Some trucks are seemingly built to do it all until life throws a curveball that asks for just a little more. For one Toyota owner, that moment came when weekend adventures turned into fifth-wheel plans. While browsing through the “2024-2028 Toyota Tundra Owners Forum” group on Facebook, I came across a post by Steve Hargis that perfectly captured that bittersweet turning point. Steve had just said goodbye to his 2024 Toyota Tundra Limited Off-Road, which was a truck he absolutely loved and had upgraded with a lift and tires. After realizing it simply couldn’t handle the payload demands of a fifth-wheel RV, he ultimately had to make the tough decision to move up to a 3/4-ton. This was despite being satisfied with the truck’s performance and unfazed by the recalls.
Here's his story: "Said goodbye to my 2024 Limited Off Road yesterday. Absolutely loved this truck and had planned to have it for the long haul. Put a lot of money into the lift and tires with great results. I was not worried about the recalls and she performed extremely well until my wife decided we needed a fifth wheel RV. The Tundra simply did NOT have the payload capacity needed to allow this to happen. So, it left no choice but to move to a 3/4 ton tow vehicle. The guy who bought it was grinning from ear to ear when he drove away. Glad she ended up in a good home."
Reactions From Fellow Tundra Owners
What Steve shared highlights a common dilemma that many truck owners eventually face: the realization that no matter how capable a half-ton pickup like the Tundra may be, fifth-wheel towing introduces a whole new set of demands, especially when it comes to payload. While the Tundra offers competitive towing figures on paper, fifth wheels are a different story because of their hitch weight. A large portion of the trailer’s weight rests directly on the bed, and that’s where most half-tons, even well-equipped ones, can fall short.
It’s a sentiment echoed by many in the Toyota community. Devin Gardner responded to Steve’s post with: “Yes that is a bummer. There are very few fifth wheels that the Tundra can legally tow. That being said, it is what I have and I love it.” Devin’s comment perfectly captures the mix of acceptance and admiration a lot of Tundra owners feel. They know the truck isn’t perfect, but for everything short of a fifth wheel, it’s one of the most well-rounded trucks on the market.
Mark P King also chimed in with a nod of understanding: “Sounds like she served you well. Hard to let one like that go! I totally get the move with the fifth wheel in play. At least you know it went to someone who’ll appreciate it just as much. Best of wishes with the new setup!” That kind of support reflects the strong sense of community among Toyota truck owners. There’s often mutual respect for those who have to part ways with their truck. Plus, it's not because the truck let him down, but because life simply demanded something different.
Then came Hernando Forero Junior, who took a more technical interest: “I have the same one. Love the color and the wheels. What lift did you have on it, and what tires and wheels are those?” Steve responded with a detailed breakdown that really shows how much thought and investment went into this build:
"Here is the list of all the mods on the truck. Professionally installed by AxleBoy Off Road in St Charles, MO.
- Readylift 3.0 Inch SST Series Lift Kit Front w/1.25 Inch Rear (includes 2 strut extensions, coil spring spacers, front upper control arms, and diff drop)
- Driver and Passenger Toyota Extended CV Shafts for lifted Tundra’s
- Amp Research (AMP7633801A) Full Auto Power Steps
- Fuel Covert wheels in Gun Metal Black (18x9 6x5.5 +20 offset)
- Falken Wildpeak AT4W (LT295/70R18 E-Ply) These tires have a 60,000-mile Limited Tread Life Warranty Professionally installed by Pappas Toyota in St Peters MO
- Under bumper drop down rear Bed Step Also included:
- BAK Flip 4 Tonneau Cover
- Rubber anti slip bed mat"
Letting Go of a Build You Invested In
This is the kind of setup that turns makes enthusiasts tune in, and it's part of what made the goodbye so difficult. Steve wasn’t walking away from a stock Tundra, because he was parting with a truck that had been carefully built out for his lifestyle. It's just not the new one that involved towing a fifth wheel.
Steve’s story reminds me of another piece I wrote on a new Tundra owner that came from a Honda Ridgeline. But after switching, the owner realized that it does come with some storage trade offs. Whether it’s storage or payload, the details matter more than most buyers realize at first.
This also speaks to the broader experience of owning a Tundra. It's stories like the Ridgeline owner, who have come from other brands, that have contributed to the towing honesty. I also covered a similar story where a Sequoia owner switched to the 2025 Tundra and didn't expect the towing results they found. These are discoveries that real-world towing performance doesn't always match expectations.
Loyalty, Lessons, and Looking Ahead
The truth is, there’s a growing number of former owners who’ve crossed over to the Toyota side because of reliability, refinement, or curiosity. One owner switched from Dodge to Toyota, and after a 1,000 miles, finally understood the love for it. It's that same kind of passion runs through Steve’s story too.
Even Chevy owners are admitting that the Tundra changed everything they knew about trucks, as one owner said he'll never go back. It just proves just how deep Toyota loyalty can run, especially once owners experience what the platform can deliver firsthand.
So I think Steve’s story perfectly captures the reality that loving your truck doesn’t always mean it can do everything you need. It’s easy to get wrapped up in emotional attachment—especially when you’ve spent money customizing a truck that turns heads—but at the end of the day, your needs can outgrow your build. That’s not a flaw of the truck though, as it’s just life changing directions. It’s why payload capacity matters just as much as towing ratings, especially if your plans include fifth-wheel RVs. And it’s why being honest with what you plan to do with your truck should guide your purchase more than just features or appearance.
Moral Takeaways for Owners
- Payload isn’t just a number. It’s the difference between “almost enough” and actually being safe. Don’t assume your truck can handle a fifth wheel just because it tows 12,000 lbs.
- Customization comes with tradeoffs. Lift kits, oversized tires, and added gear might look amazing, but they can reduce payload and increase stress on components.
- It's okay to outgrow your vehicle. Needing something bigger doesn't make your last truck a bad one. It just means your lifestyle evolved.
- Truck communities matter. The support and understanding shown in Steve’s post reflect why online groups are so valuable. It's not just for advice, but for validation and shared experience.
Let’s Hear From You
Have you ever had to part ways with a truck you loved because your needs changed?
And what’s one thing you wish you had double-checked before choosing your truck for towing or hauling?
I'd also love to hear your towing experiences with the Tundra, so don't hesitate to offer your comments in our section below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The "2024-2028 Toyota Tundra Owners Forum" public Facebook group and Toyota's Gallery, respectively.
