question about towing

[Jamiek]

Hello,

We just bought a 2008 Sienna LE.  It came with a tow package, I assume its a class 2 hitch that it came with.  We will be towing a Coleman Cheyenne Popup.  Next week we are taking it to the shop to get the sienna wired for the camper (has electric brakes).  So my question is, what should i tell the guy that will be installing the wiring.  Do i need to buy anything additional.  Is the hitch that toyota gave me going to be ok for my camper.  Do i really need airbags?  Im just worried that i will be scraping alot, im just used to my old suv i had.   The weight of the camper is 2,035, and the Unloaded Tongue Weight is 130 lbs.

Thanks
Jamie

[austinado16]

A class 2 has a 3,500lb towing rate, so you're okay there.

Your tongue weight will be 10-15% of the trailer's weight so find a 200lb person, have them stand on the hitch ball and see who the Sienna rides.  Add to that, the people and gear in the Sienna and if you think it's going to be low in the back as your Toyota dealer about air shocks, or some other heavy duty or lift assist rear shock/spring/etc.

['tiredTeacher]

Hello,

We just bought a 2008 Sienna LE.  It came with a tow package, ...

If it came with the tow package it should be wired for a trailer. (My Tundra was.) Look in the glove box for the adapter the tech will need to hook to the brake controller.

[wavery]

Make sure that you know what plug your trailer has on it so that they know what socket to install (or adapter to get) on your TV.

Take a look at this link and ID your trailer plug. You may want to print out the page and take it with you.
http://www.accessconnect.com/trailer_wiring_diagram.htm

[dkutz]

We tow with a Sienna as well.  The Airbags are the first thing I installed (I did it myself, not too hard)  You will bottom out without them.  You will also probably need a rise on the hitch not a drop.

Like wavery stated make sure you get the right plug.  We just up graded from a four plug to a seven plug with brake controller.  I did the original 4 wire install with a toyota harness, but had someone install the 7 plug and brake controller for me.

Also try this site.
http://www.siennaclub.org/

there is a whole section on towing, and a great search function to search for what you want...

[gonzo628]

Hello,

We just bought a 2008 Sienna LE.  It came with a tow package, I assume its a class 2 hitch that it came with.  We will be towing a Coleman Cheyenne Popup.  Next week we are taking it to the shop to get the sienna wired for the camper (has electric brakes).  So my question is, what should i tell the guy that will be installing the wiring.  Do i need to buy anything additional.  Is the hitch that toyota gave me going to be ok for my camper.  Do i really need airbags?  Im just worried that i will be scraping alot, im just used to my old suv i had.   The weight of the camper is 2,035, and the Unloaded Tongue Weight is 130 lbs.

Thanks
Jamie

I own a 2006 sienna and tow a CampLite 2408.  That trailer's GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is 3800#.  Our Sienna is rated for 3500# with a Class C hitch.

DEFINITELY airbags.  You will scrape without them.  SiennaClub is a great recommendation (lots of useful stuff there).  Regarding the install, I installed the trailer wiring and Class C hitch myself (and I am certainly not mechanically nor electrically inclined).

[gonzo628]

Hello,

We just bought a 2008 Sienna LE.  It came with a tow package, I assume its a class 2 hitch that it came with.  We will be towing a Coleman Cheyenne Popup.  Next week we are taking it to the shop to get the sienna wired for the camper (has electric brakes).  So my question is, what should i tell the guy that will be installing the wiring.  Do i need to buy anything additional.  Is the hitch that toyota gave me going to be ok for my camper.  Do i really need airbags?  Im just worried that i will be scraping alot, im just used to my old suv i had.   The weight of the camper is 2,035, and the Unloaded Tongue Weight is 130 lbs.

Thanks
Jamie

I own a 2006 sienna and tow a CampLite 2408.  That trailer's GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is 3800#.  Our Sienna is rated for 3500# with a Class C hitch.

DEFINITELY airbags.  They were a 15 minute install (all that was needed is a jack, zip ties, drill and Bit (for installing the valve in the cabin- I put mine in the top of that driver's side cargo recess at the rear of the sienna).  You will scrape without them.  SiennaClub is a great recommendation (lots of useful stuff there).  Regarding the install, I installed the trailer wiring and Class C hitch myself (and I am certainly not mechanically nor electrically inclined).