BlakazSS
02-22-2012, 12:55 AM
Hey guys - I am considering picking up a 2008 Sequoia as a daily driver for the wife, and to perform towing duties during boating season. The boat is 25' on the trailer, weighs around 7k as towed, with a tongue weight around 500lbs. When towing we have around 500lbs of gear/passengers in the tow vehicle.
Towing would occur 2-3 times a month from april-oct in the dead heat of the arizona desert, so typically 110+ temps, 120-300 miles/trip and facing some serious grades. My nemesis is the "Jacumba" grade going into San Diego. This is a devilish stretch of 11 miles of 5-7% grades. Last time I pulled it was in Aug 10, and the temp display read 117* outside.
I am considering the 2008 Sequoia SR5 with the 5.7, vs a 2007 ford expedition. My main consideration is the 6sp transmission which both have. Obviously I would get a truck set up with the proper 'heavy tow' from the factory. The Sequoia has the commanding power advantage, but a similarly equipped expedition can be had close to 10k$ cheaper than the Sequoia. 381hp/401tq for the Sequoia vs 300/365 for the expedition seems compelling.But I am pretty sure I could get long-tubes, a blower, and a dyno tune for around 5k if the expedition isn't up to the task and still pocket 5k$, and be close on hp and dominating on tq.
Im really on the fence about this - looking for opinions. Ill post the same on a ford board, and try to make the decision.
Please don't tell me to buy a peterbuilt or a 3500 truck to pull this load - I am towing somewhere between 14-21 times/yr and want/need the convenience of a modern SUV the other 350 days.
Looking forward to your comments!
Towing would occur 2-3 times a month from april-oct in the dead heat of the arizona desert, so typically 110+ temps, 120-300 miles/trip and facing some serious grades. My nemesis is the "Jacumba" grade going into San Diego. This is a devilish stretch of 11 miles of 5-7% grades. Last time I pulled it was in Aug 10, and the temp display read 117* outside.
I am considering the 2008 Sequoia SR5 with the 5.7, vs a 2007 ford expedition. My main consideration is the 6sp transmission which both have. Obviously I would get a truck set up with the proper 'heavy tow' from the factory. The Sequoia has the commanding power advantage, but a similarly equipped expedition can be had close to 10k$ cheaper than the Sequoia. 381hp/401tq for the Sequoia vs 300/365 for the expedition seems compelling.But I am pretty sure I could get long-tubes, a blower, and a dyno tune for around 5k if the expedition isn't up to the task and still pocket 5k$, and be close on hp and dominating on tq.
Im really on the fence about this - looking for opinions. Ill post the same on a ford board, and try to make the decision.
Please don't tell me to buy a peterbuilt or a 3500 truck to pull this load - I am towing somewhere between 14-21 times/yr and want/need the convenience of a modern SUV the other 350 days.
Looking forward to your comments!