Can I tow a 4200 (dry weight) travel trailer with my 2006 V8 4Runner? I realize there is more to towing than simple towing capacity (tongue weight, payload, cargo weight, etc.) so I'm wondering if there is someone who has experience with this towing combination who could advise me. I'm not willing to rely solely on the advice of the trailer salesman. :wink2:
2006 V8 4Runner towing
- Thread starter MAJPLO
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farsideREAPER
New member
06 V8 Limited
I once towed an 21' 8000 pound RV 1000 miles with stock suspension. I estimate there was at least 800 pounds on the hitch (needed serious hitch weight to avoid deadly sway issues). I ensured I still had and inch or two before the first stage of rubber bottomed out. Also had electronic trailer brake controller installed. Had to take it easy, 60-65 mph and be cautious when being passed by big rigs not to be sucked and swayed around. Keep drive-train fluids clean and take it easy. PS, this is a no-brainier but run 4D not D.
I once towed an 21' 8000 pound RV 1000 miles with stock suspension. I estimate there was at least 800 pounds on the hitch (needed serious hitch weight to avoid deadly sway issues). I ensured I still had and inch or two before the first stage of rubber bottomed out. Also had electronic trailer brake controller installed. Had to take it easy, 60-65 mph and be cautious when being passed by big rigs not to be sucked and swayed around. Keep drive-train fluids clean and take it easy. PS, this is a no-brainier but run 4D not D.
KYBubblehead
New member
IIRC, the towing limit is 7,000 lb for 4WD and 7,300 lb for 2WD for the V8's...just make sure you use a weight distributing hitch.....
Powder_Hound
New member
No problem at all. 2wd is rated for 5000 lb's and 4wd is rated for 7500. However, using a weight distibuting hitch, air bags, or stiffer R springs will help with sag. I pull a 3000 lb PUP and had to run airbags with stock springs to stop the sag. The engine will handle it no problem, but the suspension might ask for a little help.
ARunner
New member
That's a lot of weight. Like everything, it depends. I've pulled on the upper end of the 7k tow allotment and it was not super comfortable at speed and hills were really hard on her. With that said, if you have a lot of towing experience and you're towing a short distance over flat ground at lower speed, it would be possible. Not exactly safe, but possible. If the trailer doesn't have brakes, I wouldn't be considering it. Your tongue weight could also be a problem if you're on stock suspension. I wouldn't want to be pulling this trailer at speed. You'd be a danger to all around you, not to mention risking your own neck.
HiVel-JR
New member
I know all of you that have commented know this and i think a few of you are even tractor/trailer drivers. I have commented every time a member asks, "Can I tow this much weight?"
Please know there is no "butt head, know it all" tone when typing this.
Its not how much weight it will pull, you could probably pull a house if you wanted too... its how much weight you can STOP.
Being able to stop within a safe distance. (a few mentioned trailer brakes)
If you are not sure, hook everything up and get to driving speed on an empty road and make sure you can stop safely without creating a huge yard sale on the side of the road.
Hope everything works out and you have a safe trip with your trailer.
Please know there is no "butt head, know it all" tone when typing this.
Its not how much weight it will pull, you could probably pull a house if you wanted too... its how much weight you can STOP.
Being able to stop within a safe distance. (a few mentioned trailer brakes)
If you are not sure, hook everything up and get to driving speed on an empty road and make sure you can stop safely without creating a huge yard sale on the side of the road.
Hope everything works out and you have a safe trip with your trailer.
Powder_Hound
New member
Great point! According to OM you should be using trailer brakes on your T4r for anything over 1000 lbs. I'm only pulling 3000 when fully loaded, but I love having my Tekonsha brake controller connected. The wiring harness has the connecter under drivers side dash so it's an easy safety mod!!!!
MrRoo
New member
Ive towed 7200 lbs several times with my stock V8 4runner (20 foot enclosed car hauler). Trailer brakes and properly distributed weight is key. Rear air bags would be a huge help. Which I will install this spring. The stock rear springs are very soft. Power wise it is fine. Even on the highway. But as other said, use 4th gear and keep speeds under 70mph. Ive towed trailers for many years. Always be safe and use caution towing ANY trailer.
WI_4Runner
New member
No - buy a bigger rig to tow it with.
jetboy1975
New member
You'll likely be ok but it really depends on what the loaded weight will be, what you plan on carrying in the T4R and what the tongue weight will be.
I used to tow a 21' hybrid that weighed 4500lbs loaded. No problem, so I upgraded to a 26' bunkhouse that weighed 5600lbs loaded. Pulled so so. Enough power but mileage was horrendous. The bigger issue was payload and wheelbase. With the family of 4 (2 small kids) and 720lbs of tongue weight, we were overloaded. The long trailer with the short wheelbase trailer made for a squirrely ride, even with a $3k Hensley hitch.
You'll definitely need a proper WD hitch, preferably with built in sway, and a good brake controller. You'll also need to make sure you have the frame mounted receiver.
I used to tow a 21' hybrid that weighed 4500lbs loaded. No problem, so I upgraded to a 26' bunkhouse that weighed 5600lbs loaded. Pulled so so. Enough power but mileage was horrendous. The bigger issue was payload and wheelbase. With the family of 4 (2 small kids) and 720lbs of tongue weight, we were overloaded. The long trailer with the short wheelbase trailer made for a squirrely ride, even with a $3k Hensley hitch.
You'll definitely need a proper WD hitch, preferably with built in sway, and a good brake controller. You'll also need to make sure you have the frame mounted receiver.
