posted 01-14-2009 02:02 PM ET (US)        

This Sequoia is a 2004 with 71,000 miles, a 4.7-liter engine, and never towed anything. I do not want to hurt the transmission. It is rated for 6,500-lb towing.

Has anyone actually towed a boat similar to the 21 Outrage with a similar model Sequoia for a long distance without any problems;

Does anyone think this would be a problem? Please do not say, "there is no reason at all why this would be a problem. Your boat and trailer weigh several thousand pounds less thant he car's towing capacity" or "just get a transmission cooler and you will be fine." I am looking for real examples of people who have towed or reguarly have towed similar sized Whalers long distances with a Sequoia or similar SUV and think its ok or not ok.

posted 01-14-2009 06:08 PM ET (US)            

Just a couple questions - when you blew the other transmissions, did you 1) change the transmission fluid at the recommended (severe duty) mileage and/or 2) change the transmission fluid when you bought the vehicle if used?

The reason I ask is because I know of a lot of people who don't change their engine oil at the recommended intervals, let alone other fluids.

The next question is "How fast" did you tow and "in what gear"?

These are very important questions as well. You can/will burn out a very strong transmission in very short order by towing in overdrive. It is very important to keep the transmission in standard gear - not overdrive. Additionally, speeding - going faster than 60 MPH, can kill a transmission that would otherwise handle the tow just fine.

Finally, a recommendation: $300 is not too much for peace of mind - you're at 71K miles now, the transmission is probably due at 100 or 150K miles - change it now, before the trip, and then change it again 30K miles from now, after the trip to get you back on the 100K schedule.

For what it is worth, my F150 transmission is good for 150K miles when not towing. If you tow frequently they want you to change the fluid at 30K miles. 30K! That is a severe change in expected duty cycle for transmission fluid; and it tells me that the Ford Engineers have concerns about the fluid temperature and effects of that temperature when towing. ...and my truck is equipped with a transmission cooler and towing package...

Good luck - hopefully someone else will chime in with actual, first hand reports of how this vehicle handles that boat.

posted 01-14-2009 08:12 PM ET (US)            

While the information you gave regarding staying out of overdrive is probably correct for Ford products, you can tow in o/d in certain GM products. Check your manual. My 2002 Yukon allows it, but also suggests that if that transmission is shifting often, dropping down to third gear is fine also.

I recall reviewing my Suburban's manual (late 90's?) and that specifically stated not to tow in third, but leave it in o/d.

One difference between the years that I noted is the addition of the tow/haul button on the end of the shift lever. Changes the shift points.

posted 01-14-2009 11:03 PM ET (US)            

I have spent a lot of time on the highway since August going back and forth from old house to new house on a busy E-Way and 100 miles distance one way. Furthermore, I have incorporated "loops" to Detroit and back as well as other cities for work etc. Point is there are way too many foolish drivers who tow boats, trailers etc going in excess of 70 miles/hour, hot days, heavy traffic - we've all seen them. They are not only hard on their equipment they are freaking menaces to other drivers and completely unsafe.

I learned how to drive when I was 10 y/o - drove in fields, parking lots all over - drove my dad's 1960 Slant 6 Dodge Panel Truck w/ 3 on the tree across the Mackinaw Bridge when I was 12, the old man riding shot gun sitting on his hemorhoid surgery cushion!!! I was lucky to refine my skills when i worked Parks and Rec and construction jobs driving trucks and equipment.

Drivers must learn the limitations of their rigs - tow vehicles and whatever they pull. I go easy, rarely over 60 MPH when I tow whether pulling w/ car or occasionally w/ truck.

My Camry 4 cylinder has 160,000, manual transmission, bought it used w/ about 90K, 1999, I pull the 13 and my utility trailer all the time - same clutch, no problems, no issues. I go slow and go easy on the gear box and clutch. I pay close attention to my brake pads and shoes. I have had extremely heavy loads on multiple trips w/ utility trailer all fall and still no problem, same gear box and the rest.

double check your technique and driving habits.

posted 01-15-2009 08:49 PM ET (US)            

It sounds like it ought not to be a problem.

I've been towing boats since I used to tow my 15 Whaler with a 1985 Camry many years ago.

I am also incredibly easy on the vehicles I own. For instance, the Yukon I owned still had original brakes at 170k miles.

The old Blazer that blew had a lot of miles and a lot of problems before the towing.

. . .

I can't drive 60mph from SC to Ft. L. But, I can be careful with it.

I really appreciate the tran oil recs and all. Have a great local mechanic who knows Yotas well.

Going to pick up my "fun" car (1989 4Runner) from him tomorrow and will talk to him re Sequoia and transcooler / oil.

In any event, looking forward to going there.

posted 01-16-2009 11:27 AM ET (US)            

When towing my personal classic 15 CC on its light, single axle trailer with that truck, I truly can't tell whether the boat is still behind me or not--my shift patterns are the same as when I'm not towing anything at all except on the steepest hills. Fuel economy does suffer however, dropping from 20+ mpg highway to around 13-15.

posted 01-16-2009 08:39 PM ET (US)            

I appreciate your post. I have read it several times. I am still not sure how it contribues to my inquiry as to whether a 2001-2007 Sequoia can tow a 21 Outrage without risking damage to the engine / transmission.

My actual quote was "I can't drive 60mph from SC to Ft. L. But, I can be careful with it."

This is because people drive 80mph on 95 not 60mph.

If you have some actual insight to contribute; I look forward to hearing it. Otherwise, thanks anyway for your attempt to inform me on how to operate towing vehicles.

I expected a few semi-grumpy old men to post these things instead of actually trying to help me out. So far only one. I am sure a few of your friends will add to it sooon.