Anyone else towing a travel trailer with a 5th generation 4Runner?

[wcjeep]

OP, looks like you need mirror extensions.

Check owners guide on manual gear downshift. I prefer engine braking for hill descents. This keeps service and trailer brakes cold for an emergency stop. Cold brakes are good. Hotbrakes liquify.

Carry an infrared heat gun to occasionally check brake pad temps. The sunny side of the vehicle is usually 10 deg warmer. Consider max tire pres on the rear tires. Monitoring tranny temp sounds like a good idea.

Place brake controller where you can reach it during an emergency. Do not place at bottom of the dash. Really important if the trailer wags the dog.

 

[khumbu76]

I was towing an R-pod (approx 3500lbs) and the engine struggled a bit on some of the bigger mountain passes around here in SW CO. But, it did great on the flats.

 

[rotorwind]

I just bought a 4runner. I have a 17 foot camp trailer that is 4200 empty. I used to tow it with my tundra. I'm guessing I'll need to sell it and get something lighter. Rarely use it so no big deal.

 

[spartacus]

I just bought a 4runner. I have a 17 foot camp trailer that is 4200 empty. I used to tow it with my tundra. I'm guessing I'll need to sell it and get something lighter. Rarely use it so no big deal.

Mountain passes I manually shifted my 5th Gen I had a Lance 15ft and it got close to 4000 lbs with the airconditioner install. teconsha p3 brake controller, fast way e2 round bar weight distribution hitch, and rear airbags helped immensely but cross winds on highway were disconcerting specially when going pass big rigs or them going passed us. Also the mpg sucked. Needless to say we sold it and stay in hotels which is expensive as well.

 

[rooe93]

How did that go for you?

 

[Governor Bud NH]

I installed Tekonsha brake control to tow travel trailer (3000lbs) works great, easy to install. Safer than relying on the truck's brakes even at this low weight.

 

[Governor Bud NH]

Previously we towed our Trillium without brake control. The weight was under 1500 lbs so it was more like towing a uhaul trailer. Always shifted. Did not use Drive.