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Old 06-06-2024, 01:29 AM #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RBLACAUSA View Post
Hopefully not too late to ask for advice in this thread vs starting a new one.
Vehicle is 2004 4Runner SE V8 4WD and it has the OEM heavy-duty hitch. I'm original owner.

Currently has an Icon lift. I had the Icon Overland 2-stage rear springs but replaced them with the less-stiff Icon 2" rear springs. I want to buy a Casita trailer.

My question is, for towing, would I be better off to go back to the Icon OVerland springs for their higher capacity, to offset the tongue weight, or keep my Icon "regular" 2" rear springs and add airbags?

Also, please recommend me a brake controller. An '06 4Runner V8 2WD that I also own, bought used, had one installed by prior owner, but I removed it. Has brake controller technology changed much the past 15 yrs to where I shouldn't consider just using that one?

TIY for any advice offered.
Casita is relatively light, you'll be fine. A brake controller is fine even if a basic model. It takes a minute to find the correct plug under the left kick panel, but they just plug in and also have a ground wire. The brake controller makes a huge difference even on flat slow stops. No trailer clunk or push. Use whatever springs you want but nose up hauling might make steering light.
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Old 06-06-2024, 09:50 AM #32
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Originally Posted by Mrp305 View Post
I just finished my first major tow in a 2006 Ltd V8, 126K. I'm pulling a 19' Passport Ultra Lite that's 3840 lbs dry. Mileage was not great going up to the mountains, ~8-9 MPG, but I wasn't going in with high expectations.
I pull a 23' Airstream. I get 9-11 mpg, depending on if there is a headwind or tailwind. I'm very pleased with the way it handles.

Quote:
My transmission temps were way high, so I've already ordered a Hayden 698 to install this weekend and will be replacing my transmission fluid as a precaution. The factory one doesn't seem to perform very well, at least for me with these factors.
My trans temp warning light has never come on

Quote:
For anyone using a WDH, are you having to raise up the tongue really high to get the sway bars connected? In my case, I'm having to lift the car up pretty high when connected to the hitch ball just to wrestle them in place. The previous owner installed oversized tires (32.6" - Destination AT P65/70R18) and didn't modify the suspension. Is it possible this is part of the issue? I don't love the tires - noisy and they rub the wheel well.
I have original size P265/65R17. I do have to raise the rear end up high to connect to the Equalizer L brackets but I can get it high enough to just slide them on. When you have everything connected, road ready, is it level or is the trailer nose up? It's important to be level. Maybe your Equalizer ball is too high off the ground???

Quote:
Should I be changing these, or doing something else to get this to be a more tow-ready ride. I've got a break controller and the Equalizer anti sway. I believe my Xras is still working so I'm not if I'll benefit from bags - I've seen comments that with the WDH they won't help much, but I'm open to advice.
I have the original X-REAS shocks; no leaks and control is very good. Bags do not increase your bumper or towing capacity. They will level the rig but if you use the instructions in your Equalizer owner's manual, you can level it that way.

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Are there any other suggestions for easy items, short of upgrading my suspension so I don't run this thing into the ground?
I have not altered my suspension in any way. It's possible the tires are causing your problems. SUVs are already top heavy and you have better control when you're closer to the ground; lower center of gravity.

Do you have the manual? I can attach a pdf if you need it.
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Old 06-06-2024, 01:42 PM #33
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Originally Posted by ArthurKotb View Post
My trans temp warning light has never come on
Mine did not, but I was pulling temps as high as 250 using the Car Scanner app. That being said, I just pulled all the service records and I saw that the previous owner replaced the radiator with an aftermarket "performance" one, and I'm wondering if that didn't have some impact on the efficacy of the ATF cooler or something got messed up in the install

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Originally Posted by ArthurKotb View Post
I have original size P265/65R17. I do have to raise the rear end up high to connect to the Equalizer L brackets but I can get it high enough to just slide them on. When you have everything connected, road ready, is it level or is the trailer nose up? It's important to be level. Maybe your Equalizer ball is too high off the ground???
I'm level - I went through hours of adjusting and tweaking this to get it to where it is. My tires have 8 years/50k on them and I hate the road noise so I'm planning to change them to the smaller size, then I'll redo the setup.

What's the weight on the Airstream? Beautiful trailer.

Thank you for all the feedback.
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Old 06-07-2024, 10:00 AM #34
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From a lifetime ago I learned the last thing fixed is the first thing broken. Meaning, always suspect the last repair/modification that was done to anything to be a prime suspect for any problems. I found that the normal operating temp of a T4R transmission is 175-220, but 190 is optimal. Over 200 it's getting hot and at 220 you need to stop and cool down. Over 240 and you've damaged it. The article didn't say what year this was for or which engine, transmission.

I don't have a scanner. I had a very small leak in the transfer case in 2017. My trusty, Toyota certified local repair shop said it would take a long time to drop the oil level. I waited until 2019 and told him to fix it. Other than that I've never experienced any transmission issues.

The AS is about 6,500 lbs. when it's loaded. the unloaded tongue weight is 730. It rides very nicely, very good in the turns. Original X-REAS shocks still holding steady. I've been 4900 miles to Oregon and back, Dumfries, VA 1K miles, and down to FL, LA, MS, AR, TX; no problems.

My oldest son has a 2006 SE V8. I think he's around 178K now. He has the exhaust header noise that is loud for a couple miles, then stops. He has a rust spot in rear hatch. He pulls a 2600 lb. boat with his. We exchange issues and concerns but they have both been good tow vehicles.

BTW, 6 years is considered the life of trailer tires. It's because they sit so long before being moved. I've read about a lot of old tires disintegrating on trailers and causing thousands of dollars of damage.
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Old 06-12-2024, 09:09 PM #35
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I brought my ride in for a checkup and to see if the transmission fluid needed to be changed and just a general checkup prior to my next tow. It's a reputable shop but I still left with a list of items that needed attention. Lower control arms, wheel bearing, and sadly, the xreas is failing.

Now I'm looking at an "opportunity" to get the suspension updated. Does anyone have thoughts on what I should be installing? The likely choice is the Bilstein 5100s, and that's what they priced. Full quote for all the work is $4,100...tough to swallow so I'm looking to make the most of the labor. May piece it out so lessen the blow.

Any better option that the 5100's that may improve the towing ride when towing?
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