Sequoia as a DD/tow rig?

[Fort Knox]

Guys,

Ok, so I know it's crazy to go from a Honda Accord to a Toyota Sequoia when gas is near $4.00 per gallon. However, I'd really like to be able to tow the 4Runner to/from events, since the only 4wheeling events I seem to go to anymore require a 7-10 hour drive. With 195k miles, a LOT of wheeling, and plenty of non-highway friendly mods, Fort Knox just isn't quite the road trip vehicle it used to be. The last 2 events I've driven to (GSMTR '07 and '08), the 4Runner has not returned home under its own power.

Important considerations:

1. Whatever I get will also be my daily driver. Given garage and driveway space, as well as budgetary constraints, I can't justify a 4th vehicle to the wife when the 3rd isn't paid off. So, it must be dependable. I spend enough time turning wrenches on the 4Runner and the 40. I want this new vehicle to be a gas and regular maintenance type of vehicle.

2. I only have a 5 mile commute to work, so going from the mid-20's in MPG in the V6 Accord to the mid-teens in MPG in a V8 SUV wouldn't be as bad as it would for some folks. Plus, when the wife and I go anywhere around town or on some trips, we can always take her 4-cyl. Rav4.

3. My budget puts me in the mid-$20k range. Because of #1 above, I'd kinda like to get something '04 or newer with 50k or fewer miles so that it still has some life left in it when the payments end. Unfortunately, this kinda prices me out of the 100-Series Cruiser range, though not by a whole lot. I'm not 100% opposed to getting something non-Toyota, but since reliability is way high on my list and I'm obviously a bit of a Toyota guy, it would take a hell of an endorsement for me to break away.

4. I have no use for a pickup. I have the utility trailer if I need to haul anything that I wouldn't want inside the truck. I'd get much more use out of covered space than non-covered space.

So.....all of this leads me to the Toyota Sequoia. I took an '04 for a brief test drive this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised at how it drove for such a big SUV. That V8 is smooooooth, and they gave it a slight power boost for '05. I know the Sequoia isn't quite the towing beast of a 3/4 ton Suburban, but it should be fine towing the 4Runner and it's not like I go wheelin' nearly as often as I used to, so I'd probably only need it to tow 3-6 times per year.

What do you guys think? Ace, don't you have a Sequoia? How do you like it?

[94krawler]

I would think now is the right time to buy a tow rig. Prices on them around here are dropping cause of the fuel cost now and lots are getting traded in.

[Fort Knox]

Yeah, that's what I'm counting on. If I work things right, my monthly payments will actually go down, though they'll extend further out. I called my insurance company and was surprised to hear that my insurance would actually go DOWN, since Honda Accords have such a high theft rate. The lower payments and insurance will help offset some of the decrease in fuel mileage.

[locknload]

Can you swing keeping the Honda and buying an older fullsize tow rig? Filling that Sequoia will get old real quick, especially if you aren't going to tow that much.

[HOODLUM]

I would think now is the right time to buy a tow rig. Prices on them around here are dropping cause of the fuel cost now and lots are getting traded in.


That's for sure.Two weeks ago we had 8 full size trucks traded in.And they're not getting much for them at the auction either.

[BeaterToyota]

Go for it. I was seriously looking at '03 and '04 Tundras a couple of months ago, and came realy, really close to buying one. In the end I decided that my commute is just too long to drive a V8 every day.

With a brake controller and a weight distributing hitch you'll do fine using a Sequoia as an occasional tow rig. Maybe look into a tranny cooler, too.

[94krawler]

That's for sure.Two weeks ago we had 8 full size trucks traded in.And they're not getting much for them at the auction either.

Dammit if they wont drop the prices on the new trucks though:mad:



Whats the max tow rating for the Sequoia??? I know my dodge is 7900 and down south the hills were killing the dam thing. My yota proly tips in about 4k+2500 for trailer+ any gear taken with. It add's up fast.

[Fort Knox]

Can you swing keeping the Honda and buying an older fullsize tow rig? Filling that Sequoia will get old real quick, especially if you aren't going to tow that much.

Check out the #1 consideration above. Hard to justify a 4th vehicle to the wife when the 3rd vehicle isn't paid off yet.

[Fort Knox]

Go for it. I was seriously looking at '03 and '04 Tundras a couple of months ago, and came realy, really close to buying one. In the end I decided that my commute is just too long to drive a V8 every day.

With a brake controller and a weight distributing hitch you'll do fine using a Sequoia as an occasional tow rig. Maybe look into a tranny cooler, too.

Fortunately, my commute is only 5 miles each way, so as long as we stick to driving the Rav4 around town, it should help keep the increased fuel costs down a bit.

I think the Sequoia's tow package comes with a tranny cooler. Definitely wanna get a weight distributing hitch though. Being a novice at towing....would the stock tow package wiring harness include a way to control a trailer's brakes (like they activate when the brake lights come on), or would I need to install some kind of separate brake controller?

[Fort Knox]

Whats the max tow rating for the Sequoia??? I know my dodge is 7900 and down south the hills were killing the dam thing. My yota proly tips in about 4k+2500 for trailer+ any gear taken with. It add's up fast.

The tow rating is 6500. I know....that's cutting it real close, but I've seen a V8 4Runner tow a built FJ40 on a trailer from DC to Tellico with no problems. The same model 4Runner also towed a trailer with another buddy's tow rig on the back of it (long story), which was an old International Travelall (similar to an old Suburban). Of course, for some reason Toyota lists the capacity for a V8 4Runner at 7000 lbs. Strange that it would be rated higher than a Sequoia with the same engine. :wtf:

Also, the same guy towed his 40 on a trailer with his FJ Cruiser, which is only rated at 5000 lbs. and said that while it was a little sluggish, it did fine.

If I was towing the 4Runner all the time, I'd look for something bigger, but since I only seem to be able to get away for events 2-4 times per year, I think it should be fine. Of course, the fact that I only get away 2-4 times per year is one of the things making me wonder if it's worth it to get a tow rig.

[Donkey]

Few guys in my club tow with tundras and they seem to do ok. But it is hard on the auto trans. They don't like it to much and start acting weird slipping and hard shifts.

Allen, You still want my tail gate from the runner? I will be parting it out this winter. Buggy time again!!!

[Fort Knox]

Check back w/ me later on the tailgate. Right now with having just replaced the tranny and rear diff in the 4Runner and this decision on a tow rig, there's a moratorium on other vehicle related spending.

[BeaterToyota]

Being a novice at towing....would the stock tow package wiring harness include a way to control a trailer's brakes (like they activate when the brake lights come on), or would I need to install some kind of separate brake controller?
You have to buy an aftermarket brake controller and mount it on the dash or center console, etc. I think that starting in '02 or '03 the Tundras and Sequoias have a harness pre-wired and you just plug your controller into it somewhere in the dash/fuse panel.

[94krawler]

Allen make sure you look at trailer weights when your ready to buy. They can vary quiet a bit depending what you get. Open deck should be the lightest unless you go aluminum which is usually big money.


V8runner vs. Seq. Same driveline Seq weighs more so lose's some tow weight...

[Fort Knox]

Beater - Sounds pretty easy. If/When I pick up a truck, I'll look into it.

Eric - For now I'll be borrowing my neighbor's open deck trailer.

[Fort Knox]

Ok, change of plans. I've had a few people question whether or not a 1st gen. Sequoia would be safely capable of towing the 4Runner. It's very close to the tow rating of 6,500 lbs., if not slightly over. So.....the wife and I took a test drive in an '08 Tundra w/ the 5.7 today. Towing capacity - 10,600 lbs. Holy crap that was a sweet truck!

I was initially against a pickup b/c I didn't think I'd have much use for the pickup bed, but if I got either a double-cab or crew cab and a bed cap, maybe I could get on board with this. Now, no way can I really afford an '08, but there are a couple of used '07s available w/ the 5.7 in the area and they're actually about the same price as the '05 Sequoias that I was looking at. hmmmm.......

[BeaterToyota]

I drove a 5.7 double cab when they first came out. Freakin' rad truck, but not the best commuter and expensive as hell, so I passed.

[Fort Knox]

Yeah, I wouldn't want to use it as a commuter if I had much more than the 5 miles I have. The good thing is that people are taking a bath on used 2007's right now. Might not be a bad time to take advantage of the market. I'll probably wait a couple months b/c I think the prices for used '07s will continue to drop (as gas prices rise). Of course, if gas prices keep going up like crazy I might change my mind about selling the Honda in favor of a tow rig.

[BeaterToyota]

I ran into Ryan and his girlfriend at dinner Friday night. He said he's selling his Suburban and trailer 'cause he's moving to Boston. I might have to buy it from him as a package deal... :cool:

[94krawler]

Yeah, I wouldn't want to use it as a commuter if I had much more than the 5 miles I have. The good thing is that people are taking a bath on used 2007's right now. Might not be a bad time to take advantage of the market. I'll probably wait a couple months b/c I think the prices for used '07s will continue to drop (as gas prices rise). Of course, if gas prices keep going up like crazy I might change my mind about selling the Honda in favor of a tow rig.

Check the VIN and make sure you dont buy one that was in the "deffective motor" run.


I wanted a new tundra sooo bad. I drove a bunch of them and went all over looking at them. Now almost a year later I dont know if I'd buy one. they are nice but I priced a bunch of other stuff out all real close to the same layout for options and can get more for less buying from someone else.

[Fort Knox]

I ran into Ryan and his girlfriend at dinner Friday night. He said he's selling his Suburban and trailer 'cause he's moving to Boston. I might have to buy it from him as a package deal... :cool:

Yeah, I can't believe Ryan is moving to Boston. I wish I could go the "old tow rig and keep the Honda" route, but the wife has put the limit of vehicles in the garage/driveway at 3 for me and 1 for her. Seems fair. Since I'm not getting rid of the 4Runner or the Cruiser, my other vehicle will need to be dual-purpose.

[Fort Knox]

Check the VIN and make sure you dont buy one that was in the "deffective motor" run.


I wanted a new tundra sooo bad. I drove a bunch of them and went all over looking at them. Now almost a year later I dont know if I'd buy one. they are nice but I priced a bunch of other stuff out all real close to the same layout for options and can get more for less buying from someone else.

I'll probably look it up myself, but do you know where they list the VIN's in the "defective motor" run?

I know I could probably get a comparable truck at a lower price by going with another brand, but I plan on keeping this vehicle for a while (I've said that before...) and I just feel better about it being a Toyota than any other brand. Plus, if I do decide to get rid of it earlier, it should hold its value better.

[Ace_Laserna]

Allen,

If you can swing it, you should go with the 2nd gen Tundra. Yes, the 1st gen Sequoia would pull your runner, but it wouldn't be happy about it at all. The new 5.7 and 6 speed tranny is a beast. I drove one up in the Ozarks last week on a 3 hour roadtrip loaded down with camping gear and 4 fat bastards. It didn't downshift one time through the mountains. If you get an '07, there was a batch of "bad camshafts" and also a tranny problem you might want to research.

If you decide to go with a 1st gen Sequoia:
Both the Tundra and Sequoia 4.7's got the VVTi motor with more power and the 5 speed tranny in 2005. Previous years have the 4 speed tranny and non VVTi motor with 245ish HP. I tow my boat with either the Tundra or the Sequoia. The Sequoia actually gets better gas mileage than the Tundra. With the weight of the 4runner and a trailer, your tranny will be pissed. It will downshift a lot on any type of incline. The coilspring reear suspension doesn't like a lot of weight either. You will need airbags if you plan to tow with a 1st gen Sequoia. Those springs are meant for comfort, not towing.

Either way you go, you should be able to get a tow rig at a great price right now.

[Fort Knox]

This one's for sale in the Durham area. It's a few grand above what I wanna spend, but......fook me it's got me droolin'.


http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/6/6/246/019/7413395421.246019043.IM1.07.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

[locknload]

Color match too.

Very NiiiiCE.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b157/locknload223/purchase-the-borat-book.jpg

[BeaterToyota]

Yeah, you'd look like a pimp towing Ft. Knox with, well, Ft. Knox #2. :cool:

[Fort Knox]

Called 'em up. SOLD. DOH!!!!

[94krawler]

I'll probably look it up myself, but do you know where they list the VIN's in the "defective motor" run?

I know I could probably get a comparable truck at a lower price by going with another brand, but I plan on keeping this vehicle for a while (I've said that before...) and I just feel better about it being a Toyota than any other brand. Plus, if I do decide to get rid of it earlier, it should hold its value better.

I can find out probly pretty easy. A good friend of mine is a toyota rep. The motor wasnt junk bad camshafts or some shit but when they came apart it basicly wiped the motor out.


I hear you but when a 3/4 ton CTD price's in cheaper than a 1/2 ton tundra is kinda gets you thinking. Granted this was last year also before the price's went nuts on everything:rolleyes:

[Fort Knox]

I did a little reading on it and they've replaced the motors on any vehicles that have had broken camshafts, but supposedly it wasn't on a large number of trucks. I'll still call in the VIN to check if I find one I'm interested in. If you can get the VIN ranges though, that'd be cool.

Yeah, I hear ya. What's the reliability like on the 3/4 ton CTD's? I have very little experience w/ the Dodge brand.

[94krawler]

We dont see that much with the CTD's at our shop. I know some years had a fuel pump issue and older ones had track bar issue's but thats about it. I just threw that out there cause it was one of the other rigs I was looking at. Diesel is to much combined with the up keep cost for me to switch. I'm staying with my dodge 1500 for awhile though. Only real problem is it eats a set of outer tie rods a year and of course shitty mileage:rolleyes:


I'll see what I can do on the VIN thing:cool:

[Fort Knox]

I've got a line on a red '07 Tundra Double-Cab w/ 5.7, leather, tow package, etc. that is well in my price range. It's a bit of a drive away from Durham, but I might just have to check it out. I'll keep you guys informed. Here's a pic:

http://img3.carmax.com/Images/3/40/5TFBV54107X012340-2-700x525.jpg

[Fort Knox]

Another one sold before I could get to it. DAMN!!!! This one was a helluva price too. Oh well.....wasn't meant to me.

[Donkey]

You should look at the diesel ram trucks. Real simple to work on. All the power you could want with little mods done.

[Fort Knox]

No mods to this vehicle (for now), since it will be my daily driver and must be completely dependable. Besides, I'm sure I can find a way to get by on 300+HP and 400+ lb./ft. :)

What kinda mileage do the diesel Rams get? Curious if it would be enough to make up for the additional $0.70 per gallon of cost for diesel.

[94krawler]

Brad's old CTD got 20mpg on highway running 70mph. It was on 35's with 4.10's and had a few little things done to it. Downpipe back, CAI and a fuel plate mod. Truck was a animal for sure. I kick myself in the ass for not buying it before he traded it in :mad:

[Fort Knox]

That's pretty good. On fueleconomy.gov, there are estimates on the '07 Tundra with the 5.7 getting between 15.5 and 19.5 in combined driving with the 19.5 being 90% highway driving. Granted, Brad's CTD was modded, so it may have gotten a little better stock, but for a couple MPG with diesel being $0.70 more per gallon around here, seems like a bit of a tradeoff. Of course, newer CTD's might do better.

[94krawler]

Yeah brads was the older 12v motor I think.

[KnuckleHead]

Hey Alan,
When you get that Tundra, you need to pick up the supercharger that they are putting in the "Ironman" edition '08 model; "the Ironman Tundra will actually offer a supercharger that boosts output from 381 hp to a whopping 504, and torque from 401 lb-ft to a stump-pulling 550" :eek:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/toyota-to-offer-ironman-packages-for-tundra-tacoma-and-fj-cruis/

:D

[Fort Knox]

Yeah, that'd be pretty friggin' awesome. I might have to start saving my change. :D

[Donkey]

I bet Gadget could do better than that.

[Fort Knox]

I put down a deposit on a tow rig. This baby is all mine on Saturday (if I can get there to pick it up since it's 170 miles away), or at the latest, Tuesday of next week. :D

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/6/4/244/581/7389269316.244581239.IM1.04.565x421_A.562x421.jpg



http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/6/4/244/581/7389269312.244581239.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jp g

[PrezidentRedz]

Sweet.

[Mike]

Matching Tow Rigs and OffRoad rigs are ghey!! :D

Nice rig. Trailer hunting time?

[locknload]

Fixed it for ya.

Matching Tow Rigs and OffRoad rigs totally ROCK!! :D

Yes, I know :cool:.

[HOODLUM]

Congrats Allen Glad you were able to get the one we were talking about:cool:

[Fort Knox]

Matching Tow Rigs and OffRoad rigs are ghey!! :D

Nice rig. Trailer hunting time?

:flipoff: Thanks.

Actually, my neighbor has a trailer that he said I can borrow from time to time. If it gets to be an issue, I'll start looking, but for now I'll just use his.


Congrats Allen Glad you were able to get the one we were talking about:cool:

Thanks man! Yeah, I just couldn't let it slip away. The charcoal gray doublecab that I told you about that they had has sold, so when I saw that I figured I better jump on this one. They even came off the price I told you by another $250. Not much, but that tells me they were probably stretched thin on it already. Anyway, I got it for around $2k under private party blue book, so I feel pretty good about the price.

[Ace_Laserna]

That's awesome! Glad you got it.
I can't make any comments on how cool or gay it is to have a matching tow rig cuz someone will jump on my ass for not having a trail rig. lol
carry your ass up here for Amy's party so i can check it out.
We'll have a pull off with the 4.7 tundra. lol

[locknload]

Hummm, a pull off. Can I play? :D

[Fort Knox]

Ace - When is Amy's thing? The 12th? If so, I think that's the day before I leave for a week in Nag's Head. hmmmm.....

After the way this thing felt on the 170 mile drive home from the dealer......it'll pull alright. It's gonna be real hard to keep my foot out of it on this truck. Ohhh mama. Daddy like. :D

[94krawler]

They frigging move for a big ass truck dont they:cool:

[Fort Knox]

They frigging move for a big ass truck dont they:cool:
um....yeah. You might say that. :eek:

Ok, I haven't owned the truck for 12 hours yet, and I'm already looking on Tundra websites and thinking.....hmmm....wish it had the backup camera. hmmm.....it's got the fog light cutouts, but no fog lights.

Friggin' A. :)

[Ace_Laserna]

Hummm, a pull off. Can I play? :D

No! Super heavy weights not allowed in this class

[Ace_Laserna]

Ace - When is Amy's thing? The 12th? If so, I think that's the day before I leave for a week in Nag's Head. hmmmm.....

:D

Yep, it's the 12th. come on up. I'll save a room for you and the wife. You can head to Nags Head the following morning. It's a little over 3 hours from my house

[Littletoy]

No! Super heavy weights not allowed in this class

I smell descrimination. :rolleyes:

[Fort Knox]

Yep, it's the 12th. come on up. I'll save a room for you and the wife. You can head to Nags Head the following morning. It's a little over 3 hours from my house

Sorry man, but I don't think we'll make it. If we weren't leaving for a week at the beach the following day, I think I could talk the wife into it. Hopefully we can make it up next time!