[luke150]

Which model and equipment package would be best for towing a 4000lb. boat?

[Antman]

Originally Posted by luke150

Which model and equipment package would be best for towing a 4000lb. boat?

They are all equal in regards to this.

[Angelo]

Originally Posted by luke150

Which model and equipment package would be best for towing a 4000lb. boat?

Whichever one you like the best.

Not trying to be flip, it's the truth. All the Runners come with the same engine, so there's no difference there. As far as the transmission, you can go with the full time 4x4 XREAS that comes in the Limited if that makes you feel better, but ALL of the Runners come with 4x4 as an option, and the rest of the trim / interior upgrades on the Limited make it the most expensive T4R out there out of the gate. Plus the exterior (front end, mainly) of the Limited is different than the rest of the Runners, I dunno if the "look" is a consideration to you.

As far as the suspension, unless you're getting a TRD Pro, they're all the same... and though the TRD shocks / springs are a bit beefier, they're not intended for towing and won't get you any added advantages like installing an aftermarket airbag setup would. Someone can correct me if I'm mistaken but all the different trim levels of Runner are rated for the same towing capacity (4700 lbs. if memory serves)

As you probably know, having 4x4 in your rig isn't absolutely necessary for towing, it just depends on what you're going to get into. Are you just towing the boat to the slip / dock and putting it in the water? Are you having to tow it offroad at all?

Long story short, it depends on what you're having to tow through... but I'd say put a decent set of tires on your rig and decide whether you need 4x4 or not and then just pick whichever Runner you like and go for it.

[luke150]

Are the suspension differences insignificant for towing?

[1engineer]

Originally Posted by luke150

Are the suspension differences insignificant for towing?

What suspension differences and what would they matter?
If the tongue weight limit is around 500 lbs for all models then that is the stat to go by. Wouldn't matter if the springs were made of gold and the shocks were alabaster coated pearls the tongue weight is still the same. 500 lbs. and 5K max towing. You can't change that. You can use air bags if you don't like the squat with 500 lbs on the hitch.

[USKTog]

Any of the 4Runner's can handle the load!

I just towed a 6' x 12' U-Haul trailer (moving my Fiance from Abilene to Denver) this weekend. Averaged 15.72mpg from Abilene to Denver (surprised the mpg was that good, but that is what I hand-calculated).

[Simpleman74]

Originally Posted by luke150

Are the suspension differences insignificant for towing?

they are all exactly the same with regards to the rear suspension

[gm350reratliff]

The best 4runner for towing would be a 4th gen with the V8.

They are all pretty much the same as far as the 5th gen is considered with the exception of the TRD PRO. The front end on the TRDP is taller by an inch or so which would make the vehicle have more negative rake when loaded. If you plan on towing regularly, I would upgrade the tires and possibly install some CoilRite airbags. Does the boat have surge brakes or electric brakes?

[luke150]

Originally Posted by gm350reratliff

The best 4runner for towing would be a 4th gen with the V8.

They are all pretty much the same as far as the 5th gen is considered with the exception of the TRD PRO. The front end on the TRDP is taller by an inch or so which would make the vehicle have more negative rake when loaded. If you plan on towing regularly, I would upgrade the tires and possibly install some CoilRite airbags. Does the boat have surge brakes or electric brakes?

Tandem trailer with surge brakes. Adding air bags is a consideration.

[Hadley22]

I have 2016 Limited and tow Mastercraft prostar 205. I am pleased with the way it pulls. I live in Nashville and have some hilly areas and it pulls them with no problem. I was concerned about this issue as well. I have driven V8s for the past 20 years. I do have surge brakes to help with stopping.

[Jorge3098]

Originally Posted by USKTog

Any of the 4Runner's can handle the load!

I just towed a 6' x 12' U-Haul trailer (moving my Fiance from Abilene to Denver) this weekend. Averaged 15.72mpg from Abilene to Denver (surprised the mpg was that good, but that is what I hand-calculated).

Attachment 204201

I'm happy to hear the 4Runner did as well towing that 6' x 12' uHaul trailer. My fiancé and I are ironing out our move to San Diego in the fall from Tulsa (1400 miles). I wasn't sure if I wanted to put my new 4Runner through that, but I definitely feel a lot better knowing that you had a good experience doing so. I will however install either the Airlift or Firestone airbags before our move.

What was your cruising speed, were you able to make it 5th gear?

[wanderer33y]

I will probably add a tranny cooler to help along with towing. should be an easy install, since there are a few threads on it here.

[nb rob]

"Wouldn't matter if the springs were made of gold and the shocks were alabaster coated pearls"

bahahaha! this will be the quote of the week

TRD pro premium, available 2017

[USKTog]

Originally Posted by Jorge3098

I'm happy to hear the 4Runner did as well towing that 6' x 12' uHaul trailer. My fiancé and I are ironing out our move to San Diego in the fall from Tulsa (1400 miles). I wasn't sure if I wanted to put my new 4Runner through that, but I definitely feel a lot better knowing that you had a good experience doing so. I will however install either the Airlift or Firestone airbags before our move.

What was your cruising speed, were you able to make it 5th gear?

I kept the cruise set at 67 or 68, had a few instances where I had to get around pokey-mcpokey-nuts big trucks and would run up to 75 or so to get around! Kept it in 5th gear except when climbing a hill or getting around vehicles.

Lucille did a fantastic job towing the trailer!

[Jorge3098]

Originally Posted by USKTog

I kept the cruise set at 67 or 68, had a few instances where I had to get around pokey-mcpokey-nuts big trucks and would run up to 75 or so to get around! Kept it in 5th gear except when climbing a hill or getting around vehicles.

Lucille did a fantastic job towing the trailer!

That's great, i'm glad to hear our 4Runners are up for the job! Thanks for your review!