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Old 02-27-2018, 03:30 AM   #1
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1989 34' Limited
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Which vehicle for reliability?

Hi All,

I think I have narrowed the tow vehicle down for my new trailer. 1989 Limited (7400lb dry, 8900lb gvwr)

I'm trying to decide between 2 main vehicles and I'm going shopping tomorrow for some up close looks and test drives.
1. 2000-2006 Chevy Suburban 2500 4x4 with the 8.1L gas engine and under 100-140k miles (Cost: ~9k) Towing capacity 10,000lb (12k with right gearing which is proving hard to find).
2. 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4x4 ~140k miles (Cost: ~17k) Towing Capacity 10k lbs.

I still haven't quite settled on which one, but I am now leaning towards the Sequoia. My current vehicle is an FJ Cruiser but it just won't cut it with the towing I need to do. I have become spoiled with the reliability of the toyota, and am hesitant to move to a domestic as old as what i'm looking at. I'm not worried about the engine or transmission in either vehicle, as they both look to be reliable and strong.

Thoughts or concerns are appreciated, as well as which one you would get in my shoes and why
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Old 02-27-2018, 04:33 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedBearded View Post
Hi All,

I think I have narrowed the tow vehicle down for my new trailer. 1989 Limited (7400lb dry, 8900lb gvwr)

I'm trying to decide between 2 main vehicles and I'm going shopping tomorrow for some up close looks and test drives.
1. 2000-2006 Chevy Suburban 2500 4x4 with the 8.1L gas engine and under 100-140k miles (Cost: ~9k) Towing capacity 10,000lb (12k with right gearing which is proving hard to find).
2. 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4x4 ~140k miles (Cost: ~17k) Towing Capacity 10k lbs.

I still haven't quite settled on which one, but I am now leaning towards the Sequoia. My current vehicle is an FJ Cruiser but it just won't cut it with the towing I need to do. I have become spoiled with the reliability of the toyota, and am hesitant to move to a domestic as old as what i'm looking at. I'm not worried about the engine or transmission in either vehicle, as they both look to be reliable and strong.

Thoughts or concerns are appreciated, as well as which one you would get in my shoes and why
Statistically, Toyota is more reliable than Chevrolet. I just sold my 2012 Tundra with 60+K miles and it was NEVER in the shop for a service issue.
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Old 02-27-2018, 05:17 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedBearded View Post
Hi All,

I think I have narrowed the tow vehicle down for my new trailer. 1989 Limited (7400lb dry, 8900lb gvwr)

I'm trying to decide between 2 main vehicles and I'm going shopping tomorrow for some up close looks and test drives.
1. 2000-2006 Chevy Suburban 2500 4x4 with the 8.1L gas engine and under 100-140k miles (Cost: ~9k) Towing capacity 10,000lb (12k with right gearing which is proving hard to find).
2. 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4x4 ~140k miles (Cost: ~17k) Towing Capacity 10k lbs.

I still haven't quite settled on which one, but I am now leaning towards the Sequoia. My current vehicle is an FJ Cruiser but it just won't cut it with the towing I need to do. I have become spoiled with the reliability of the toyota, and am hesitant to move to a domestic as old as what i'm looking at. I'm not worried about the engine or transmission in either vehicle, as they both look to be reliable and strong.

Thoughts or concerns are appreciated, as well as which one you would get in my shoes and why
I currently drive a 2008 Toyota Sequoia 4X4 with 5.7 liter V8, and also have the towing package. It's a great vehicle with extremely good reliability. I dearly love the long range and comfort of my Sequoia. However, Toyota reclassified the towing capacity of all their vehicles in 2010, and lowered the 2008 Sequoia 4x4 to 7200lbs. So just a caution.....your trailer is just at the limit of this Sequoia.
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Old 02-27-2018, 05:25 AM   #4
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I would look hard at payload on each, and fuel tank size on each as part of deciding.

Having previously had a couple of suburbans, and now with a Tundra, I do find the Tundra easier to drive around town. For what it's worth.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:07 AM   #5
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#2!
Toyota till I die!
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:11 AM   #6
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Yikes, maybe I am just conservative, but I would think about a 3/4 ton truck. A 34' AS is a big hombre, and I would worry a bit about it deciding to take your Sequoia for a ride, especially if you plan on driving on HWY 1 or any of those curvy roads in your area. Towing at or near the limits of your TV is an accident waiting to happen. You might be able to pull it but there is a lot more to safe towing than just pulling it down the road. Just my humble opinion.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:16 AM   #7
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I bought my Tundra after having two Tacomas. Reliability was a major factor and Toyota trucks have delivered. 80k miles in the Tundra at present... 30K+ of that with the AS in tow and zero repair cost other than tires, brakes and a battery. That said, I think your trailer choice will overload the Sequioa. A prior poster noted the GTWR limit. You should check tongue weight, too since that trailer loaded for travel probably overloads the tongue. GVW on the Sequoia is likely an issue with that combination, too, unless you're a jockey traveling alone.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:25 AM   #8
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I’m driving a 2004 Suburban (but not 4-wheel drive, and not with that monster motor).

Most reliable set of wheels I’ve ever owned.

Only one repair, a small valve on the AC (after 12 years), and that was not expensive.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:26 AM   #9
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I love the Tundra and bought it for reliability. (my old Celica went 120K miles without even changing plugs.)
But I was shocked to read up on JD Power reliability ratings and find Ford #1. It depends on the model year. So, If you're shopping for a 2010, then I'd check reliability ratings for that year as a used vehicle.
There's a big difference between reliability in a brand new truck and the same truck with 100K miles.
This site has lots of folks who opine, "We bought a new XYZ every year since 2011 and they've always been reliable." Wait, what?

And yes, I have a long memory. If my Chevy Vega rusted out in 1976, I'll not be buying a Chevy again!
Not logical, but understandable.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:29 AM   #10
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Fuel consumption!!

Toyota is great and very reliable. That being said, plan on visiting fueling stations often. I loved my Tundra but it burned a lot of gasoline towing my 30 ft. Classic.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:40 AM   #11
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I tow a 30' Classic with a Tundra and stop at least every 200 miles.
Thing is, the newer Tundras have a 38 gallon tank option...
Possibly part of why the tow rating is lower now?
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:41 AM   #12
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Suburban hands down.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:45 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedBearded View Post
Hi All,



I think I have narrowed the tow vehicle down for my new trailer. 1989 Limited (7400lb dry, 8900lb gvwr)



I'm trying to decide between 2 main vehicles and I'm going shopping tomorrow for some up close looks and test drives.

1. 2000-2006 Chevy Suburban 2500 4x4 with the 8.1L gas engine and under 100-140k miles (Cost: ~9k) Towing capacity 10,000lb (12k with right gearing which is proving hard to find).

2. 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4x4 ~140k miles (Cost: ~17k) Towing Capacity 10k lbs.



I still haven't quite settled on which one, but I am now leaning towards the Sequoia. My current vehicle is an FJ Cruiser but it just won't cut it with the towing I need to do. I have become spoiled with the reliability of the toyota, and am hesitant to move to a domestic as old as what i'm looking at. I'm not worried about the engine or transmission in either vehicle, as they both look to be reliable and strong.



Thoughts or concerns are appreciated, as well as which one you would get in my shoes and why


I have a 2010 5.7 Sequoia. It could not handle my 2016 Classic ( out West) plus other typical payload items. Downhills were scary. Purchased a smooth riding 1 ton pickup.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:46 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pt.reyesfan View Post
I have a 2010 5.7 Sequoia. It could not handle my 2016 Classic ( out West) plus other typical payload items. Downhills were scary. Purchased a smooth riding 1 ton pickup.


Now at 20,000+ on the Silverado 1 ton, and no problems yet.
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:47 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad View Post
I love the Tundra and bought it for reliability. (my old Celica went 120K miles without even changing plugs.)
But I was shocked to read up on JD Power reliability ratings and find Ford #1. It depends on the model year. So, If you're shopping for a 2010, then I'd check reliability ratings for that year as a used vehicle.
There's a big difference between reliability in a brand new truck and the same truck with 100K miles.
This site has lots of folks who opine, "We bought a new XYZ every year since 2011 and they've always been reliable." Wait, what?

And yes, I have a long memory. If my Chevy Vega rusted out in 1976, I'll not be buying a Chevy again!
Not logical, but understandable.
Keep in mind that the reliability studies are at 3 and 5 years of ownership. New vehicles have quality studies. Big difference in quality and reliability/dependability.

Example: the old Astro van. Low quality...very high durability. I have several fleets still running them and they have been out of production for 13 years. cheap to operate, and repair...and just won't die.
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Old 02-27-2018, 10:03 AM   #16
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Two High milage vehicles: Sounds like they are both pretty reliable. I believe the 3/4 ton Suburban is hands down the best solution for your large trailer. You will be facing up upkeep issues but the old Chevy will be around a long time if you take care of it. If you really want the Toyota get a smaller Airstream.
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Old 02-27-2018, 10:13 AM   #17
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I'm a former Toyota technician and can attest to the quality of those products. I just bought my wife a brand new Toyota Sienna for her retirement vehicle and Consumer Reports and JD Powers both agree with me on that choice.

BUT... that Sequoia will not tow as well as that Suburban....AND... if/when you do run into a problem with either vehicle... the support for that Suburban will far exceed that Toyota. Example: You mentioned the rear axle ratio of the Suburban... it would be a relatively simple matter to have the differential gears changed out at any qualified shop to gears better suited should you desire. GM and aftermarket make those parts easily available and it's not difficult or expensive even.
That will NOT be possible with that Toyota.
Similar situation exists with most other "deep mx" issues...not to mention aftermarket improvements such as trans coolers, suspension components, etc etc. That Suburban can be worked on by most shops in most small "boony" towns. Good luck on that Toyota.
I love Toyota... but for the purpose mentioned.... The Suburban is the better choice... ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL. Good luck determining that the two vehicles being considered are in identical condition. Few Toyota owners practice "preventive mx" based purely on reputation of the breed. That may come home to roost for a used-vehicle owner.
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Old 02-27-2018, 10:35 AM   #18
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I have seen many 34' 3 axle AS on the road and they are all being pulled by 1 ton vehicles. Ford claims my F-150 will pull my 30' FC, it does, gets terrible fuel mileage but doesn't stop the rig to my liking. I went back to a 3/4 ton truck.
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Old 02-27-2018, 10:36 AM   #19
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I currently have a 2011 Tundra dual cab, 5.7L, 4x4. Have Leer shell and bedslide. At most I have 200 lbs of payload capacity left after hitching up. The gas tank is much too small.

Lots of Peeps like the F150 Ecoboost. An in-law, (ex trucker) pulls a very heavy 35' fifth wheel with it.

Be safe. I as much as I like my Tundra, if I were you I would get the Suburban or a 3/4 ton pickup.
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Old 02-27-2018, 10:45 AM   #20
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Reliable Tow Vehicle

I love my 3500 GMC Denali Durmax
Lots of power
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