Towed the 4'x8' utility trailer to the dump. 35 miles. I could see it. With either of our pickups we only can see it on curves.
Towed our large 2 horse trailer across the property and back (empty).

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Towed a 6x12 Uhaul trailer, about 45-4800 pounds, from OH to CO about 2 years ago. As mentioned above, 4S and around 13 mpg all the way.

Forget about passing uphill, but there was plenty of power in any other situation. Trailer was loaded correctly so no issues with stability.

Loaded for a couple days off road and towed a small camper (or is it a big teardrop?).
- 15' long
- 7'8" high
- 6'8" wide
- tongue - about 200lbs
- overall - around 2000lbs

Virginia up to Pennsylvania mountains using 285 K02's this trip.
Gas mileage dropped from usual 16+ to 13+
No issues flat or smaller hills - maintained speed limit 60 to 70.
Didn't like overdrive - lots of shifting - trans temp quickly rose to 200
No issues in S4.

Really noticed the weight/power on bigger 10%-12% grade.
Speed dropped to 45-55 and trans climbed to 205-210.

Overall pleased with the performance of the 4Runner.
Note the trailer was fairly light and small - no wider than 4R and about the same height with loaded roof.
Don't think you'd have any issues with a camper like this.

I have a question. I am planning move at the end of the year and have a 600 mile drive ahead of me.

I am planning to rent a Uhaul trailer, either a 5'x10' or 6'x12'. Just a one bedroom move, heaviest items a queen mattress, 77" OLED, 180 lbs weights, with everything else not weight much, just taking up space.

I'll probably be driving 65-70 mph+ the entire way since it's a straight road from NorCal to SoCal using highway 5 or 99.

So the consensus is to drive it in 4th gear the entire way instead of just putting it in D and let it adjust gears itself?

I towed this camper a handful of times last year (sold it this year). The trailer was 2900 empty, and I had less than 200 lb. of gear in it, so I was well below the 3500 gvwr of the trailer. It was always a chore to pull. Most of the issue was cross-wind, but it didn't handle it as well as I thought it should. I had an anti-sway weight distributing hitch, which didn't seem to help any. Always seemed underpowered and felt as though I was towing beyond the 5k rating even though I was far from it. I would definitely not be afraid to tow with it occasionally, but not on a regular basis as would be the case with a camper.

I think you should be just fine with that size trailer & load. Not sure about leaving it in 4, but it may be advisable. I pulled that size trailer with a regular cab, 4 cyl. Taco and it pulled beautifully, so I'm sure the 4Runner will handle it easily.

I feel anything under the 70% threshold should be fine. We did 7,200 miles this summer from South Florida to Yosemite and back with our Taxa Cricket. It’s about 2,500lbs loaded, plus we had the 4Runner loaded with 2 adults, 2 kids, a dog, bikes and probably 2-300lbs of gear in the back (fridge, food, recovery gear, etc...). I am still on the OEM suspension after almost 90k although airbags in the rear springs were the best $100 I’ve spent on the 4Runner.
The 4Runner towed like a champ, including over 300 miles off-road. Definitely tow in 4d and I would say under 3,500lbs is the sweet spot for our vehicles. You do have to go in with the realistic expectations that if you are towing anything, keep it under 70mph and just enjoy the ride. Of course the more aerodynamic the trailer the better as well.

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I’ll be going from Missouri to South Florida here next week with a 6x12 uhaul and the Smokey mountains in between. Loaded with a one bedroom and random stuff. I’m used to towing with a 2500 HD with boats behind it a few hundred miles so this will be different but not undoable, let you know how it goes.


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That’s an awesome camper! How did you go about putting airbags in the rear? Any write ups you would recommend?


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I’ve got a write-up on here for my install of Firestone Coil-Rite airbags. As mentioned, it’s the best $85 you can spend if you’re towing.


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This one is pretty good...

Toyota 4Runner Air Bag Suspension Kit - aka Air Lift (Install and Review)

I’ll be heading to Nashville tomorrow with a 6x12 dual axel enclosed trailer. The first three hours from Lake of the Ozarks to STL was ok minus the 20-30mph gusts. Tomorrow from STL to Nashville will be more telling as I re loaded it to be a little more front heavy. I did not have time to install the air ride in the rear but so far it seems ok on the highway


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Did you go 44 or 70? Just curious as the terrain is a bit different.

If you are towing any trailer and not using a load equalizing hitch you are missing out on the best addition you can get. Load equalizing hitches are by far the safest and best way to tow and once you use one you will never go back. Electric brakes and a good hitch will enhance your towing experience.

I went 54 to 70, parents live just outside town and country to it’s faster that way and terrain is way more friendly that 42 to 63 to 44. If I was in the old tuned Mazda3 the latter option is much more fun!


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