Tow Capacity for a 2013 Toyota Sequoia

[CaliSherbert]

Hi all. I am in the market for my first trailer (after years of wanting one)! I'm trying to understand what kind I will reasonably tow with my 2013 Toyota Sequoia (2 adults, 3 small kids).

I am looking at pop ups and hybrids. Would I be able to tow the following hybrid camper on the heavier side (Opus OP15)?

Curb Weight: 4960lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 6600lbs
Tongue Weight: 410lbs
Exterior Length: 15?
Exterior Width: 7?
Ride Height (pop-top closed): 8’ 10?
Interior Height (pop-top open): 6’ 5”
Interior Height (pop-top closed): 5’ 5?
Interior Width: 6? 10?
Interior Length (with extendable room): 17? 11?

From what I gather, the Sequoia has a tow capacity of 7400 lbs and 1350 lb payload. I'm trying to figure it out based on prior posts but thought it best to just outright ask... What say those far wiser than me?

[asfw3ss]

I'm using the different brand for camping tent. you can get the ***Link Removed*** online that is the easiest way.

[Grit_dog]

That camper is within the capability of your Sequoia.
Cool campers as well, but a lot of $$ for the room you get. Should be well made ? At that price.

[PA12DRVR]

Very limited info to offer, but for my 2012 Sequoia:

- Have on occasion towed my 23' boat with the Sequoia when the truck was down
- weight (boat, trailer, everything on it) is about 6200 #'s)
- Usual load in the Sequoia is 2 adults, 2 kids, minimal gear
- Pulls fine, but of course, no wind resistance to speak of
- Stops OK; Sequoia not wired for trailer brakes, so that needs to be factored in
- Uphill pulling is OK, but nothing to write home about
- Downhill stopping is OK, but not comfortable (see comment above about trailer brakes)
- My Sequoia is setup for a cushy ride on "P" tires....when towing the boat, it's soft, squishy, and wags quite a bit.

I'd go with the lightest choice on your list. The Sequoia will pull "above it's weight", but it's not the best for stopping and general handling if a heavy trailer is behind it.

[rexlion]

APT wrote:
You can find out as equipped payload on the Tire and Loading sticker on driver's door or door jam.

I recommend under 6k dry, 5k better. Get a WDH with integrated sway control and learn how to adjust it. Happy camping!

I have doubts as to whether a WD hitch or mechanical sway control device would function properly with the fully articulating connection of the Opus. I have no idea how that thing will handle when towing at highway speed with such an unusual tongue setup. The OP should do his research on that. Without sway control (either friction bar or or built into WD), proper loading for hitch weight plus a brake controller become particularly crucial IMO.

[APT]

You can find out as equipped payload on the Tire and Loading sticker on driver's door or door jam.

I recommend under 6k dry, 5k better. Get a WDH with integrated sway control and learn how to adjust it. Happy camping!

[bikendan]

CaliSherbert wrote:
Hi all. I am in the market for my first trailer (after years of wanting one)! I'm trying to understand what kind I will reasonably tow with my 2013 Toyota Sequoia (2 adults, 3 small kids).

I am looking at pop ups and hybrids. Would I be able to tow the following hybrid camper on the heavier side (Opus OP15)?

This is NOT a hybrid trailer, as defined in the US. a Hybrid trailer is a cross between a popup/tent trailer and a conventional travel trailer. so it has the body of a regular TT and the deploying canvas bed ends of a popup/tent trailer.
But this trailer could be considered as an Expandable trailer or a popup TT.
i think you'll be fine with your Sequoia.

[rexlion]

Without doing an in-depth analysis, it sounds like you will be rather close to payload but within it (check door sticker, and weigh the vehicle on a scale to make sure options haven't put you over). Trailer length is relatively short, which is good. You'll want to have vehicle tires at max inflation, and consider maybe LT tires (for stiffer sidewalls and perhaps higher load capacity) if you don't have them yet.

The one thing that gives me pause is the light tongue weight, only 8.3% of dry TT weight, when the usual recommendation is at least 10% and preferably 12-14% to avoid trailer sway. So look at where the fresh water tanks are... if in front, add enough water to bring hitch weight up to a more ideal amount.

Nice looking offroad TT... while you're at it, will you buy me one, too? 😉

[CaliSherbert]

jdc1 wrote:
Take into consideration you "payload" includes not only tongue weight, but people, water, food, propane, clothing, dishes, ect. So, yeah...a pop-up might be in your future.

For the record and adding it up... tongue is 410, people are 500lbs (slightly less for now), dog is another 100. We are light tent campers, is it crazy to think it's within reason? Most of our camping items could easily be stored in the trailer itself.

[jdc1]

Take into consideration you "payload" includes not only tongue weight, but people, water, food, propane, clothing, dishes, ect. So, yeah...a pop-up might be in your future.