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Old 10-13-2010, 11:46 AM   #1
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2010 25' FB Flying Cloud
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SUV TV for Flying Cloud 25FB

We are brand new owners of a Flying Cloud 25FB (we haven't picked it up yet) but are starting to realize that our 2007 Toyota 4Runner V8 may be an inadequate/unsafe tow vehicle based on the forum postings here. We would like to stick with a SUV and would appreciate suggestions on a vehicle that would safely do the job. One SUV we were looking at is a 2010 Toyota Sequoia with a 5.7L V8. We live in flat Florida but I'm sure we will head out to more mountainous areas of the country eventually.

As I mentioned, we are scheduled to pick up the trailer up tomorrow so we would appreciate any comments you have. Thanks.
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Old 10-13-2010, 12:03 PM   #2
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Sequoia could work...

You will get a lot of replies, and there are many strings here at Forum on tow vehicles.. Click on search at upper right, and enter words tow vehicle and see all the messages shared over the years..

Since I got here first, I'll volunteer that a long wheelbase half-ton SUV (Suburban 1500 or Ford Excursion EL with V8, tow package and automatic) can do a fine job with your trailer.. A heavier version (3/4 ton) or club cab pickup or even heavy duty van could work. A shorter version (Tahoe/Expedition/Yukon) might work, but sway could be a bother..

The heavier Japanese SUV's, like Sequoia and Nissan Titan can work as well, if equipped for towing (means cooler for transmission, rear axle ratio and suspension parts intended to tow..).

With current fuel pricing, there are a lot of late model large SUV's for sale inexpensively, if you didnt want to buy brand new one..

Finally, I'd agree with those who suggest 4 Runner isn't really up to the task for that trailer, though I suspect there are members here who will disagree as well..
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Old 10-13-2010, 12:39 PM   #3
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We have the 2006 QX56 Infiniti that works well, but if I was to do it again, I would look very close at the Suburban 3/4 ton for load capacity. The QX56 is max. out for load capacity. Even though it states it will pull 8,900 lbs., the only way to haul that would be to have nothing in the vehicle except the driver, empty gas tank, and the tongue weight to be very low Pulling ours, we have no problem in the mountains, power is not an issue. It is a very capable SUV, just have to be careful on how you load it up. A scale for the tongue weight is very useful. We use the Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scale. It comes in very handy. Good luck
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Old 10-13-2010, 01:36 PM   #4
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We have been extremely happy with our 06 Yukon Denali. It has the larger 6 liter V8 an Auxiliary transmission cooler. We averaged around 11.5 to 12 mpg. We put 6000 miles on her this summer with our Airstream in tow. It was our first GMC and we are happy so far.
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Old 10-13-2010, 02:11 PM   #5
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We have been extremely satisfied with our 2005 Ford Expedition. It handles the hills and mounain grades very well, it holds on a down grade extremely well, I can descend most grades in 2nd gear and never touch the brakes. My favorite feature.... Air Conditioned Seats.
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Old 10-13-2010, 08:55 PM   #6
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I would strongly suggest you look at a VW TDI Touareg with ProPride or Hensley hitch.

Clean tech diesel with great mileage and power (407 lbs torque) with rock stable towing and great brakes in case your Airstream were to have a brake failure, excellent engine braking as well (trust me as I've driven over the Sierra's, Rockies & Appalachians on numerous occasions)...

The brake controller install does take about an hour to complete so not quite Plug-n-Play but the instructions and parts necessary are posted here as well as at other sites.

I tow my 2009 Airstream Classic 25 FB and LOVE this combination (you say 2010, I say 2009, etc.).....

Do a search on this site on Touareg's and you may learn this combo may be your perfect solution too!
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Old 10-13-2010, 09:19 PM   #7
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Just drove back from Penn. To Texas pulling our new to us 2006 safari FbSE 25' er. Used my Lexus Gx470 2006 to do the job. Ideally a bigger car with more weight and power but had no problem un and down hills of West Virginia and about 5 other states. The Gx is like a bulldog, lots of strength in a small size. Fully weighed down the 25' can exceed the manufact tow limit of the Lexus, but the Hensly weight dist. And sway control gave a solid feel to the rig. Drove up to 75 on interstate with 18 wheelers on the side with no problems.
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Old 10-17-2010, 10:38 PM   #8
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Nice Tow Package Rich!!!
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Old 10-17-2010, 11:10 PM   #9
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Greetings from the Florida Panhandle

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

We have a 2005 Safari 25FB, named Lucy, We have pulled Lucy over 60,000 miles and have spent over 700 nights in her.

We tow Lucy with a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 (3/4 ton) and a 2005 GMC Yukon XL 2500. We travel very often and have two tow vehicles. Lucy weighs in at 7400# ready to camp. The Suburbans work well in all instances. We also use a Hensley Arrow hitch system.

Brian
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Old 10-18-2010, 06:26 AM   #10
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For overall performance (handling, stopping, ride, safety) higher end vehicles with IRS seem to get top marks. I was always impressed with the way this Porsche (at a test track) man handled this out of control SOB.

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Old 10-18-2010, 10:03 AM   #11
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First of all, welcome to the forum. You are going to love the trailer.

Now, to answer your question. YES, the Sequoia can pull this trailer. I have the same trailer but have a Tundra with the 5.7. Just got back from a trip and this truck pulls like a champ. Mine is an '08 and came prepared to pull with the trans cooler and the hitch installed. I believe yours will also have those options but make sure you ask. OH, and I have the adjustable tow mirrors which are really a nice option. I don't know if the Sequoia has those or not. You might want to ask.

I believe in a good weight distributing/anti sway set up. I use the Equalizer but there are others as well. The Tundra is a half ton so the wd feature is welcome and we haven't yet experienced any sway even in the windiest of conditions with semis passing.

If you like Toyotas, the Tundra or the Sequoia will work just fine. You can always beef it up if you want. You will get a lot of advice to do just that.

Best wishes.
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Old 10-18-2010, 05:14 PM   #12
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I vote for the Ford Expedition

Here's as good a match as you can find for the 25' Safari. The 2010 4x4 Ford Expedition just completed 15,000+ miles of towing our '04 25' Safari over hills (big western mountains) and dales without a hitch (pun intended). It's easy to forget that the AS is following us. This combo averaged 12.3 mph during the 15k miles of towing.

This vehicle has the HD tow package, 3.73 axle ratio, 5.4, 3-valve V8 gas engine, sway control, etc. I added trailer brake control valve to the existing pre-wire and extended mirrors. With my fully loaded trailer (6100 #) I still have 3000# of tow capacity in reserve. We could not be any happier with this package.

Frank

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