Towing 31' HILO with 2003 Toyota Sequoia
 

I'm thinking of buying a used 31 foot limited edition 2002 HILO; 5950 lbs, no extra weight. The Sequoia is rated to tow at 6,500 lbs max. Am I safe to tow this trailer? Loaded, it would be right at the limit for the Toyota. Will the HiLo short profile help with the length?

We currently pull our 1993 HiLo 22' trailer and hardly notice it is there.

Anybody have any experience with this combination? or with the 31 foot trailer?

I quite honestly think that is too much trailer for your Sequoia. If you use the 80% limit of towing capacity rule which figures to 5200 pounds for the trailer weight limit you are going to be under capacity. You have to take into account the weight of passengers and cargo in the TV and have a safety factor.

If that is a 31' Classic I'm guessing that the 5950 pound figure is the dry weight, then the gross is probably 7600 pounds. If so, it is definitely out of your range.

AS always- the additional limiting factor and in my experience, the MAJOR limiting factor is the GVWR of the Sequoia. AS Rich alluded to- you need to figure the tongue weight of the trailer and my experience is they tend to be high on Hi-Los. My 22 footer is aroud 700 lbs with propane filled. Add weight of the empty Toyota, people, gear and gas----and my guess is you are at capacity or over. "not noticing it is there" is comforting but it shouldn't be. You are exceeding axle capacity, brake capacity, and likely putting a nasty strain on the transmission. Run the numbers, is my advice. Load the Sequoia up with what you normally carry and take it to a scale and weigh it. Check the door for GVWR .

rick

Colby,
In my honest opinion, I think that the longer trailer will push you around.

I agree, longer trailers and short wheelbase tow vehicles are not a good match. It's like the tail wagging the dog.