What Truck Pulled The Space Shuttle? – Our 2013 Toyota Tundra
A factory, unmodified Toyota Tundra recently hauled the Space Shuttle Endeavour through the streets of Los Angeles. Toyota of Killeen believes if our Tundra can handle the Space Shuttle, it can handle hauling your boat or trailer through Killeen. Most amazingly about the Tundra hauling the Space Shuttle is that the Toyota engineers used a factory Tundra (with a custom paint job) to tow the 145 Ton Space Shuttle across a California freeway. The Tundra CrewMax weighs just over 5,000 pounds, meaning that it was hauling over 50 times its weight with the Space Shuttle. Check out the video below to see how and why a small truck was required to bring NASA’s Space Shuttle to its final resting location.
[youtube height=”315″ width=”560″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okkk3YNhtUg[/youtube]If you are planning on hauling large loads down our long straight Texas highways, consider choosing a Tundra model with Tow/Haul model. Available on Tundra models with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Tow Package, TOW/HAUL Mode extends the use of the lower gear ranges, helping to prevent the transmission from awkwardly shifting or “hunting” for the right gear when towing. The system also increases acceleration, pulling power and engine braking.1
Toyota of Killeen thinks the Space Shuttle tow was an amazing feat, but knows you will need a truck that can handle your everyday work. Keep in mind that the Space Shuttle scene pictured above was a The Tundra CrewMax 5.7L V8 towing far beyond its published towing capacity in a one-time, short-distance event. Never tow beyond a vehicle’s published towing capacities. Always consult your Owner’s Manual if you have questions about towning capacity.
If you would like to take a Tundra out for a test drive without a Space Shuttle behind it, come visit us at Toyota of Killeen. If you’d like to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor you will need to travel out to the California Science Center in Los Angeles.
1.Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment. Calculated with new SAE J2807 method.
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