2007 Toyota Tundra

In addition, in Tow/Haul mode, the ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control with Intelligence) provides a wider throttle for any given pedal position. Other tow-package features include upgraded cooling and electrical systems. For improved visibility, the extra-large side mirrors manually telescope in width to see around a wide trailer, and have a convex lower section to increase peripheral view. The outer edge of the mirror housing has integrated lights and turn signals as well.


If four-wheel drive is an essential part of your RV adventures, that option is available on either V8 model. The Tundra has an-all new transfer case with a wider drive chain (1.5 versus 1.25 inches) for high torque capacity. Previously the planetary reduction gearset had four pinions, but this year's Tundra has six, and the low range has a lower reduction gear for improved off-road traction.


When we took the Tundra on a moderately difficult off-road course, shifting into 4x4 mode was a simple matter of turning a dial. Trudging through the dips and twists of the dirt track, the chassis felt stiff and sturdy, with no creaks or groans of complaint. Off-road, the new Tundra is a solid truck, with sure-footed handling, even on multi-purpose, all-terrain tires. With knobbier rubber, we wouldn't hesitate to tackle tougher trails. Moreover, the A-TRAC (Active Traction Control) helps minimize wheel spin in slippery conditions.

5.7-Liter V8

The foundation of this new pickup has framerails six inches farther apart than the previous Tundra. (The vehicle's overall length is 10 inches longer, and width and height are four and five inches more, respectively.) The composite frame design has three distinct types of construction: a fully boxed front half, rolled and reinforced C-channel in the midsection, and an open C-channel under the bed. When asked why the boxed design wasn't used all the way through, a Toyota engineer explained that the composite approach was employed to reduce NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels and accommodate differences in stress loads, depending on location.


The suspension layout uses dual A-arms and coilovers in the front, and leaf springs in the rear, but with a number of refinements in the geometry and electronics to improve stability, handling and ride quality. Disc brakes are found both front and rear, and are controlled by a type of advanced electronic system not yet found on other full-size pickups, Toyota says.