Quote:
Originally Posted by CincyGuy
Thanks for the thorough explanation! I’ve been looking for one for a long time.
I have a 2007 V6 4Runner. I thought I bought the “trailering package”, but my sticker says I paid $430 for Option TO, which is a “Weight-Carrying Tow Hitch and Ball Mount Kit” (which I believe includes a transmission cooler).
I want to tow a 3300 lb Casita, and am buying one that has an after-market WDH, which I believe would be highly desirable (if not necessary). However it looks like I need a WDH RECEIVER on the 4Runner. Questions:
1. What good options do I have if I stick with the Weight-Carrying Tow Hitch?
2. Can I buy an aftermarket WDH? Who from? Is thaht cost-effective?
3. Would it make better sense to trade-up to a V8 4Runner? Or should I look a bigger tow vehicle?
Thanks!
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You're pretty much at the same point I was a few months back. I'm towing a 2006 Jayco 1206 pop-up that has a GVWR of 3450lb and I tow it near or at that number. Here's my answer to your questions:
1. If you stick with the weight-carrying hitch receiver (the one bolted directly to the last frame crossmember) you CAN NOT use a weight distributing hitch with the spring bars hooked up in design mode. You can, however, tow without hooking up the spring bars or just purchase a standard ball and shank of the correct height. Additionally you could install an "air bag" suspension kit to adjust the ride height and distribute some of the load forward so your rear end doesn't sag and your front end doesn't end up riding high. Some members here have done this and you can check one out at
Air Lift Vehicle Suspension for Toyota 4Runner 2007 - AL60809
2. You can definitely buy an aftermarket weight distributing hitch receiver. I ended up paying someting in the $135 range for mine after rebate. I purchased the Draw-Tite one
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch for Toyota 4Runner 2007 - 75155, had e-trailer.com match the lowest price I could find elsewhere and then sent in for the $30 rebate that was being offered. If you go this route you'll have the best possible solution since towing with a weight distributing hitch - receiver combo is as good and as safe as it gets.
3. I don't think there's any need to trade up to a V8 Runner to tow a 3300 lb trailer. Sure, it will tow it a bit easier but I've never found the engine to be the limiting factor. Instead, I tow pretty high and pretty steep during the peak summer heat and I have to keep speeds down to keep the transmission cool. Two advantages of the V8 are that they come with a weight-distributing hitch receiver and a secondary transmission oil cooler already installed.
Additional notes, if you do not have an aftermarket transmission cooler and you plan on towing, get one, plain and simple. The V6 does NOT come with an aux cooler and having one makes quite a difference in the temps I see via my ScanGaugeII
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/towing...evelation.html
One more thing if you haven't considered it yet: Do you have electric or hydraulic (surge) brakes on the trailer? I converted my Jayco from surge to electric brakes and couldn't be more satisfied with the upgrade.