Newbie: Towing TT w/ 2008 Toyota Sequoia

SoundGuy wrote:

stevevalwa wrote:
Never mind the fact that even if I could magically keep it between 11.4 and 12.4, all those scenarios exceed my goal of keeping trailer weight 7600# or less. It ranges from 7800-8500.

Trying to the find ways to lower the trailer's gross tongue weight just to better accommodate your Sequoia's limited towing capability is exactly what you don't want to do - too low and you could easily be all over the road, particularly with such a long trailer and such a short wheelbase vehicle. :E Rather, you should be aiming for 13% - 14% of the trailer's average gross weight, loaded & ready to camp, and if it's too much for your Sequoia, then it's too much. ;) Bottom line - doesn't matter what you do to try to rationalize it this trailer you want to tow is 3/4 ton truck territory - anything less just won't cut it.

A Henlsey or ProPride hitch that uses the 4-bar linkage is indifferent to tongue weight...you can tow a TT with 1% tongue weight and it will tow as straight as an arrow.

In the absence of this type of sway control you absolutely need 13% +/- on the hitch to prevent unwanted sway.

I only bring this up because some the tongue weight on some trailers goes north of 15% with an extra battery and full propane. Loading heavy items in a rear storage area can bring it down to the 12-13% range.

Just to be clear:

1. I don't disagree that this is too much trailer for the Sequoia no matter how you slice it.

2. It's a good idea to get it weighed and see what the actual TW winds up at so OP has the REAL numbers when shopping for a new truck.

3. A Hensley or ProPride 4-bar hitch is a good idea on a trailer that long even if you pull it with a 3/4 truck.