Another trailer / boat towing question

[Mindflex]

All,

There is a decent amount out there om this topic but a lot of it conflicts or is different than my situation.

My situation:
2016 4Runner limited all stock

Will pull an older 24ft pontoon rated at 1700# dry weight with motor. So lets round that to 2,000# actual.

750# float type trailer (pontoon sits on rails/guides) has surge brakes. No sway or wds.

So assume total weight of 2,750#

Questions

1. Anyone out there who ACTUALLY pulled something similar that you could share your experience? How stable is this setup? Should I expect trouble?


2. It appears that with surge trailers you cannot use sway control bars. Does this sound accurate?

3. The manual says to not use a weight distribution system as it can damage the frame. Assuming that is out, correct?

4. Being new to this any steps I should take or special equipment to install?

Any thoughts appreciated!

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[03_4x4Runner]

My atv trailer with 2 atvs on it weigh similar to that. You will not have a problem with only 2000 lbs. You will not need a weight distributing hitch. My atv trailer does not have any brakes. The only problem you will have is that pontoon boats are wide and you can not see around them with a narrow 4runner. If you are towing long distances you may need side mirror extended or a camera mounted on the back of the boat.

 

[Mindflex]

My atv trailer with 2 atvs on it weigh similar to that. You will not have a problem with only 2000 lbs. You will not need a weight distributing hitch. My atv trailer does not have any brakes. The only problem you will have is that pontoon boats are wide and you can not see around them with a narrow 4runner. If you are towing long distances you may need side mirror extended or a camera mounted on the back of the boat.

Thank you, this is really helpful!

Are you pulling 2,000# plus the weight of your trailer or 2,000# total.

Do you have any concerns with transmission wear or temp?

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[Titanpat57]

All,

There is a decent amount out there om this topic but a lot of it conflicts or is different than my situation.

My situation:
2016 4Runner limited all stock Congratulations

Will pull an older 24ft pontoon rated at 1700# dry weight with motor. So lets round that to 2,000# actual. It's always best to weigh the whole shooting match, so you know

750# float type trailer (pontoon sits on rails/guides) has surge brakes. No sway or wds. Standard for these crap trailers

So assume total weight of 2,750# seems close

Questions

1. Anyone out there who ACTUALLY pulled something similar that you could share your experience? How stable is this setup? Should I expect trouble?

I think the thing to remember is that many of these trailers are designed for a "local pull" from your yard to the dock...not really long trips


2. It appears that with surge trailers you cannot use sway control bars. Does this sound accurate?

Ask your boat trailer manufactuer

3. The manual says to not use a weight distribution system as it can damage the frame. Assuming that is out, correct?

Yes, those hitches apply forces in directions that the design may not allow for

4. Being new to this any steps I should take or special equipment to install?

Understanding braking and what to expect will be your friend...go find a large empty parking lot and learn what to expect

Any thoughts appreciated!

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Plus I would go to boating forums and talk to other pontoon boat owners some of the ins and outs

 

[Mindflex]

Plus I would go to boating forums and talk to other pontoon boat owners some of the ins and outs

Great advice. Thanks!

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[03_4x4Runner]

Thank you, this is really helpful!

Are you pulling 2,000# plus the weight of your trailer or 2,000# total.

Do you have any concerns with transmission wear or temp?

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Each atv weighs around 750 lbs. and roughly 500 lbs for the trailer. I generally do not tow long distances. I generally leave it in 4th because there is a lot of hills where I live. If I am on a level section of road above 60 mph or so I may put it in 5th temporarily.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

here is a picture of the atvs and trailer. I can not see directly behind me with any of the mirrors. I take the seats off the atvs to be able to use the rearview mirror on the windshield to see directly behind me.

Great advice. Thanks!

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My message got messed up. It is the first sentence in your quote.

 

[FlightMedic303]

I towed around 4000lbs for about 200 miles with no issues at all. I just downshifted when appropriate. People on here probably think that's stupid of me but I felt very confident in how my 4Runner performed.

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[Diver Deuce]

Titanpat had some good advise for you in his reply.

I had a Bayliner Trophy 1802 on a trailer with surge brakes that towed fine for short distances. I did take it from Key West, FL to Yuma, AZ without any issues, but the surge brakes did make for some scary braking situations. Pictured below was the boat loaded and sat at 4800lbs (3500 without cargo). I didn't have aorbags at the time so the rear did squat.



Here is my 16x7' trailer fitted with weight distribution hitch and airbags, and electronic brake controller. Final weight was approx 6100lbs... it towed just fine and the electronic brakes saved my bacon.

 

[Granth77]

We pull our large pop up camper with ours. Loaded and ready to camp is just under 4,000 lbs. We have electric brakes on the trailer, but everything always feels under control. I did install a set of air lift air bags in the rear to help with the loaded squat. Bags did a nice job of firming the rear up.

I'm no expert, but I think you should be fine. Just don't over drive your driving ability. I never go over 65 when towing.

Grant

 

[Diver Deuce]

Forgot to mention keep it out of 5th gear.

 

[Friggin Idiot]

You should have no trouble with that rig.

Have an 18' kevlar bass boat loaded on single axle trailer (no trailer brakes) runs up about 2200lbs with trailer rigged for a day outing. Tows fine, I keep it in S4 mode though. Tried using D a couple times and get tired of the shifting back and forth.
Closer to your size, I've pulled my dad's 20ft aluminum deck boat around his lake to launch. Might as well be a pontoon, but weighs more. About 4500lbs with trailer and rigged with fuel/supplies, but tandem trailer has surge disc brakes on one axle. Never get above 40mph with that thing because of the winding mountain roads.

 

[FourEyedWilly]

So I tow two Sea-Doos w/ trailer, all the goodies for a day at the beach, SUP boards, and four peeps. I figure i'm about 2200lbs. Maintaining 65-70MPH is no issue at all. The 4Runner does not sway. I do stop much earlier than unloaded. I would have no hesitation to tow long distance. My lift is on order so we'll see after that. I'm figuring it will be better but a bit slower.

 

[RyanEJ25]

You should be fine. I tow about 4000lbs when off reading. Its a 20ft utility trailer with a Baja bug, raptor, and polaris quads. Weight is roughly 4k loaded. I don't really shift into 5th but surge brakes are a must since it has saved me. I'll find some pics of it loaded.

 

[Titanpat57]

Couple things for you guys towing "regular" boats...many with trailers that have 15/16" wheels to remember...

OP says it's a 24' pontoon boat...so that means the trailer is every bit of 30'. I'm sure the trailer is double axle.....but IIRC...Most of the trailers have small tires, which spin a hell of lot faster then the truck wheels. That means more heat, bearing maintenance (dipping in and out of water), proper loading because of the length, it's a whole nother' ball of wax.

I'd stay at a minimum 12-15% tongue weight. If your estimate is correct of total weight of #2750 combined weight of trailer and boat...so you're in the #400 range for tongue weight. Airbags would be a nice upgrade if you're planning on towing any distance. Proper loading is paramount to insure proper handling on a trailer that long...wonky shit can happen in an emergency/evasive maneuver.

Towing responsibly means taking into consideration your safety, as well as the safety of the mom with 3 kids next to you in the minivan heading down the road.

It's all on you to insure that....don't take anything for granted.

 

[pcrdude]

I tow a 13' Scamp. It's 1500 lbs dry, and I loaded >500 more into it. Pulled in "D" with few issues. When the tranny hunts, I select 4rth. Usually, it's fine. I loaded the crap in the camper evenly, so the tongue weight was 10-12% as is optimal. And I got 17 mpg, mostly at 70 mph.

No pic yet of the trailer attached, but it has almost no sag (as expected).

I put a WiFi camera in the back window of the camper and use it for a rear-view mirror replacement. I just used a suction cup camera mount, and attached a round steel plate to it. The camera's magnets hold it securely.

Rampage Wireless Backup Camera : Cabela's

Now, backing up such a short camper is another issue entirely...

 

[Mindflex]

I towed around 4000lbs for about 200 miles with no issues at all. I just downshifted when appropriate. People on here probably think that's stupid of me but I felt very confident in how my 4Runner performed.

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Thanks for the info! Did you have any special equipment installed or surge or electronic breaks?

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[Mindflex]

Titanpat had some good advise for you in his reply.

I had a Bayliner Trophy 1802 on a trailer with surge brakes that towed fine for short distances. I did take it from Key West, FL to Yuma, AZ without any issues, but the surge brakes did make for some scary braking situations. Pictured below was the boat loaded and sat at 4800lbs (3500 without cargo). I didn't have aorbags at the time so the rear did squat.



Here is my 16x7' trailer fitted with weight distribution hitch and airbags, and electronic brake controller. Final weight was approx 6100lbs... it towed just fine and the electronic brakes saved my bacon.

When you pulled the boat and had scary surgr brake situations. Can you elaborate on what occurred there?

Thanks so much for the reply. Have not done any pulling so this is very helpful.

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[Mindflex]

Couple things for you guys towing "regular" boats...many with trailers that have 15/16" wheels to remember...

OP says it's a 24' pontoon boat...so that means the trailer is every bit of 30'. I'm sure the trailer is double axle.....but IIRC...Most of the trailers have small tires, which spin a hell of lot faster then the truck wheels. That means more heat, bearing maintenance (dipping in and out of water), proper loading because of the length, it's a whole nother' ball of wax.

I'd stay at a minimum 12-15% tongue weight. If your estimate is correct of total weight of #2750 combined weight of trailer and boat...so you're in the #400 range for tongue weight. Airbags would be a nice upgrade if you're planning on towing any distance. Proper loading is paramount to insure proper handling on a trailer that long...wonky shit can happen in an emergency/evasive maneuver.

Towing responsibly means taking into consideration your safety, as well as the safety of the mom with 3 kids next to you in the minivan heading down the road.

It's all on you to insure that....don't take anything for granted.

Excellent advice which I take seriously. Correct in that the trailer is dual axle with surge brakes on one axle.

I have to confirm the wheel size (picking up this Friday).

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[FlightMedic303]

Thanks for the info! Did you have any special equipment installed or surge or electronic breaks?

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Nothing special.. No trailer brakes, just cautious driving.