Tow in CO? Need help settling on trailer GVWR! - Page 6 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

RonJR · 02-07-2018, 10:31 PM

See my post about 3 up. While installing a cooler wouldn't hurt, the short distances you've been running at 250 deg are nothing to worry about.

CementTRDpro303 · 08-05-2018, 02:49 PM

I will be pulling this 12' utility trailer + SxS with my TRD Pro 4Runner from Fort Collins to Steamboat. I plan on taking Hwy 14 through the Poudre Canyon to Hwy 40. I am not concerned with the towing power of the 4Runner as I don't mind taking it slow. Once I am near Cameron Pass, traffic tends to be lighter as well. However, the trailer is a bare bones utility trailer without brakes and my TRD Pro is stock without any brake controlling mods. My concern would be the descent down into Steamboat on Hwy 40. Without a brake controller, would this be a risky move to make this trip without installing a trailer brake? Any insight would be appreciated as I am a somewhat newb on towing in CO. I have pulled the SxS all over the place, but nothing with a descent as such.

Dry Weight of SxS: 1,399 lbs.

RonJR · 08-05-2018, 04:54 PM

You should be fine. From the looks of it, you'll be well under 2500 lbs total. I tow my 2300 lb pop-up all over Colorado with no trailer brakes. The main thing is to shift down on long down-grades. My general rule of thumb is, if you are braking more than 20% of the time on a long downhill, you need to shift down. And, btw, you need to do that even if you do have trailer brakes. Trailer brakes are just as prone, if not moreso, to overheating as vehicle brakes, since they're not generally as well designed.

3rd gear will likely be about right for the down grade into Steamboat. That should keep you around 40-45 mph which is comfortable on that hill. Don't hesitate to shift lower if necessary, however.

I actually downshifted to lo-range once on the highway while towing my trailer down the northwest side of the Bighorns in Wyoming. Highway 14A there is about 10 miles of 8-10% tight 20mph curves, and lo-range worked great for keeping the speed under control without heavy braking. That's easier on the transmission, as well.

Btw, Colorado requires trailer brakes if the loaded trailer weighs more than 3000 lbs. Also, you need to be able to stop on level, dry pavement, from 20mph in 40 feet. That's actually a pretty easy test to meet.

CementTRDpro303 · 08-06-2018, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonJR

You should be fine. From the looks of it, you'll be well under 2500 lbs total. I tow my 2300 lb pop-up all over Colorado with no trailer brakes. The main thing is to shift down on long down-grades. My general rule of thumb is, if you are braking more than 20% of the time on a long downhill, you need to shift down. And, btw, you need to do that even if you do have trailer brakes. Trailer brakes are just as prone, if not moreso, to overheating as vehicle brakes, since they're not generally as well designed.

Thank you so much for the insightful response. After calculating the weight of the trailer + the SxS w/ accessories, I am right at 2,500 lbs. I appreciate your tips on descending into Steamboat. That helps tremendously!

b407driver · 03-28-2019, 10:27 PM

OK, @Off2Mtns , nearly two years later I figured you deserved a pat on the back. Not that I have a trailer yet, but we did finally put a deposit down on a T@B400 Boondock Lite w/solar and microwave delete. Your detailed input really helped my thought process along the way, and I think we found a great option.

It's 2690 dry (I assume 2900-ish w/'options'), 15' length (18' to hitch), has the Alde recirculating heat/hot water system, is manufactured to a very high quality, and they are really efficient with the use of space, especially for 2 people (sleeps 3). They had the thing tucked in a smelly corner of the Denver RV show a few weeks ago, and if we hadn't stumbled upon it during one of myriad 'wrong turns' at the cow palace, would not even know it existed.

I think it ticks all our boxes, save for the 'RSG Project V8' that I'd love to see (pull a V8+tranny out of a GX460 and frankenstein it into a 5th Gen).

Thanks to all, some really good info in this thread!

-J

Quote:

Originally Posted by Off2Mtns

You, sir, are in the exact same spot I was 5 years ago, albeit with a different tow vehicle. Whilst I cannot (yet) offer any 4Runner specific feedback (I just purchased my 2016 SR5 back in Oct, after camping season), I am coming from a very similar vehicle and locale (COS) otherwise.

My tow vehicle was a 2006 Nissan Xterra with a 4.0L V6 at about 4800# or better, 106” wheelbase, churning 265 hp and 284 ft-lb torque thru a 5-spd auto tranny. Honestly, felt like a lot stronger vehicle than the 4Runner: a lot more torque and better gearing. It towed our trailer like a dream! But I digress... I too can echo many of your same concerns, so thought I’d pass along some feedback from my experience towing in the mountains since 2012. We are in our mid-30s and picked up a Forest River Flagstaff Micro-Lite 19FD under $15k (single axle, 2900# dry sticker, 3800# or so GVWR) for our then family of 3/now family of 4 (our boys are 6 and 2 now) and are convinced we made the perfect choice. ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS!! We bought the trailer for a two week road trip to Mt Rainier (WA state/3k miles roundtrip) our first year and we travel all over the rest of the state each season. We frequent SW CO/Ouray annually, have been to Steamboat Springs a couple times, South Fork, SE UT/Moab, RMNP, Buena Vista, Crested Butte, etc, etc. As you know, plan on climbing some major grades wherever you go. Never once have I thought “boy, wish I had a bigger trailer” headed up or down Monarch, Vail, Wolf Creek, or Loveland (Eisenhower Tunnel) Passes, but repeatedly have thought our V6 SUV was working plenty hard enough and glad to not have anything heavier!!!

I like your spreadsheet/thought process; I had one similar and you have obviously done your homework.

You are wise to keep the weight to about 3500#...
.................................................. .......
...Anyway, there is my synopsis, hope it helps. Would love to offer some 4Runner specific feedback, but you are going to have to wait another few weeks for that. I am adjusting my hitch and taking a local test tow in a few weeks, then our first trip is to 11-Mile (Lake George) for Memorial weekend. Good luck with your decision making! Feel free to give me a shout if you have any other regional, trailer, or dry camping questions.

Steve

PS, a couple shots of our much loved and missed Xterra: Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum - View Single Post - Towing experiences with your 5th Generation

Off2Mtns · 03-30-2019, 12:50 AM

@b407driver , congrats on the new trailer! Looks like a good lower profile modest option, I am sure it will go well for you. Enjoy... look forward to reading some feedback.

Boort · 03-30-2019, 02:04 PM

@CementTRDpro303

Quote:

Originally Posted by CementTRDpro303

My concern would be the descent down into Steamboat on Hwy 40. Without a brake controller, would this be a risky move to make this trip without installing a trailer brake? Any insight would be appreciated as I am a somewhat newb on towing in CO. I have pulled the SxS all over the place, but nothing with a descent as such.

Dry Weight of SxS: 1,399 lbs.

You're right to be concerned about that decent. A buddy of mine Jumped the ditch on that slide about 10 years ago while towing a pair of snowmobiles behind his pickup w/ slide-in camper. Places around there can have a b***h of a cross wind and it took him by surprise. He reacted too sharply and ended up with his sleds and gear in a yard sale on the far side of the ditch. Cost him a full day to dig it all out and load back up.

Sounds like you'll be running about 2200-2500 Lbs between the SxS and trailer. My popup is not much heavier and I'm very glad to have the brake controller. I'd recommend that you need to mind your tongue weight. this will vary based on how you load the trailer and position of the SxS on the trailer. Try to center up the weight left to right then adjust your load so you have about 450lbs on the tongue. If the load weight is too far back you'll be light on the ball and trailer will get really twitchy at speed, on descents, and when changing lanes. (I personally learned this the hard way on I-25, Still have a pucker stain in the Driver's seat of the Tacoma.)

Not sure what it will take to add brakes to your trailer but if you have a 4runner with tow package form the factory, adding a controller to the rig couldn't be simpler. Look to see if you have a 7 pin tow hookup out back. If yes than it's less than $150 and 30 mins of work to add the break controller. (I ordered from Etrailer.com picked up the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller, Mounting Pocket #7686, and Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter #3040-P)

Boort

Boort

s373n · 04-01-2019, 12:16 PM

Very interested to hear how this tows. I have a 2006 4Runner Sport V6 4WD and am on the verge of buying an Airstream Bambi 16RB Sport - dry weight of about 2900lbs, GVWR 3500lbs and tongue weight of 348lbs.

Have heard all kinds of things and have determined it will lie somewhere between being a nightmare and barely noticing it's there! Lol.

I know Airstreams are relatively aerodynamic, have a low center of gravity, and with the exception of things like a rear view camera or bike rack they come pretty loaded up from the factory so would trust their weight claims, but still I wonder.

The dealer (Can-Am RV) and it's owner (Andy Thomson) are renowned for their knowledge of towing and have suggested brake controller, WD hitch and stabilizer which I initially assumed was typical dealer add-on junk but as I poke around the interwebs it would seem this equipment does work and is worth the price of admission.

Of note: When I was at Can-Am I noticed a 22ft Airstream hooked up to Mercedes C350 Coupe (V6), a longer one hooked up to a Jaguar XF, and yet another hooked up to a V6 Mustang convertible. I walked in thinking there was going to be a lunatic convention inside but they are actually dealer TV/TT set-ups for test-driving to show that properly chosen hitch/stabilizing equipment can make a big impact on what you can tow and how safe the set-up is.

I am not in CO so will not have that kind of terrain to conquer, but am interested to hear how it goes for you as the weight of yours is in the ballpark of the Bambi 16.

Thanks!

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