Advice Needed on Towing Set up on 2005 T4R Ltd V8

[Motopsyche]

Greetings to all. Here’s my very first post.

Later this month I'll travel 1,700 miles to take delivery of a 2005 4R Limited V8 and a vintage travel trailer (bought in separate deals). I’m working out the equipment needed for towing, including ball mount and ball. The trailer is 16’ including tongue, 3000lbs on a single axle. I’ll install a Prodigy 2 and a ball mount with a 2” drop.

A few questions:
1. The receiver on the 4R looks “short” in pictures. The locking pin hole seems close to the end of the mount. Will any 2” ball mount fit, regardless of length? Anything to be concerned about in making a selection? I’m considering a Diversi-Tech self-locking aluminum Ball Mount - DTLBM8200. Any advice in this area?
2. Given the size of the trailer (body is 14' long, 7’ 3” wide, 8’ 2” high) and 3000lbs empty, do I need to consider anti-sway equipment?
3. I also want to install a good lock on the coupler. I’m considering the Diversi-Tech DT-25013 Maximum Security Trailer Coupler Lock. Advice here is also appreciated.

I’m looking forward to a great experience with the 4Runner and the forum. Many thanks!

Bill

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Greetings to all. Here’s my very first post.

Later this month I'll travel 1,700 miles to take delivery of a 2005 4R Limited V8 and a vintage travel trailer (bought in separate deals). I’m working out the equipment needed for towing, including ball mount and ball. The trailer is 16’ including tongue, 3000lbs on a single axle. I’ll install a Prodigy 2 and a ball mount with a 2” drop.

A few questions:
1. The receiver on the 4R looks “short” in pictures. The locking pin hole seems close to the end of the mount. Will any 2” ball mount fit, regardless of length? Anything to be concerned about in making a selection? I’m considering a Diversi-Tech self-locking aluminum Ball Mount - DTLBM8200. Any advice in this area? It is a bit short... Most have no issues with virtually any ball mount. The only ones who have issues are those with oversize spare tires as the spare is very close to the backside of the receiver. If you have an issue lower the spare a bit and re-secure while pushing forward on it.
2. Given the size of the trailer (body is 14' long, 7’ 3” wide, 8’ 2” high) and 3000lbs empty, do I need to consider anti-sway equipment? YES! 4Runners tow well but they are short! The shorter the wheelbase the more likely it is sway will be an issue.
3. I also want to install a good lock on the coupler. I’m considering the Diversi-Tech DT-25013 Maximum Security Trailer Coupler Lock. Advice here is also appreciated. I have no idea...

I’m looking forward to a great experience with the 4Runner and the forum. Many thanks!

Bill

What kind of trailer?
:cheers:

 

[LB4Runner05]

I had a car transported from Florida to PA and parked in front of my house for $475. I was the easiest stress free transaction I ahve ever made. The delivery folks just coordinated it with other deliveries. 1700 miles hopefully a round trip is about $250 in gas alone plus hotels and your time. Just a thought.

 

[Motopsyche]

What kind of trailer?
:cheers:

It's a restored 1951 Boles Aero Monterey. Aircraft aluminum skin and looks terrific. Should be great fun.

We're making the return trip into a vacation by hitting parks and camping along the way. Can't wait.

One other question: What part of the ball does the coupler actually contact? Does it hit the top of the ball, or does it the upper sides?

Many thanks for the tips. All others are much appreciated!

Bill
Indianapolis

 

[jetboy1975]

You'll have no problems towing that trailer. Bolers are a neat little trailer and aerodynamic as well. The T4R does have a very short wheelbase which makes it prone to sway issues, so you may want to consider sway control (friction bar). It's cheap comfort and easy to install.

I have a 20' trailer that weighs 3800lbs loaded and tow it with ease. (although I tend to get sucked in by big rigs which is where the sway control helps). I usually use my weight distribution setup but don't really need it. I got it with the trailer so figured I might as well use it. Short trips I don't bother with it ( but still use sway) and still tows fine. Just a little more bounce over bumps.

I had to cut my draw bars to fit with the stock spare in place but it won't have any effect. Anything that sticks past the reciever isn't doing anything. You may want to get an adjustable draw bar or get the trailer measured from ground to top of coupler when it is level (2" drop may not be enough). Bolers usually sit low and you want to be as level as possible when towing.

Happy camping!

 

[NCSCOTT]

Funny thing I read this post. I just ordered a Diversi-Tech DTALBM6825 Self locking/adjustable (up to 8" drop/9" rise) hitch shank/insert for my Work truck. We tow a couple mobile Engine Generators around. A 35KW Onan (8000-9000lbs) and a 20KW (Kohler (5000-6000lbs) with my 2011 Chevy 2500HD with the 2.5" Class V hitch.

I ordered the one I did because it had the built in lock and the easy adjustment for towing multiple trailers.

The one you are looking at is overkill for what you are towing but it is a nice setup. 14,000lbs is double what your 4runner should ever tow. By the time you price in a locking hitch pin you would spend that much anyway.

I ordered mine from Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924 They had the best price I could find.

Good luck and happy towing!!

 

[bondebond]

After changing over from a Ford Explorer V6 this summer to my '07 SE V8 (love the power boost!!) while on vacation camping, I had to buy an all new hitch setup to tow my camper. I did the measurements, bought a 2" drop and ball. As I lowered the camper tongue onto the ball, the back of the 4runner dropped 2.25". The tongue weight is under 250lbs. The tongue sagged SO low, the rear of the camper was way up in the air.

I ended up removing the ball and flipped the 2" drop hitch over and reattached the ball. Perfect, once hitched up. Camper even has the slight downward tilt at the hitch. I was doing this the night before a big trip after just getting the 4runner.

All of that to say the rear end suspension was not up to my expectations. You have a Limited with possibly different rear suspension setup, so check that out. When I did my second midnight run to Walmart to try a different setup, I decided to buy a couple of different length drop hitches, in case I got back to the house (hour round trip) and it still wasn't "right". I just kept the receipt and returned the hitches I didn't use. Call the overbuying "insurance" for what you can't know up front.

Also, what about the trailer wiring? Is it a 6-way (doubt it's a 7-way from the age, but I'm only guessing) or 4-flat, or ???
What kind of trailer electrical plug does the 4runner have currently? Might need to pick up a wiring adapter.

And have the current owner do a walk-through on the setup/breakdown of the camper, especially since you'll be using it for the return trip. If you're new to RVing, check out www.rv.net/forums. Tons of good tips and info.

 

[Motopsyche]

Also, what about the trailer wiring? Is it a 6-way (doubt it's a 7-way from the age, but I'm only guessing) or 4-flat, or ???
What kind of trailer electrical plug does the 4runner have currently? Might need to pick up a wiring adapter.

The great thing about this restored trailer is that the electrical system updated. It's got a 7-way plug ready to mate with the 4R's receptacle. Wiring was all replaced and a circuit breaker panel installed.

The walk through with the seller is a definite. My memory being what it is, I'll probably video the proceedings.

I'm leaning toward installing an Equalizer sway control rig, and that means I'll likely use the ball mount that comes with it. I've been advised to select a rig that is spec'd closer to my weight requirements, rather than one set for a much heavier application. They have a unit rated for 6,000lbs trailer weight and 600lbs tongue weight. That would certainly cover me.

Thanks for all the help, gang! Keep it comin'!

 

[jetboy1975]

Your Limited should have rear load levelling suspension so sag won't be an issue, however it does nothing to distribute weight to the front end. Equilizer is a good way to go. You may have to be careful with the trailer frame though. If it's a light weight frame and tongue that isn't fully boxed (like "C" channel) it may not be strong enough to handle the tensions of a WDH.

 

[Motopsyche]

If it's a light weight frame and tongue that isn't fully boxed (like "C" channel) it may not be strong enough to handle the tensions of a WDH.

I suspect from photos that I have a lightweight frame. That's why I selected an Equalizer unit that was several notches less "meaty" that their heaviest. Equalizer has another unit rated at 4,000lbs trailer/400lbs tongue. Given my trailer's weight of 3,000lbs, would you advise I drop down to that one? Or is there another solution I've not yet considered?

Two days ago I was ready to just hitch it up and go. Discussions of the need for sway control got my attention.

I appreciate the help.

 

[Flying Biker]

I hauled a Haulmark 8X12 trailer yesterday that is about 7 feet tall and the thing pulled wonderfully with my 06 V6 Limited. The only thing that sucked was my fuel milage. I went from an average of 20.5 down to 12 and when I was leaving Colorado I saw as low as 8. I was not real happy about that!!! But I to was concerned about the shortness of the receiver but it seemed to be just fine with my 2 inch drop and 2 inch ball.

 

[jetboy1975]

The lighter EQ might be the better option but it can still put a lot of tension on the frame. It all depends on how much you tension it up. You should be good with just a little tension to even the load a bit and still get the sway benefit, just be careful with big bumps/dips in the road. When it dips and flexes is when you've got to be careful.

 

[M1911]

Your Limited should have rear load levelling suspension so sag won't be an issue, however it does nothing to distribute weight to the front end.

Are you talking about the rear air suspension? That was optional on the Limited, and rather rare. Most 4th gen Limiteds don't have the rear air suspension.

 

[jetboy1975]

Are you talking about the rear air suspension? That was optional on the Limited, and rather rare. Most 4th gen Limiteds don't have the rear air suspension

Really? It must be different for Canadian Limiteds then. I'm pretty sure all Limiteds come with it standard here.

 

[DaBoostCreep]

As I lowered the camper tongue onto the ball, the back of the 4runner dropped 2.25". The tongue weight is under 250lbs. The tongue sagged SO low, the rear of the camper was way up in the air.

I've owned and pulled both my 6.5x10 open steel trailer with 2 ATV's and a dirtbike, and a 6x10 enclosed with the same goods inside, and never had sag close to what you're talking about.

Think about what you're saying....300lb tongue weight?? What you're saying is if 2 150lb people were to sit in your trunk with the hatch open while tailgating or something the vehicle would sag over 2"??? You've got a problem if that's the case.

When you decide to add airbags to the rear they're $70 shipped, and install in about 30 minutes.

 

[M1911]

Really? It must be different for Canadian Limiteds then. I'm pretty sure all Limiteds come with it standard here.

Rear air suspension was an option in the US, and it was relatively rare.