Forum Discussion

Bob_Vaughn's avatar
Bob_Vaughn
Explorer
Mar 18, 2016

2015 Toyota Sequoia platinum

Is a toyota sequoia platinum suitable as a tow vehicle for a travel trailer. It has a 7400 lb tow rating. My concern would be in the mountains of the west...
  • Great powertrain the 5.7/6auto.

    Payload is an issue though, and something with a SRA can be a little better to mod as a tow rig re longevity.
  • RedRocket204 wrote:
    The 2010 Sequoia has something like 9100 lbs tow capacity but the payloads do not match up for that rating.



    this is the weak spot for all SUVs, PAYLOAD.
    they have great towing capacities but lower payloads in comparison.

    you need to post what the yellow door sticker says is the payload capacity and estimate how much passengers and cargo will weigh in the car. the weight of the WDH, along with passengers/cargo weights, will all subtract from the payload capacity.
  • camp-n-family wrote:
    The Sequoia is a perfectly fine tow vehicle. Just like any other, as long as it is kept within its ratings. As with 1/2 ton based vehicles, you will be payload limited. I would aim to keep the loaded tt weight under 6k as long as you can handle the tongue weight. A hundred pounds over payload won't kill it. More important is to keep it under the axle and tire ratings.

    The 5.7l with the 6speed is a bulletproof combo and will pull its rated weights in the mountains without problem. It will drop a few gears but don't be afraid to let it rev, won't hurt anything. It's best power is found above 3500rpm.


    This.

    Have towed thousands of miles with a Sequoia and had zero problems at 5500 lb loaded trailer, plus 2 adults, provisions for 3 weeks, and an Equal-i-zer hitch.
  • The Sequoia is a perfectly fine tow vehicle. Just like any other, as long as it is kept within its ratings. As with 1/2 ton based vehicles, you will be payload limited. I would aim to keep the loaded tt weight under 6k as long as you can handle the tongue weight. A hundred pounds over payload won't kill it. More important is to keep it under the axle and tire ratings.

    The 5.7l with the 6speed is a bulletproof combo and will pull its rated weights in the mountains without problem. It will drop a few gears but don't be afraid to let it rev, won't hurt anything. It's best power is found above 3500rpm.
  • The 5.7L/4.30 axle has a lot of power for mountains. Soft suspension/low payload are the practical RV tow limits. At 7000 pounds loaded, or 6k dry TT, you will have 900-1000 pounds of trailer tongue weight. A loaded up Platinum model may only have 1300 pounds of payload. Do you + family + anything else you want to carry in the SUV weight 300-400 pounds?

    Check the as equipped payload when you test drive vehicles. Locate this sticker on the driver's door or door jam. Note what they have where mine says 2051:

  • Bob Vaughn wrote:
    Is a toyota sequoia platinum suitable as a tow vehicle for a travel trailer. It has a 7400 lb tow rating. My concern would be in the mountains of the west...


    Although I do not agree with the 2nd post about an ultra light weight trailer, hybrid or pop-up... I would not consider pulling more than a 6000 lb travel trailer with a Sequoia. I actually have a 2010 Sequoia with the 5.7l and have pulled our loaded and weighed 8500 lb trailer down the OR coast into northern CA and back. The 2010 Sequoia had tow ratings that were changed the next year down into the level where they are now. I didn't like the tow I had with Sequoia but it wasn't as bad as some might speculate without having actually done it. The 2010 Sequoia has something like 9100 lbs tow capacity but the payloads do not match up for that rating.

    That one major trip in the Sequoia allowed me the leverage and opportunity with my wife to upgrade my truck to a suitable 1 ton diesel and that is what I pull our 9500 GVWR TT with now. But, I would have no reservations of pulling a 6k lbs trailer with the Sequoia so long as all the ratings checked out fine. Make sure and understand what the Sequoia's payload is as some of those can be lower than you would expect.
  • Not great...but it does depends on the trailer you are considering.
    I'd be looking at a small, ultra-lite weight trailer or a hybrid or a pop up (tent trailer).