4Runner GCWR (gross combined weight rating) when towing

[MCE]

I've been looking at the '03 or '04 V8 4Runner compared to the current model Tundra as a tow vehicle. (I prerfer the 4Runner for non-towing related reasons but would need it to be a tow vehicle as well) Toyota has a published spec for the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the tow vehicle and trailer for the Tundra, but not for the current model 4Runner. I'd been able to find a published number for 4Runner's up to about '01, but none after that.

My local dealer could not find the information and directed me to call the 800 GoToyota number. They could not answer the question either, and directed me to call Toyota customer service. After about an hour on the phone with customer service (mostly on hold while they tried to find the answer) I was told there basically is not a published number for the 4Runner.

However, I was also told there are formulas that can be used to calculate the answer - which may differ from year-to-year and/or model-to-model. So I asked to have the answer(s) for all models of the '03 and '04 4Runners and the following is what I received:

'03 4x2 V8 = 10,250#
'03 4x4 V8 = 10,510#

'04 4x2 V8 = 12,760#
'04 4x4 V8 = 12,710#

Aside from the process it took to get these answers, the difference between the '03 and '04 years is significant and surprising. But to me the most surprising is that Toyota no longer publishes this spec. for the 4Runner at all!

Anyone have any light to shed on this discussion?

 

[GatorGreg]

The numbers you listed for '04 are simply the GVWR plus the towing capacity - click HERE and then choose "capacities" to see the numbers.

 

[MCE]

Gatorgreg, right for '04. I had been told that by the customer service people. Do you know if the same is true for '03? I can't get the .pdf to open with the '03 specs for some reason.

It's great they rate the '04 4Runner so highly. If the '04 Tundra is fully loaded, the max. tow capacity is reduced by 1300# - which seems to be the case with a lot of tow vehicles.

 

[khaug]

The '03 has a rated tow capacity of 5,000#. The '04s have a redesigned hitch receiver, which increased the tow capacity to 7,000 - 7200#. However, the increased rating applies only if you're using an equalizing (weight distributing) hitch.

 

[MCE]

Khaug, any idea if the '04 receiver can be mounted on an '03? And are the two model years otherwise the same in the key areas like brakes, suspension, etc?

 

[leftyrb]

khaug:

Do you have a photo of the revised hitch for the 2004 models. I have seen the 03 hitch as well as several mounted to the 04 models and see no difference. All were V8 models.

Thanks

 

[khaug]

Leftyrb, mce, sorry but I don't have what you're looking for. When the hitch change occurred (near the end of the '03 MY, I believe), there was a flurry of posts asking these same questions, but I don't remember any definitive answers ever being posted.

I also remember someone posting that there had been a transmission change made. The poster never identified just what the supposed change was, and I doubted the accuracy of this at the time.

Regards.

 

[Kmvreter]

Weight Capacities

MCE,
Ask the salesman/stealership to photocopy the Trailer towing section from the owners manual, pages 292 to 295 and 304 to 306 (in my '04 manual). Page 305 especially has a drawing of the weight distributing hitch (WDH) and a write-up on "The combination of the gross trailer weight added to..." Bottom line is 12000 lbs on a '04 4x4 V8 with WDH.
Hope this helps.