Toyota T100, Sequoia, and Tundra

[jackbickel]

We pull a 25’ Safari with our 2008 Sequoia with the 5.7 V8. Comfortable daily driver, super comfy tow vehicle. Added air bags inside rear springs and tow with 25 psi in the bags. Keep 5psi when not towing. Get 11mpg towing. Have pulled Wilma about 40k miles with NO issues.

[pteck]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Correct me if I am wrong but won't a perfectly dialed weight distribution setup negate the need for airbags?

My airstream is going up a couple of inches as soon as the new axle gets here. The 4runner is just a bit tall for it.

I've stopped in on your thread from time to time. Your aux tank is definitely going to happen when we upgrade, Spouse approval is already done. I've driven an 09 lx, 13 lx and an 09 lc. I do have concerns with the ahc though. I have seen a few expensive repairs particularly in vehicles from northern states. Is there a valid aftermarket replacement yet? Don't get me wrong, I love the thought of ahc especially for towing long hours on the highway but I like backup plans.

What a great spreadsheet you put together there. Kudos. Goes to show that contrary to the image of Toyota and Pruii, they have a truly wide spectrum of great trucks and SUVs to pick from.

To answer your question, yes, WD adjustments alone can get the leveling pretty close with most trailers.

With the larger 25, 27, and 28 trailers, some with upwards of 1200 lbs tongue, and Toyota TVs having relatively large rear overhangs (Toyota like to locate the spare between the rear axle and hitch), the rear suspension could benefit from further support and augmentation. Toyota's larger vehicles have spec payloads in the 1300-1500 lb range (thx spreadsheet!). Limiting function is usually the rear spring rates on account of maintaining good ride comfort. It's for that reason I suggest pairing with airbags to improve body control when towing on the upper end of the spectrum.

The LX suspension is a different story. AHC has proven be to robust and reliable. While the 100-series LC and LX470 system proved to be durable well into higher mileages with many easily going 200k+, it had limited payload. The system in the LX570 has proven to be more robust in payload (I'm at 2000lbs loaded), and proven equality durable. Most traditional suspensions are worn by 100k. The LX570 AHC goes well past that while keeping like new performance. Maintenance is a straight forward hydraulic fluid flush every 60k. In the rare chance it needs parts, they worn parts are actually very fairly priced. Nothing comes close to the convenience and duality of the system, for supple articulation off-road, yet well controlled when laden and under tow.

[pteck]

To show another Toyota pairing... Here's my previous '06 LX470 with a 23D.

Combination was reasonable good, great stability, albeit a bit under-powered for my tastes. Even with the upgraded VVTI 4.7L in the '06 and '07 100-series models. The LX itself tends to be very heavy. The same 4.7L in the lighter Tundra, 4Runner, or GX would likely tow a 23D better.

I upgraded to the newer LX570 in order to move up to the larger Airstream size. The 5.7L has power to spare.

[SilverHoot]

My Tundra is a 2001 extended cab 4wd and I pull our 1967 24' Tradewind, Anderson load level and sway control. Otherwise all stock. I have replaced battery (once), tires, oil and filters regularly.

[samb]

1996 Toyota T100 with the 3.4 six and 4 wheel drive, manual trans. Tow my 1961, 22ft Safari Oregon to Minnesota every year. Never get there first, but always get there. 417,000 miles on the pickup.

Sam

[caz]

We tow a 2018, Flying Cloud 30' with a 2018, 5.7L Double Cab Tundra. We love the toyota quality & dependability.

[aftermath]

Sorry no pictures here. We tow our 2006 25FB with a Tundra. We purchased our Airstream in 2009 and towed it with a 2008 Tundra. We decided to upgrade to a 2017 Tundra mainly because of the new options like a much better backup camera and the navigation features. We have towed the Airstream over 50K miles now without a single issue with our Tundras. It tows the trailer nicely and I really like the dependability. A friend has a newer truck (different manufucturer) and has been dealing with all sorts of issues. Throttle body things, fouled plug, and failing turbo charger. I just keep driving mine. His has been in the shop when it should be out towing a trailer.

[Lance M]

I bought the '02 Sequoia new in 2003. We've towed our '72 Ambassador, Abby, over 20,000 miles with it. It got the job done but it is underpowered, underbraked, sucks gas horribly and just not an enjoyable towing experience. I was happy with it at the time, until I bought a 2014 RAM EcoDiesel. Then I felt what a good towing experience was. We still own the '02 Sequoia. The odo reads a little over 160,000 miles. It needs brakes again and the transmission makes a howling sound in overdrive. It's for sale.


Scale info


In 2018 we ordered a new 2019 Sequoia.
Much better towing experience. Very close to the RAM EcoDiesel, but just not quite as good. Similar towing MPG as the '02 Sequoia 8-10 MPG. Only one trip with it but it is a good tow vehicle.

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by samb

1996 Toyota T100 with the 3.4 six and 4 wheel drive, manual trans. Tow my 1961, 22ft Safari Oregon to Minnesota every year. Never get there first, but always get there. 417,000 miles on the pickup.

Sam

Sam wins. That is really impressive. Show us a picture of your setup. I assume you're on your 4th timing belt?

[Piggy Bank]

We have a 2014 Tundra 5.7L V8 Max crew cab, tow with an equalizer hitch, and have owned a 22 sport 2015, 25 RB FC 2017, and now have a 27 FB FC 2019.

Have used the Tundra on all.

We pay close attention to how much stuff we bring as the payload isn't generous. Other than that the truck is fantastic. The ability to use the manual gears in mountain driving keeps the rig under control without undue breaking.

We us the McKesh tow mirrors with convex spots on both sides. They are purchased on the hensley hitch website. Once you get the hang of it they take about 1 minute each to install. I didn't want to switch out the stock mirrors because then I would need to fold in to park in my home garage and didn't want the everyday hassle.

[GettinAway]

We pull our 25FBT GT with our 2012 Tundra 4x4 Dbl Cab. No issues. I am adding a Roadmaster Active Suspension to the rear. I have my BlueOx hitch adjusted as much as I feel comfortable shifting weight to the front. Yet, the rear has a little sag, and I get some porpoising on really rough sections of interstate where the concrete sections are really out of wack. I also switched to Bilstein shocks a few years ago. I’m also switching to 10 ply tires since I’ve got over 80,000 miles on my Michelin 275/55R20s. Love Toyotas. We pulled our 23FB with our 04 Landcruiser all over without any issues (except distance between gas stops). I’d love to be able to pull the 25 with the FJ Cruiser, I don’t think it’s up for it though.

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by Lance M

I bought the '02 Sequoia new in 2003.



In 2018 we ordered a new 2019 Sequoia.
Much better towing experience. Very close to the RAM EcoDiesel, but just not quite as good. Similar towing MPG as the '02 Sequoia 8-10 MPG.

Great comparison. Do you know about what your trailer weighs when you're loaded?

Last year we were headed west in Kansas with that slight incline and a solid head wind. I had the cruise set at about 55 and the 3.4 couldn't manage it. It was not a good experience.

[Dennis C]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Correct me if I am wrong but won't a perfectly dialed weight distribution setup negate the need for airbags?

Not to take this tread too far off topic, but you are correct. Airbags can significantly reduce the effectiveness of a WDH, and the combination can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. People who use this combination successfully understand how the WDH works, and how to properly balance the combination. It’s not as simple as just hooking up the hitch, then inflating the airbags until the TV is level. This is where you can get into trouble.

[sbacon]

2008 Classic 25'
2011 Classic 30'
1997 Norman Rockwell 34'

I have towed all three of these extensively, including mountains.
My truck is a 2008 Tundra 2WD, 5.7L with over 200K miles driven since new.
I have had no problems pulling the above trailers, except that I do need to
slow down more with the heavier trailers when climbing mountains.
No overheating, no transmission problems, Mobil 1 oil change every 10K miles,
no additional oil needed, regular gas, 13 caravans, damn good truck.
PS: Norman is for sale; daughters use my 25'; I use the 30' usually.

[malinois38]

I pull a 2008 28’ International that weighs in at 7k loaded for camping with a 960lb tongue weight. Currently have 177K on my 2008 Crewmax. Solid & stable setup after spending some time at the CAT scales dialing it it. Under axle weights barely, but never any sway or push on the big roads.
Upgrades include rear sway bar, Bilstein shocks & “E” rated Michelins.
9-11 mpg towing over 25K in 29 states.

Anxiously awaiting the 2022 Tundra. If it does not fit the bill, I may move up to a 3/4 ton gasser eventually. Only problem there, is none of them really impress me

[KK4YZ]

We had. 2017 23D that we pulled with a 2015 Tundra Crewmax 4x4 5.7L.

We traveled all over the Eastern US and through the Southwest.... plenty of mountains. The Tundra had absolutely no problem towing. BUT, we were maxed out on payload, if not over.

When we decided to move up to a 28’ AS, we felt we had to move up to a heavy duty truck....not for towing power but for payload. A lot of this depends on how you pack. You may notice from the pics that we added a topper (another 200 lbs). If you pack light, you can make it work. We don’t pack light ��

I hated to sell the Tundra; it was a great truck and absolutely bulletproof. If Toyota made a HD truck I most likely would have bought it.

Payload is the thing that will limit you way more than towing power. I hope this helps.

Jim

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by KK4YZ

I hated to sell the Tundra; it was a great truck and absolutely bulletproof. If Toyota made a HD truck I most likely would have bought it.

Jim

They make a quantum leap from the Tundra up to Hino Motors for cab-over, box trucks and semi-trailer trucks.
https://www.hino.com/

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by richw46

They make a quantum leap from the Tundra up to Hino Motors for cab-over, box trucks and semi-trailer trucks.
https://www.hino.com/

Pretty interesting but I don’t think I could sell that to DW��
I could mount a Bambi on the frame and tow my 28’ behind. The possibilities are endless!

[TouringDan]

2008 Tundra, 2wd, SR5, 5.7L, tow package and mirrors, Lear cap and 400 watts of solar on top. Payload sticker is 1,475 lbs. I tow a 66 Tradewind with new axles and disc brakes. Mileage varies from 11.5 mpg heavily loaded with 2 kayaks and going 60-65 to 13.5 mpg with no kayaks and traveling 55. We travel all over with no problems.

120k now with zero problems until 103k when a valve spring broke. I replaced all 32 valve springs. Toyota reliability is the real deal but nothing is perfect. Fortunately, no further problems since the repairs.

I am also rebuilding a 95 34’ that we will tow with the Tundra in the south east without kayaks.

I love my Tundra.

Dan

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Great comparison. Do you know about what your trailer weighs when you're loaded?

Last year we were headed west in Kansas with that slight incline and a solid head wind. I had the cruise set at about 55 and the 3.4 couldn't manage it. It was not a good experience.

Peter,
It weighs about 6,600-6,800 fully loaded, depending on if it's a weekend trip to the coast, or a long two-three week trip. The real difficulty with our trailer is the tongue weight is about 1,100lbs. Combine that with three teenagers in the back of the '02 Sequoia and it was a challenge at times.