Must-haves for Van or SUV as tow vehicle?
Thanks to all of your excellent advice, I have decided to find either a full size van or SUV to pull a travel trailer (I am thinking around 20’) for my cross country trip this summer, primarily becaus...
Forum Discussion
JAC1982 wrote:
Oh also I forgot to mention, my in laws tow a 25' travel trailer or a boat (obviously not at the same time) with their Toyota Sequoia and it does just fine.
Sequoias are a nice tow vehicle for a small-medium trailer. They are also a very comfortable and safe vehicle otherwise. The gas mileage stinks, but nothing is going to do any better while towing than 10 mpg or so. Typical for not towing is about 15 mpg.
Toyotas are very dependable vehicles so don't be concerned about age or miles if the vehicle has been maintained. Be sure to set aside funds for good tires and any repairs/maintenance to get it road-worthy for a long trip.
As a rule of thumb, for a comfortable towing experience, you want the trailer to be around 80% of the tow rating of the vehicle. That's not a hard and fast rule but it gives you a starting point for looking for a towing combo.
Add in an Equal-i-zer hitch system and it's a nice combo. On a long or steep grade you will need to shift down to 3rd gear and just hang in the right lane, but that is prudent with any tow setup.
What you will have to watch is the cargo capacity. You will have the tongue weight of the trailer as part of the cargo, and that is about 12% of the trailer weight. Add yourself and your animals, and it will be pretty loaded. But that's OK as long as you are not over any of the axle or total weight ratings (which have a generous safety margin.)
I do agree, pick the trailer first and then the tow vehicle, just to be sure.
