, but it’s a nice warm up for the guide to driving in Phoenix (that’s FEE-NICKS).

Number 4: Cool Story About Redemption

Next time you think you’re having a bad day, read this story about a homeless guy getting back on his feet after a dealership took a chance on him and hired him to be a detailer.

Number 5: People Who Hate Annoying Car Ads

Craigslist is chock-full of classified ads for cars, and some of them are hilariously ridiculous. This list of the most irritating car ads hits a home run with this line:

3. The Detached-From-Reality Dipsh*t. “One owner 1986 Corolla. 234K miles. Needs a front bumper and headliner droops. Radiator leaks and needs alignment. $2300 FIRM.” Hey meatstick, one owner or 10 owners, your sh*t is old, worn-out, and worth $300.

Nice.

Finally, if you’re posting an ad on Craigslist trying to sell your car, give this list of classified car ad tips a gander (and remember a tacometer is a Mexican dish, not a gauge).

Any best of craigs ads we missed?

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Toyota produced two special edition Tundras for the 2009 SEMA show last week. The first was the “Tailgater” – a fancy tribute to country music duo Brooks and Dunn that doubles as a tricked-out mobile BBQ platform. The second was a call-back to the hot rod days of the 50’s, a regular cab short box Tundra with a flame job, moon hub caps, and a 50’s era Toyota logo.

Toyota's custom Tundras shown during the 2009 SEMA show.

While they’re both cool, neither truck demonstrated a new concept or an attempt to establish the Tundra as a great canvas to work from. Still, there were a couple of neat ideas, and you have to give Toyota for trying in a down market:

The Tailgater

The Brooks & Dunn Tailgater edition of the Tundra

This was the show-piece – the truck that Toyota really sunk some time, effort, and energy into. The stand-out features are the engraved silver door handles, the pull-out grill assembly attached to the tailgate, and the various hand-tooled leather elements in the interior.

The pull-out BBQ grill on the tailgater.

That's real silver engraving - very sharp.

What’s missing? Well how about the fact this truck has a 3″ lift with tires and wheels that are too big for such a small lift. What about the fact that this “show” truck doesn’t even have a TRD exhaust (that’s a stock pipe sticking out).

The Hot Rod

The retro call-back Hot Rod Tundra

Wood paneling in a truck bed? It's been done...many, many, many times before.

This truck almost seems like an after-thought. A flame job, some retro hub caps, and a wood-paneled bed are cool, but all these features can be found on a classic show truck at any good-sized car show. Frankly, what’s the point of tapping into a history that Toyota had absolutely no presence in?

No disrespect to the creators and artisans who built this truck , but the bottom line is ‘meh.’ This truck doesn’t even sport a TRD lowering kit, despite the fact hot-rodders were cutting springs and removing leafs to get lower back in the day.

The retro Toyota logo is cool, and the interior has some cool aspects…but if the words “slapped together” don’t apply to this interior, when do they apply?

Retro 50's Toyota logo.

The problem with SEMA trucks is that auto manufacturers have nearly unlimited resources…taking a stock truck and doing it up is always cool, but we expect a lot more from an auto manufacturer. Either demonstrate a new accessory concept or package that could make it into production, show a potential styling cue, or use all your resources to make something awesome. Last year, Toyota recycled the diesel dually concept they showed in 2007. This year, they made a couple of rather tame trucks. Next year, how about one of the following:

• Show us a working Tundra with a jury-rigged hybrid synergy drive in a goofy Prius color. THAT could get people talking.
• Show us a Tundra with a full complement of TRD performance accessories and a custom-designed ground effects kit that might just be available someday…either from Toyota or a friendly after-market company.
• Take a Tundra short box, chop the frame, and make some sort of toyish monster truck that doesn’t look even a little bit real.
• Show us a military version of the Tundra – see if the Army might participate somehow…they’re always looking for recruiting opportunities.
• Make a special edition production version of the Tundra that taps into a popular movie or video game, then announce at SEMA it will be available on a very limited basis nationwide (sort of like the special edition Scion xB concept crossed with the Terminator Tundra from back in the day). Even 100 of these trucks would be enough to get a lot of attention from the movie’s fan base.
• Attack Ford’s Raptor F150 and make a one-off TRD Tundra that one-up’s all of the Raptor’s features.
• Turn a stock Tundra into a half-size semi truck, complete with a set of half-size semi trailers in tow.

Whatever you do, do it right. No more “show trucks” with fewer accessories than your customers are installing on their own vehicles with their own limited resources.

Read user reviews of Tundra Accessories.

Here’s a quick update on our growth plan for our loyal readers. If you like the site, I would be grateful for any feedback or comments you have on these items, our plans, and what we can be doing better.

New Stuff

First, as you may or may not know, I’ve been posting on Twitter on behalf of TundraHeadquarters.com for a few months now.

TundraHeadquarters.com Admin Jason is posting on Twitter - click the image to see his profile.

Second, I setup a Facebook fan page for TundraHeadquarters just now. It’s sort of ugly right now (at least I think so), but I’m going to get some help with making it prettier.

The first attempt at a Facebook fan page for TundraHeadquarters.com

It’s also very empty right now…so anyone who wants to post a “Hey what’s up” or start a discussion or put a picture or whatever would be greatly appreciated.

I’m also on Facebook myself and I’d like to be Facebook friends with anyone who wants to be friends with me. http://www.facebook.com/tundrahq.

Third, we added a section for user reviews of Tundra accessories a month or two ago. It’s sort of empty right now, and we still need to add a bunch of parts, but I’m getting a helper to work with me on adding more stuff. If you have one of the accessories listed (like one of these air intakes), please take a moment to add your review. It will help other people out when they’re ready to buy.

Our new Tundra Accessory user review system

Future Plans

• We’re going to re-do the Tundra Buyer’s Guide to be more useful.

• We’re going to integrate a used Tundra classifieds system into the website.

• We’re going to try and re-design the site to reduce clutter.

• We’re going to try and publish an eBook about Tundra accessories, how they work, options, etc. for new Tundra owners or for anyone who wants to learn more about their truck.

Big Picture

As many of you know, TundraHeadquarters is about 90% me. I want that to change because I think the site could be better. I’d also like that to change because I want to create other sites like this one (one for Tacomas to start with, maybe some others…).

I’ve got some help from Mark (a behind the scenes guy who I’d like to get more involved), I’ve got a couple of writers that help me with reviews, etc., but I’m always interested in the idea of having another author or two.

If you’re interested in writing blog posts or articles (and if you have some experience), I’d like to hear from you. This is a paid writing opportunity, so if you know a writer who knows cars and you like their outlook on things, I’d love to hear from them.

Final Thought

Please, please, pretty-please, contact me with ideas, suggestions, things that don’t work, things that you’d like to see changed, etc. I’m very open to criticism and always looking to make this site better. You can email me directly jason[at]tundraheadquarters.com. Just replace the [at] with an @.

Thanks to everyone who visits!

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While Honda makes everything from power tools to robots to mini-jets, an argument could be made that Honda is an engine company. Every major product line features some sort of fossil-fuel powered motor, and their worldwide success would seem to suggest that Honda knows a thing or two about building a great engine.

Honda President Takanobu Ito doesn't understand American car culture.

However, when the President of Honda Motors, Takanobu Ito, says that the era of big powerful engines is dead, his understanding of the US auto market should be called into question. Here’s the exact quote:

“Sure, there are folks who like that ‘vroom’ of the engine out of nostalgia…But those people are stuck in the past.”

Is Mr. Ito seriously suggesting that future American car buyers won’t want big powerful engines? Big and powerful engines are what American car culture is all about!

First of all, American car culture can be summed up with the following references:

• The movies Transformers, The Fast and The Furious, Back to the Future, American Graffiti, Smokey and The Bandit, Road Warrior, and Bullit sum up our culture’s modern automotive preferences. When you think of the cars in each of these movies, the one you remember will be fast.

If you haven't seen the car chase in the movie Bullit, rent it. Feel free to skip the rest of the movie, however.

• Any vehicle driven by Batman or James Bond.

• The car magazine shelf at your local bookstore.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize the main theme in American car culture is “speed.”

Pictures of fast cars and bikini girls are in almost every car magazine (not that I'm complaining)

Second, the tendency of American drivers to be territorial is CRITICAL to understanding our car market. Territorial acts like tailgating, cutting other drivers off, blocking other drivers, street racing, etc. are more likely to occur when one vehicle is bigger and/or faster than another. Many Americans buy bigger and/or faster cars because, sub-consciously, they want to either win or prevent these confrontations.

Third, safety fears are profound in America. Americans, as a general rule, tend drive a lot. When you drive a lot, you’re bound to have a car accident. In fact, the typical American will have multiple car accidents in their lifetime. While most accidents will be minor, the fear of injury or death in a car accident is very real. Americans tend to “hedge their bets” by buying a bigger vehicle.

To sum up:

1. Our culture values fast cars.
2. Our sub-conscious behaviors emphasize big and/or fast cars.
3. Our safety fears emphasize big cars.

This all adds up to one point: big engines are here to stay. While some will argue that small engines can power big cars, I disagree. The saying “there’s no replacement for displacement” is as true today as it was 100 years ago. If you want a big and/or powerful car, you need a big engine. All the turbos and variable valve timing in the world can’t compete with an extra 2 or 3 liters of displacement (because it’s all about torque…but that’s another story).

What about gas prices, you say? What about them? Gas prices exploded in the early 70’s and little cars took off. Honda, Toyota, and Nissan cleaned up. Yet once the initial price shock wore off, Americans cozied right back up to their big vehicles. Unless there is a fundamental shift in our desires for big, safe, and powerful cars, any emphasis on small cars and small engines is temporary.

Does this mean that every driver wants a big powerful car with a big engine? Of course not. I’d say that it’s only 30-50% of the market…which is a LOT.

Bottom Line: Until someone invents a cost-effective alternative to the internal combustion engine, Honda’s President is completely wrong. Big engines are far from dead.

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All of the recent and damning evidence uncovered in the first-gen Tundra frame rust investigation has been discouraging. How could Toyota and the frame supplier Dana underestimated the potential for rust so profoundly? Why has Toyota let this issue go so far? Clearly, a critical error in quality has been made. Toyota’s image will depend on how they take care of the problem.

However, no matter what you may think about the Toyota Tundra frame rust issue (we think it stinks), this problem is fairly comparable to problems that other truck manufacturers have had in the last decade.

Here’s are the 10 most outrageous truck quality issues of the last 10 years:

UPDATE: Ford’s SuperDuty flames are definitely outrageous, but they really shouldn’t take the place of the Tundra’s tailgate failures. So…the SuperDuty will get slot #11 so we can make room for a poorly designed tailgate that buckled under normal weight.

11. Ford’s Flame-throwing 2008 SuperDuty Diesel

Ford’s engineers jumped on top of this issue almost immediately. In terms of an actual “quality” problem, it’s barely on the radar. However, in terms of outrageous…it’s off the charts. SO, it makes the list.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Watch the video and you’ll see flames 2-3 feet long shooting out of a 2008 SuperDuty exhaust pipe.

10. 2007 and 2008 Toyota Tundra Tailgates That Bend

Toyota’s engineers royally screwed up the launch of the 2nd generation Tundra when they forgot to make the tailgates strong enough to support more than a couple of hundred pounds. At least Toyota replaced the Tundra tailgates that failed…eventually.

9. 2000-2001 Dodge Ram Hoods Flying Open While Driving

NHTSA investigated 30 reports of 00′ and 01′ Dodge Ram hoods flying open while driving. Normally, if a driver doesn’t fully latch his or her hood, there’s a secondary safety latch in place to keep the hood from flying open. However, 00-01′ Rams used a secondary latch mechanism that was vulnerable to rust. When these owners forgot to latch the hood, they got a nasty surprise.

Car hoods flying open are only funny in the movies.

8. GM’s Surprise ABS Activation At Very Low Speeds…And Subsequent Low Speed Crashes

Approximately 800,000 GM 99-02′ trucks registered in the “salt belt” were recalled in 2005 because the ABS wheel speed sensors were vulnerable to corrosion…and subsequent malfunction. In terms of safety risk, this recall was pretty minor. The problem was that when the ABS came on at low speed, a lot of people ran into something. NHTSA received 840 complaints and 244 crash reports associated with this problem. (244!)

7. Violent Front-end Oscillations in the 05-07′ F250

NHTSA received 78 complaints from 2005-2007 F250 owners regarding violent front-end oscillations at highway speeds. Some of the owners report losing control of their vehicle as a result of this problem. While NHTSA could never pinpoint a safety issue, Ford did warn their dealers about this problem.

6. F150’s Phantom Airbag Deployment At Engine Start

NHTSA is currently investigating allegations of spontaneous airbag deployment in the F-150

Imagine jumping into your 2005 F-150, cranking the key, and having the airbag explode right in your face. NHTSA is currently investigating this problem, but as of September of this year NHTSA has received 8 incident reports. Ford dealership technicians have told customers that the problem was an “inadvertent wire chafing issue.”

Keep an eye on this one – the results of the investigation should be out soon.

5. 1999-2002 Dodge Rams with the Cracked Dash Option

This isn’t a major problem, but it sure is annoying…and common. There are hundreds of separate complaints on CarComplaints.com about 1999-2002 Dodge Rams with cracked dashes. A quick search of “Ram cracked dash” tells the story. What was Dodge thinking? This seems like a quality problem that, frankly, should never occur.

4. Spark Plug Ejecting F-Series

In September 2005 NHTSA investigated 1997-2002 F-Series trucks after receiving 474 separate complaints about “spark plug ejections.” For some reason or another, as the Triton series of motors of this time period (the 4.6L V8, 5.4L V8, and 6.8L V10) got some wear and tear, spark plugs shot out of the engine like little bullets.

This F150 caught fire when an ejected spark plug hit a fuel line. Image from ConsumerAffairs.com

Despite the image above (see more on ConsumerAffairs.com) NHTSA’s official investigation says that damage was usually “limited to the engine,” and therefore it was NOT a safety issue…which is a small consolation to anyone that had to buy a replacement cylinder head.

3. Toyota Tundra Frame Rust Problems

2000-2001 Tundras are being investigated by NHTSA for major rust problems.

NHTSA is investigating 2000-2001 Toyota Tundras for frame rust problems, and we fully anticipate this investigation will lead to some sort of recall and/or warranty program. According to our readers, rust is so bad on some of these Tundras that spare tires and brake lines are literally falling off the truck because the frame can no longer support their weight. Read all about Tundra frame rust and the NHTSA investigation…and our belief the frame rust problem might not be limited to 2000-2001 Tundras.

2. GM’s Hotshot Washer Fluid System Fires

The potential for a spontaneous vehicle fire, however remote, is downright scary. GM recalled nearly one million vehicles (many of which were decked-out pickups) after determining that their “hot-shot” heated windshield washer fluid system could short out and cause a fire. Only 3 fires have been reported, likely thanks to GM’s efforts to issue a recall as soon as they realized there was an issue.

1. Ford and Texas Instruments Cruise Control Module Fires

This F150 caught fire while parked as a result of a defective cruise control switch. Luckily it was outdoors.

Ford and Texas Instruments get first place on this list for two reasons. First, the potential of a spontaneous fire (even if the key isn’t in the ignition) is the definition of an unsafe product. Second, Ford and T.I. have yet to acknowledge this as a safety issue, despite 2 deaths and millions of dollars in property damage linked to this problem.

Starting in 1992, Ford installed cruise-control switches manufactured by T.I. in nearly all of their vehicles. By the late 90’s, Ford acknowledged a potential issue by recalling 280k 92-93 Crown Vics and Mercury Grand Marquis. This small recall was followed by a series of larger recalls over the next decade. Each time, Ford refused to acknowledge a safety problem while simultaneously paying for replacement switches.

As of last week, yet another recall has been announced for this same issue. Ford has now recalled a total of 14.1 million vehicles for this problem over the last 10 years. NHTSA reports a total of 550 fire incidents as a result of this problem. These fires have also been blamed for the deaths of an elderly woman and a four year old girl – both of whom died after their burning vehicles caught their homes on fire while they slept.

Hundreds of fires and 2 deaths are blamed on faulty cruise control switches.

After 14 million recalled vehicles, Ford still claims this isn’t a safety issue.

Any issues we forgot? Comment below.

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Toyota typically redesigns their vehicles on a 5 year cycle, meaning that the next generation Tundra is due out in just a couple of years. We’ve been told that a diesel Tundra isn’t on the to-do list anytime before 2012 (not until the truck market “recovers” – whatever that means), and that hybrid and HD Tundras still seem to be a few years off (think 2015).

Toyota should copy the Ram Box feature on the next-generation Tundra.

However, there are going to be some enhancements in the next-gen truck. We don’t know what all of those enhancements will be, but here are some suggestions for features and changes that Toyota should include in the next-gen Tundra (feel free to comment to add to the list).

1. Integrated trailer brake and “trailer sway control” systems. While this should be optional equipment (not every truck owner will appreciate these features), this is really a no-brainer. Integrating the trailer brake makes life that much easier when towing, and trailer sway control is a smart electronic feature that will manage braking if a sway situation starts to occur.

2. Redesign gauge layout. The current gauges are unreadable in some lighting situations, and awkward the rest of the time. Sometimes it’s OK to copy what everyone else is doing.

3. Flip-up rear seats. The current Tundra’s rear seats flip downward, which means you lose some usable space. Of course, the current Tundra’s rear seats also recline, so maybe it’s just not possible for them to flip up…but it would be nice.

4. Microsoft Sync. This is a simple and popular option that Toyota needs to make available on all future models.

5. A lifetime warranty against frame rust. In light of all the recent negative first-gen Tundra frame rust publicity, it would be a nice sales tool to overcome any concerns and demonstrate Toyota’s commitment.

6. Upgrade the rear suspension to fix the bed bounce problem once and for all. This is an issue that doesn’t come up a lot, but when it does come up, you know it. Toyota needs to do whatever it takes to make this a non-issue.

7. Improve fuel gauge accuracy. Sure it’s not the end of the world that the Tundra’s fuel gauge is 3-6 gallons off…but it sure is annoying on a $30-$45k vehicle. Fix it, would ya?

8. Integrate a cylinder de-activation system into the available engines. Cylinder de-activation seems like a relatively easy way to boost fuel economy…and considering Chevy managed to add it to their old-school 5.3, it should be easy enough for Toyota to pull it off in the high-tech 4.6 and 5.7.

9. Copy the Ram Box. Technically, one could argue that Nissan was the first to integrate storage into the quarter panels in a truck bed, but whatever. This is a cool feature that Toyota could easily (and inexpensively) offer.

10. Basic and inexpensive in-dash computing system. More and more consumers will expect to be able to use their computers wherever they are…even on the road. A cheap touch-screen laptop (with purpose-built software for the navigation and entertainment systems) should be easy enough to integrate into the dash. This could be sold as a “work” feature to the people who use their Tundras on job sites across the country, and anyone who has a mobile office might appreciate it as well. The typical consumer could also be sold the benefit of being able to check email, Facebook, Twitter, and the like from their vehicle without using the small screen on their web-enabled phone.

What do you think – what else should Toyota add or enhance on the next generation truck?

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We’ve been doing some housekeeping this weekend to the website and we decided it might be interesting to conduct an informal reader’s poll. It’s just for fun – answer as many or as few of the questions as you like.

Once you’re done, submit your answers to see the results.

Thanks for playing! If you have some suggestions for future poll topics and/or questions, feel free to leave a comment below. All suggestions are welcome.

P.S. If you can’t see the survey questions or if the survey isn’t working for you, click here.

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Chrysler – which is now managed by Fiat – is going to spin off the Dodge Ram as a stand-alone product line. The full plans for the new Ram brand are being given to the U.S. government today, and The rumor is that the Ram brand will make it easier for Fiat to manage the marketing of the Chrysler brands. Here’s what the new Chrysler landscape is supposed to look like:

• Ram becomes the truck brand of the company
• Dodge becomes the performance brand, perhaps sourcing vehicles from Alfa Romeo (in addition to Fiat)
• Chrysler moves more towards the luxury brand that Daimler wanted it to be all those years ago
• Jeep keeps on keepin’ on

While this new brand alignment sounds smart, Chrysler is still in serious trouble. There’s no assurance that the government bailout is going to save Chrysler – analysts universally agree that Chrysler has serious problems, including poor quality, a lack of R&D, and a strong likelihood that Chrysler vehicles won’t be able to meet new fuel economy regulations in the coming years.

So what about selling off the Ram brand down the road?

After all, Fiat doesn’t know pickups. The current Ram is a solid pickup that’s selling reasonably well, and Fiat might not be able to follow-up on the next-gen Ram with the same level of success. It’s entirely possible that the current Ram will be the best Ram ever, and that future Fiat versions of the Ram won’t be as successful. The rule is to sell high, right? Why not cash out now while the Ram is a top choice?

Selling Ram would allow Fiat to focus on what they’re good at (cars), and they wouldn’t have to worry about fuel economy regulations. Nissan would probably be very interested in buying Ram…and they’ve got the product portfolio to balance out the Ram’s low fuel economy numbers as regulations get tighter.

Another reason to sell Ram is that, unlike Jeep, the future of the Ram is a little cloudy. Tough fuel economy and emissions regulations are making it harder to make money with pickups. Trucks aren’t going to be the cash cow they once were.

If you add it up -

• Fiat isn’t really a truck company
• Ram is never going to be more valuable than it is now
• The Ram brand’s long-term value is in question because the truck market is changing

and it seems very possible that Fiat could sell Ram. Maybe not next week, but if they need cash in 2010 or 2011, the option is probably going to be on the table.

Bottom line: Splitting off Ram might just be a marketing move right now, but it also makes getting out of the truck market that much easier if Fiat struggles to save Chrysler.

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Last week, we listed off all the maximum tow ratings for 2009 and 2010 half-ton trucks. The ratings ranged everywhere from 6,000 lbs to 11,300…and most manufacturers ratings are inconsistent. Ford’s 5.4L F150, for example, is rated anywhere from 7,700 lbs to 11,300 lbs depending on the presence of a tow package. That’s a difference of 46% for the same engine – how can this be?

There's something fishy about manufacturer's maximum trailer tow ratings.

There are a lot of factors that go into determining a truck’s tow rating, but generally speaking we can boil all the factors that determine maximum trailer tow ratings down to five categories:

1. Power. How much can the truck pull safely with reasonable power? Can the truck move the maximum load up a steep grade? Can the truck pass safely while pulling the max?
2. Cooling. While pulling the max, can the truck adequately cool the engine and transmission in all conditions?
3. Braking. There are federal stopping standards to meet, not to mention the fact that most truck owners expect to be able to stop when pulling a trailer (even without trailer brakes to assist).
4. Control. Is the truck going to pull the trailer, or is the trailer going to pull the truck?
5. Liability. If the end user follows all the manufacturer’s guidelines, what is the likelihood they’ll get in an accident that will result in liability for the automaker?

Amazingly, despite the fact that all of these considerations are fairly straightforward, there are no standard testing procedures to determine a vehicle’s maximum trailer tow rating. Each manufacturer is allowed to determine their own tests.

We all know that the “highest in class” tow rating is a bragging right that truck owners cherish. Who can pull more is a standard that truck owners like to compare…but what if a truck manufacturer wanted to over-rate one of their vehicles to grab bragging rights? What would be the risk? Consumers that tried to pull the max would either:

1. Not have enough power, slow down traffic, and get a bigger truck next time.
2. Overheat and destroy an engine or a transmission (or both).
3. Lose control and get in an accident.
4. All of the above.

In scenario #1, the manufacturer has little risk. The consumer isn’t happy and might not buy another truck from them in the future, but that’s not a huge problem…not many consumers pull the maximum.

In scenario #2, the manufacturer might have to replace an engine or transmission prematurely. This is likely the biggest disincentive to over-rating a vehicle because it results in more warranty replacements (and therefore lower profits).

In scenario #3, the manufacturer might have to endure a lawsuit. Considering that most individual consumers don’t have the resources or wherewithal to drag a major automaker into court, this is the lowest risk scenario of all.

Knowing that these are the risks, let’s take one more look at some manufacturers maximum trailer tow ratings:

• Dodge’s tow ratings seem low, but perhaps that’s a result of Dodge’s lifetime powertrain warranty. If Dodge owners follow their scheduled maintenance, they’re entitled to a new engine or transmission in the event of a failure for as long as they own the truck. Dodge is probably very concerned about over-rating their trucks because they would have to buy a whole bunch of replacement engines and/or transmissions. Of all the manufacturer ratings, Dodge’s seem to be the most realistic. Ditto for Nissan.
• GM’s products seem to have a very reasonable range of tow ratings as well. From as little as 6k pounds towing capacity for a 5.3 to the 10,700 lbs rating of their 6.2L, tow ratings seem to be rational.
• The Tundra’s max tow rating seems a little high when you compare the performance of the truck to the Ram and the GM 6.2L, but perhaps Toyota feels their larger braking system and 6-speed automatic overcome the power, cooling, and braking concerns.
• Ford’s 11,300 lbs tow rating for the 5.4L seems completely and totally ridiculous…bordering on irresponsible. Ford says that their truck (when properly equipped) manages to out-pull the much more powerful trucks from Dodge, GM, Nissan, and Toyota – how?

It might be worth noting here that a bare-bones 2010 Ford 4×2 F150 Regular Cab Long Box 5.4L (3.55 rear) has an MSRP of $24,580 and is rated to pull 9,800 pounds (high, but possible). The “maximum towing” version of this same truck can pull 11,300 pounds…with an MSRP of $26,360.

In other words, adding 1,500 pounds of towing capacity costs $1,800 more. All Ford adds on is a different axle ratio (3.73), different steering gear ratio (20:1 instead of 18:1), bigger front bushings, bigger rear leafs, and 7-lug wheels (instead of 6). All those extras can’t possibly cost Ford $1800.

Anyone want to guess that some of that money is used to offset higher warranty claim rates and to protect against possible future liability claims? Keep in mind it only costs $380 to go from a 5,000 lbs tow rating to a 9,800 lbs tow rating for the same model.

Bottom Line: Maximum trailer tow ratings should be treated with a high degree of skepticism, and a good rule of thumb is to tow no more than 80% of your truck’s rated max. As many have said, if you’re looking to pull 8-10k pounds, you might want to seriously consider a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

By the way, there is some good news about maximum trailer tow ratings. TruckTrend.com did a nice story recently about a new SAE tow rating standard that’s worth a read. Hopefully, when all the manufacturers adopt this standard, we’ll see some reality in the numbers from everyone (Toyota included).

Comments?

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We’re happy to announce a new system for reviewing accessories that allows everyone to contribute their opinion – please take a moment to check it out:

The new TundraHeadquarters.com accessory review system

You can find it by clicking on the “Tundra Accessories” link in the menu bar or by clicking on the “Tundra Accessory Reviews” link in the drop-down menu.

This system is brand new and relatively un-tested. SO – if you find something that’s broken, or something that doesn’t look right, please let us know.

Also, if you don’t see a part or accessory that you’d like to review, please send us a quick note and tell us what you’d like to see us add.

Finally, if you haven’t done so already, please leave a review for your favorite parts. Sharing your opinion will help all Tundra owners figure out what parts they should or should not buy. Your opinion counts!

Special thanks to Cache for your development work and Justin for helping us get this thing up and running – we really appreciate all your efforts.

Read user reviews of Tundra Accessories.