Any SUV towers out there?

[MattyC]

Good afternoon all! I happen to own a 2015 Toyota Sequoia with a 5.7 V8 with towing package (tow/haul mode, suspension bags, etc). I am pulling a 21BHE with an UVW of 4,700lbs and CVWR of 12,000lbs (car and trailer). I also have a weight distribution hitch and anti sway control bar. So far it pulls pretty well at speeds of 60mph. (sway is manageable). Just wondering if there are others pulling with an SUV and what your experience is like?

[NB Canada]

Before my current setup I had a 2014 Jayco 17a hybrid that I hauled from Pennsylvania with a 2010 Toyota RAV4
It towed it like it was on a rail

The Jayco sits low and with the rav it was very stable with zero sway
I was wayyyyy overloaded
Overloaded on the rav and overloaded on the trailer but it towed flawlessly for 5 years until I got my Sierra


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

[MattyC]

I can tow 7,000lbs and GVWR is 6.600 for total combined vehicle weight rating of 13,600. I weighed at a truck stop and it came in at 12.300 total combined weight rating. the Sequoia seems to pull fine with distribution hitch and sway bar. I do get some sway in the wind, but don't think any vehicle can compensate for that right? My hitch weight is 456 lbs. (weighed at truck stop). We are planning several trips this year, so want to be as safe as possible with current TV.

[RV Sailor]

I can tow 7,000lbs and GVWR is 6.600 for total combined vehicle weight rating of 13,600. I weighed at a truck stop and it came in at 12.300 total combined weight rating. the Sequoia seems to pull fine with distribution hitch and sway bar. I do get some sway in the wind, but don't think any vehicle can compensate for that right? My hitch weight is 456 lbs. (weighed at truck stop). We are planning several trips this year, so want to be as safe as possible with current TV.

Something not right with a hitch weight of 450....if your trailer loaded was only 3000 lbs. ( 3000 x .15= 450) . You said the trailer is rated at 4700 which common % is 15% = the hitch weight . That means your hitch weight should be 705 lbs. A sequoia has a very small PAYLOAD capacity of 1300-1370 in’s. Payload capacity is a important as towing capacity. That would mean using your numbers the weight in the SUV to stay under its capacity can be no more than 900 lbs to not exceed its limit.

By your figures and Toyota your weight of the Sequoia is 6000. + your claimed 4700 ( 10,700) means your gear is that figure from your total weighed of 12300 equaling 1600lbs. You are 700 lbs over payload capacity. Way over, not even close by your figures.

The Sequoia is a very nice luxury SUV however does not have the true suspension, brakes, axel, transmission of even a 1500 truck. It’s a passenger car. Yes you can get away with towing with it but at what cost. The engine really makes no difference.
Yes you can tow in moderate conditions but windy no or your tail will wag the dog. You don’t really know how stable you are compared to a correct towing vehicle. To do that you need to try one.

Sure many will tell you not to worry on here , with stories of them ignoring being over payload capacity. but safety to me is paramount.

[NB Canada]

Something not right with a hitch weight of 450....if your trailer loaded was only 3000 lbs. ( 3000 x .15= 450) . You said the trailer is rated at 4700 which common % is 15% = the hitch weight . That means your hitch weight should be 705 lbs. A sequoia has a very small PAYLOAD capacity of 1300-1370 in’s. Payload capacity is a important as towing capacity. That would mean using your numbers the weight in the SUV to stay under its capacity can be no more than 900 lbs to not exceed its limit.

By your figures and Toyota your weight of the Sequoia is 6000. + your claimed 4700 ( 10,700) means your gear is that figure from your total weighed of 12300 equaling 1600lbs. You are 700 lbs over payload capacity. Way over, not even close by your figures.

The Sequoia is a very nice luxury SUV however does not have the true suspension, brakes, axel, transmission of even a 1500 truck. It’s a passenger car. Yes you can get away with towing with it but at what cost. The engine really makes no difference.
Yes you can tow in moderate conditions but windy no or your tail will wag the dog. You don’t really know how stable you are compared to a correct towing vehicle. To do that you need to try one.

Sure many will tell you not to worry on here , with stories of them ignoring being over payload capacity. but safety to me is paramount.

Huh? You are putting all of the gross gear weight of 1600 lbs on the tv. Most of that is on the trailer axles not the tv
And I believe his 456 figure (although actually the same as the factory base number) is with the weight bars attached from earlier conversations but the OP hasn’t been clear


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

[Stealth13777]

I can tow 7,000lbs and GVWR is 6.600 for total combined vehicle weight rating of 13,600. I weighed at a truck stop and it came in at 12.300 total combined weight rating. the Sequoia seems to pull fine with distribution hitch and sway bar. I do get some sway in the wind, but don't think any vehicle can compensate for that right? My hitch weight is 456 lbs. (weighed at truck stop). We are planning several trips this year, so want to be as safe as possible with current TV.

Your setup sounds good and within the capacity of your tow vehicle. I suspect your sway is due to being a little light on the tongue weight. You want to get to the 12% range typically to avoid some sway at higher speeds, although you are right to say that wind will almost always still move the billboard you are towing to some degree.

My setup is similar, and scaled out similar, and it is noticeably better to tow with 1/3 fresh water filled versus empty. That extra tongue weight, if you have the payload for it, can help.

[NB Canada]

I can tow 7,000lbs and GVWR is 6.600 for total combined vehicle weight rating of 13,600. I weighed at a truck stop and it came in at 12.300 total combined weight rating. the Sequoia seems to pull fine with distribution hitch and sway bar. I do get some sway in the wind, but don't think any vehicle can compensate for that right? My hitch weight is 456 lbs. (weighed at truck stop). We are planning several trips this year, so want to be as safe as possible with current TV.

What hitch do you have?

From your quote above I am thinking you are using a base hitch with a separate sway control. Maybe I am wrong.
A quality hitch with 4 point integrated sway control is a must for any vehicle
If you have a quality hitch I would suggest getting some more weight upfront and run with it
Keep speed always at 63-65 and enjoy


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

[Dadeo6472]

I used to tow with an SUV. A 2005 Dodge Durango 5.7 hemi with tow package and axle. It was powerful and safe, had a nice ride, and ate gas. 18 MPG on highway, 10-13 towing an aerodynamic 4000 lb fully loaded boat with a tongue weight of 350 lbs. The car's rated trailer pulling weight was 8500 lbs and payload capacity was 1500 lbs. We were a family of four, had tons of stuff and equipment stored in the car and trailer, the usual luggage and dog. We were near the payload weight limit on some trips. With weight distributing boat hitch, trailer brakes, upgraded springs and heavy duty tires. We were fine. Towed like for 8 years until the Durango met an untimely demise in an ice storm.

Without knowing your car's payload and trailer capacities there is no way to know if you are safe. I would imagine that you are way over your payload capacity.

[MattyC]

Thanks Doug and Patti.
I can tow 7,000lbs and GVWR is 6.600 for total combined vehicle weight rating of 13,600. I weighed at a truck stop and it came in at 12.300 total combined weight rating. the Sequoia seems to pull fine with distribution hitch and sway bar. I do get some sway in the wind, but don't think any vehicle can compensate for that right?

[NB Canada]

Is 456lb with the weight bars attached?


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew