2004 V8 Towing Maintenance Recommendations

[beantownguy2]

Hey everyone... I have a '04 4Runner SR5 V8 Sport Edition with 105,000 miles.

I have been diligent about my oil changes but that's about it. I've never done "regular scheduled maintenance" at the dealer and have been fixing things as they come up - which has been nothing but brakes pretty much (and the timing belt at 90,000.)

I am planning a major road trip with a 7,000 lb travel trailer that will cover 15,000+ miles and I'm a little concerned because of the miles I already have on it. Should I be?

Are there any preventative maintenance things I should do before I hit the road?

Thank you!

 

[Hi-Fi]

Has the transmission fluid been serviced lately?

 

[beantownguy2]

Not that I know of...

I'm one of those that knows NOTHING about vehicles so I hate to bring things in because I feel like they are going to take me for a ride. But this sort of preventative maintenance is definitely something I need to do.

I'm making a checklist... transmission fluid, check. Next??

Thank you!

 

[progress4m]

Not that I know of...

I'm one of those that knows NOTHING about vehicles so I hate to bring things in because I feel like they are going to take me for a ride. But this sort of preventative maintenance is definitely something I need to do.

I'm making a checklist... transmission fluid, check. Next??

Thank you!

I would also change differential oil. I am not sure if your 4Runner is 4WD or 2WD. If it is 2WD you only have rear differential, if you have 4wd you will need to change oil in rear, front and central differentials.
Other than that enjoy your trip!

 

[zerowkul98]

Id probably go to the Toyota Owners website, find the maintanence schedule and have everything in the 90k list done minus the timng belt. Get all the fluids replaced, diff, transfer, tranny, coolant, even the PS if its dirty.

Im one of those suckers that firmly believes in the reg. scheduled maintanence, even tho it stings my wallet...at least i know ill have less to worry about down the road.

Btw beantown, u from Boston? Im a native living in the western part of the state now.

 

[beantownguy2]

Yes sir, I'm from Medford.

Thanks for all of the advice. I am having two issues rights now that I'm wondering if you could provide some insight on:

1) The brakes are very spongy. I just had new pads and rotors put on but when I press the brake, I need to press harder and harder to get a response. Ideas?

2) When I put the vehicle in drive, it sort of skips a bit before it gets going. It's been doing that for a while and hasn't gotten worse - is that normal?

Thanks!

 

[jetboy1975]

I'd say fluid changes are the least of your worries. Not to rain on your parade, but that's a lot of trailer for your T4R. Short distance maybe but for 15k miles I think you're in for a shock. When I read this

I'm one of those that knows NOTHING about vehicles

it makes me wonder if you're familiar with the tow limits?

For example the V8 4x4 max tow rating IS 7000lbs so you'll be at max already with nothing else in the T4R. That number is reduced by anything you put in the vehicle other than 150lbs for the driver. The biggest problem you'll have is with payload and rear axle rating due to the trailer tongue weight. Tongue weight should be approx 13% (and can be more)of trailer weight to be safe and controllable. 13% of 7000 is 910lbs which is way over the hitch rating (730lbs max for the frame mount hitch that I hope you have). The tongue weight alone will pretty much max your payload and put you over the Axle rating too. Trying to reduce the tongue weight to less than 10-13% will make the vehicle unstable and dangerous for towing. The short wheelbase is also a concern since it is prone to sway.

For comparison I tow a 26' travel trailer which is 5500lbs loaded. The T4R handles it ok but I wouldn't be comfortable towing anything bigger. I also use a $3k Hensley Arrow hitch to eliminate sway and make towing with my 4R safer.

I'm hoping you have some towing experience under your belt, have a good sway control hitch setup and brake controller. Pack light and drive safe.

 

[DaveS]

^^^^That is very good advice - never mind the truck you are taking your life in your hands pulling that much. By the way - I would do a brake fluid flush - probably explains the spongy brakes and towing any weight is hard on brakes - you don't want to be boiling brake fluid..

 

[beantownguy2]

I really appreciate the feedback. I actually haven't purchased the travel trailer yet. I have been reading up very closely about weights, etc. Although your insight is really helpful. I wrote 7000 lbs just to make the post simple. I understand that is the max weight including everything once the trailer is loaded. My plan is to get one of those ultra-light trailers. I do have trailer experience from a few years back hauling a cargo back and forth from Boston to New Jersey. I also have some trucking experience.

I'm not concerned about my ability to operate a trailer but I am definitely concerned about not knowing enough about the capabilities of the SUV! I was actually going to look for a 21' but had considered a 26' as well. Any other advice pertaining to which travel trailer to get for safety's sake would be welcomed. (I did know about the special hitch though.)

Thanks!

 

[jetboy1975]

Under 5000lbs loaded and 24' seems to be where most are comfortable. Above this and you start pushing rating limits and the 4R starts to struggle (power and sway). My old 20' hybrid at 3800lbs was a breeze to tow. We towed it halfway across Canada last summer without breaking a sweat. I'd have reservations about doing the same with our new 26'er and will probably be trading up for a Tundra Crewmax in a year or 2.