Early V8 Towing Capacity?

[MACT4R]

Is this the factory transmission cooler (looks like a mini radiator in front of the large main engine radiator)?

That's the cooler. Tow capacity is rated by tow package. Early v8 like mine is only rated around 5500 due to class hitch but they added the class 3 hitch I believe starting 04 rated at 7200#. I've seen them on sport edition.

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[gbouton]

OK, I'll look tomorrow when it's daylight.

I'm planning on towing a 4,730 lbs dry-weight trailer (never did this before) from Virginia to Texas in the near future. So I want to make sure my 4Runner is up for the task.

I think the towing capacity specs for the 2007 V8 is 7,000 lbs.
...Hope it has a factory transmission cooler.
...Planning to get a trailer brake controller. I'm assuming the cabling and connector are already there for it under the dash, I'll look for that tomorrow also.
...Anything else I need? Bigger brakes all-around for the vehicle itself?

This is the trailer I'm thinking of towing to Texas:
Keystone Passport 23RB Ultra-Lite

2007 V8 should have the transmission cooler as standard equipment.

You will need the brake controller, and yes the connector/port is already there for it, just above and to the left of the brake pedal near the left kick panel. If the harness connector (to connect the brake controller to the port under the dash) that came with the truck isn't there, you can get a new one from the dealer or e-trailer...or some brake controllers will include one if you buy a 4Runner-specific model. The Prodigy brake controllers are a great option to consider. As long as your trailer brakes and the controller and working properly, you should be fine with the standard brakes...no need to upgrade in my opinion.

Will you be using a weight distributing hitch with the trailer? With that size trailer, it would definitely be a good idea in order to level out the truck and prevent trailer sway.

The T4R should pull that trailer fine (keep the transmission in "4"), but the frontal area of the trailer will make anything above about 60-65mph feel like pulling a brick wall. But personally I don't like towing faster then that anyway. I would expect about 10 MPG depending on your terrain and speed.

Have a good trip, looks like a nice camper!

-Graham

 

[scottkeen]

2007 V8 should have the transmission cooler as standard equipment. <snip>
-Graham

Thank you! Lots of great info in your reply. Yes, I'm looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 that comes with the 4Runner harness. I just looked for the harness in the car, it's not in the glove box or center console or the storage compartments in the back. So I'll just get the harness that's sold with the Tekonsha kit.

I was watching videos last night on hooking up a WDH, and yes, I will get one of those too when it comes time to get the trailer.

Not looking to go above 65 MPH with a trailer, I drive in the slow-lane as it is anyway.

 

[scottkeen]

That's the cooler. Tow capacity is rated by tow package. Early v8 like mine is only rated around 5500 due to class hitch but they added the class 3 hitch I believe starting 04 rated at 7200#. I've seen them on sport edition.

Thanks for confirming the cooler.

Not sure what a class 3 hitch looks like, but I took this pic of the sticker on my tow hitch. It says it is 7,300 lb GW. Not sure why the difference in tongue weight: "730 lb Tongue Weight Carrying" vs "1,095 lb Tongue Weight Distributing"

My 2007 V8 4WD is a SR5, not Sport. Maybe the previous owner bought the factory tow package upgrade.

 

[MACT4R]

Thanks for confirming the cooler.

Not sure what a class 3 hitch looks like, but I took this pic of the sticker on my tow hitch. It says it is 7,300 lb GW. Not sure why the difference in tongue weight: "730 lb Tongue Weight Carrying" vs "1,095 lb Tongue Weight Distributing"

My 2007 V8 4WD is a SR5, not Sport. Maybe the previous owner bought the factory tow package upgrade.

Kind of hard to see but I think that's class 3. It should be attached to your frame.

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[03v8raleigh]

Thanks for confirming the cooler.

Not sure what a class 3 hitch looks like, but I took this pic of the sticker on my tow hitch. It says it is 7,300 lb GW. Not sure why the difference in tongue weight: "730 lb Tongue Weight Carrying" vs "1,095 lb Tongue Weight Distributing"

My 2007 V8 4WD is a SR5, not Sport. Maybe the previous owner bought the factory tow package upgrade.

That is the biggiest/beefiest hitch that comes on the 4runners so you're good to go (once you get the brake controller). All of the v8's after 2003 came with that one, and those ratings on that sticker are accurate.

 

[cmsafford2009]

Increased towing capacity, Early '03 V-8 Sport

I have an early model '03 Sport V8 (manufacture date of 11/02) with the standard 5000# hitch installed. I do have the tow package; 7-way connector, transmission cooler & hitch receiver. I just bought a 7500# upgrade hitch receiver which I am going to replace the factory installed hitch. The new hitch connects to the frame rails of the chassis instead of just the cross member. I am in the process of purchasing a camper trailer with a dry weight of 4300# with a gross of 6000# although I would NEVER weigh it down that much. I probably will be running around 5200#. The trailer will have a weight distribution hitch w/ integrated sway control. I am also installing a progressive brake controller.

My on only concern is do I need to upgrade the suspension at all? The last thing I want to do is damage the XREAS shock system since only the dealership can replace them. Also, I don't want my rear differential or transmission to be left on the road somewhere when pulling.

Its hard to go against what the vehicle is rated for although I think everyone knows that they were too conservative in giving the V8's the same rating as the V6's. Thanks in advance...

I have pulled other trailers without WD that were much heavier than they should be but since this is a larger purchase and no renting something, I am a bit concerned in killing the vehicle.

 

[CXS]

Is this the factory transmission cooler (looks like a mini radiator in front of the large main engine radiator)?

You've got it!

 

[Powder_Hound]

Thank you! Lots of great info in your reply. Yes, I'm looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 that comes with the 4Runner harness. I just looked for the harness in the car, it's not in the glove box or center console or the storage compartments in the back. So I'll just get the harness that's sold with the Tekonsha kit.

I was watching videos last night on hooking up a WDH, and yes, I will get one of those too when it comes time to get the trailer.

Not looking to go above 65 MPH with a trailer, I drive in the slow-lane as it is anyway.

The plug for your brake controller is located in the wiring behind the dash panel where your steering goes through the dash. Some find it on the right side, and others find it on the left. It's just folded to either side. On the end of the wire is a plug in connector that will attach to your P3 (no additional harness required). If your T4R came with the tow package there will also be a 6/7 pin connector to connect your trailer by your hitch as well.

 

[Powder_Hound]

I have an early model '03 Sport V8 (manufacture date of 11/02) with the standard 5000# hitch installed. I do have the tow package; 7-way connector, transmission cooler & hitch receiver. I just bought a 7500# upgrade hitch receiver which I am going to replace the factory installed hitch. The new hitch connects to the frame rails of the chassis instead of just the cross member. I am in the process of purchasing a camper trailer with a dry weight of 4300# with a gross of 6000# although I would NEVER weigh it down that much. I probably will be running around 5200#. The trailer will have a weight distribution hitch w/ integrated sway control. I am also installing a progressive brake controller.

My on only concern is do I need to upgrade the suspension at all? The last thing I want to do is damage the XREAS shock system since only the dealership can replace them. Also, I don't want my rear differential or transmission to be left on the road somewhere when pulling.

Its hard to go against what the vehicle is rated for although I think everyone knows that they were too conservative in giving the V8's the same rating as the V6's. Thanks in advance...

I have pulled other trailers without WD that were much heavier than they should be but since this is a larger purchase and no renting something, I am a bit concerned in killing the vehicle.

With factory springs and XREAS you might want to consider an Airlift 1000 or Firestone air bag set up to reduce sag. I pulled a 3000 lb pop up and needed to add airbags to help level the load when I was running XREAS and OEM springs.