Cross country towing

[STLDAVE]

Looking at purchasing a pop up travel trailer that weighs 2300 lbs. empty (probably 3000 lbs. loaded). I'm concerned about how the TE will do towing this thing across the country and in the mountains of Colorado. Anybody regularly tow something comparable on long trips? Any advise?

 

[LandCruiser]

I'm probably going to piss a lot of people off, but my opinion on towing is that it should be done with a long wheelbase vehicle with a dedicated transmission cooler and tow-haul mode (it's called a pickup truck).

Or in other words, if you plan on towing regularly, you probably shouldn't have bought a 4Runner.

I don't think the 4Runner is robust enough for long distance hauling, mostly my concerns are whether the transmission will cook in the hills and mountains.

 

[simonj]

I'm probably going to piss a lot of people off, but my opinion on towing is that it should be done with a long wheelbase vehicle with a dedicated transmission cooler and tow-haul mode (it's called a pickup truck).

Or in other words, if you plan on towing regularly, you probably shouldn't have bought a 4Runner.

I don't think the 4Runner is robust enough for long distance hauling, mostly my concerns are whether the transmission will cook in the hills and mountains.

Did you read the OP's post? Its a pop up tent trailer. He's not trying to tow a 35' Taj Mahal.

OP, you'll be fine. Make sure you get a good brake controller and use manual mode (4th gear) and the truck will tow like a champ.

 

[stanleybb50]

Did you read the OP's post? Its a pop up tent trailer. He's not trying to tow a 35' Taj Mahal.

OP, you'll be fine. Make sure you get a good brake controller and use manual mode (4th gear) and the truck will tow like a champ.

100% agree. No issues what so ever.

 

[buchaja]

At least get the optional transmission cooler installed. Especially for towing through the Rocky Mountains. My $0.02.

 

[stanleybb50]

At least get the optional transmission cooler installed. Especially for towing through the Rocky Mountains. My $0.02.

Yes - good call. Or install aftermarket one such as B&M. Like the 70264. For piece of mind if nothing else.

 

[Jeremy556]

I pull an enclosed trailer quite a bit with the T4R, including pulling it from Atlanta to Grand Junction, at a bit over 5K pounds. It is also tall and a huge air brake which you won't have to deal with on a popup. You may want to get some airbags or a WD hitch if it is a single axle.

Over the front range, you'll be in 3rd gear mainly, but it does fine.

 

[Biggcrisp]

V6 maybe you want a V8

Looking at purchasing a pop up travel trailer that weighs 2300 lbs. empty (probably 3000 lbs. loaded). I'm concerned about how the TE will do towing this thing across the country and in the mountains of Colorado. Anybody regularly tow something comparable on long trips? Any advise?

We need to know the speed you plan on traveling?

The 4runner does just fine running 55-65 mph while towing.

Having said this ^ most people try to run 70-80 mph even when towing.

I've also noticed - the bigger the truck, the bigger the camp trailer seems to be. This logic throws the wheelbase argument out the window lol. The 4runner is heavy and up to the task (at a safe speed). Also remember that most semi trucks run 65-70 mph yet may only run 40 mph up a grade. So as long as your in no hurry it's really a matter of your own ability and comfort level.

 

[STLDAVE]

At least get the optional transmission cooler installed. Especially for towing through the Rocky Mountains. My $0.02.

Yes - good call. Or install aftermarket one such as B&M. Like the 70264. For piece of mind if nothing else.

When you say "optional" I think of something from Toyota. Is there an "optional" tranny cooler, other than aftermarket?

 

[LandCruiser]

We need to know the speed you plan on traveling?

The 4runner does just fine running 55-65 mph while towing.

Having said this ^ most people try to run 70-80 mph even when towing.

I've also noticed - the bigger the truck, the bigger the camp trailer seems to be. This logic throws the wheelbase argument out the window lol. The 4runner is heavy and up to the task (at a safe speed). Also remember that most semi trucks run 65-70 mph yet may only run 40 mph up a grade. So as long as your in no hurry it's really a matter of your own ability and comfort level.

Long wheelbase improves stability, the longer the smoother the entire rig will be on the highway, the safer the braking performance. If you don't believe it, just hitch up a trailer to a 1500/2500 pickup or a 4Runner back to back and see for yourself.

One of the reasons I never sold my Sierra 2500 HD 4x4 farm truck is because I tow, a lot. Whether it's a tractor, my FJ80, my Boston Whaler, or a small camper, I log more miles than I want to with something hitched up.

I recently towed a twin axle yard trailer with my riding mower, two dirt bikes, and some other crap in it with my 4Runner because the truck was at the farm and I didn't feel like driving to get it. The whole trailer couldn't have weighed more than 2500 pounds. At 70mph the 4Runner is all over the place. I have to be careful when I stop, crosswinds are a *****, and you can forget acceleration.

The GMC with its 6L V8 doesn't drive any differently with a small (I think 5000 pounds is small) trailer in tow. It accelerates, stops, and cruises at 70-75 comfortably. It will stampede up a hill without wheezing out of power and can bring the entire thing to a halt in case some moron in a Civic cuts in front of you and slams on the brakes--remember that long wheelbase thing?

4th gear in "S" is not like tow-haul which changes the behavior of the shifts to prevent hunting and overheating. It also makes sure that there's always some engine braking at lower speeds so you're never coasting along. The 4Runner doesn't even have a transmission temperature gauge and the transmission isn't a heavy duty unit designed for towing, nor does it have a cooler. It reminds me of the little guy who can lift as much as the big guys, but hurts himself in the process of showing off.

The 4Runner is NOT a tow vehicle. I wouldn't go "cross country towing" with it for safety, practicality, and comfort reasons. End of story. If you want to tow a camper all over the place you really should have picked another truck.

 

[stanleybb50]

When you say "optional" I think of something from Toyota. Is there an "optional" tranny cooler, other than aftermarket?

Heck - I could sell you my 4th Gen v8 factory cooler!

But the dealer should have something "new" from toyota. Should have something that fits the lines for the Taco with a towing package, or a 4th Gen v8, or a Sequoia, or Tundra.

Long wheelbase improves stability, the longer the smoother the entire rig will be on the highway, the safer the braking performance. If you don't believe it, just hitch up a trailer to a 1500/2500 pickup or a 4Runner back to back and see for yourself.

One of the reasons I never sold my Sierra 2500 HD 4x4 farm truck is because I tow, a lot. Whether it's a tractor, my FJ80, my Boston Whaler, or a small camper, I log more miles than I want to with something hitched up.

I recently towed a twin axle yard trailer with my riding mower, two dirt bikes, and some other crap in it with my 4Runner because the truck was at the farm and I didn't feel like driving to get it. The whole trailer couldn't have weighed more than 2500 pounds. At 70mph the 4Runner is all over the place. I have to be careful when I stop, crosswinds are a *****, and you can forget acceleration.

The GMC with its 6L V8 doesn't drive any differently with a small (I think 5000 pounds is small) trailer in tow. It accelerates, stops, and cruises at 70-75 comfortably. It will stampede up a hill without wheezing out of power and can bring the entire thing to a halt in case some moron in a Civic cuts in front of you and slams on the brakes--remember that long wheelbase thing?

4th gear in "S" is not like tow-haul which changes the behavior of the shifts to prevent hunting and overheating. It also makes sure that there's always some engine braking at lower speeds so you're never coasting along. The 4Runner doesn't even have a transmission temperature gauge and the transmission isn't a heavy duty unit designed for towing, nor does it have a cooler. It reminds me of the little guy who can lift as much as the big guys, but hurts himself in the process of showing off.

The 4Runner is NOT a tow vehicle. I wouldn't go "cross country towing" with it for safety, practicality, and comfort reasons. End of story. If you want to tow a camper all over the place you really should have picked another truck.

Well - my 4th Gen v8 does just fine with the weight dist hitch and bake controller on my 21.5 ft trailer going 70 mph - done through a storm and felt 100% comfy at 60 mph. 5th gen is longer, and a popular camper? We're taking about a pop up here... C'mon.. Lol - telling him he needs a different truck to tow a pop up?

Can a 4th or 5th gen tow what a diesel 2500 can tow? No way. Does it tow as easy? No way. Do I want to drive a 3/4 ton diesel all year as my DD just so I can tow more comfortably a couple times a year? Absolutely not... Not to mention the cost of one of those things and gas mileage all year....

 

[simonj]

4Runner has a tranny cooler.

And no, driving in S mode 4th gear isn't the same as a dedicated tow/haul mode, but it prevents going into O/D, which we all know is a no no for towing.

If the 4Runner wasn't designed for towing anything, why is there a 7 pin connector? Why is there a trailer brake pre-wire?

Bottom line, is a 4Runner as capable as a 2500HD? Heck no. Can it tow a pop-up camper with relative ease and absolute safety? Darn straight.

 

[4Run4YourLife]

4Runner has a tranny cooler.

And no, driving in S mode 4th gear isn't the same as a dedicated tow/haul mode, but it prevents going into O/D, which we all know is a no no for towing.

If the 4Runner wasn't designed for towing anything, why is there a 7 pin connector? Why is there a trailer brake pre-wire?

Bottom line, is a 4Runner as capable as a 2500HD? Heck no. Can it tow a pop-up camper with relative ease and absolute safety? Darn straight.

Agree with everything expect the statement in bold. I don't believe the 5th Gens come with a tranny cooler in the U.S.

 

[Yogi56]

The GMC with its 6L V8 doesn't drive any differently with a small (I think 5000 pounds is small) trailer in tow. It accelerates, stops, and cruises at 70-75 comfortably. It will stampede up a hill without wheezing out of power and can bring the entire thing to a halt in case some moron in a Civic cuts in front of you and slams on the brakes--remember that long wheelbase thing?

That's non- sense. Apparently your GMC defies all laws of physics. Towing is like drinking, moderation makes for a good time. A 3,000 pop up trailer will tow just fine behind a 5th gen anywhere you want. If you approach the tow limit of any vehicle, then you have to adjust your driving style to account for the weight.

 

[lezavw90]

Toyota follows the Sae J2807 towing standard if the 5th gen is rated for 5000lbs it's because of this standard and will tow 5000lbs without issue.

For those unfamiliar with this standard I would google it and read up on it. This standard puts the vehicle through way more hell than we probably ever will. After reading the criteria to meet this standard I would have no problem towing up to 5000lbs with this vehicle.

 

[4Run4YourLife]

Toyota follows the Sae J2807 towing standard if the 5th gen is rated for 5000lbs it's because of this standard and will tow 5000lbs without issue.

For those unfamiliar with this standard I would google it and read up on it. This standard puts the vehicle through way more hell than we probably ever will. After reading the criteria to meet this standard I would have no problem towing up to 5000lbs with this vehicle.

Did the 4runner just start doing this in 2013 for the 4runner? The rating is down 300lbs to 4700lbs. This could be the 150lb each for the driver and passenger as per the SAE J2807 requirements.

Per Toyota's site:
"Towing capability
When you live an active lifestyle, sooner or later you may need to tow something. Fortunately, all 4Runner grades come with an integrated towing receiver hitch, a wiring harness with 4- and 7-pin connectors, and a tow rating of up to 4700 lbs.11"
http://www.toyota.com/4runner/#!/features

 

[Titanpat57]

4Runner has a tranny cooler.

And no, driving in S mode 4th gear isn't the same as a dedicated tow/haul mode, but it prevents going into O/D, which we all know is a no no for towing.

If the 4Runner wasn't designed for towing anything, why is there a 7 pin connector? Why is there a trailer brake pre-wire?

Bottom line, is a 4Runner as capable as a 2500HD? Heck no. Can it tow a pop-up camper with relative ease and absolute safety? Darn straight.

In total agreement with this. I'm a huge proponent of towing safely, so I certainly respect Landcruiser's stance on this, and feel he has valuable input.

Waaay to many people think you hook up and go, and don't understand towing dynamics, and the ramifications of not towing safely. I too come from lifelong towing experience, but most of it was was duallys and one ton trucks(V-8's, V-10)...since owning the 4R, I have never felt that the truck was not a capable truck (although I haven't towed through the Rockies, so I can't comment on that)

I regularly tow a 2500 lbs camper, and although it's half the rated capacity of the 4R, I still always try to allow ample stopping room, longer passing room, and just apply common sense. Obviously, you can't predict what the other guy has in store for you, but by taking all the proper steps, you're towing experience can be a good one. The name of the game is to get there and get back in one piece.

EDIT...StlDave...if you have LT's on the truck, that will also help to (in my opinion) dramatically improve your towing experience..

 

[1engineer]

Long wheelbase improves stability, the longer the smoother the entire rig will be on the highway, the safer the braking performance. If you don't believe it, just hitch up a trailer to a 1500/2500 pickup or a 4Runner back to back and see for yourself.

One of the reasons I never sold my Sierra 2500 HD 4x4 farm truck is because I tow, a lot. Whether it's a tractor, my FJ80, my Boston Whaler, or a small camper, I log more miles than I want to with something hitched up.

I recently towed a twin axle yard trailer with my riding mower, two dirt bikes, and some other crap in it with my 4Runner because the truck was at the farm and I didn't feel like driving to get it. The whole trailer couldn't have weighed more than 2500 pounds. At 70mph the 4Runner is all over the place. I have to be careful when I stop, crosswinds are a *****, and you can forget acceleration.

The GMC with its 6L V8 doesn't drive any differently with a small (I think 5000 pounds is small) trailer in tow. It accelerates, stops, and cruises at 70-75 comfortably. It will stampede up a hill without wheezing out of power and can bring the entire thing to a halt in case some moron in a Civic cuts in front of you and slams on the brakes--remember that long wheelbase thing?

4th gear in "S" is not like tow-haul which changes the behavior of the shifts to prevent hunting and overheating. It also makes sure that there's always some engine braking at lower speeds so you're never coasting along. The 4Runner doesn't even have a transmission temperature gauge and the transmission isn't a heavy duty unit designed for towing, nor does it have a cooler. It reminds me of the little guy who can lift as much as the big guys, but hurts himself in the process of showing off.

The 4Runner is NOT a tow vehicle. I wouldn't go "cross country towing" with it for safety, practicality, and comfort reasons. End of story. If you want to tow a camper all over the place you really should have picked another truck.

Oh my, I had better go trade my 4Runner in immediately according to this guy!

Captain Obvious, of course a decent pickup truck will tow better than a 6 cyl SUV. That was NOT the OP's question though. Geez dude.

Dave, of course the 4Runner will tow that camper just fine. You will have to adjust your driving a little is all as braking and acceleration will be much different. I towed 4,600 lbs a little over 2K miles with mine and had no problems. The transmission cooler is nice insurance but I did my towing bone stock. Now, if you are going to tow 5K every weekend over the Rockies then I would re-evaluate my tow vehicle. As a general every now and then vehicle the 4Runner tows as well as any other V6 gas SUV.

According to Captain Obvious you had better just trade the thing and buy a Chevy Duramax 2500 that is good for pulling 20K lbs to pull your little pop up. Geez, why do you post here [MENTION=92049]LandCruiser[/MENTION]? Most people actually like the 4Runner that post here. You like Land Cruisers and pickup trucks. I'm sure there is a forum better suited for your tastes than this one.

 

[4Run4YourLife]

Oh my, I had better go trade my 4Runner in immediately according to this guy!

Captain Obvious, of course a decent pickup truck will tow better than a 6 cyl SUV. That was NOT the OP's question though. Geez dude.

Dave, of course the 4Runner will tow that camper just fine. You will have to adjust your driving a little is all as braking and acceleration will be much different. I towed 4,600 lbs a little over 2K miles with mine and had no problems. The transmission cooler is nice insurance but I did my towing bone stock. Now, if you are going to tow 5K every weekend over the Rockies then I would re-evaluate my tow vehicle. As a general every now and then vehicle the 4Runner tows as well as any other V6 gas SUV.

According to Captain Obvious you had better just trade the thing and buy a Chevy Duramax 2500 that is good for pulling 20K lbs to pull your little pop up. Geez, why do you post here [MENTION=92049]LandCruiser[/MENTION]? Most people actually like the 4Runner that post here. You like Land Cruisers and pickup trucks. I'm sure there is a forum better suited for your tastes than this one.

You pretty much nailed it.

 

[Titanpat57]

Oh my, I had better go trade my 4Runner in immediately according to this guy!

Captain Obvious, of course a decent pickup truck will tow better than a 6 cyl SUV. That was NOT the OP's question though. Geez dude.

Dave, of course the 4Runner will tow that camper just fine. You will have to adjust your driving a little is all as braking and acceleration will be much different. I towed 4,600 lbs a little over 2K miles with mine and had no problems. The transmission cooler is nice insurance but I did my towing bone stock. Now, if you are going to tow 5K every weekend over the Rockies then I would re-evaluate my tow vehicle. As a general every now and then vehicle the 4Runner tows as well as any other V6 gas SUV.

According to Captain Obvious you had better just trade the thing and buy a Chevy Duramax 2500 that is good for pulling 20K lbs to pull your little pop up. Geez, why do you post here [MENTION=92049]LandCruiser[/MENTION]? Most people actually like the 4Runner that post here. You like Land Cruisers and pickup trucks. I'm sure there is a forum better suited for your tastes than this one.

Captain Obvious??