Toyota T100, Sequoia, and Tundra

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by djabl

The information you all provided was very interesting. It was really fun to post this thread and read.

Thanks again!

Just an update, if you are so inclined. The 2004 4Runner with the 23' Safari is mine, I have an Equalizer hitch.

[djabl]

Thanks Rich.

For those that are big Toyota fans, the more information the better.

Please find attached the updated spreadsheet.

Thanks again!
Dan

[jackbickel]

How much did the mirrors cost?

[JJSuperfly]

Quick update (2010 Sequoia Platinum & 2006 28' Safari). I have an Equilizer hitch that came with the trailer. I had tried a Pro-Pride P3 but had problems with the hooks on the load distribution jacks getting bent (twice, both sides) and so I sold it (FWIW I'm not a big fan of the Equilizer but trust isn't the issue).

[Peter417]

Could some of you with the 4.7(please disclose if you have vvti) describe your towing experience in the mountains?

[AldeanFan]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Could some of you with the 4.7(please disclose if you have vvti) describe your towing experience in the mountains?

That’s what I’ve got in my 2005 Tundra.

We’ve towed from Ontario to Florida, to myrtle beach and New Hampshire.
Lots of hills and grades on those trips.

The engine has plenty of power in the higher rpms, it likes to be above 3000 rpm when it’s working. Fuel mileage doesn’t suffer too bad in the mountains but it’s not good to begin with.

I tow in 4th gear with overdrive locked out so it’s always in the power band at highway speed.

When leaving from a stop at the bottom of a grade I will shift manually as I feel the transmission shifts too early and makes the engine bog.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Could some of you with the 4.7(please disclose if you have vvti) describe your towing experience in the mountains?

I think the VVTI started on the 4.7 in 2005, I have a 2004 and the specs don't mention it.

I've driven from central Kentucky to Washington DC through WV and VA. I've driven west to Portland, OR through IN, MO, NE, WY, UT, ID and back through WA, ID, MT, SD, MN IL, IN, OH etc. Pulling our 23' was OK except for headwinds and a few mountainous areas. I travel at 65 to 70 but headwinds keep me at 60-65 and the worst mountainous areas drop me down to 55. I think the worst was 50 and I manually shifted to 3rd. Most of the time, the vast majority of the time, it just hums along. Mileage is 10-12 with headwinds and 11-13 without them (with A/C on). I've been pleased with its performance. Would I like a new Tundra with a 5.7? Sure, but the 4.7 works for now.

[Rich W]

Google found the VVT-i starting in 2005.
4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve EFI VVT-i V8 engine that puts out 260 hp @ 5400 rpm and 306 lb. -ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm.

My 2004 4.7L is DOHC 32-valve V8 engine puts out 235 hp @ 4800 rpm with 320 -ft of torque @ 3400 rpm. I think I'd rather have the extra torque.

[pteck]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Could some of you with the 4.7(please disclose if you have vvti) describe your towing experience in the mountains?

I had an '06 LX470 with the aforementioned 4.7L VVTi motor. Rated at 275 HP and 332 TQ. This towing a 23D or overall ~12,000 lbs worth of rig.

The LX470 is probably the heaviest platform the 4.7L VVTi motor came in, probably 500-800lbs heavier than the next heaviest Toyota platform. When paired with an Airstream 23D, performance was good. Not quite tepid, but not particularly strong either. Off the line and around town, there was torque enough and felt great. Where it would show its shortcomings was steeper grades or elevation. In 7% grades, would see speeds as low as 40-45mph in the slow lane which can be expected with only 275 hp. Moderate grades and sea level, she was great. A smooth running mill.

I also owned an '05 V8 4Runner and family had an '06 GX470, both with the same 4.7L VVTi motorset. In those vehicles, the 4.7L felt much much stronger, which makes sense as they were 1000lbs lighter.

I've driven several non-VVTi 4.7L Toyota's. The VVTI on paper seems only incrementally stronger, but it's meaningfully stronger everywhere in the powerband. That's what VVTi does, increasing volumetric efficiency, aka breathing, across the the powerband. Not just peak. Directly improving torque production across the board at all points in the RPM. It also optimizes cruise efficiency, MPG, to a degree.

[GettinAway]

We still have our 04 Landcruiser with the 4.7. We pulled our 23FB with it without a problem. Handled passes no problem. The only problem was fuel range. Poor mileage with a not so large tank was not working. Tundra actually gets better mpg with a large enough tank I’m usually ready to stop for other reasons. Have never touched the 4.7 in the 04 LC has been flawless. Typical Toyota. Only maintenance in years and years of ownership.

[lvrouter]

We're towing a 2017 Flying Cloud 27' FB Twin with our 2012 Sequoia, it has the 5.7 engine and air shocks in the back which auto level. Using an
Equalizer WD hitch it tows like a dream. No issue with power, wind or braking when setup properly. Only downside is mileage, just under 10 typical at 65mph, probably to be expected since it's only 14 without the trailer.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Could some of you with the 4.7(please disclose if you have vvti) describe your towing experience in the mountains?

My 2004 4.7L V8 has 122K miles, my son's 2006 4.7L V8 has 155K miles. The 4.7L V8, regardless of what it's used in, has a problem with the exhaust header cracking. The catalytic converter is very close to the header so when the header fails so does the converter.

From what I've read, Toyota incorporated a mini converter into the headers to reduce emissions during warmup. The header is made of tubular steel, not cast iron and will eventually crack. (The article I read says there are 2 kinds: those that have cracked and those that will.) This is an expensive repair and on top of that, the repair is another OEM header set with catalytic converter, which will also crack somewhere down the road. There are some after market headers which claim to be stronger, thicker steel, but most will not fit the 4Runners. The 4.7 was used in 4Runners, Sequoias, Tacomas, GX470s and Land Cruisers.

My 4Runner is not making any noise but this morning my son said his has started making the cracked manifold exhaust 'clack' and in 2-4 minutes it will stop when the engine heats up. (Metal expands and seals the crack.) Some owners have reported the clack to be quite loud, others not so loud. Supposedly, this is why the 4.7L is no longer offered in many vehicles.

My son is considering getting a new vehicle. When mine starts the noise I will contact my local independent garage (Toyota certified) to see what options there are in after market headers. I doubt that I would buy new but I would probably go with a 5.7 Tundra or Sequoia.

2003 4.7L V8 from a 4Runner

[AldeanFan]

Originally Posted by richw46

My 2004 4.7L V8 has 122K miles, my son's 2006 4.7L V8 has 155K miles. The 4.7L V8, regardless of what it's used in, has a problem with the exhaust header cracking. The catalytic converter is very close to the header so when the header fails so does the converter.

From what I've read, Toyota incorporated a mini converter into the headers to reduce emissions during warmup. The header is made of tubular steel, not cast iron and will eventually crack. (The article I read says there are 2 kinds: those that have cracked and those that will.) This is an expensive repair and on top of that, the repair is another OEM header set with catalytic converter, which will also crack somewhere down the road. There are some after market headers which claim to be stronger, thicker steel, but most will not fit the 4Runners. The 4.7 was used in 4Runners, Sequoias, Tacomas, GX470s and Land Cruisers.

My 4Runner is not making any noise but this morning my son said his has started making the cracked manifold exhaust 'clack' and in 2-4 minutes it will stop when the engine heats up. (Metal expands and seals the crack.) Some owners have reported the clack to be quite loud, others not so loud. Supposedly, this is why the 4.7L is no longer offered in many vehicles.

My son is considering getting a new vehicle. When mine starts the noise I will contact my local independent garage (Toyota certified) to see what options there are in after market headers. I doubt that I would buy new but I would probably go with a 5.7 Tundra or Sequoia.

2003 4.7L V8 from a 4Runner

Interesting analysis,
On my 4.7 tundra the catalytic converters are way back under the cab compared to the picture you posted.

Considering the lack of any other problems, I wouldn’t be too upset about having to replace headers.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by AldeanFan

Interesting analysis,
On my 4.7 tundra the catalytic converters are way back under the cab compared to the picture you posted.

Considering the lack of any other problems, I wouldn’t be too upset about having to replace headers.

The 4Runner is the one that has the converter so close to the header and from what I've read, only OEM headers can be used as replacements. Tundra and Tacoma don't have that issue, they can use aftermarket headers that claim to be thicker steel. OEM headers are bad because it just kicks the can down the road. You'll have the same problem in another 70,000 miles or so. But, the vehicle will be much older and worth a lot less anyway. I think the cost to replace is around $2K, but I'm waiting to hear from a repair shop. My son is distressed that he will have to give up the SUV he loves and fits in his garage.

For me, I would probably have it repaired because I don't have the rust problem (yet). I don't drive it in the snow if I can avoid it. It's been a great SUV, my favorite Toyota of the 5 I've owned (down to 3 now, had to donate the '91 Camry).

[pteck]

Every vehicle and engine has an Achilles heal. Even those in Toyotas. Even in the famous Land Cruisers that are meant for a 25-year life cycle. Most fortunately are manageable and this type of fault won't leave you stranded on the side of the road.

They're machines and will require maintenance at some point or another. That's what I consider these as. Mass produced vehicles will share similar long term maintenance traits. Thanks to the internet, we can at least be prepared well ahead, and have a strategy to deal with it when the time comes.

A header leak is not the end of the world and can be reasonably managed. Here's a good reference - https://canadiangearhead.com/fix-cra...unner-forever/

[djabl]

Here is the updated spreadsheet. Thanks everyone!
I just purchased a 2019 25FB Twin. Debating between the Sequoia and the Tundra. Excited to bump into you all somewhere down the road. Thanks again!
Dan

[wolf146]

Originally Posted by djabl

Dear forum members. Without getting into a good/bad, capable/not capable, etc. discussion or (goodness forbid an argument), I am interested taking a poll and learning what people are towing with these vehicles. What are you towing with a Toyota T00, a Toyota Sequoia, or a Toyota Tundra, and what year is the vehicle? I am a big Toyota fan and I am really curious. Pictures of your rig are a bonus. Thanks!

I am pulling a 2004 airstream bought used in 2006 with a Tundra 2007 bought new in 2007 with a 5.7 liter engine. We have travelled all over the country with this combination over the years. The perfect match.

Wolf

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by djabl

Here is the updated spreadsheet. Thanks everyone!
I just purchased a 2019 25FB Twin. Debating between the Sequoia and the Tundra. Excited to bump into you all somewhere down the road. Thanks again!
Dan

Congratulations on your new AS, may it give you many miles of fun and adventure. Choosing between the Sequoia and the Tundra is tough. I like having the SUV with everything inside but the pickup will carry a heavier load. I'm sure you'll be happy with either one and the 25' AS.

[KK4YZ]

I’ve been reading this thread with interest. I sure like Toyota. I just wish they made a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.... which is what I need for all the stuff we carry.😀

Congrats on the new AS and have fun!

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by KK4YZ

I’ve been reading this thread with interest. I sure like Toyota. I just wish they made a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.... which is what I need for all the stuff we carry.😀

Congrats on the new AS and have fun!

You need to look at Hino Motors, the truck line owned by Toyota
http://hmmusa.com/