Damsel in Distress--Towing Q's

N

nikole

New member
:confused:
Gotta question for ya....

I have a 2001 4Runner SR5 4X4 with the "tow package". I am looking to purchase a Bantam B17 Trail lite camper that weighs 2270 dry weight.

Manual says I can tow 5000#s so I am well within limits.

I have been reading over a previous post regarding hauling a car and am more confused then ever!;):

So in your honest opinion what do I need? Please list brands you recommend and where you would purchase them from along with difficulty level. I am sorta handy when it comes to working on cars and would like to tackle this myself. (My dad and I worked on a 48 chevy pickup and a 65 ford T-bird to full resoration as a kid) It would be a nice little project to undertake for old times sake.

But if you would advise otherwise I am not opposed to having a RV dealer install.

Any info/opinions are much appreciated! Mwah!
 
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pretty sure

that they're talking about towing a car ON a trailer, right? If so, that trailer has to be very heavy duty to haul such a load. The trailer may weigh close to as much as the car. And a lot of cars weigh
3,500- 4,000lbs.
You will never even know that 2,000lb trailer is back there. (except when you back up) :D
 
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You might do some Googling for that trailer. I did a quick one and what most people mention is that that trailer is geared towards easy towing for cars and minivans. They mention sway issues due to low tongue weights. Sounds like you're probably good to go with the tow package you have and front loading the trailer to decrease sway.
 
Thanks!

I haven't towed anything before but thought it was a good idea to check with you experts in the interim!

SO basically I need a 2" ball. Would you reccommend a Prodigy braking system or does something like that already exist on the camper/4Runner? Air bags for the coils? Weight Distribution item? Anti-sway bar? Me to shut the heck up and let you boys get back to man questions?.....Don't respond to that last one!
 
nikole said:
Thanks!

I haven't towed anything before but thought it was a good idea to check with you experts in the interim!

SO basically I need a 2" ball. Would you reccommend a Prodigy braking system or does something like that already exist on the camper/4Runner? Air bags for the coils? Weight Distribution item? Anti-sway bar? Me to shut the heck up and let you boys get back to man questions?.....Don't respond to that last one!
Click to expand...

Talk to the dealer. If the trailer has surge brakes then you won't need much other than the correct plug in to the trailer. If the trailer has electric brakes then you'll need a brake controller. I couldn't find the actual website for the trailer manufacturer or else I'm sure they'd list which brakes, if any, the trailer has.

Air bags maybe. Weight distribution probably not.

The dealer ought to let you give the trailer a test tow. They should at least hook it up to see how your 4R handles the tongue load.
 
flatlands?

If you aren't pulling in the mountains all the time, you won't need any trailer brakes at all,but I'm guessing the trailer will be setup with one of the two, which is better, and needed for heavier loads for sure. Then too, that's probably empty trailer weight, or does it include filled water tanks and such? You do end up putting quite a bit of weight INTO it with all the stuff we carry. 1,000lbs probably not out of the question.
I pulled 2,-3,000lb trailers many times with my Tacoma (4 cyl and much lighter) with never a problem. Obviously careful driving and increased distance separation, etc, but really, you won't feel it one bit when you are driving.

Post back when you do pull it. :bigok:
 
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Your 4Runner should tow that sized camper fine...

Towing adds a dimension of seriousness concerning tire safety due to the extra weight. Make sure your 4Runner tires are good and properly inflated (including the spare!) Make sure you have a full spare for the trailer too.

You mentioned the Prodigy controller, they rock! The model that progressively applies the brakes is worth every penny IMHO.

Good Luck! :cheers:
 
How often are you going to be towing? If this will be a regular thing, I'd highly suggest a transmission cooler. With your background in auto mechanics, it shouldn't be that hard. Hayden is the brand you should be looking at. The factory Toyota cooler's aren't worth the money or time. Also, change out fluids for synthetic. Perhaps do the Tundra brake upgrade, too, if needs be. Or at least get some ceramic pads.
 
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