Fleetwood Sequoia

[ganewbie]

We are considering the Fleetwood Sequioa 05 if we can find one.  Any thoughts?  Any gotcha's form current owners......

[fritz_monroe]

Is that the high walled model last year or was the Sequoia a low sided model?

Welcome and if it was the high walled model, it would still have the cassette toilet, not a black water tank.  Nice pop up.

[SpeakEasy]

One of the very few regrets I've had about the Cheyenne is that you can't get at the fridge when the camper is closed up. From looking at the photos and floorplan Fleetwood has up for the 2006 model Sequoia, it looks like you'll have the same issue with that one that I have with the Cheyenne. If you go into it knowing this and deciding that you're OK with it, that's great. Just think about it. I'd like to be able to load my fridge without opening the whole thing up before a trip. I'd like to be able to keep my fridge loaded until I get home and unload it without having to pop up.

[ganewbie]

Is that the high walled model last year or was the Sequoia a low sided model?

Welcome and if it was the high walled model, it would still have the cassette toilet, not a black water tank.  Nice pop up.

Yes, it is a high walled unit.  I am very close on max load with this model the max I can pull is 3500lbs.  We where about to purchase an 2005 Saturday but someone beat us to the punch...

This is a difficult task finding the right P/U.  Then again we are pretty impatient, we may end up buying new.

[carolinacamper]

I was also looking for a late model Fleetwood until I found out that the warrantee is only good for the original owner. I ordered a 2006 Williamsburg and got a really good deal. Most dealers and manufacturers have incentives through the end of march that you can't get later.

[SpeakEasy]

Yes, it is a high walled unit.  I am very close on max load with this model the max I can pull is 3500lbs.  We where about to purchase an 2005 Saturday but someone beat us to the punch...

This is a difficult task finding the right P/U.  Then again we are pretty impatient, we may end up buying new.

Your vehicle can tow 3500 lbs and the sequoia is 2865 empty (if I'm looking at the right model)?

Are you sure you want to do that??

[ganewbie]

Your vehicle can tow 3500 lbs and the sequoia is 2865 empty (if I'm looking at the right model)?

Are you sure you want to do that??

Nope.... that's why I am askin the experts.....  Any suggestions on the max trailer weight I should shoot for?

We where also considering the Bayside just for that exact reason.

[SpeakEasy]

Generally the weight they list as the "dry" weight or empty weight is a real lowball figure. You'd have to add in the weight of appliances, propane tank, battery, even the awning, and then your gear. This can add up to several hundred pounds in some cases.

Then, the advice of most experienced trailer geeks is to tow about 75% of your TV's stated capacity. Now, I don't totally go along with that guideline myself, but that's what the "experts" often say. I do think that somewhere between 80% and 90% of the stated capacity is probably OK.

In any event, I'd guess that the sequoia loaded would be very, very close to 3500 lb if not over it. I'm pretty sure you'd be over the 90% of capacity parameter.

All of this omits the question of how heavy your passengers and gear in the TV would be and how that would impact your towing capacity.

My guess is that the sequoia is too much trailer for your tow vehicle, but who am I to say?

[OC Campers]

The Sequoia also has one of the heaviest tongue weights.  If I remember it was almost 400lbs.  If you are planning on towing with a mini van that is most likely too much weight for the van.  What type of vehicle will you be towing with?
If your max weight is 3,500 lbs (this includes popup extras, people and stuff in the car) I would suggest looking at popups in the 2,000-2,500 lb range.
 
Jacqui

[SpeakEasy]

If your max weight is 3,500 lbs (this includes popup extras, people and stuff in the car)  
 
Jacqui

This is not necessarily true. It depends on the manufacturer. You need to check your owner's manual.

[tlhdoc]

One of the very few regrets I've had about the Cheyenne is that you can't get at the fridge when the camper is closed up. From looking at the photos and floorplan Fleetwood has up for the 2006 model Sequoia, it looks like you'll have the same issue with that one that I have with the Cheyenne.

The fridge in the 2005 Sequoia is straight across from the door, no problem accessing it with the top down.  Even the 2006 can be accessed, you just need to craw over to it.  No galley to fold down to block access.

[tlhdoc]

I am very close on max load with this model the max I can pull is 3500lbs. We where about to purchase an 2005 Saturday but someone beat us to the punch...

The 2005 Sequoia weighs 2,995 pounds empty, loaded it weighs 3,770 pounds.  No way would I tow that with a vehicle that is rated to tow 3,500 pounds.  Most vehicles include just a 150 pound driver when figuring the amount it can tow.  You have to subtract the weight of anything else in the TV (people and cargo) from the amount you can tow.  What is your tow vehicle?  I towed my 3000 pound trailer with a minivan and felt that I was pushing the limit.

[ganewbie]

The 2005 Sequoia weighs 2,995 pounds empty, loaded it weighs 3,770 pounds.  No way would I tow that with a vehicle that is rated to tow 3,500 pounds.  Most vehicles include just a 150 pound driver when figuring the amount it can tow.  You have to subtract the weight of anything else in the TV (people and cargo) from the amount you can tow.  What is your tow vehicle?  I towed my 3000 pound trailer with a minivan and felt that I was pushing the limit.

Thanks for all the responses.  We have a Honda Pilot with the Tow package.  From the sounds of most the comments it is probably to much to carry.

[PITPOP27]

We also looked at the sequioa, it's lvoely, but if it's too heavy it's just too heavy, is the Baysie lighter?  Bayside was another #1 for us, and is a great one if that is what you need for your TV.  Love the slide out dinnette!  We ended up going used, and it's turned out to be a great fit for us. We eneded up with a 2000 Timberlake.  I have to tell you, VERY roomy inside, with two kings.  You PU is out there!  Keep a looking!

[OC Campers]

The Bayside is probably too much trailer too.  The older model also has a slide out which adds weight.  I think the Bayside would be right at your 3,500 lb weight limit too.

Jacqui