2nd Gen Sequoia as offroad rig and tow platform

[skrypj]

I currently have a 2011 Lexus GX460 and a 2014 F150 Supercrew 6.5' bed and am not particularly happy with either because my goal is to be able to tow a trailer, and then offroad at my destination.

-The GX can offroad decently well, but the towing capabilities leave a lot to be desired due to the lack of horsepower from the 1UR and the small fuel tank. I live at 6500' in Utah so the engine is making quite a bit less power than advertised and it just can't comfortably tow the way I want it to.

-The F150 pulls like a locomotive with the Ecoboost, but the offroading capabilities leave a lot to be desired due to the massive wheelbase. Breakover angle is a serious issue, and navigating tight trails can be an issue. Every dumb step and obstacle is just begging to tear off a running board and true sliders are not really an option on the F150. I had it on some moderate trails in Moab and had to tiptoe over everything.



So I was first thinking a 200 series Land Cruiser to replace both. I get the extra power of the 5.7L, but retain close to the same wheelbase as my GX and am narrower than a full-size. But the prices seem really high and not sure I want to put that kinda money into a single vehicle. It's also not that much bigger than my GX in terms of interior space.

My second thought is a full-size SUV like a Sequoia. I get the power of the 5.7L but with some extra space. While its physically as wide as an F150, the wheelbase is only ~120" and the turning radius is a ridiculous 19', which is as good as my GX460. So it should be extremely maneuverable which would help offset the full-sized width.

Any thoughts. Im not looking to hit the Rubicon in my trucks, but I would like something that is capable enough. My understanding is that there is some suspension support for the Sequoia. dobinsons makes an IMS lift for it with springs for the rear and Elka sells 2.5" shocks for it as well. There is a rear locker and gears available as well if I wanted to get real wild with it.

 

[Kpack]

I'm considering the same as you. Currently have an '05 Tundra that will remain my trail rig and jack-of-everything truck. But I can't fit the whole family in it and that limits what we can do. We need a large vehicle to fit the whole family, have room for storage, be able to tow, and be comfortable on any FS road or mild trail. Sequoia can do all that stock. So we're looking at a 2nd gen that will be my wife's primary a family hauler for the next while.

Eventually I will modify the Sequoia to be more capable and will take it on more serious trails. Tandem Offroad supplies much of the items for serious wheeling, 1st Gen Offroad has nearly all the suspension options, and there are a few others with useful components like Victory 4x4 (skid plates and roof rack).

It's a big truck, but it checks all the boxes for us. Plus the 5.7 is a proven platform, and Toyota's simplicity makes maintenance on the vehicle pretty straightforward. We briefly considered the new '23 Sequoia but after seeing the tiny storage, the new hybrid drivetrain (with unknown reliability and maintenance costs), and the cost of $90K with taxes and dealer markups, it was a pretty easy decision to go with 2nd gen. Might even have one by next week.

-Kevin

 

[SDDiver5]

I'd personally stay F150. Minor suspension upgrades will work wonders for it. or a raptor swap. Sliders can be fabbed up pretty easy and welded to frame or order them from white knuckle if that have your year. Throw some deaver leafs on the back and some skids from RCI and you're golden. With a few mods I think you'd be surprised at how capable they are offroad. I take my (reg bed) to some pretty intense locations and I have never wanted something diff. Plus, staying with an F150 allows you to retain the truck aspect and use it as a truck if/when needed.

The Tandem Offroad 2nd gen Sequoia looks pretty freaking awesome tho I will admit.

 

[skrypj]

I'd personally stay F150. Minor suspension upgrades will work wonders for it. or a raptor swap. Sliders can be fabbed up pretty easy and welded to frame or order them from white knuckle if that have your year. Throw some deaver leafs on the back and some skids from RCI and you're golden. With a few mods I think you'd be surprised at how capable they are offroad. I take my (reg bed) to some pretty intense locations and I have never wanted something diff. Plus, staying with an F150 allows you to retain the truck aspect and use it as a truck if/when needed.

The Tandem Offroad 2nd gen Sequoia looks pretty freaking awesome tho I will admit.

The F150 is solid offroad. Im on just Bilstein 5100’s at the 2nd from bottom ring, the 315/70 raptor takeoffs and the factory elocker and its great. I pull one sway bar end link off for the weekend and it just floats.

But man, its huge. I got into some OHV trails outside of Kanab UT the other weekend and it was TIGHT. I know the Sequoia is the same width but the length and turning radius is way shorter so it can weave in and out of obstacles better.

 

[Kevin108]

Add lift and armor to the truck you already have, unless you just have too much money.

 

[skrypj]

H

Add lift and armor to the truck you already have, unless you just have too much money.

Having to much money is definitely not my issue ?

 

[Wise Old Jason]

It's cheaper to keep and modify what you already have. I think the F150 is fine with some slight tweaks in the suspension and armor department. Honestly though, you're not (or shouldn't be) doing anything crazy while you're out. You tow your trailer and your kids out into the bush, the last thing you're going to want to do is wheel your rig so hard that you break it and get stuck without a ride home. Keep the F-150, especially in the ridiculous auto market we're in right now.

 

[tacollie]

Sequoia has IRS. The 5.7 is going to feel like a dog coming from an Ecoboost. I'm not saying keep the F150 but I'm not sure you'll be happy with the sequoia.

 

[calicamper]

I went from 07 4.7 Sequoia only yr it got a boost in Hp and needed premium fuel. Definitely was better than the lower HP versions. The 5.7 is definitely way better on power, but still isn’t much more than a dirt road rig and mileage is horrendous. Towing is meh. Thats why I run a late 2019 platinum Expedition. 400hp, 3.71 rear end, 2spd transfer case, 10spd goodness, and Elocker. Way better than the 2nd gen Sequoia in towing, way way better mileage and range, and don’t get stuck in slightly crossed up spots like the Sequoia. 27 yrs of Toyota’s they were all terrible tow rigs, actually really bad tow rigs.
The Expedition is the same width- length as the 2nd gen Sequoia. Whats different than the F150? The Expedition is shorter and seats more butts?

I just walked past a new 4runner parked next to the new Sequoia. I just shook my head. They were nearly the same size. ?‍♂️

 

[T-Willy]

I went from 07 4.7 Sequoia only yr it got a boost in Hp and needed premium fuel. Definitely was better than the lower HP versions. The 5.7 is definitely way better on power, but still isn’t much more than a dirt road rig and mileage is horrendous. Towing is meh. Thats why I run a late 2019 platinum Expedition. 400hp, 3.71 rear end, 2spd transfer case, 10spd goodness, and Elocker. Way better than the 2nd gen Sequoia in towing, way way better mileage and range, and don’t get stuck in slightly crossed up spots like the Sequoia. 27 yrs of Toyota’s they were all terrible tow rigs, actually really bad tow rigs.
The Expedition is the same width- length as the 2nd gen Sequoia. Whats different than the F150? The Expedition is shorter and seats more butts?

I just walked past a new 4runner parked next to the new Sequoia. I just shook my head. They were nearly the same size. ?‍♂️

(Apologies for a moment of thread drift.)

I've never taken a very close look at the recent Expeditions. Ford's efficiency and range would be quite attractive, but don't they have independent rear suspension, and isn't it pretty low-slung ground clearance wise? How does it do on payload?

 

[calicamper]

(Apologies for a moment of thread drift.)

I've never taken a very close look at the recent Expeditions. Ford's efficiency and range would be quite attractive, but don't they have independent rear suspension, and isn't it pretty low-slung ground clearance wise? How does it do on payload?

The Second Gen Sequoia is independent all 4 corners. Same stock ground clearance as the Expedition. More after market stuff for lift can be found for the Expedition vs the old 2nd gen Sequoia which is a tough one to find ways to modify at this point. The Toyota price definitely isn’t worth it if you want a trail rig.

The expedition early to mid yr 2019’s still had lots of negatives. Mid to late 2019 they were quietly updated with a bunch of nice needed changes. Like a cast aluminum oil pan not the plastic ABS pan etc.

Ford makes two versions of the Expedition. They make a SUV mini van version which is the standard format Expedition rated at 6000lbs max tow and only has part time AWD ie mini van version.

They make a very different version the max tow which gets a whole different gear set from their HD parts bin, different cooling system, different springs, two speed transfer case. Some yrs got elocker others got some kind of posi trac system on the rear end.

Basically if you want proper 4x4 you get the heavy tow 9200 lb rated one.

As for payload? My fully loaded Platinum is right around 1700lb payload sticker.

I still run the stock stupid 22’s but immediately put a new 2021 BFG tire called the Trail Terrain which was designed specifically for SUV owners looking for better durability and traction but still decent highway performance and mileage. I lost a solid 1mpg over the car tires it came with but they were absolutely horrible even wet highway they were some of the worst tires I have ever had on a vehicle. The New Trail Terrain 3peak rated were a game changer! Total beast in the snow and pretty respectable in the muck. The 22’s are 285’s not much to air down but I never do sand so hasn’t been a problem. Sand? Yeah definitely probably would hunt down some stock 20’s and fit as big as I could. I think you can run slightly bigger on 20’s without rubbing in stock mode. Lots of guys are bumping them up 1-3 inches with fairly basic effort. Its such a nice rig especially long hauls. Had to do a unplanned COVID escape during a family trip on spring break. Our host turned positive we bailed did a 13hr all night cannonball run home. 23mpg average and I didn’t feel destroyed. No freaking way I could have done that in the Sequoia. Plus that trip in the Sequoia was a solid 16mpg average the last 3 times we did that trip.

 

[skrypj]

The Second Gen Sequoia is independent all 4 corners. Same stock ground clearance as the Expedition. More after market stuff for lift can be found for the Expedition vs the old 2nd gen Sequoia which is a tough one to find ways to modify at this point. The Toyota price definitely isn’t worth it if you want a trail rig.

The expedition early to mid yr 2019’s still had lots of negatives. Mid to late 2019 they were quietly updated with a bunch of nice needed changes. Like a cast aluminum oil pan not the plastic ABS pan etc.

Ford makes two versions of the Expedition. They make a SUV mini van version which is the standard format Expedition rated at 6000lbs max tow and only has part time AWD ie mini van version.

They make a very different version the max tow which gets a whole different gear set from their HD parts bin, different cooling system, different springs, two speed transfer case. Some yrs got elocker others got some kind of posi trac system on the rear end.

Basically if you want proper 4x4 you get the heavy tow 9200 lb rated one.

As for payload? My fully loaded Platinum is right around 1700lb payload sticker.

I still run the stock stupid 22’s but immediately put a new 2021 BFG tire called the Trail Terrain which was designed specifically for SUV owners looking for better durability and traction but still decent highway performance and mileage. I lost a solid 1mpg over the car tires it came with but they were absolutely horrible even wet highway they were some of the worst tires I have ever had on a vehicle. The New Trail Terrain 3peak rated were a game changer! Total beast in the snow and pretty respectable in the muck. The 22’s are 285’s not much to air down but I never do sand so hasn’t been a problem. Sand? Yeah definitely probably would hunt down some stock 20’s and fit as big as I could. I think you can run slightly bigger on 20’s without rubbing in stock mode. Lots of guys are bumping them up 1-3 inches with fairly basic effort. Its such a nice rig especially long hauls. Had to do a unplanned COVID escape during a family trip on spring break. Our host turned positive we bailed did a 13hr all night cannonball run home. 23mpg average and I didn’t feel destroyed. No freaking way I could have done that in the Sequoia. Plus that trip in the Sequoia was a solid 16mpg average the last 3 times we did that trip.

The expedition is also on my radar but I know a lot more about them being on the F150 forums and sharing the platform. I know Icon has a pretty nice coilover setup for them, and I know you can run the Raptor Torsen front diff if you wanted.

Do you know if anyone has swapped a Raptor Hi-lock T-case into the Expedition? Is it possible like it is on the F150?

Did they have an actual e-locker like the F150 or is it the eLSD that can be locked?

 

[Rovertrader]

Not to be off topic, but the Lariat F-150 gets (or did in 2020) the Raptor T-case…

 

[skrypj]

Not to be off topic, but the Lariat F-150 gets (or did in 2020) the Raptor T-case…

Lariat and up got the 4Auto t-case, but its not the same. The Raptor T-case is called the Hi-Lock and its got the 4Auto capability but also mechanically locks into 4x4. The regular F150 4Auto case uses the clutches to mimic 4x4 but they can slip.

The only trucks that come with it are the Raptor and the higher trim level of the F150 Tremor.

 

[calicamper]

The expedition is also on my radar but I know a lot more about them being on the F150 forums and sharing the platform. I know Icon has a pretty nice coilover setup for them, and I know you can run the Raptor Torsen front diff if you wanted.

Do you know if anyone has swapped a Raptor Hi-lock T-case into the Expedition? Is it possible like it is on the F150?

Did they have an actual e-locker like the F150 or is it the eLSD that can be locked?

Ford was pretty weird from 2020 -2022 on what they put in the Expedition. My 19 has the Heavy Duty rear end that the HD F150 came with Elocker. Some I have seen have the ESLD and some got a weird posi traction

I think it was super inconsistent due to parts availability and Ford priority was the F150.

I have heard about the Raptor front diff but haven’t run into anyone thats done it.