I didn't find a lot of people using their 4Runner to tow before I decided to do this and I did find a lot of "get a real truck if you want to tow" sentiment. I went ahead and did this anyhow because it seemed to me that it would be fine if I followed the weight guidelines from Toyota. I bought a Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Controller and a Blue Ok weight distribution hitch to make my towing experience as good as it could be. So far I like the way it tows. I'll post more after some longer trips in case anyone else is thinking of a 4Runner as a tow vehicle.
Anyone else towing a travel trailer with a 5th generation 4Runner?
- Thread starter NPRDan
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
outdoorbound
New member
Funny, I was just posting something about me wanting to get a Tundra because my 2018 4Runner feels extremely underpowered when I tow my 2,400 lbs camper trailer in the mountains. What's the weight of your trailer? I love everything about the 4Runner, but revving at 4,000 RPM and still only doing 50mph up an incline in the Sierras drives me nuts. I wish it had an additional 100 HP.
C
Crikeymike
Guest
I've been looking into this a lot too, just to see if it's a good option or not.
A pop-up seems like the best route for me, for aerodynamics and weight
A pop-up seems like the best route for me, for aerodynamics and weight
flashinthepan
New member
I tow a 3000 lb North River boat. 3000 lbs. with my 2018 T4R LTD
No problem over the passes. I did have Aamco install a transmission cooler.
Keeps the temps good all summer.
No problem over the passes. I did have Aamco install a transmission cooler.
Keeps the temps good all summer.
SuperfastMatt
New member
Does the engine feel like it is working too hard? every time I tow 2000lb I feel like it is too high in the revs. Maybe it's just me.
theAdmiralPhD
New member
I move my buddies 4,400 lb ice trailer around the lot without much problem, but that isn't highway speed, I wouldn't tow something this large anywhere near highway speeds with this much load unless it was an emergency.
Sent from my S61 using Tapatalk
Sent from my S61 using Tapatalk
brookester
New member
A supercharger would be cheaper than buying a new truck I would think.
[email protected]
New member
I'm looking into doing the exact same thing, but I can't seem to find out if my 2006 built in Japan, SR5 has a built in wire harness. It didn't come with a tow package (I'm the second owner), so I am thinking of installing a Draw Tight hitch receiver. Any thoughts? And what has been your experience so far?
rsquaredatx
New member
I'd be curious on feedback on the blue ok WDH. I've been in the market and haven't picked one yet.
I towed with my 2000 V6 4x4 4Runner. It was a 21' ForestRiver. I installed an additional transmission cooler inline with the radiator cooler for peace of mind.
Never had an issue hauling over the cascade range to the high desert or to the beach. Didn't do a lot of it, but it was 2-4 hours one-way per trip. The biggest thing I noticed was that while I was towing my 4Runner needed to stop at a gas station in every other town as I could watch the fuel level drop.
I never had a problem, used a weight distro hitch and the brake controller was super easy to install, as the wiring harness was easy enough to find and connect into.
Never had an issue hauling over the cascade range to the high desert or to the beach. Didn't do a lot of it, but it was 2-4 hours one-way per trip. The biggest thing I noticed was that while I was towing my 4Runner needed to stop at a gas station in every other town as I could watch the fuel level drop.
I never had a problem, used a weight distro hitch and the brake controller was super easy to install, as the wiring harness was easy enough to find and connect into.
The Woodsmith
New member
Tugging with 6th Gen 4Runner
To NPRDAN, we pull our small Lance trailer with our 2015 Limited and we are pretty happy. We live in Eastern Washington and there is the Cascade Range to deal with there. But unless we’re pulling over the North Cascades Highway which is very steep for a very long time, we really don’t have issues. The dry weight is 2495 lbs and the GVWR is 3750 lbs. The rig shifts down and we run with pretty high revs for a bit but never any overheating issues even in 90+ heat.
We camped through southern Utah this spring and there were some steep grades there too. Luckily for us, we’re retired and just have to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
The only mod I’ve done is to install air bags on the rear shocks which takes the sag out of the rear end and keeps us nice and level. I have no issues with sway.
To NPRDAN, we pull our small Lance trailer with our 2015 Limited and we are pretty happy. We live in Eastern Washington and there is the Cascade Range to deal with there. But unless we’re pulling over the North Cascades Highway which is very steep for a very long time, we really don’t have issues. The dry weight is 2495 lbs and the GVWR is 3750 lbs. The rig shifts down and we run with pretty high revs for a bit but never any overheating issues even in 90+ heat.
We camped through southern Utah this spring and there were some steep grades there too. Luckily for us, we’re retired and just have to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
The only mod I’ve done is to install air bags on the rear shocks which takes the sag out of the rear end and keeps us nice and level. I have no issues with sway.
Attachments
Similar threads
