Would YOU tow this travel trailer with your 04 V8 AWD...
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S p a r k y
New member
I wouldnt, especially since I know others with Trucks that can handle that easily.
Depends on where your going with it, if empty etc. That trailer will push a 4runner off the road easily.
Depends on where your going with it, if empty etc. That trailer will push a 4runner off the road easily.
Casper421
New member
I would. Last week i pulled a boat with equipment and full 84gal gas tank weighing around 6,000lbs but it was only 15 miles at ~60 mph from storage to the ramp. How far are you towing it? Are you towing in the mountains? Do you have a weight distribution hitch? Then again, 28'8"x8x9'10" is a huge trailer!! Id be more comfortable towing a 24'-25' that weighs the same, maybe a little more.
thirstyturtle
New member
Yes. Because my balls are like watermelons right now.
cali_axela
New member
Sure, if it has really good brakes and isn't loaded up to a crazy total weight.
jetboy1975
New member
I would, and as you can see in my avatar, I do. However, I do it cautiously and with the proper equipment. My T4R handles it ok, but it is not the ideal tow vehicle by any means.
The weights you list are likely far from actual. Dry weight means nothing since it does not include optional items in the trailer, or battery, propane etc. Empty weight is more important to know and is likely 4-500lbs higher than dry. Now add 800-1000lbs of your gear, food, clothes, water in tanks etc. You'll likely be closer to 6000lbs and a tongue weight closer to 700lbs, which quickly approaches or exceeds the T4Rs limits.
Now you're probably looking at those figures and saying to yourself "what's the problem, that's all within limits?" Usually the limiting factors will be payload and rear axle weight rating. You'll max these before reaching the stated tow limits.
You should go to the scales with and without the trailer to get some weights.
You'll still have to estimate since the trailer will be unloaded. First without the trailer, just you in it and a full tank of gas to get curb weight. Subtract that from GVWR (5710lbs) to get payload (what you can put in T4R). Max payload is 1215lbs. Now subtract passenger and gear weights and at least 100lbs for a WD hitch from payload number to determine what you have left for tongue weight.
If you can get the trailer on a test tow to the scales, you should load the T4R and confirm you are under the rear axle weight rating (3064lbs) and under the combined vehicle weight rating (12,000lbs).
If you can keep it within those numbers, you should be ok, with the right equipment. A proper WDH with built in sway is a must. At minimum an Equilizer or Reese dual cam. Better yet a Hensley Arrow (big bucks but worth every penny). A good brake controller (Tekonsha Prodigy) and proper mirrors are also important. You'll need to consider a few things for your T4R too. Stock tires are P rated, and too soft for towing that weight. You may want to consider installing air bags if you don't have the factory load levelling airbags.
My trailer is of similar size and listed dry weights. Loaded lightly I'm at 5500lbs with 660lbs on the tongue. I'm right at max GVWR and slightly over the rear axle rating. I have an aftermarket reciever which was reinforced more and use a Hensley. (have an Equilizer too and it did ok) You won't win any races, will struggle in mountains and stopp every 2 hours for gas, but if you take your time and leave lots of space it can be done safely. Hope this helps.
The weights you list are likely far from actual. Dry weight means nothing since it does not include optional items in the trailer, or battery, propane etc. Empty weight is more important to know and is likely 4-500lbs higher than dry. Now add 800-1000lbs of your gear, food, clothes, water in tanks etc. You'll likely be closer to 6000lbs and a tongue weight closer to 700lbs, which quickly approaches or exceeds the T4Rs limits.
Now you're probably looking at those figures and saying to yourself "what's the problem, that's all within limits?" Usually the limiting factors will be payload and rear axle weight rating. You'll max these before reaching the stated tow limits.
You should go to the scales with and without the trailer to get some weights.
You'll still have to estimate since the trailer will be unloaded. First without the trailer, just you in it and a full tank of gas to get curb weight. Subtract that from GVWR (5710lbs) to get payload (what you can put in T4R). Max payload is 1215lbs. Now subtract passenger and gear weights and at least 100lbs for a WD hitch from payload number to determine what you have left for tongue weight.
If you can get the trailer on a test tow to the scales, you should load the T4R and confirm you are under the rear axle weight rating (3064lbs) and under the combined vehicle weight rating (12,000lbs).
If you can keep it within those numbers, you should be ok, with the right equipment. A proper WDH with built in sway is a must. At minimum an Equilizer or Reese dual cam. Better yet a Hensley Arrow (big bucks but worth every penny). A good brake controller (Tekonsha Prodigy) and proper mirrors are also important. You'll need to consider a few things for your T4R too. Stock tires are P rated, and too soft for towing that weight. You may want to consider installing air bags if you don't have the factory load levelling airbags.
My trailer is of similar size and listed dry weights. Loaded lightly I'm at 5500lbs with 660lbs on the tongue. I'm right at max GVWR and slightly over the rear axle rating. I have an aftermarket reciever which was reinforced more and use a Hensley. (have an Equilizer too and it did ok) You won't win any races, will struggle in mountains and stopp every 2 hours for gas, but if you take your time and leave lots of space it can be done safely. Hope this helps.
Last edited:
charlier180
New member
Personally, I would not tow this trailer with a 4Runner.
The exterior dimensions of length, width and height may very well present a SERIOUS control problem even with a weight distributing hitch and sway control setup.
Have you ever seen a TT this large or larger get hit with 40-50+ mph cross winds while being towed by a tow vehicle 1/2 the size of the trailer? NOT a pretty sight at all.
The other camper I was looking at had these for specs:
Shipping Weight 4766 lbs.
Carrying Capacity 2784 lbs.
Hitch 525 lbs.
GAWR 4400/4400 lbs.
External Length 23' 2"
External Height 10' 11"
It's 5 feet shorer, but the tongue weight is actually listed as higher.
Sorry, but I have no clue about towing and this thread has been very helpful.
Shipping Weight 4766 lbs.
Carrying Capacity 2784 lbs.
Hitch 525 lbs.
GAWR 4400/4400 lbs.
External Length 23' 2"
External Height 10' 11"
It's 5 feet shorer, but the tongue weight is actually listed as higher.
Sorry, but I have no clue about towing and this thread has been very helpful.
jeffrosheen
New member
It may hurt, but you should have gotten an F-250
I hear ya, but I bought the 4Runner new in 2004 not thinking my wife (gf then) would be a camping freak.
I'm just too cheap to get a new vehicle, but it sounds like I should consider it.
jetboy1975
New member
Length is not a limiting factor. You'll rarely, if ever, see an owners manual stating max length, they only go by weights. That being said, the longer you go the more susceptible you will be to control and sway issues. The shorter trailer will be easier to handle with the short wheelbase T4R, but you may still max out on weights. That's one heavy trailer for it's size.
I tow a 20 foot TT about 2800lbs dry. Loaded maybe 3500lbs? Mine is V6 witht he stock reciver and regular hitch ball. Your V8 should have no problem with the heavier shorter trailer (providing you do not load it to it full capacity). The issue with a longer trailer is that it will move and sway more esp. when it get windy. A heavier tow vehicle with a longer wheel base will do better even it the specs seem the same.
Newer 1/2 ton trucks would be more than adequate for either trailer, a 3/4 ton would be more than necessary BUT there is nothing wrong with more then necessary.
Newer 1/2 ton trucks would be more than adequate for either trailer, a 3/4 ton would be more than necessary BUT there is nothing wrong with more then necessary.
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TechWrench
Senior Member
All things considered, I would recommend not towing it. Not that the 4runner isn't capable of handling it, but it sounds like you are not very experienced with towing loads of that size. I tow a 26' camper, with a total loaded weight of about 5,700 lbs with my V6. But, I have upgraded the hitch, use a WD setup, have installed a trans cooler, and have towed this type of load many times before. What it boils down to is this. Your vehicle, with the right type of WD setup, that is properly setup, is capable of towing that load. But, if the driver is not COMPLETELY comfortable with towing a load of that size, they shouldn't do it. There are too many things that can go wrong when towing large loads, and if the driver is not experienced with towing, things can get ugly in a hurry. And that is not a place you want to be in.
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