Quote:
Originally Posted by mslim
My '04 V8 2WD has a gross towing rating around 7000# I forget the exact number it maybe 7200. I have experience towing a 16600# GVWR 5th wheeler with a longbed 4wd crewcab DRW Duramax. I'm wondering how the 4R would do with a 20-25' travel trailer weighing 6000-7000#. The big rig limits my camping options in the less traveled places.
I would appreciate any input on this subject such as: - Did you use a weight distribution hitch?
- Gas mileage impact from trailer towing
- Additional wear and tear on driveline components
and anything pertinent that I haven't thought of yet.
Thanks in advance.
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While I don't have any experience towing with my 4runner (4wd V6) I towed my previous camper, (29 ft, dry weight around 5K) with my 07 Tundra many many miles. Based on a few things, I wouldn't feel overly comfortable towing a 6-7K travel trailer with a 4runner even with the V8. Will it pull it? Of course. But, to me, the wheel base is not as long as it needs to be to handle a 6K trailer. You will definitely need a good weight distributing hitch with sway control. And even then you may get pushed around some by the wind off of 18 wheelers. If the question was about weekend trips to the local state park 20 to 40 miles away I'd say go for it. But for extended trips I'd be reluctant to do it. It's a Toyota so no doubt it will hold up to it, but that's still gonna be a lot of stress on the driveline and suspension. One thing to remember too is that if the trailer is rated at 6000 lbs, it will be a good bit more once you get fully loaded. That weight rating doesn't include anything. No battery, no water in any of the holding tanks, no food, pots and pans, sheets, clothing, grills, chairs... nothing. Anyway, not trying to be negative, just cautious. I would try to get something up to about 18 ft., no more than 4500 lbs dry weight. And still get the hitch, sway control etc. It takes a lot of fun out of camping when you get the white knuckle syndrome while traveling.
So far as gas mileage, on my Tundra where I normally get about 18-19 on the highway, with my camper it was closer to 10-11.
My wife and I now have a fifth wheel permanently parked in the NC Mountains. But we are planning to buy a smaller camper in the next few years. We miss the state parks, etc. We will be looking for something small, like a scamp, or casita, maybe even a popup, or anything less than about 15 ft. But there's just the two of us so we don't need a whole lot of space.