4Runner vs Tacoma - Towing??

[mrclueless]

I see the 2010 4Runner is rated to tow 5,000 lbs while the Tacoma V6 is rated up to 6500 lbs. Does anyone have experience in towing the same load (maybe 3000 - 5000 lb range) with a late model Tacoma and with the 4 Runner?? If so, how would you compare them??

Since the 4Runner is comparable weight, larger V6, better brakes (discs on all four wheels), both have 5 speed autos, etc. what makes the Tacoma rating higher - is it rear suspension and transmission cooler??

 

[Jesse1983]

the current Tacoma can't tow 6,500 :lmao:

 

[Quentin]

I see the 2010 4Runner is rated to tow 5,000 lbs while the Tacoma V6 is rated up to 6500 lbs. Does anyone have experience in towing the same load (maybe 3000 - 5000 lb range) with a late model Tacoma and with the 4 Runner?? If so, how would you compare them??

Since the 4Runner is comparable weight, larger V6, better brakes (discs on all four wheels), both have 5 speed autos, etc. what makes the Tacoma rating higher - is it rear suspension and transmission cooler??

First, wheelbase has an effect on towing. The Taco has a longer wheelbase and thus is more stable. Less of a tail wagging the dog scenario.

Second, I think the gearing is more aggressive in the tacoma. I know it is in the 6MT, but I'm unsure of the AT.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

I think the Tacoma's are rated at 5,000 lbs, or at least I thought. The gearing in my 08' Tacoma was 3:73 which is the same as in my 4Runner. I think both have the tranny cooler built into the radiator, my Tacoma had a separate Oil Cooler since it had the towing package.

The online specs for the Tacoma with towing package are a little confusing, payload is 1350, tongue rating is 350 then the combined gross weight rating is 7500 lbs with the towing package. IDK :ybrick:

 

[Jesse1983]

I think the Tacoma's are rated at 5,000 lbs, or at least I thought.

I thought that too, at least my 05 was. But I looked at the 2011 (did you see the new front grill btw?) and it is in fact rated at 6,500.

I don't doubt it could pull the weight, but I don't think your tranny will last long towing that kind of weight.

 

[mgrande]

tacoma's can tow quite a bit, here's mine with a heavy load. I have gotten one tow weighed in at just under 5k. I would say suspension has alot to do with it. Now that I have my OME leafs it's a whole different ball game.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

^^ yeah those OME Dakar HD leaf springs are awesome!! Had them In my Tacoma, best spring pack IMO for the Tacoma and is quite affordable compared to the rest.

 

[Sdmusicman]

I traded in my Tacoma for my new 4runner, both tow my 3500lbs boat just fine. The ride in the 4runner was obviously smoother than the tacoma. As far as power or handling while towing I would say they were very similar.

 

[4RBob]

The 5th gen stock rear springs are way too soft. I get a reverse rake just packing up for a camping trip (for me and my wife).

 

[offshorebear]

From my expereince, the order of important things when towing is something like this:
Brakes
Wheelbase
Suspension
Power

I know my 4Runner is rated for 7000 pounds, but towing that much on the highway will not be very stable with such a short wheelbase.

 

[tncowgirl18]

pulling a small horse trailer ????

Hey guys I have a 03 toyota 4 runner sr5 v6 and I am wondering how it would do pulling a small standard double axle steel frame alumunum 2 horse bumper pull. My horse is less than 800lbs. Does anyone have experiance pulling a horse trailer with a 4runner? If so how did it do?