2010 Toyota Sequoia Tows Featherlite,  4Runner Tows Safr and Hat Catcher Review

Sequoia 4x4 LTD SUV

Sequoia full size SUV, is a luxury ride and can tow trailers. Car like ride, firm in response to bumps, but not harsh and not a boat float ride like the old wagons. The transmission has smooth shifts, handled the Featherlite 2-horse thoroughbred trailer well. I used tow mode in the mountains when I need to hold each gear longer, but to save gas on flat roads, I turned off tow mode. Quiet, great ride, enjoyed the power hatch and power rear window.

On a trip to Douglas Wyo. without a trailer at 70 mph running 2000 RPM's, the Sequoia averaged 20.3 mpg. Towing the tall Featherlite trailer in the Colorado Rockies pulled the MPG down to 8.5 at 65 MPH. Typical of a gas engine towing a trailer. An annoying thing is the cruise control paddle switch in the steering wheel spoke. No light on it, so you have to use the dome light at night to figure it out.

Stats

Toyota Sequoia LTD 4x4, as equipped MSRP $52,365 EPA City MPG 13, Highway 18 MPG. 5.7L V-8 gas engine, 381 horsepower, 401 torque, 6 speed automatic transmission. 4wheel independent suspension. 20 in wheels, transmission cooler, 180 Amp alternator, moon roof, navigation, backup camera, skid plate and much more in the package with my favorite, telescoping steering wheel.

Backup camera's are a popular option on towing rigs Power hatch, you know I load groceries Seats like a mini-van I like big knobs, easier to use than buttons while driving

You can fold two rows of seats, think about all the hay bales that would fit here Even a hidden storage tray and tools Complete rear controls for where the air flows Power folding rear seats makes it easy to converting from people hauler to cargo hauler

Featherlite model 9407 2-horse straight load thoroughbred model is 7'6" tall 6'7" wide. As a typical thoroughbred bumper pull trailer, they have above average tongue load. The Sequoia didn't squat much with the trailer.

2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5

I towed a Safr aluminum 2-horse (2200 lbs) up Mount Evans with the 4Runner. All the switchbacks and fast elevation to 14,100 ft, was easy for the V-6 4Runner. Coming down from 14,100 ft, I used manual gated shifting using 2nd gear the most. For more mountain driving, the midsize SUV with trailer averaged 14.9 MPG, shifting often without Tow Mode. Without the trailer at 65 mph, fuel economy with up to 25.7 MPG.

This 4Runner came with Hill Start and Down Hill Decent, equipped well for off-road fun. The seats are comfortable. The V-6 towed well, staying closer to 3000 RPM's, but shifted often. 4Runner is body on frame like a truck and is a capable mid size tower even with independent front and rear suspension. The rear trailer plug is under the truck, it hangs down so the cord is only held in place by tab on the plug door. Out of the way but not a good connection.

Eco light in the dash comes on when you are getting better fuel mileage and goes out when you accelerate. Kind of an educational thing. Surprisingly the hood bounced and vibrated noticeable in the wind.

                                         Stats

Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 MSRP $36,634, EPA rated City 17 MPG, Highway 22 MPG; 4.0L V-6 270 horsepower, 278 torque, 5-speed automatic, moon roof, backup camera, sliding rear cargo deck, traction control and more, well equipped for off road and luxury toys we're used to. Receiver hitch is rated for a 5000 lb trailer.

Sliding platform makes loading easier It's a trend started in Europe, covering engines in plastic Body on frame, independent suspension, stable and didn't squat

 Electrical trailer plug connects from the bottom

Stability control, traction control, down hill decent, all at your fingertips Speaker button, if you need more volume My moon roof model Switchback on the road up Mount Evans

 From cold to...

 ....hot Mount Evans is not easy with a trailer Rocky Mountain goats on a switch back on Mt. Evans

Hat Catcher
Hat Catcher, small and easy to take along. Good hats aren't cheap, you can't leave them on the truck seat. Newer cars, SUV's and trucks headrest makes wearing a hat impossible with a 4 inch brim. If you have a moon roof, the 4 inch crown is in the way. We like out hats, now you can take it with you and not have it slide around the seat and end up on the floor where the mud and more is.

Hat Catcher will hang from the trucks coat hooks, trailer tack room bridle hooks, and the barn. Lots better than tossing the $200 hat on a hay bale. I review new trucks that we test cross county with trailers. My hat goes with me. The last review we did with 3 trucks and trailers and 6 journalist drivers for a week, my Hat Catcher was missing. The editor of Diesel Power Magazine ended up with it in his bag. He mailed it to me. He's back on my Christmas list.

 For more info on Hat Catcher call 1-877-335-3072