Toyota T100, Sequoia, and Tundra

[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!

[Mollysdad]

I tow a 26U with a Tundra 2015, 5.7, tow package, double cab, 6.5' bed.

[rmkrum]

I tow a 2007 22 foot International CCD with a 2012 Toyota Tacoma and a ProPride hitch system with added aftermarket power WD jacks.

This shows our 2008 Tacoma that was also used with the same setup.

[Steamy1]

We tow a 23FB with our 2010 Tundra CrewMax 4x4.

I feel like I have this finally dialed in. We just returned from a 2200 mile trip and it pulled really well.

Enhancements include:
- Michelin load range E tires
- Bilstein 5100 shocks
- SuperSpring overload leaf
- PowerStop Z36 truck & tow rotors and pads
- TRD front and rear anti-sway bars
- Equalizer WD hitch; spent considerable effort to get this adjusted using scales to weigh the axles

gas mileage is between 9mpg and 11mpg when towing at highway speeds.

[pteck]

I know it's not included in the title, but it's within the Toyota family, with shared engine and transmission as the modern day Tundra and Sequoia. The LX570, fundamentally a Toyota Land Cruiser.

It shares similar architecture to the Tundra and Sequoia, but with more off-road capable frame, suspension, and a shorter wheelbase. Yet its structure is robust, overall curb weight heavier than both the Tundra or Sequoia. Aspects that arguably don't help for towing.

I tow a 27FB.

Even with those considerations, I find it to tow superbly. With a standard Equalizer WD hitch. 9-11 mpg. Great ride quality and power under tow. The 5.7L is brute. Especially enjoy the agility when paired with a longer trailer.

My opinion, but with the right setup and adjustments, I would not hesitate to tow up to a 30' AS with the Sequoia or Tundra.

[djabl]

You guys made my day!!! I am having so much fun reading your responses. Shame on me for excluding the Tacoma (which is slightly beefier than the older T100), and the Lexus. Keep them coming!!!

[Rondezous02]

2020 Tundra with 20" wheels (Rodrigo). It took me a long time to find one without the offroad package. Pull a Globetrotter 23' FB (Rendezvous).

At first we towed with a German SUV for about 1500 miles. I prefer the comforts of that vehicle, but we were too far over a few weight limits. It's still in the family, but retired from pulling Rendezvous.

Tundra is a good tow vehicle. We've towed about 600 miles so far with Rodrigo and will be traveling about 2800 miles across the country beginning next week. I feel comfortable with the setup and been to the scales multiple times to ensure proper weight distribution.

Picture disclaimer: rookie mistake leaving the door open...

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by pteck

I know it's not included in the title, but it's within the Toyota family, with shared engine and transmission as the modern day Tundra and Sequoia. The LX570, fundamentally a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Attachment 378875
Attachment 378876

Is this the setup I see on imud?

We have goals when we are out of debt and the house is paid for. A 200 series will follow shortly after if all goes to plan.

My father in law spotted this setup in KS. It looks like the weight distribution setup needs some adjustment though.

[Peter417]

I am going to chime in here with information on our trusty old 1998 4runner. It has the same 3.4l motor that the t100 had. We took it to the rockies. We were around 4500 pounds on top of the normal 4 runner weight. I wont sugar coat it and tell you it was fun, but we keep asking it to take us on adventures and it keeps complying.

This has left us stranded one time in the 14 years that we have had it do to a key defect. My tow vehicle goals always start with the longest lasting most reliable vehicle that will get the job done. Nothing else ads functionality so it does not get much priority.

[pteck]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Is this the setup I see on imud?

We have goals when we are out of debt and the house is paid for. A 200 series will follow shortly after if all goes to plan.

My father in law spotted this setup in KS. It looks like the weight distribution setup needs some adjustment though.

Hi Peter, yes, I am frequently on ih8mud.

Agreed that LC could use more WD tension. Looks like a 25FB? I've seen Tundras setup like that too with rear squatting dramatically. I sometimes feel like I should make a suggestion, but it's not my place. The LX does differ from the LC as it has full 4 wheel hydraulic (not air) suspension. So even if setup wrong, it won't sag. But you'll know it as sway stability won't be as good. With the right WD setup, stability is confidence inspiring.

One commonality with the LC and most Toyota's is they use softer spring rates to maintain a good ride. With many body on frame models also biased somewhat to better off-road-ability with the softer spring rates which makes for pictures like you posted.

One dramatic improvement that can be made to just about all of them is to install airbags at the rear suspension. This can go a ways to improving payload handling and stability by augmenting rear spring rates. Depending on where one is with their understanding of extending payload capacity, it may do that as well. Still need to get the WD right to ensure good sway resistance.

My Airstream is lifted 3" to match the ground clearance of my tow vehicle. Sits completely level. Best modification is an auxiliary fuel tank for a total capacity of 38 gallons. It all works exceedingly well and tows in plush luxury and comfort.

And as with all Toyota's, we can trust in the steadfast reliability when thousands of miles away from home.

[Andy Squared]

I tow a 30Ft 2016 FC with my 2012 Tundra CrewMax. The math with all the weights and limits works out to be pretty tight, greater than 80% rule of thumb is broken, but doesn't exceed 90% based on my estimates running fully loaded. Fully loaded in a 30 Ft is 2,400 lbs and we have never come close to that, add weight in truck/bed carried cargo and reduce weight in the AS and it still works out. I carry 2 Honda 2000s, 10 extra gallons of fuel forward of the axle as well as other POL. The tongue weight is lighter than the 26 & 28 Ft models. I have only ever insisted on emptying tanks twice for weight just in case; ascending out of Zion to the east through the tunnels and descending from Boulder Utah towards Capitol Reef, 10% gradient. We did just fine. We get 10.5-11 MPG. Likewise I never go faster than 65 mph and usually run 5-10 mph below the speed limit.



If you want to know why to buy a Toyota - look up Top Gear killing Toyota Hilux, 3 episodes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Cthkk

If another brand of car can top the Toyota for durability, I'd buy it. If my needs or set-up was outside weight limits, I wouldn't risk it. *Hilux is a model used everywhere in the world except North America.

[BaileyR]

We have a 07 Tundra extended cab pulling '90 Excella 29 foot with a proguide hitch. You can not beat Toyota dependability. The Tundra does a great job. It seems the towing sweet spot for towing seems to be 62/63 mph.

[greghoro]

2012 Sequoia Limited 5.7 with tow package and OEM Tundra extending tow mirrors.

We tow a 2013 25’ Flying Cloud rear bed twin with a ProPride hitch.

Just let the pet out for a walk.

Greg

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by pteck

Hi Peter, yes, I am frequently on ih8mud.

Agreed that LC could use more WD tension. Looks like a 25FB? I've seen Tundras setup like that too with rear squatting dramatically. I sometimes feel like I should make a suggestion, but it's not my place. The LX does differ from the LC as it has full 4 wheel hydraulic (not air) suspension. So even if setup wrong, it won't sag. But you'll know it as sway stability won't be as good. With the right WD setup, stability is confidence inspiring.

One commonality with the LC and most Toyota's is they use softer spring rates to maintain a good ride. With many body on frame models also biased somewhat to better off-road-ability with the softer spring rates which makes for pictures like you posted.

One dramatic improvement that can be made to just about all of them is to install airbags at the rear suspension. This can go a ways to improving payload handling and stability by augmenting rear spring rates. Depending on where one is with their understanding of extending payload capacity, it may do that as well. Still need to get the WD right to ensure good sway resistance.

My Airstream is lifted 3" to match the ground clearance of my tow vehicle. Sits completely level. Best modification is an auxiliary fuel tank for a total capacity of 38 gallons. It all works exceedingly well and tows in plush luxury and comfort.

And as with all Toyota's, we can trust in the steadfast reliability when thousands of miles away from home.

Attachment 378917

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.

[Peter417]

I like those mirrors. Can you tell me a bit more about the change?

I can we see where the pet sleeps when you guys are inside?

[Rugger]

We tow our '28 with a 2018 Land Cruiser, and it works for us. Admittedly, we miss our 2013 Tundra...a better towing experience with the added wheel base and length.

[Rich W]

The T100 also had a 3.0L engine, which is what my 1989 Toyota had (pre-Tacoma pickup). While that would be good for towing a boat your limit is about 3,500 lbs and hills would definitely be a problem.

Another option you don't show is the 4th gen 4Runner with 4.7L V8 engine. They were produced between 2003 and 2009. The V8 has 320 ft. lbs. of torque, 235 HP and has a 7,000 lb. towing capacity with 700 lb. tongue weight max (a little more with 2WD).

I pull our 23' Safari with our 2004 model and it's very stable on the road. I have the Sports Edition model which has the X-REAS shocks that shift hydraulic fluid from one shock to another as necessary for stability. I'm very pleased with its performance.

If you find one, be sure to take it to a mechanic to inspect the frame. Those model years had rust problems. Mine is doing well and so is my son's, no rust issues.

UPDATE: I just learned that the 4.7L V8 can have a problem with the exhaust manifold. So far at 125K mine does not and my son's 2006 doesn't either. Just FYI
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-tru...s-v8-problems/

[geo]

When I got my new International Signature 23FB two years ago, I purchased a 2016 Sequoia SR5 for my TV. The only modification was the addition of a brake controller. It has a towing capacity of 7100#, which is more than adequate for pulling my 6000# GVW trailer. Once I figured out the ideal settings on my Blue Ox Sway Pro WD hitch, I find the setup to be very stable. The maximum rated towing speed of the Sequoia is 64 MPH, and it will slow to about 50 on steep hills. It's also pretty thirsty, with fuel economy of 13 MPG normally, which drops to 10-11 MPG when towing. Overall it's adequate for my needs, and the ride is very comfortable.

[Peter417]

I think the only thing missing from the conversation is the GX and that is just a dolled up 4runner. I made a spreadsheet a couple years ago.

[greghoro]

Originally Posted by Peter417

I like those mirrors. Can you tell me a bit more about the change?

Gen 2 Tundra extendable tow mirrors are a direct replacement for Gen 2 Sequoia stock sport mirrors (and, obviously Tundra sport mirrors). Sequoia never listed tow mirrors as an option, so your dealer won't know what you are talking about if you inquire. That said, in the 2018 model year, Sequoia received a minor refresh, so I can't speak for anything that year or newer.

There are two mirrors in each assembly; a large flat mirror on top that is heated and can be adjusted from the inside (if your current mirrors have that feature) and a shorter wide angle concave mirror on the bottom which is not heated and needs to be manually adjusted. The assembly can be purchased with several different options, such as power folding, auto-dimming and memory but your current mirrors must have the features for them to work on the new ones. The mirror assembly extends 4” when pulled out, which must be done manually. While my Sequoia originally came with power folding mirrors, I opted to purchase the manually folding tow mirrors, due to price.

The inner door panel needs to be partially removed (expect a few broken clips) and you will need a deep socket (forgot the size) to remove the 6mm flange nuts from the mounting studs. I did the replacement in a campground. Check out this YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P5EyvbJ5zE

One can purchase aftermarket replacements that look like the OEM for somewhat cheaper but there are a lot of complaints that they vibrate too much. I purchased OEM mirrors from a Toyota dealer on Amazon.

Greg


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