TOYOTA TUNDRA CREWMAX TRD ROCK WARRIOR

OVERVIEW

Production: November 2006 – present
Designer: Craig Kember (2003, 2004); Matt Sperling (facelift: 2011)

• Body and Chassis

Body style: 4-door Double Cab

                     4-door Crewmax

• Dimensions

Wheelbase: Double Cab 8′ box: 164.6 (4180 mm)

Length: Double Cab 8′ box: 247.6 in (6,289 mm)

Width : 79.9 in (2,029 mm)

Height: Regular & Double Cab 2WD: 75.8 in (1,925 mm)

HISTORY

The Toyota Tundra is a pickup truck produced in the United States by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota since May 1999. The Tundra was the second full-size pickup to be built by a Japanese manufacturer (the first was the Toyota T-100), but the Tundra was the first full-size pickup from a Japanese manufacturer to be built in North America. The Tundra was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008. Initially built in a new Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, production was consolidated in 2008 to Toyota’s San Antonio, Texas, factory and is the only full-size pickup truck manufactured in Texas.

DESIGN

For the 2009 model year, Toyota introduced a new off-road themed option package called the TRD Rock Warrior. This option package was only available on the 4×4 Tundras with either the Double Cab or the CrewMax cab. Included are 17-inch TRD forged aluminum wheels, LT285/70R-17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires, Bilstein shocks, color-matched front bumper and grille, matte-black rear bumper, and fog lights. The interior included black cloth bucket seats, sport shift knob, and pedal covers. Double cab models received a sliding rear window. The TRD Rock Warrior package was only available in Black or Super White.

For the 2011 model year, the Rock Warrior package continued with some minor changes. Manual sliding rear window with privacy glass (Double Cab), and TRD Rock Warrior graphics. (Available only in: Black, Radiant Red, Magnetic Gray Metallic, or Super White.)

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE TUNDRA ROCK WARRIOR

Toyota added flex-fuel capability to the 5.7-liter V-8 Tundra sold in select regions, including the Midwest, where most E85 stations are located. Toyota is also releasing two TRD option packages designed for off-roaders and street enthusiasts. The TRD Rock Warrior adds 17-inch alloy wheels, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, Bilstein shock absorbers, a color-keyed front bumper and grille surround, bedside decals, and special interior trim. The TRD Sport also goes with a color-keyed appearance, 20-inch alloy wheels and interior upgrades. The Rock Warrior package is available on Tundra Grade Double Cab and CrewMax four-wheel-drive models with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine. The Sport package is available on Tundra Grade Regular Cab and Double Cab two-wheel-drive models equipped with a standard bed and 5.7-liter engine.

• The Good

Spacious interior with convenience options.
Powerful engine with wide torque band.
Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II rating.
Full complement of safety equipment.
Available 10,000-pound-plus tow rating for every cab/bed configuration.
Massive front brakes with excellent stopping power.
Advanced features on six-speed automatic transmission.

• The Bad

Cold, sterile interior materials.
Uninspired exterior styling.
CrewMax is huge, but has no rear captain’s chairs in luxury model.
Long reach for some controls.
Stability control alarms distract during intentional hard maneuvers.
Instrument gauges sit in deep cylinders in the instrument panel.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR ROCK WARRIOR?

• Get Your Oil Changed Regularly

It is recommended that you change your oil every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes sooner. You can wait until 7,500 miles though if you opted for the synthetic oil at your last oil change. This simple upkeep measure keeps your truck running smoothly, and if done properly it can help your truck last for years.

• Regular Car Washes

You should also pay close attention to the undercarriage and tires to make sure there are no abnormalities there as well. Wax treatments help to protect your paint and keep it shining and looking new for longer.

Don’t forget the interior when you head to the car wash. Vacuuming, cleaning the surfaces and wiping down leather if you have it will help to extend the interior life. Not only will you stretch out the life of your vehicle, but your ride will be more comfortable if it is nice and clean.

• Check Fluid Levels

There are several different fluid levels you should be keeping up with and checking regularly. These include windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant.

• Tire Pressure and Tread

Checking your tire pressure, especially in the colder months, will help your tires last longer.

• Other Routine Maintenance

There is a list of routine maintenance suggestions included in the manual of every Tundra. They recommend changing out air filters every 30,000 miles as well as checking and replacing the above-mentioned fluids. After 45,000 miles, it is recommended to check out things such as the exhaust pipe and mounting, brake lines and hoses, and the radiator. When your vehicle reaches the 120,000-mile point you should check the spark plugs and the drive belts.

Source: cars, wikipedia.