Patience is key. I would not tell anyone to go buy a 3rd gen to tow a small (3k dry or less) travel trailer. I would tell someone with a 3rd gen that wanted to a small travel trailer to get one though.
My 3rd gen has 10k more miles on it and the original alternator. I did replace the battery in that time. We made it out to FL coast too. That trip was much easier than going out west.
We knew when we got the first travel trailer that the 4runner would be a compromise and ultimately need to replaced if we intended to stick with it. Now that we both agree that travel trailers are the best way to travel we will look into some reliable v8s for the job. Most travel trailers are disposable (think
Nissan pathfinder ). I pretty much despise being a consumer so we moved to a trailer that will stand up to the decades more inline with the 4runner.
If things go to plan, the 4runner will not be the primary tow vehicle next year. I was able to sell my 4cyl taco for about what I can get into a 4.7 vvti v8 for. The hunt is on. I will report back with a comparison at some point.