The 3.92 will give you another 1200 lbs I think, nice to have. Thats what I wanted but I bought mine in Sept 09... We originally ordered one in May 09, which never got completed due to the BK... We where under the gun and pickins was slim so we wound up with the 3.55. Again for twice a year now that I have done it I have no regrets the truck was perfect. Again the key to all of this revolves around "how often" you plan to tow. You answered the TT question. 2k of wood pellets... I would split the load or as you stated put some in a trailer if you have one. For over 2k of payload you would definetly be looking at a 2500 diesel. The spray in liners would be best for what you are looking to do.

The HD trans and engine coolers appear to be standard regardless of towing packages.

If the dealer is giving you a great deal to take the truck as it sits then jump on it. Make sure they know you really wanted 3.92 gears or a different color but for the right price you will take what the got.

I don't understand the 10k on the Tundras. My friend has one and I have seen several at the camp ground towing 5th wheels. My friend has a TT that is 8300 dry. All in I am sure he is at or just over 10k. He tows it maybe 4 or 5 times a year. He says its ok but not great, I have never been with him while he was pulling his TT. From what I have read there is no "magic" formula the manufactures use to arrive at what a truck can or can not haul. It all comes down to warranty service. They can not control how often someone will tow 10k and there certianly is a risk putting it out there since the warranty repairs could add up.

 

Get the truck if you like it & the price. (the 1500)

If you want to improve towing performance...3 ways to do it:

1. Aftermarket ring & pinion - about $700 installed - least expensive but they WILL be noisy
2. OEM ring & pinion - about $1300-$2000 installed but good installers are hard to find
3. OEM axle/differential assembly - about $1,300 from a discount dealer and install yourself.

 

My 2009 CC does not have an engine cooler. I don't have a towing package, just the standard SLT factory set up.

 

Thanks again!

The truck isn't a Laramie but it has what I need I think (or think I need) except the 3.55 gears. For what towing I'll be doing in the short term I'm going to just deal with it.

Big Horn
Spray in liner (line-x I'm told)
Tonneau Cover
Media Center 730N w/Navigation (Maybe that's what the "N" means)
Uconnect
Parkview Camera
Parking Assist
Technology Group
Step Rails

Oh, did I mention it has a HEMI?

It has a "Premium" bench seat whatever that means. What exactly makes a bench seat cost $900 more I'll never know. Because of that, it has the shifter on the column which doesn't really bother me except I kept reaching for it.

And they'll add the receiver and brake controller (or they won't be selling it to me!)

One thing we noticed right off is that the Tundra and Ram are the exact same length. It's obvious where they used the inches they removed from the bed as the Crew Cab seems very large in the Ram. The Tundra cab is more like the Ram Quad Cab in size.

But, I have strayed from my towing question. Thanks again for the input!