Do you think this tow rig is too close to the limit?

[sailor55330]

I'm towing my R3 with my Toyota Sequoia. 5.7l with 381hp, 401 ftlbs torque. On the weight carrying hitch, it's rated for 600/6000lbs. The boat, when weighed in trailer form is 5,830 pounds. Tongue weight is 540, so in range. The boat is all the way back on the trailer, so no changing that. I technically stay under the limits of the truck in terms of axle rating by about 300lbs (when loaded) and tongue weight by about 60lbs. The trailer is a new Eagle trailer with disc surge brakes on both axles. I've added airbags to help with the squat so now the truck is within 3/4 of level. I don't face any real hills, but some definite rough roads. The trailer doesn't sway, but I definitely know it's back there. Toyota makes things a little fuzzy as I have documentation that the truck can pull up to 9100 with a WDH while the hitch is rated at 6000 and Toyota's manual recommends not towing anything over 5,000 without a wdh. I have talked to Toyota's customer service department and they say it's ok to pull the full 9100 with just the reciever---so basically, I'm going with the stickers on the hitch itself as a guideline.

I've read everything out there and some tell me I'm more than fine, while armchair DOT members will tell me that I am going to die and take at least 700 cars with me if I'm not pulling this boat with a Peterbuilt. When I've posted my weight figures on other forums, most people tell me that the boat must weigh at least 8,000lbs (seriously). Well, not according to 2 different CAT scales. I figured I'd run it past the people who are actually pulling Cobalts.

I guess I'm always cautious first. It's kind of interesting if you read most manufacturer's towing guides. Very few state that it's ok to tow 5000lbs without a WDH, yet many boats in that weight range come with surge brakes, which aren't a good match to a WDH. There are some adapters out there that will allow the use of a WDH, but most of them say not to use with a swing tongue---and what do most larger boat trailers have? I think it's a conspiracy!

Thanks!

[ColinC]

It's always a tough discussion when a vehicle is towing near a limit. People often take one of two positions -- no way, you need a big buffer as it's dangerous / illegal / will damage your vehicle; or, the limits are conservative and you'll be fine. What is key is how it feels to you. Does the vehicle struggle with the load? Does it brake without issue? How does it handle in cross-winds? Are you confident when you're out on the road or does the tow rig combination make you nervous?

I've done a ton of towing. Mostly RVs. The Sequoia is a well respected tow rig and you will see plenty of people out on the interstate with them hauling big, heavy RVs (that have the aerodynamics of a garage door) in the 25 to 30+ foot range. Yes, they often have a WDH in place, but in many cases the WDH is not the key piece, it is the sway control and that is more of an issue for RVs. I solved for this by running a Hensley Arrow, which eliminates sway. It's also a WDH, but sway is what kills people.

Your Sequoia is based on the Titan truck and has more than sufficient wheelbase and braking power to tow your boat. Your trailer is properly equipped with brakes and safely maintained (as it is new). You're under your limits. You've added airbags. Unless this combo feels unsafe to you, I would be in no rush to change your tow rig.

That's my $0.02. You may also want to give Andy Thomson at Can-Am RV in London, Ontario a call. He is the 'hitch whisperer' for folks that tow big Airstreams. Andy is extremely knowledgeable about towing. Admittedly he is known for towing over limits, but he backs up his claims with R&D and a boatload of happy clients. He tuned my tow rig set-up twice and I can tell you from personal experience that the difference was night and day. Never in 15,000+ miles of towing with my family did I ever feel unsafe (often at or near factory limits), nor did I compromise the longevity of my '08 Highlander which now has almost 200K miles on it. In fact, I would argue that my Highlander tows our Cobalt 212 better than our new 2017 Armada with automatic load levelling. The Armada on paper is way more capable, but the transmission in it is a total POS, though I understand there is a TSB for a transmission update, so my view might change (I hope).

Long story short, I think you are safe, but what really matters is whether you feel safe.

[sailor55330]

Good feedback Colin---Thanks!

I wouldn't say I feel unsafe, I would say I stay extremely cautious. I work hard to keep myself out of situations that could go bad quickly. I've had maybe one time with a big rig and crosswind that things felt sporty, but even then there was no sway, really just a push to the side. I've had to make one quick stop, not a panic stop, but someone did cut in front of me and then slam on their brakes to make a yellow light. Everything stayed straight and true, but that was only about 50mph. I did upgrade rotors and pads and I think that was a good move. I guess I'll give it a few more miles before I drop big $$$ on a new rig.

[thunder550]

I've seen hitches have different ratings than vehicles. Also, most hitches will give you different weight-carrying and weight-distributing numbers. Take the minimum of the hitch and vehicle ratings, and if you are under that and comfortable with how it feels I don't see any problems.

I tried asking about tongue weight on other forums too, I see boat trailer manufacturers recommend 5-7% tongue weight. When I got my boat I thought it was too far forward and had too much tongue weight, so I moved it back about 8" on the trailer (to match 252 positions I found in pics on custom made trailers) and got the same feedback about how I was going to die and take everyone on the road with me, because the "correct" number is 10-15%. They are obviously much smarter than the people building the trailers. I try to take internet advice with a grain of salt. Also received feedback that my tow vehicle is too small for my setup, even though it's rated for 7200 lbs. I'm also going to die and take everyone with me because I put P tires on my trailer, even though DOT allows for it and they are properly rated. I'll try to give you all a warning when I head out for a lake trip so you can stay home and stay safe

[Tuscany]

IMO, with 10 years experience in the OTR trucking industry, It’s all about the brakes, period.
If your combo has the braking power to come to a fast and controlled stop, that’s paramount.
Without braking power, you are endangering yourself and others.
After that, even if you are crowding your max weight, You will be fine with safe, conservative driving.

[NautiGirl]

I'm towing my R3 with my Toyota Sequoia. 5.7l with 381hp, 401 ftlbs torque. On the weight carrying hitch, it's rated for 600/6000lbs. The boat, when weighed in trailer form is 5,830 pounds. Tongue weight is 540, so in range.

Thanks!

Wow, surprised the R3 is that light. Cobalt lists the dry weight as 4450 + 50gal of gas + trailer I would have guessed closer to if not a bit over 6000. The sequoia is pretty beefy and as tuscany said stopping it is what is important. With four disc brakes on the trailer you should be good in that department. I would say just take your time and you should be good to go.

[sailor55330]

I try to keep gas tanks at a minimum when towing. The 5830 is with a 1/3 tank. Full, it’s probably right at 6k. We usually travel pretty light when towing so I’m confident in my weights give or take 75lbs

I guess I’ll be cautious as my challenge is I really prefer an suv for the dogs and there really aren’t any SUV’s out there that are significantly different in capacity

Thanks again

[Big Block Power]

I try to keep gas tanks at a minimum when towing. The 5830 is with a 1/3 tank. Full, it’s probably right at 6k. We usually travel pretty light when towing so I’m confident in my weights give or take 75lbs

I guess I’ll be cautious as my challenge is I really prefer an suv for the dogs and there really aren’t any SUV’s out there that are significantly different in capacity

Thanks again

I don't know the specs but yukon xl or escalade esv.

I will say I was totally surprised at the Mercedes that T55500 uses. That thing pulls. Handling and stopping I'll take mine but Hell give me that engine.

[NautiGirl]

I try to keep gas tanks at a minimum when towing. The 5830 is with a 1/3 tank. Full, it’s probably right at 6k. We usually travel pretty light when towing so I’m confident in my weights give or take 75lbs

I guess I’ll be cautious as my challenge is I really prefer an suv for the dogs and there really aren’t any SUV’s out there that are significantly different in capacity

Thanks again

So you are saying I was right lol. I need to get our 222 on a scale, but I am guessing we are pushing 6500. GCWR for the trailer is 6900 so we shouldn't be over that. The real problem is tounge weight, Ford "requires" a WDH for anything over 500/5000, I'm not going down that path for the 10 mile trip from storage to the ramp. We will see how it does.

I love our new F150, with the rear seats folded up the crew cab feels larger than my first apartment. The only downside is the extra towing capacity has Katie looking at larger and more expensive boats. I have told her it isn't enough truck to tow an R5, lets just keep her believing that.

[NautiGirl]

I try to keep gas tanks at a minimum when towing. The 5830 is with a 1/3 tank. Full, it’s probably right at 6k. We usually travel pretty light when towing so I’m confident in my weights give or take 75lbs

I guess I’ll be cautious as my challenge is I really prefer an suv for the dogs and there really aren’t any SUV’s out there that are significantly different in capacity

Thanks again

I don't know the specs but yukon xl or escalade esv.

I will say I was totally surprised at the Mercedes that T55500 uses. That thing pulls. Handling and stopping I'll take mine but Hell give me that engine.

Give these guys a call - https://www.facebook.com/duraburbinc/ You supply the suburban they swap out the engine and transmission for a Duramax/Allison combo out of a 3/4ton truck. Not cheap but its an SUV that could pull your house down the street if you needed it to.

[Big Block Power]

I try to keep gas tanks at a minimum when towing. The 5830 is with a 1/3 tank. Full, it’s probably right at 6k. We usually travel pretty light when towing so I’m confident in my weights give or take 75lbs

I guess I’ll be cautious as my challenge is I really prefer an suv for the dogs and there really aren’t any SUV’s out there that are significantly different in capacity

Thanks again

I don't know the specs but yukon xl or escalade esv.

I will say I was totally surprised at the Mercedes that T55500 uses. That thing pulls. Handling and stopping I'll take mine but Hell give me that engine.

Give these guys a call - https://www.facebook.com/duraburbinc/ You supply the suburban they swap out the engine and transmission for a Duramax/Allison combo out of a 3/4ton truck. Not cheap but its an SUV that could pull your house down the street if you needed it to.

Yes I've seen them before. I can't behind gm has screwed this up for so long. I heard it was because they would have had to redesigned the floor pan of the truck. Who knows. Hopefully coming soon. Which I think it is.

[cmattj]

Those Duramax suburban conversion are awesome . I wonder how they got the Allison to fit the floor board.

That was a GM reason to not have it. I think they worry it would have hurt 3/4 truck sales. Ford had their diesel excursion.??

[NautiGirl]

Those Duramax suburban conversion are awesome . I wonder how they got the Allison to fit the floor board.

That was a GM reason to not have it. I think they worry it would have hurt 3/4 truck sales. Ford had their diesel excursion.??

No longer, largest SUV Ford currently offers is the Expedition and it only comes /w the 3.5 EcoBoost.

[Big Block Power]

Those Duramax suburban conversion are awesome . I wonder how they got the Allison to fit the floor board.

A really big hammer.lol

[NautiGirl]

Those Duramax suburban conversion are awesome . I wonder how they got the Allison to fit the floor board.

A really big hammer.lol

Wrong tool....I'm gussing it's more likely one of these:

41Z-MYqYoVL._SL500_AC_SS350_.jpg

Followed by a lot of this:

8265-S_J-B_Weld-USA_grande_5f045738-0350-44e1-8938-c67ac12c1dcf.jpg