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cfiore99's avatar
cfiore99
Explorer
Aug 07, 2019

About to buy a TT, so confused, could use some help.

So my wife and I have the opportunity to buy a travel trailer that is perfect for our family. We are supposed to sign the papers this afternoon. Unfortunately I am having a hard time figuring out if our vehicle will be able to actually tow it. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

The tow vehicle is a 2010 Toyota Sequoia 4wd, 5.7L V8 FFV. The manual says the tow capacity is 9600 pounds.

The camper is a Lacrosse Luxury Lite Touring Edition model:

LCT 318BHS
LCB003597 (it has both listed just like that)

35'. The dry weight is: 7775 pounds, the GVWR is: 9597 pounds

If I understand correctly we would be at the very max of towing capacity for the Sequoia even with a weight distributing hitch and airbags on the rear suspension for sag. So I'm guessing we need to be looking for a truck with a tow capacity closer to 11K or 12K to tow it safely? (Which we can't afford.)

Thanks for any help or advice.
Tow Vehicles

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  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2019
    A TT of that weight and length will have a loaded tongue weight way over your soft suspension SUV's max amount.
    You're committing a common newbie mistake by focusing on the towing capacity and not the car's payload capacity.
    The Sequoia will run out of payload capacity WAY before getting close to that 9600lbs number.
    And that 9600lbs number is only if it has the factory tow package.
    Figure 13% of the estimated loaded trailer weight for a loaded tongue weight.
    My guess would be around 1200lbs loaded. Subtract that and the weights of the whole family and the weights of car cargo, from the number on the yellow door sticker. It'll say something like "Occupants and cargo should not exceed xxxxlbs".
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2019
    Marginal is never fun.

    9600lbs is a respectable TC, certainly you can find a trailer well within in its range,if you like the vehicle.

    Look at the Trailers GVWR in your quest as that'll be MUCH closer to the weight of trailer loaded for camping.

    The wife and I are finding many trailers we like in the 28ft range with 7000# GVWR.
  • HuckleberryHunt's avatar
    HuckleberryHunt
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2019
    You COULD do it, but agree with the previous posts. Not a great idea. I advise upgrading your tow vehicle or downsizing your TT. Sorry
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Nomad
    Aug 07, 2019
    What is the Toyota’s payload? I believe you’ll be over on its “pulling” capacity and seriously over, i.e. unsafe, on its “carrying” capacity. Also, 35 feet of TT for a newbie is a big bite to chew. Remember air bags don’t increase payload or pulling ability. They level the rig.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Aug 07, 2019
    Your problem is not going to be towing capacity as much as payload. Depending on how your Toyota is optioned, it has a payload between 1,255 and 1,380 lbs... that's including passengers and cargo in the vehicle as well as tongue weight of the trailer. A good WD hitch weighs 100 lbs and the loaded tongue weight of that trailer will be close to 900 lbs. Will you, your family, and anything you put in the Toyota come in under 380 lbs. total?

    Rob
  • fx2tom's avatar
    fx2tom
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2019
    You will be over the capabilities of that SUV. Having towed an 8,300 lb trailer with a Tundra I wouldn't do it. My dry weight was about 7,200 lbs, plus gear put me at a CAT scale weight of just under 8,300 (no water in tanks). So figure 1,000-1,100 minimum once it's loaded.

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