TOPIC: Truck search, need advice?

Thanks for any help guys. My 2001 Dakota isn't
as reliable or safe at towing a 2500 lb setup, up and down major hills where I live. Takes all the fun out of the boat. Not to mention the 150 mile tow two weekends ago.
I have decided on Toyota. Either a Tacoma with the tow package, or a standard Tundra. 2WD only, due to price and we have 2 Subarus.
My big question is, would I need the tow package on a Tundra?
Those things seem big enough that towing my boat wouldn't be an issue.

My current Dakota, 3.9L V6 was throwing serious heat by the time I got home from the lake. Approx the last 2 miles going home is uphill, 500' to 1000'.

Anything else to consider?
Likely going used, as I found several decent Tundras at Carmax.
There seems to be no 2WD anything (except the tiny Tacomas) due to where I live.

i have a neighbor across the street with a tundra. they tow a pretty decent sized travel trailer with it and have NO problems. they still manage to get decent mileage too. unless you found a beefy tacoma, i'd shoot for the tundra, imho. it may be a little more than you need, but if you get something that's overkill for the job, it'll tow with ease. plus, if you ever need to haul something bigger, even just once, you're covered.

just my 2 cents.

also, you asked about other trucks to consider... around here used ford trucks seem to be made out of kryptonite. no one can get good money for them... which is great if you're buying one! i've seen a ford f-250 going for 1/4 of what a similar chevy was going for. if you don't mind an older rig, i'd look into a beefy f-150, or a 250.

something with a deisel in it would probably do well too.

now you've got my 4 cents =)

I may be mistaken but I think that a "tow package" doesn't just mean a ball and hitch arrangement which would give you the ability to tow a trailer. I think that it may also mean that you get additional radiator capacity to cool the transmission and also some type of override for the overdrive (2 different words) system meaning that your transmission will not shift to a higher gear until you reach a higher than normal rpm. This kind of other stuff is what makes it a "package" which gives you the ability to not only tow a trailer but do it without jeopardizing your internal systems. For my money I would get the tow package. Good luck.

Thanks I do appreciate it.

Jim

F-150, There is no substitute. I've had many and all got over 300,000 on them before trading them. I have never had to open up an engine. Plus they are the best on cost per mile + upkeep. I always got between 18 and 20 mpg and one got a 21.5. And yes I had a dodge and GM and an izulu. I had that one given to me and got rooked it was so bad.