Sienna help.

[acritzer]

Recommended to this forum off another one I've been posting in.  Guy said there were some Sienna users here, or other that might know some info that would help me.

Short version:
I have an '08 Sienna.
Want to tow a Starcraft 2407.
Dealer installed a class 3 Reese hitch and a Reese brake controller.  Also a tranny cooler upon my request.

#'s for the 2407
GVWR- 3320
UVW-2200
HW-252
CCC-950

Not too worried about the power to tow the camper, but rather the drop in the rear end when hooked on.  Not sure if the HW of 252 is completely dry and without any options.  I'm planning on weighing it first chance I get.
My question is, can I get away with just adding Airlift 1000's?  Or, should I suck it up and switch over to a WD hitch (more trouble, and more $$).

I've gotten answers that lean both directions.  Concensus seems to be I'd be okay with nothing, or with the Airlift...but might be better with a WDH.

Looking for personal experience with the Sienna as a TV...or middle of the road recommendations (not careless, but not alarmist either).

Thank you.

[Tim5055]

What does your manual say?  Looking on line I can't find the exact hitch weight capacity other than some folks "swearing" that it is 200 pounds.

Other than that, the Toyota site (like most manufacturers) is vague, stating:

"Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment."

Come on Toyota (& others), make it easy to find out the ratings.....

[acritzer]

The manual is equally vague and/or confusing.  I've also seen 200 mentioned, but I've also seen 350 without WD.  and 500 with WD.  (all online)  

So, I'm really looking for people with first hand experience.  That have used the Sienna and gone through the learning process before.  Possibly having towed something with similar characteristics.

[jpcjtrtj]

We have a 2006 Sienna XLE - All Wheel Drive.  Our Coleman Carmel trailer supposedly weighs 1900# with a 200# tongue weight.  Weighted down, the actual tongue weight is about 320.  We just added the airlift 1000s and it rides like a dream.  So based on tongue weight, I think you'd be good with the airlifts.  Plus airlifts takes 80 bucks plus about an hour of work.  Worst case is you waste that and get no benefit.  Best case, you spend that and you're done.

[GeneF]

Been a while since I towed with a Sienna.

Had a 2000 with the tow package which was mainly a heavier battery and a tranny cooler.  I don't think there were any suspension differences with the tow package.  I believe the tow rating was about 3500 pounds.

Your 08 most likely maintains that weight rating but you have a larger engine and it is a larger vehicle than mine was.

I towed a 98 Coleman Mesa which was in the weight range of your popup.

I had a U-haul hitch and a brake controller.

My main problem was that I couldn't tow the Mesa without a sway bar.  The popup would sway at about 30 mph.

If I was going to do it again, I would go with a wdh with a sway control.  Might be a bit on the expensive side but safety should be more important than a few dollars.  You already have about $30,000 plus invested in the tv and trailer so what is another few bucks?

[dkutz]

Gonna have to start a sienna owner thread on this board pretty soon.  Seems like you have all you need to tow, EXCEPT airbags.  They are cheap, and easy to install yourself.  THey make a world of difference.  YOu will also probably have to use a Rise with your hitch not a drop.

Feel free to email or PM if you have more questions.

also try this site.  //www.siennaclub.org  THere is a section just for towing.  ANd other GREAT info for Sienna owners...

[SpeakEasy]

I'm not speaking from Sienna experience, so you may want to ignore this.

My question is, do you have 2WD or 4WD? If it's 2WD and front-wheel at that, I think you'd be better off with the weight-distributing hitch. The reason is, if you use the airlift, you aren't shifting weight to your drive wheels like you'd be doing with the weight-distributing hitch. In a sense, the airlifts make the problem look like it's gone, but it really isn't. Does that make any sense?

-Speak