AuntieM

I am brand new to towing, and have a 2007 Sequoia 4X2 SR5 4.7 litre V-8 engine. I had a Casita brand trailer that weighed about 3,500 lbs loaded. I was towing with the O/D off up the mountains of West Virginia on Rt. 77 and through the foothills of the Blue Ridge between Columbia, SC and Hendersonville, NC. I had a real hard time having any power up those hills. I would accelerate on the downside of a hill before another one, but shortly after starting up the next hill, the car would loose speed and power, and I would have to pull into the slow lane with the 18 wheelers and put the car manually into 3rd gear, even though I had had my accelerator foot to the floor and the car would not shift down, or up. I am baffled as to whether it is my driving experience (or lack thereof) with towing something, or something wrong with the car. I had other car/trailer combinations drive past me - and that was embarrassing. I want to trailer again, but have no confidence in this vehicle. Can anyone give me a clue as to what might be wrong?

75w90mantraN

Forget the ego and go tow with the peace of mind that when done right, you'll pass the ones that climb too fast and are stuck at the top, pulled over and trying to cool down. Unless you towed heavier before and climbed faster, I wouldn't suspect something. If anything, a proper tuneup. Especially if you're also having check engine lights come up or your temp gauge is climbing towards red.

And yes, pedal to the metal is not how to climb. Just gas it to the appropriate rpm at whatever gear and enjoy the ride.