4 runner tow package?

[memphis34]

First post. I don't have a 4runner yet but I've been looking at them lately, specifically 06-09 and am kinda in the dark about the towing capacity. I see some with tow hitches and some without but I'm being told by salesmen that they both can tow 5,000lbs.
It seems to me that if it has a factory installed hitch then it should have a "tow package" which means trans cooler, bigger alt, battery, and wiring.
Do 4 runners come with tow packages or is the hitch pretty much it?
I know I can add an aftermarket trans cooler but would rather have the Toyota reliability from factory parts.

 

[08T4R]

They all already have a cooler in the radiator, the v8 also has an additional external cooler and oil cooler. Not sure about the upgraded wiring and alternator. I know mine came with a hitch and a plug under the bumper for a round 7 pin connector or adapter as well as a harness under the dash to add trailer brakes and the other side of the harness in the dash for the brake controller. I guess thats part of the tow package. Towing cap depends on features. Pulled from wikipedia cause Im too lazy to look further-Towing capacity is 5000 pounds on V6 models and 7300 pounds on RWD V8 models (7000 pounds w/4WD).

 

[memphis34]

Thanks 08t4R. Thats exactly what I needed to know. I researched that they all came with coolers in the rad but i wasn't sure if this was 100% true or not.
I can always add a hitch or the wiring later on. I just wasn't sure if there was an actual "tow package". I was under the impression it was a factory option or upgrade. I mean they all may very well tow 5k lbs but obviously the one with the package would tow it better with less wear and tear.

The 2nd part of my dilemma was 3rd row seats. I have a big family and we take vacs every year. The 3rd seat would accomodate everyone without having to take 2 cars. It's just been hard to find a 4R with 3rd seats and a tow package. Now that I see the tow pkg is standard with them all it broadens my search.
I do know about littleseats.com but I'd rather have the Toyota ones.
Thanks for the reply

 

[blaniac22]

Thanks 08t4R. Thats exactly what I needed to know. I researched that they all came with coolers in the rad but i wasn't sure if this was 100% true or not.
I can always add a hitch or the wiring later on. I just wasn't sure if there was an actual "tow package". I was under the impression it was a factory option or upgrade. I mean they all may very well tow 5k lbs but obviously the one with the package would tow it better with less wear and tear.

The 2nd part of my dilemma was 3rd row seats. I have a big family and we take vacs every year. The 3rd seat would accomodate everyone without having to take 2 cars. It's just been hard to find a 4R with 3rd seats and a tow package. Now that I see the tow pkg is standard with them all it broadens my search.
I do know about littleseats.com but I'd rather have the Toyota ones.
Thanks for the reply

Just throwing this out there...but have you considered the Sequoia?? 3rd Rows on the 4R are pretty tight.

 

[8086bruce]

If the 3rd row is just for kids you'll be fine. My kids ride back there every weekend on the way to the lake.

 

[BigEd]

Not sure if you plan to haul anything in the back but from what i understand 3rd row in use will largely negate any storage capacity in vehicle. (I don't have 3rd row). However maybe that's what the trailer is for.

As I think you discovered, IIRC there is no actual "tow package".

I'd want a V8 for towing. IIRC the V8 has higher rated tow capacity and comes with a class III tow hitch.

Also you might consider RAS (rear air suspension). It is designed to automatically level the back when towing (or hauling load). I say consider because there are other implications of having RAS (do some searches) such as limited ability to lift the truck if you want to put on bigger tires, and perhaps maintenance concerns on the RAS system. I've got RAS on mine and while its served me fine I'm not sure I'd get it all over again.

 

[MikeInNH]

Not sure about other 4runners...But my 05 4runner with the V6 has the towing package. It has an external trans cooler (FAR FAR BETTER then the one that's integrated with the radiator). It came pre-wired so that installing the brake system was a snap..Also came with a Class III hitch.

If you're going to tow a few times a year...then I'd highly recommend the towing package....the separate trans cooler is definitely recommended.

 

[mckbrew]

Is the secondary cooler (the one not in the radiator) easy to identify? Reason I ask is that I bought an auxiliary cooler with the intent of installing on my Jeep (the new wrangler autos have issues with the stock cooler) and I'm trying to determine if it's worth installing it in the 4runner or just selling it?

I don't tow yet, but may do some. With the Wrangler the cooler is almost a necessity even without towing anything.

 

[kahuna2]

I'm sure it depends on the year but for MY2008
V8 tow package was standard & 7000# for AWD 7300# for RWD, V6 was optional & 5000#(weight carrying not distributing hitch receiver)

Tow package was a separate oil cooler for the transmission & weight distributing hitch reciever and wiring harness, an aftermarket e-controller is plug & play

SE had larger front rotors

 

[08T4R]

I know my 08 doesnt have the external transmission cooler, but does have the receiver and all the wiring harnesses for plug and play brakes and trailer hookups. I have never seen a factory external cooler on a v6. Plenty of people add them, but ive only personally seen them on the V8's..

 

[whodatdur]

2nd 4runner tow package

hey i have a 2nd gen 91 4runner, and i was wondering if there was a tow package and if so how to tell if you do have one, my head gasket blew after 400k+ and im going to be replacing the timing belt,water pump and so forth as i replace the head gasket, and apparently there is 2 different types of water pumps, one for a tow package ready 4runner and one with out so id like to know how i figure if i have one or not thanks :mod:

 

[chaz]

might have more luck posting here- Classic T4Rs - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

 

[tmun0828]

New 2016 Toyota 4Runner SR5

I've been reading your threads on the tow capabilities of older models. I know I can tow up to 5000 lbs with this model, the Hitch and the 4 prong connection along with the round plug came with the vehicle from the dealer but no one can tell me if it has the extra transmissions cooler needed to tow an RV (Lance)?
I read in your thread that it comes automatically installed in the radiator but I hope you can find out for me if its true or not on this particular model...
Thanks......

 

[Deerail]

One more towing consideration

For ten years we have towed a 21 ft Starcraft Travelstar with a TRD supercharged '97 4Runner SR5. We recently bought an '04 4Runner Sport V8 to pull the same outfit. In all the discussions on this thread, conspicuous by its absence, was any talk about wheel base of the tow vehicle in reference to the length of the trailer being towed. Even with an equalizer hitch, Firestone air shocks and OME suspension, 21 ft is the outside limit for the 97's wheel base.
with the advent of super light trailers, one might be tempted to pull something that would be within range of GVW horsepower wise, but could be dangerous if longer than the wheel base of the tow vehicle is safe to handle. Many online RV sites address this issue and one would be wise to include this information when putting together a towing package.