Quote:
Originally Posted by tcbaklash
I'm looking for any advice for towing with this particular vehicle, any problems areas, any parts I need to replace before doing it, and a bolt-on hitch receiver that you'd recommend
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As others have said, Fix the axle seal first.
On my 97 Tacoma I have the U-Haul Round tube hitch. It bolts up to the frame where the rear bumper mounts. 45 minute 2 person job to install. Cost me about $135 20 years ago, probably $180 these days.
For wiring:
Will the trailer have brakes?
If YES get a brake controller and wire it in. Here is the kit I used to wire up the Tacoma (and a 90's Ford van):
This takes one person about 3-4 hours to install. Having a helper to run the 10-gauge duplex wire from front to rear makes things go faster. If I were to do it again I'd add on a dash switch and relay to be able to turn off the brake power line near the car's battery just after the fuse. this is how my 4th Gen Sport and the folks Sequoia came prewired.
If NO trailer brakes - just go with a 4-pole and stay out of the mountains:
This takes one person about 30 mins to install.
The technical help from etrailer was fast and spot on. they also sell a few bolt on Receiver hitches so you could get everything in one place. Also they have a price match policy so if you can find a lower price they beat it.
Give a call to the folks at scanguage and find out if the ScanguageII can read Transmission Fluid Temps for your 4Runner. It can on the 4th gen, not sure about the 3rd and my taco is manual. If that info is not available on the CanBus then I's suggest getting an aftermarket guage that mounts on the A-Pillar. Find out what fluid you are running and keep the temp below the breakdown temps. Also be aware that Stopping once it gets too hot is not good as you cut off the cooling air and the fluid in the tranny soaks up all of the heat w/o circulating and gets even hotter. (this is how we hosed the trans on the aforementioned Ford Van!)
Timmy the Toolman (@mtbtim) has a video on the topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT_2szdKXRM
Boort
PS:
@
jgue467
is right about the hill between Silverthorne and the Tunnel on I-70. Don't mess around downshift and move to the right if you take 70.
I'd say that is not the only spot where she will be huffin and puffin if you take 70. The Hill and Heat climbing Capitol Reef in Utah is another similar slog.
If you are in SoCal and headed for the Denver area, I'd suggest staying south. Take 40 to Albuquerque NM then head north. you can get an elevation profile from Google Maps (in a browser) by getting directions then switching to bicycle mode. you want the route with the least spikes and drops.
