What is the difference in towing capacity between a V6 4Runner 4x4 and a V8 4Runner 4x4?

I am considering getting a 4th Gen 4Runner and I would like to be able to tow a 2 horse trailer with 2 horses in it.

Would a V6 be able to handle this or do I need to go with the V8?

Would the V6 be able to go up hills at highway speeds or would it be underpowered?

I would prefer the V6 for the better gas milage but if it won't be able to get the job done then I guess I have to go with the V8.

Thanks!
Jeremy

from all of the discussions Ive read, the towing is the real difference between v6 & v8. Ive heard the gas mileage is really not that different and the overall power isnt incredibly different. But the torque and towing is much greater on the v8 obviously. I think the 4.0 v6 is one of the biggest v6's on the market and power to weight ratio is good IMHO. If I needed to tow, I would pick up the v8. However, I feel the v6 would be able to pull what you need.

How much do each of the horses weigh? What is the weight of the trailer? What about the weight of other supplies, etc in the horse trailer?
The total weight being towed is just one factor to consider.

Those who tow trailers know that towing a horse trailer is a totally different animal than towing a car trailer or travel trailer.
When horses get restless or upset and shift their weight around a horse trailer can be MUCH more difficult to control.
When it comes to towing horses, one cannot have too much tow vehicle and safety equipment.

what Charlie said X 2

here are specs: gross vehicle weight rating 5710 lbs, curb weight 4475 lbs, max payload 1235 lbs
max gross trailer weight braked 5000 lbs for V6 with factory hitch, 7000 lbs for V8 with weight distribution hitch

average horse weighs 1200 lbs, trailer I'd guess 1500 lbs, probably more. Assorted equipment, hay, feed, water, let's say 500 lbs. Total 4400

sounds OK right, less than 5000, but must consider payload in truck. Two horses must mean at least two people, let's say 200 avg, stuff in back say 200, and tongue weight - that is 10% of 4400 = 440. If you are hauling horses you will fill tank (that counts) - approx 250 lbs. Total = 1290, just over max payload (close enough, I might be high on some numbers)

But wait, as Charlie said, horses are unpredictable - they will move in trailer, and they will move a lot!! Consider that bouncing trailer weighs same as the 4Runner curb weight. Also consider the tongue weight. If, no WHEN, one horse leans way ahead - tongue weight goes way up, lets say 20% component of horse's weight - that is 240 lbs - definitely puts way over tongue weight. If both lean ahead, which is most likely if you must hit brakes hard - you can see what can happen. Also consider if they lean way back, say under even slight acceleration, or on those hills you wrote about - tongue unloads - can really impact steering.

The V8 with weight dist hitch gives more capacity to pull, but that extra does nothing for payload which is the limit here, in fact I would think the larger engine would decrease the payload capacity (maybe I'm wrong on that). Also extra capacity can be eaten up by the dynamic effects of moving unpredictable animals.

Bottom line - the 4Runner is a great vehicle, but I would never tow two horse with anything less than a 1/2 ton truck. Been a few years since, but when I was towing a lot I preferred 3/4 ton with goose neck. You are not just carrying a trailer, you are carrying two living animals that are your friends, right?

Thanks for the info!
Jeremy

CdninAz has it pretty much bang on. You'll be pretty close to the limit with the V6. I had an '03 V6 Limited and then bought a travel trailer which weighed about 3800lbs. It handled the weight but struggled on hills and keeping speeds on the highway. I sold it and bought an '04 V8 Limited and the difference is like night and day. Less horsepower but lots more torque and an extra gear. The air ride helps as well.

The difference in MPG is hardly noticeable, 1MPG less overall and it actually does better in city driving. When towing, the mileage is better again because it's working less.

I would highly recommend going with the V8. You won't be disappointed.

Without a doubt get the V8. Your sort of pushing it with a V8 even, but you have the same drivetrain as the 1st Gen. Tundra, which is pretty stout. I tow horses as well, and its different than towing anything else. I used to have a 5.7L Tundra 4x4 so it was a piece of cake. I haven't tried with the 4runner yet but I'm going to have to be much more careful.

depending on the year, its about a 2-3 mpg difference between the v8 & v6. depending on your driving habits. both wil suck up gas when towing. the v8 is fulltime 4wd, so that might be an asset when towing horses. mine is the first always fulltime 4wd 4x4 ive owned, (always had the selectable) & i really like it. the v8 is very quiet & silky smooth , dont forget to get the right tires , at least (D) load. goodluck

The v6 is probably enough for mini horses

V6:

V8:

Be a man and get the V8.

Like someone else said, for what you're towing, get a half ton or better, 3/4 ton full size truck.
You need a heavier tow vehicle with a longer wheelbase than a 4Runner for this job.

Some "men" don't need a V8 to compensate for other things.

Even the V8 will be very slow with the horses
the V6 is already working it's tail off pushing this brick wall of a truck at 70+mph

IMHO I would not tow 2 horses with my 4Runner. I tow a double axle travel trailer that has everything secured and it is stable. But if I was towing horses I would want more truck.