'05 V8 Sport and towing a trailer long distances

[smokey7722]

I'm currently living near Philadelphia and was considering moving out west to possible NV or AZ. I'd looked at the options for having my things shipped/trucked out there and decided that I'd rather take the time off and drive myself. So my thought was to either buy/rent a decent 7x14 cargo trailer or so, hook it up to my runner and give it a little workout. (I could use the trailer after the move as well so I wouldn't mind the expense too much).

I should be able to fit what I need in the trailer and rear of the runner so space shouldn't be an issue but I was curious if anyone had any opinions on driving with a heavily loaded trailer for 2600 miles straight in a few days. I've driven trailers before, uhauls as well as a 22' trailer holding a Kubota so I know I'm up for it (driving wise)

I've got an '05 V8 Sport with 105,000 miles on it. Drives perfect and obviously would do all maint. before hand (I know I need to put on new brake pads). The towing capacity is 7000lb and the trailers I'm looking at are about 2000-2100 empty so I am assuming I could in theory fill it with about 5000lb worth of my belongings but would probably try to keep it down to about 4000 and then fill the rear of the runner.

Any thoughts or recommendations on my idea? Based on specs and all I don't see a problem doing this but I'd also be curious if there was any specific modifications that I should do if I do it.

I've read that I should keep it in 4th gear while driving vs 5th gear and that at times I'll need to manually shift down to 3rd as well (on steep inclines)?

Thanks for your input in advance!

 

[Wild Snapper]

Go for it you will be fine. I just towed a Uhaul double axle 6x12 from California to Maine. I did this with my 04 sport v6. I was Maxed out with the trailer weight and took it up and over vail pass in Colorado. I did maintenance and installed a very hefty tranny cooler, which your v8 already has stock. Your truck will be fine. These 4 runners are beasts.

 

[Bamaskeet]

I agree with Wild Snapper, your truck will do fine. Make sure you have brakes on the trailer and take your time. I find that if I keep my speed below 65 mph. my fuel mileage is in two digits.

 

[smokey7722]

Thanks guys, I figured I'd be ok but wanted to confirm.

Now I just need to finish all the planning and figure out if I'm actually going to do this!

 

[camit34]

You'll be good. The distance was no where as long as yours but I towed a car hauler (a little over 1000 pounds) with a '71 VW Bus (just shy of 3000 pounds) for 420 miles with my '03 Sport V8, she did splendid... The only issue I had was cross wind on I-70 but that would be with any trailer and truck combo.

Good Luck!

 

[CAD-Man]

Just remember that ever pound you put in the back of 4Runner subtracts 1 pound of trailer capacity. This follows under what is called CGVWR or Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is a combination of the GVWR and the Towing capacity of the Vehicle. Most vehicle manufacturers rate towing capacity based on one person in the tow vehicle and no cargo in the vehicle. I looked on the WEB for a listing giving the CGVWR of the 4 runner but no luck. Based on what I could find the GVWR of the 4Runner is 6005lbs and the towing capacity of the v8 being 7000lbs a rough total of CGVWR is 13000lbs.
Also to get the full 7000lbs towing capacity requires a Weight Distribution hitch and brakes on the trailer.

CAD-Man