When Victor Sheppard purchased a brand-new 2007 Toyota Tundra, he told the dealership he was going to put a million miles on the odometer. He never got there, but only because the odometer topped out at six digits. After hitting 999,999 miles, Sheppard resorted to using the trip counter to track his mileage, eventually reaching 1,020,130 miles after just nine years.
The truck was in remarkably good shape for a vehicle that had covered the distance of two round trips to the moon. So much so that Toyota sent chief Tundra engineer Mike Sweers to see what could be learned from the truck and applied to future models, most notably the all-new third-gen model released in 2022. Toyota eventually traded Sheppard a brand-new top-spec'd Tundra in exchange for his truck so that his team could tear it down bolt by bolt. Here's a brief summary of a few things they learned.
Durable Materials Stand the Test of Time
Victor Sheppard is not a small man. An 'absolute unit,' as some might say, Sheppard's 6'6", 425-pound frame wouldn't be out of place on an NFL offensive line. Yet after more than a million miles, his front seat remained in good condition. The frame was unbent, and the foam was still supportive. The upholstery showed only light wear, in line with the rest of the truck.
Only the truck bed showed serious wear, as Sheppard carried lots of heavy equipment while working his job in the oil and gas industry. So, in an effort to make the third-gen Tundra's bed more durable, Sweers swapped mild steel for composite and thought of new ways to test it. Mimicking how Sheppard used his truck, Sweers' team threw large rocks, cinder block, and even a V-8 engine into the back of the truck. The composite bed with a 1,940 payload capacity wasn't even dented.
A Dedicated Team Developing Quality Designs
Previous Tundra models incorporated a frame that was wider in the center and narrower toward the bed. For the new-gen model, Sweers' team decided on a linear, ladder-shaped construction that gives wider support for the bed, resulting in more even weight distribution and a stabler, more controlled ride.
Determined to find more ways to make the Tundra more versatile, Sweers set out to develop storage areas with purpose—not just standard compartments that eventually become trash bins. He redesigned the rear seats to provide roomy storage underneath and gave them the ability to fold flat for even more capacity. Two new instrument panels were made available—a 12.3-inch fully digital display or a combination 4.1-inch screen and standard dials. Both provide access to diagnostics, audio controls, available driver-assist and off-road systems, navigation, and towing functions. Additionally, customers have the option of a standard 8-inch or optional high-res 14-inch infotainment touchscreen—both incorporating the Toyota Audio Multimedia System, with voice, touch, and sight activation.
Reliability for the Long Haul
"We have to make sure that wherever you take your truck, you can get back," says Sweers. With the understanding that their trucks will be used everywhere, from city streets to the Australian Outback, the Tundra design team recognized the importance of making reliable parts. One such example is the third-generation Tundra's 1.75-inch drive chain—one-quarter wider than the preceding generation.
Increasing chain width necessitated bolstering all associated components, including planetary gears, drive shaft, and more. The result of the change was a new Tundra with a prodigious 583 pound-feet of torque and a 12,000-pound max tow rating, a 17.6% increase over its predecessor.
It's not uncommon to see Tundra owners reach 300K, 400K, and 500K milestones with their trucks. Sheppard's 1M Tundra is a testament to Toyota's commitment to the longevity of its vehicles. We can only imagine how far owners of the new, third-gen Tundra will take their trucks.
Test-Drive a New 2022 Toyota Tundra near Atlanta
Reach out to Atlanta Toyota today to learn more about the 2022 Tundra's configuration options, financing opportunities, and how you can reserve one tailored to your specifications. If you'd like to get behind the wheel to experience the upgraded accommodations, amenities, and performance yourself, we welcome you to visit our Duluth dealership for a test drive. We'll be happy to show you around.
