Anyone ever pull a 20 safari with a toyota sienna (07)?

Tiny · #1 05-13-2014, 11:43 AM

I'm thinking of making the wife's 2007 sienna the primary tow vehicle. It's built on the same chassis, and power plant as the highlander (that has a 5000K lb towing capacity). I've read many travel trailer forums, but they don't have to pull it up ramp now do they :-).

I'm hoping someone on here will have some first hand experience, or knows someone who does. If it's too damaging to your manhood to own up to it, send me a pm :-). It's damaging to mine just to ask!

htillman · #2 05-13-2014, 02:56 PM

I've pulled a 23 Sceptre with a '99 Toyota 4Runner, not a long way but it worked.

gofastsandman · #3 05-13-2014, 03:15 PM

I pulled a 25 with my Sonoma. No fuel or power
No brakes either...

kmoose · #4 05-13-2014, 03:54 PM

I towed my tsunami for years with an 04, v6 prerunner quad cab. Fuel, ice and heavy dive loads almost every weekend. The Sienna will be optimal as long as your ok with 10 mpg.

McGillicuddy · #5 05-13-2014, 06:26 PM

I tow my Seafari 20 with a 96 Toyota T100 extra cab. 3.4L V6 rated @5200 lbs and has a 122" wheelbase. No-posi. It tows fine but I am not very comfortable with the set-up. I slip on the ramps all the time. My trailer is probably 4 or 500 lbs more than yours, being a tandem axle, but that weight is nominal relative to the power available. I have power aplenty but lacking posi is horrible on the ramps. And we have excellent ramps.

I looked into a Sienna and found they were only rated to tow 3500 lbs fully equipped with factory tow package that included transmission cooler and additional oil cooler. They also have an even shorter wheel base and mushier suspension than the T100. I applaud your willingness to reduce your carbon footprint, but I think your life and those around you would be safer with more truck.

I blew a tire on my tandem axle, and I'm pretty sure the other axle is the only thing that kept me from ending up in the ditch. I know you're virtually at sea level, but if you put it to a vote, unless you're a only a couple miles from the ramp via side streets, I'd vote against your proposition and recommend a more appropriate tow vehicle.

Cheers.

gofastsandman · #6 05-13-2014, 07:13 PM

My Sonoma is rated for 6k and has a full electronic locker under 10 mph. She thinks she is ready for MMA. Towing that 25 is not something she wants any part of again. Maybe if the trailer brakes worked as was advertised..., but not rigged out.

FishStretcher · #7 05-13-2014, 08:13 PM

I towed a 20MA 120 miles on the highway. With a ~2010 Tacoma 2.7L 4 cylinder automatic 4x2. No auxiliary brakes. It was ~40F out. The transmission is still with us.

No ramp, but a driveway as steep as some ramps.

Bigshrimpin · #8 05-13-2014, 09:27 PM

Cross country 3300miles with 1000lbs of junk in the bed and boat in 3.5 days. Sienna may give you trouble with front wheel drive on a ramp . . . Otherwise with with a tow package installed you should be "ok".

Honestly . . . I just picked up a 2002 Yukon 5.3 with tow package for next to nothing . I wish I had done it a long time ago. It's a tow, dump and wet dog mobile.

Blackfin26 · #9 05-13-2014, 09:50 PM

Use to pull an O'day 20' sailboat with an early 80's Subaru. You'll be fine.

gofastsandman · #10 05-13-2014, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigshrimpin

Cross country 3300miles with 1000lbs of junk in the bed and boat in 3.5 days. Sienna may give you trouble with front wheel drive on a ramp . . . Otherwise with with a tow package installed you should be "ok".

Honestly . . . I just picked up a 2002 Yukon 5.3 with tow package for next to nothing . I wish I had done it a long time ago. It's a tow, dump and wet dog mobile.

Nice.
Good Motah.