Towing -- Can my Sequoia handle this?

[Darth Gator]

I have a 2003 Sequoia SR5 4x2 and am planning on buying a 25 foot, 4000 pound travel trailer. Loaded I expect it to weigh around 5,000 pounds.

Sequoia Specs
Wheelbase - 118"
Curb Weight - 5070 lbs.
GVWR - 6500 lbs.
GCWR - 11,800 lbs.

Trailer specs (from brochure)
Travel Length - 25'10"
Unloaded Vehicle weight - 4000 lbs
Axle Weight - 3485 lbs
Hitch Weight - 515 lbs
GVWR - 5500 lbs

Based on this I think I will be right at my limits but still acceptable. I already have a Tekonsha Voyager brake controller and will be getting an Equal-i-zer brand weight-distribution/sway control hitch.

Any other Sequoia owners pulling this much weight and what has been your experience?

Do I need to add a tranny cooler?

Do I need to add air lift bags to keep rear end from sagging?

We'll be traveling with my wife and two kids. Any input is appreciated!

Thanks, Jeff

[H2O_MAN]

Originally Posted by Darth Gator

...

Do I need to add a tranny cooler?

Do I need to add air lift bags to keep rear end from sagging?

We'll be traveling with my wife and two kids. Any input is appreciated!

Thanks, Jeff

A tranny cooler is a good idea. You may have one from the factory.
Air bags: The Air-Lift 1000 kit is perfect for your needs.

Good luck

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by 7.62mm

A tranny cooler is a good idea. You may have one from the factory.
Air bags: The Air-Lift 1000 kit is perfect for your needs.

Good luck

7.62mm is right on the money
Except I have --->http://store.summitracing.com/partde...rt=AIR%2D59530 I also added a on board compressor system made by the same company.
It is the same idea, you will need airbags to compensate and decrease rear sag with the weight. I tow a 18' trailer (1500lbs)+ 3200lb mustang on it.
With bags you dont even know it is behind you. See my pics for more details.

[H2O_MAN]

mustang67408, That Ride-Rite system you have on your Tundra is perfect for leaf springs. I have the same set up for my Tundra, just not installed yet.

Just to be clear...
The Air-Lift 1000 kit is for Sequoia rear coils and comes with the on-board system.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by 7.62mm

mustang67408, That Ride-Rite system you have on your Tundra is perfect for leaf springs. I have the same set up for my Tundra, just not installed yet.

Just to be clear...
The Air-Lift 1000 kit is for Sequoia rear coils and comes with the on-board system.

SWEET DEAL!!!! wish mine came with it. (compressor)
I forgot he was talking about a SEQUOIA, (what do ya want day after x-mas)
Thanks for clearing things up. I'll shut up now and go back to sleep, I mean work.

[sierra]

I'm pulling a 26' trail-lite that's 4600 lbs. loaded with my Tundra. CGVW is @ 10,000. I have a Equalizer and Prodigy and it pulls it very nicely. On the hills it really revs in 2'nd but will go up anything at 55 mph (6-7%grade). I did put an aux. trans cooler in addition to the stock one, Hellwig sway bar and JBA's. If that's any help.

[KLS]

I agree, you're at the maximum practical towing limit. A transmission cooler is very important. The Voyager brake controller is fair, but the Tekonsha Prodigy controller is better and safer. An Equal-i-zer brand hitch is a good idea. You don't need air bags, because the weight distributing function of the Equal-i-zer will raise the rear of your Seq and transfer some of that weight to the front and some to the trailer axles. Inflate all the tires to the max shown on the sidewall for added stability while towing.


Ken

[sequoiasoon]

If you don't have the tranny cooler definitely add it. Don't forget (I think it's been posted at least 1,000 times in different threads) LEAVE THE OVERDRIVE OFF!!!! The O/D is the weak link in the Tundra and Sequoia trannies better to burn a little more gas than tranny. Also plan on doing transmission fluid flush (not drain and fill) at least once per year if your towing that on regular basis (many posts also). You can also inquire at dealer about getting the shocks they put on Sequoia's with factory load leveling option. I posted some details in one of the threads here on how it works.

Good luck and enjoy!

[Darth Gator]

Thanks everyone for the respsonses.

How can I tell if i have a transmission cooler. I have the Allow Wheel option (AG) which adds the bigger alternator, tow hitch, etc. Would it have come with this??

Even if I have a stock one should I add another? And if so what brand would you recommend?

Thanks, Jeff

[H2O_MAN]

Originally Posted by Darth Gator

Thanks everyone for the respsonses.

How can I tell if i have a transmission cooler. I have the Allow Wheel option (AG) which adds the bigger alternator, tow hitch, etc. Would it have come with this??

Even if I have a stock one should I add another? And if so what brand would you recommend?

Thanks, Jeff

Check out this thread you will find a picture that show's the remote cooler on a Tundra. If you have it, you are good to go - you would not need two.

[speed25]

I'm almost certain ALL Sequoias come from the factory with a stock tranny cooler. By the way, you'll love towing with it.

[pacjr]

Our boat comes very close to the weight limit for our sequoia. I added a set of the airride bags to the rear. The best $200.00 ever spent, rides even with 500 pounds on the ball.