Hi all, I am currently looking at SUVs to use as a tow vehicle. I cannot get a truck, as the vehicle will have to do double duty as my regular car, and my husband will occasionally use it for work, when he has to entertain/transport multiple customers, etc. A pickup just won't work for us. I will most likely only be hauling one horse at a time (Arabian), but maybe two on occasion. I am looking at something like the Featherlite 2-horse aluminum slant load, or perhaps a 3-horse slant load so I'd have room for hay, etc. I believe these trailers are 3,000 lbs or less, and are well under 20' long. We've looked at many of the larger SUVs (don't want an extra-large like a Suburban) and the one both of like the best so far is the 2007 Toyota Sequoia. However, while on the Ford site, I was shocked to read that the 2007 Ford Explorer (not the Expedition) has a higher towing capacity than the Sequoia!? I'm looking for some knowlege/guidance on what to look for safety-wise. I know wheelbase of the tow vehicle must be kept in mind, but the trailers I'm looking at are all under 20 feet long, and the guidelines I've read are 110" of wheelbase are needed for a 20" trailer. The Sequoia has 118.1" of WB, the Explorer has 113.7" They are both V8's, the Sequoia being a 4.7 liter, the Explorer a 4.6 liter. Horsepower for Sequoia is 273 with torque of 314, Explorer is 292 hp w/300 torque. They both have stabilizer bars front and rear. The biggest difference I can find is that the Sequoia has a 4.1 axle ratio (limited slip) and the Explorer only has a 3.55 non-limited-slip axle. They have replaced the limited slip technology with "traction control" technology...? I think they both come with a class IV hitch. Both have ventilated disc brakes in front, the Sequoia has them in rear too, the Explorer has regular disc brakes in the rear. The Sequoia also has "braking assist" with the Explorer doesn't. Max towing capacity for the Sequoia is 6500 lbs. Max towing capacity for the Explorer Limited V8 is 7200 lbs. !! I guess I'm questioning the difference in axle ratios, brakes, and the small difference in wheel base. Would the 2007 Explorer be able to safely tow a basic 2 or 3 horse trailer without getting me into trouble if I had to brake hard or get up or down steep hills (not that we have any here in Florida..). Would I get a sway problem? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. The Explorer is about $10K less than the Sequoia, and it sure would be easier to drive around when I'm not towing. But I've always read not to even consider an Explorer for hauling horses which was why I started looking at the full-size SUVs. But maybe for my needs, I can get away with a mid-size? Thanks!! Jennifer |