19 foot 3900lb trailer towable w/V8?

[NYRT4R]

Towing: 19 foot 3900lb trailer towable w/V8?

I've got an 06 Sport V8.

Is a 19 foot travel trailer (around 22.5 feet bumper to hitch) that weighs ~3900 pounds dry too much for the V8? With the tanks full and fully loaded I don't ever expect it to weigh more than 4600-4700 pounds.

I'd be using an Equilizer hitch and Prodigy brake controller.

Is it safe? The trailer is a Four Winds Breeze 191RD.

(Edit: Attached two photos. The last one is with an Enclave which is about a foot longer than the 4runner.)

 

[dodder]

I think you could do it if you are careful and have experience towing. After a long trip I would have my trany fluid changed but other than that the 4runner is rated for 7300#, I wouldnt do that much I think you can do what you are talking about.

Do you have the air ride suspension? That'll help keep you level and take some of the load off of your suspension.

 

[TheeMikeB]

Weight wise your 4 Runner will handle that all day. Load leveler bars would help any rear end sag. The only other concern is depending on if its surge or electronic brakes.

 

[TheeMikeB]

Oops just re-read this. You have a prodigy and load leveler. No issues, tow and have fun. As for last response to tranny fluid, I think that is overkill and completely unnecessary. I've been towing for years with all makes of vehicles. Including my 00 Tundra V8. You will be surprised at the capabilities of that 4 Runner.

 

[TechWrench]

With the weight distribution system and brake controller properly set up, the vehicle should be able to tow that trailer. But, the amount of towing experience you have will be a BIG factor. If you have little, or no experience towing that size trailer, then practice in low traffic areas and practice backing up would be a good idea before embarking on any long trips. You have to be aware that towing large/heavy loads will require patience and planning. Braking distances are longer, turning in tight clearance areas can be difficult, and sight distances (expecially to the sides and rear) are very limited (you will need side mirror extensions). These issues will make the difference between a good or bad towing experience.

 

[stanleybb50]

I just bought a 21.5 ft Coachmen Catalina - 4200 lbs dry (will always pull mine with the water tanks empty on mine, which is 300 lbs heavier to start). But I've towed it a couple times already, and it towed great!

Also have Prodigy brake controller (actually the P3, which functions exactly the same as the P2). And have the Equal-i-zer hitch as well - good choice.

No issues - pull away in 4th and be careful!

Ohh and importantly - - the stock mirrors are not even close to sticking out far enough. Don't try the ones that clip to your existing mirrors. Get Mckesh mirrors that attach to the door. I measured my full possible wing span with the Mckesh mirrors, and have a total of 8' 11" corner to corner on my '06 and they fit great. Also, get the convex mirrors to go with each side.

http://www.safetowingstore.com/McKesh-Mirrors-p/70007.htm

Can't put a price on visibility/safety.

 

[NYRT4R]

Thanks everyone!

 

[cacarbuff]

You should have no problem at all. I have a box trailer that weighs >6000lbs that's the same size as yours with electric brakes and a weight distribution hitch setup that I tow with my v8 all the time. And my truck has >150k mi. Just make sure you set your brakes properly.

 

[Ridger]

Question for you guys towing... what load range are you using for towing? Stock C-load, or did you upgrade to a "D" or "E" load? If you have a "D" or "E" how is it for ride while NOT towing?

Thanks

 

[Ruff]

My trailer

I have a 2001 4runner with the V6. My trailer is almost the same size as yours and i did not have any problems towing it to my hunting lease and back (around 200 miles each way).

I did have weight distribution hitch with sway control and electric brakes.

The only problem I had was slow climbs when driving in areas with hills or mountains. My mpg's were not very good, which is expected, so plan for additional stops if making a long trip.

I agree with the earlier post about getting mirrors so you can see on your sides.

 

[stanleybb50]

Stock tires are "P" rated. You'll find many opinions here, but I just roll with the P rated - way more load handling than our axles are rated for anyway, and I have no noticeable sway.

And I use Mckesh mirrors - which gives my mirrors a total "wing span" of 8' 11".