4th gen boat towing, what do i need?

[AWC360]

I just bought an 03 limited 4x4 v6 with the regular tow hitch. Looking to tow a 16' whaler (about 1-5 miles on pacific coast highway )

Should I get a drop-down ball that adjusts so that the trailer is parallel? I'll figure out the right wire harness/adapter on my own.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

I just bought an 03 limited 4x4 v6 with the regular tow hitch. Looking to tow a 16' whaler (about 1-5 miles on pacific coast highway )

Should I get a drop-down ball that adjusts so that the trailer is parallel? I'll figure out the right wire harness/adapter on my own.

You should try and keep it close to parallel. Just measure to the top of the trailer hitch, and measure to the top of the 4runnr reciever hole . Depending on the hitch ball size you require, you can get close with a calculation for the type of drop bar or rise bar you need. If it's off an inch or two no big deal.

If the boat and trailer combo exceed 1500lbs, it is recommended that the trailer should have brakes of some kind (electric, electric over hydraulic, surge), and get a brake controller. Small boats usually don't need a sway control, because the trailers are long and the surface area of a boat is small.