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

either one will do fine if properly set up.  the people who say they wont do not have the experience/skill they think they do.

I don't know if the Explorer and a three horse slant is safe for the average driver.  An Aluminum trailer in the two to three horse size isn't but a few hundred pounds lighter than a similar sized steel trailer...don't be fooled into thinking you can get an extra slant stall because of the materials.

If you'll be hauling one horse I'd recommend a two horse.  If you get a bigger trailer you'll be hounded about hauling for others because you have extra room.  You can always put hay in a trash bag and put it in the tack room if needed.

If I were you(and I'm not, I might haul a lawnmower trailer with an Explorer but not a moving animal) I'd see if you could test the configuration out.  You may find you aren't that comfortable being pushed around by your "tail-end."  If you buy something and you find you can't drive, then what?  I've seen lots of new trailers being sold because the wifey bought more than she could handle.

Think of this like horses, young kid aged horse...older kid younger horse.

Little towing experience lots of room for error(larger safety margins), lots of towing experience little room for error.  I usually don't set clients up with less than a Yukon/Tahoe sized "truck" and a two horse trailer with dressing room.  It's the perfect Mom and kid rig.  Mom feels like she can drive it, run around all week as a Taxi and it's got enough room to hold all your stuff when off with the horse(s).  Or Mom and kid can both have a horse and room for their things.

My first towing rig was a WW 2 horse 6'6" tall extra wide steel bumper pull and a 4 door Tahoe. I remember the Tahoe had a 114" wheel base, I don't recall the year ('90-'94?). I had to use a sway bar with it to keep the trailer from swaying at 55-60mph. I made trips of around 150 miles round tirp with that setup and it worke pretty well. I really enjoyed the Tahoe until the gas prices started rising....

-Betty

Actually the Tahoe has a 5.3-liter V-8 that allows it to tow up to 8,200 pounds. vs the Ford Explorer's Max Towing capacity reaches 7300 lb with V8...

So the difference is actually 900 lbs...

But even more important are the brakes...

Ford Explorer

Front Brakes Vented
Rear Brakes Solid
Front Brake Size 305.001 mm | 12 in.
Rear Brake Size 301.001 mm | 11.9 in.

Chevrolet Tahoe's are larger and therefore vent heat better...

Front Brake Size 13.001 in | 330.2 mm. 
Rear Brake Size 13.501 in | 342.9 mm.

Yes...you used to see the classic tail wagging when people bumper-pulled huge camper trailers with the cars...can we say OVERLOADED...

Unfortunately...it still occurs today with people who are under-trucked still trying to pull 35ft plus 4+ horse trailers and there is failure of their trailer brakes for whatever reason and then there is the proverbial crash which is when we get called, Fire/Rescue and the Police...

Because I see many 10-50s...I tend to err on the side of caution...

Take care when you are on the road...and if you ever get up to the frigid north...stop by...

thats an interesting opinon, did you read that in some paperwork somewhere?  my gmc manual specifically states "a properly equipped tow vehicle and trailer at the maximum gcwr should be able to accelerate and merge with traffic, climb typical interstate grades at highway speeds, handle the combination on virtually all road surfaces, and stop adequately within a resonable distance."  seems like it was in my trailblazers manual too.

I'm guessing that you haven't read the reviews on the new Tundra

My 4Runner has the towing package, it has done quite heavy pulling in our hilly areas of the state.  I guess I've never considered it in any way "less heavy duty" than an Explorer, or any other comparable full frame SUV.  I do agree however that the Tahoe would be a better horse trailer tow vehicle than a 4Runner or Explorer.  Last point - I don't believe you can get the Allison tranny in a Tahoe, but I may be wrong on that one.

The Allison tranmission is only available in the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks equipped with the durmax diesel or the 8.1 gas engine.