2014 Towing Capacity

[Bimmer-Bob]

So, I know that the towing capacity of the '14 T4R has been officially reduced to 4700#. I've heard this has to do with the new SAE standards that went into effect, and I recall seeing that number on Toyota's website.

The thing is, my manual says 5000#, and it also says to refer to a sticker in the driver's door jamb that I can't locate. Does anyone else have this sticker? There is nothing on the receiver or anywhere else I can think to look, either.

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

Okay, just realized that per the manual, the only numbers on the door jamb are GVWR & GAWR, both of which are in fact on the VIN sticker on my truck. I was looking for a separate sticker.

Still, that doesn't explain the apparent discrepancy regarding trailer weight rating. The manual clearly states in black-and-white that the 2014 has a TWR of 5,000 lbs. per SAE J2807. That could very well be a typo, uncorrected from previous years, but still: from a legal standpoint, what is an owner to think in this instance?

 

[Orc]

its only 300 pounds difference.

I wouldn't want to haul anything close to that number as the vehicle isn't designed for that, especially if its frequent.

 

[Ryan1975]

its only 300 pounds difference.

I wouldn't want to haul anything close to that number as the vehicle isn't designed for that, especially if its frequent.

Ooops (New York to Michigan to Kansas City)

Ooops again

Woah...big oops! (OKC to SATX)

 

[philsey]

Thanks Ryan - we can always count on you to tell us that the designers of the 4R and the SAE are wrong.

 

[mace.]

I'm getting a Tundra to tow my space shuttle around.

 

[Orc]

I'm sure you could tow 6500 pounds with it probably more. Will you be able to do it for long? nope!

When you play at the limit something is going to give sooner than if you were at around half.

 

[philsey]

.....Still, that doesn't explain the apparent discrepancy regarding trailer weight rating....

What do you want to hear Bob? That the manual is wrong, or that the new SAE ratings are wrong? Pick one, and I'll agree with it. It's 300# man, get over it.

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

What do you want to hear Bob? That the manual is wrong, or that the new SAE ratings are wrong? Pick one, and I'll agree with it. It's 300# man, get over it.

Yeah, it's 300#. I'm just saying, from a legal liability standpoint, if I'm at 4710#, am I wrong? If I get pulled over, is the manual the definitive source for how much I can tow? I'm asking the question because I don't know, not because I want to hear any particular answer.

To those who advise against towing near capacity, are you suggesting that BOTH the manual & the SAE are wrong? Should a rigorous new industry standard be thrown out in favor of the arbitrary '80% rule?'

 

[lezavw90]

I can't remember where I read it but I think the drop for 2014 has to do with accounting for a 150lb driver and passenger. To meet the standard before they could account for an empty vehicle.

 

[mace.]

Yeah, it's 300#. I'm just saying, from a legal liability standpoint, if I'm at 4710#, am I wrong? If I get pulled over, is the manual the definitive source for how much I can tow? I'm asking the question because I don't know, not because I want to hear any particular answer.

If the concern is from a legal liability standpoint, why not just contact Toyota and get the info from the horse's mouth.

I can see this now:

Officer : Do you know why I pulled you over?
Op : Nope.
Officer : You appear to be 297 lbs over your towing capacity.
OP : No, it's cool. Some guy on the interwebs said I'm good for another 3 lbs.

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

If the concern is from a legal liability standpoint, why not just contact Toyota and get the info from the horse's mouth.

I can see this now:

Officer : Do you know why I pulled you over?
Op : Nope.
Officer : You appear to be 297 lbs over your towing capacity.
OP : No, it's cool. Some guy on the interwebs said I'm good for another 3 lbs.

Don't worry, I won't be asking any of you to testify as "expert witnesses" on my behalf. I'm just trying to find out from those more experienced than I if there is a place, other than the owners manual, where an official TWR would be indicated. I was expecting a sticker on the hitch receiver or something. I suppose I could contact Toyota for clarification, and indeed may do so, but this seems like a needlessly complicated process from the consumer's standpoint.

 

[gwcpa]

The Tacoma max is still 6500, correct? Other than wheelbase, what's the mechanical differences? Brakes better in Taco, drivetrain?

Stopping a heavy trailer has quite a bit to do with the trailer brakes. I think the T4rs softer rear springs and wheelbase are the biggest limitation to heavy trailers.

 

[Jeremy556]

The Tacoma max is still 6500, correct? Other than wheelbase, what's the mechanical differences? Brakes better in Taco, drivetrain?

Stopping a heavy trailer has quite a bit to do with the trailer brakes. I think the T4rs softer rear springs and wheelbase are the biggest limitation to heavy trailers.

Actually, the 4Runner has bigger brakes than the Taco. The Taco has a longer wheelbase and options for additional oil and trans cooler with the tow package.

The limitation on the 4Runner is the engine/gearing. Check the tow rating of a 4th gen V6 .vs V8 models.

 

[gwcpa]

Actually, the 4Runner has bigger brakes than the Taco. The Taco has a longer wheelbase and options for additional oil and trans cooler with the tow package.

The limitation on the 4Runner is the engine/gearing. Check the tow rating of a 4th gen V6 .vs V8 models.

Have not checked, but other than the VVti in the 4R, how is the engine/gearing different? I'm surprised there is a tranny/axle gearing difference? Makes sense if so, but you are saying the T4R is geared higher/numerically lower than the Taco?

Just checked the Taco double cab gear ratio is 3.73, the tow capacity is 6400 in 2014. HP TQ is 236/266 vs 270/278 for the 2014 4R. Thought the 4Runner has 3.73s too, but not sure.

 

[philsey]

Oh please, allow me to spoon-feed you. This took 15 sec on toy.com. sheesh. Carry on.

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

I can't remember where I read it but I think the drop for 2014 has to do with accounting for a 150lb driver and passenger. To meet the standard before they could account for an empty vehicle.

Makes sense, as the manual states that the tow rating takes into accout one adult driver and adult front passenger (but again, states 5000#, not to beat a dead horse).

Another thing that confuses me is GCVWR. For my truck it's 11300#. If you subtract curb weight (4675#) and max TWR (5000#) you still end up with an extra 1625#. I know that fuel & fluids aren't taken into consideration with curb weight, but even factoring them in you have well over 1000# to play with. You could say that value is for passengers & cargo, but you're supposed to deduct that weight from TWR, so it ends up being a wash. What am I misunderstanding?

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

Oh please, allow me to spoon-feed you. This took 15 sec on toy.com. sheesh. Carry on.

View attachment 104259

Are you suggesting that some here-today, gone-tomorrow website holds more weight than the owner's manual that came with the vehicle?

And, since you're obviously not following, I already stated that the website listed the limit at 4700#. That's what started this whol thread. So explain how you telling me something I already knew is spoon-feeding me exactly?

Not sure why this is such a touchy issue for some folks.

 

[philsey]

[MENTION=102195]Bimmer-Bob[/MENTION] Because volumes have been posted about the subject. Try this:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-t...far-more-accurately-than-standard-method.html

 

[philsey]

..... And, since you're obviously not following, I already stated that the website listed the limit at 4700#.

Not sure why this is such a touchy issue for some folks.

You are correct Sir. My apologies.

Overcaffeinated, methinks.