Toyota Sequoia as tow rig?

[XJKY]

I'm thinking about buying a '02 Sequoia as a family vehicle, and will probably end up using it occasionally as a tow rig for my built XJ. I know it has a comparably small towing capacity. Will I be sorely disappointed with it on those occasions I trailer the Jeep and head out for the weekend?

Any other comments about the wisdom of buying one of these?

Ky

[Kejtar]

Sequoia as tow rig? I thought that usually Sequoia is the one that is towed by a rig :D

[99xjache]

They typically arrive with the rear shocks removed.

[Kejtar]

They typically arrive with the rear shocks removed.
OH, you mean like newer XJ's had rear swaybar delete while SEquoias have rear shocks delete? :D

[99xjache]

OH, you mean like newer XJ's had rear swaybar delete while SEquoias have rear shocks delete? :D

yea, kinda like that. They have nice wheels now though. :)




Seriously, the Sequoia has an adequate engine and tranny for pulling but lack on the suspension side. Tongue wieght is limited and you would be pushing the limits of its towing capacity. A trailer capable of holding a geared up XJ should weigh about 2000 lbs, a geared up xj in the 4000 lb range, and any other gear you need to carry in the back of the tow rig and you could be in the 6500 - 6750 lb range. If I remember correctly, the Sequoia's limit is 6500 lbs. If it was me I would look for something with a little more capacity.

The previous ramble was based on opinion and memory. Please dont hold me resposible for incorrect #'s.

Aaron

[BrettM]

from Toyota's website: Towing capacity (lb.) (2WD/4WD) 6500/6200

my opinion, if it's for an occasional tow in the flat lands, go for it. frequent towing or into the mountains, forget it.

[99xjache]

from Toyota's website: Towing capacity (lb.) (2WD/4WD) 6500/6200

my opinion, if it's for an occasional tow in the flat lands, go for it. frequent towing or into the mountains, forget it.

shit. I wasnt that far off. Thanks Brett.

[GSequoia]

I can pull an XJ no problem on flat land.

Just not very far.

Please don't use me.

:laugh3:

[XJKY]

Thanks, guys. Looking just at the numbers I knew a fully trailered XJ would be pushing the stated capacity. Such use would be a very small part of its job in the family, but certainly a consideration for me. I've primarily been looking at Expeditions (5.4L), but have found a really nice deal on a Toyota . . . and my wife LOVES it.

Hmmm . . . tough decision. Jeep or wife?

Ky

[Roxtar]

They typically arrive with the rear shocks removed.And different size front and rear tires.

[CRASH]

SeanP tried towing with his Tundra, which had the same engine and had a higher tow rating, and it really sucked ass. He was in second gear all the time.

Though, I have to admit, his Jeep is slightly heavier than 4k. I'm betting 5.2K, plus 1,800 lb trailer.

[TRNDRVR]

With rebates and incentives, Dodge is pratically giving their trucks away. I just got an '06' HEMI Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 right in the low mid twenties. And it too is my new "family vehicle".

Just another idea.

[XJKY]

I need a third row, which really limits my options - and I'm trying to avoid getting a 'boat' (i.e. Excursion / Suburban). I'm looking at used vehicles, so rebates/incentives don't apply.

BTW, relocated from Salt Lake . . . and am REALLY missing the mountains. Now I have to go to East TN or Arkansas to get my fix. That will necessitate some driving if/when I tow.

Ky

[TRNDRVR]

I need a third row, which really limits my options...Your kids beat the hell out of each other too?

BTW, relocated from Salt Lake . . . and am REALLY missing the.....Well my friend, in my book, it's the best thing you ever did!!! :gag:

[IXNAYXJ]

I need a third row, which really limits my options - and I'm trying to avoid getting a 'boat' (i.e. Excursion / Suburban).You can get a Tahoe with a third row, they have the same drive-train as a Suburban (inc. a locking rear diff) and are really not that bad to drive. I think they're about the same size as a Sequoia, and they should be cheaper than a comparable Toyota.

-----Matt-----

[TRNDRVR]

You can get a Tahoe with a third row...Funny, I just sold my Tahoe to buy my Ram. I don' know why, but I'm just not a chevy owner.

Good luck!

[XJKY]

Yeah . . . I really need a seat of separation between us and the kids!!! I will be checking out a couple of Tahoes this afternoon.

Thanks again.

[XJ Jeepin Girl]

My neighbors bought one last year and tell me it gets terrible gas mileage (meaning 10-15, which is far worse than my XJ...). It is also suposedly one of the top polluting cars in terms of emmisions. : /

[SeanP]

yep. I really like my Tundra, great truck, great quality. I had a 2000 (2001?, i forget) and it had the 235HP engine. taking 50 to moab, I wound it out in second gear (4000-4300) on the 12 or so passes we went thru. Very, very soft suspension. At minimum, air bags, weight dist hitch are needed. My average towing MPG was 8-9 MPG.

If toyota came to the US with a 1/2 ton diesel with about 450 foot pounds, I would buy it in a second. Too bad CARB won't let that happen anytime soon.

SeanP

[XJKY]

Update: bought a super-clean '03 Eddie Bauer Expedition yesterday. Good deal . . . great extended warranty. Pretty much fully loaded. Yeah, I know . . . kinda uptown. But the wife's happy, the kids are happy (has DVD), and I got a 5.4L.

BTW, the Sequoia got sold before I had a chance to get serious. I think God had His hand in that.

Ky

[SeanP]

weight dist hitch, upgrade the brake pads, big tranny cooler and temp gauge, air bags.

[CRASH]

weight dist hitch, upgrade the brake pads, big tranny cooler and temp gauge, air bags.


Good suggestions. Plate and fin tranny cooler, don't get a POS tube and fin. Bag it as well, they are cheap, unless you already have the air-ride, which a lot of the higher end Expo's have.