Exceeding Towing Capacity

[Yukon4Runner]

Howdy everyone!

I’m looking at moving a trailer around the yard that would exceed the towing capacity. Couple of hundred yards over level ground at walking speed a couple of times a year.

How overweight before I should be concerned? Any tips to take the extra weight?

Thanks.

 

[robdubbleu]

This opinion comes from ZERO formal knowlege/training/experience, but having said that: I think that would be no problem whatsoever, assuming you're not trying to tow something wayyyyy over the 5,000 pound rating. I think a lot of tow ratings are factoring in the braking capabilities of the vehicle. And at walking speeds, that won't be an issue.

 

[BigCountryT4R]

How much over? Couple 100 yards should be fine if your within 1000 lb of going over. I wouldn't go over any more than that. I've towed with my Nissan Titan with 12k of lb about 5 miles before due to my friends 2500 HD breaking down to get his trailer home. It did fine, but I felt that weight.

Just be cautious and be slow.

 

[A-P-9]

SAE J2807 towing capacity ratings have a decent amount of margin built in, to accommodate the most severe driving conditions. In this situation, 6000 lbs of trailer would likely still be acceptable. Just don't tell your insurance company and you'll be fine.

 

[Jetboy]

Based on the ratio of rated tow capacity to space shuttle used for the Tundra - I'd say about 200,000lbs would be the max I'd try to pull across the yard.

In all seriousness I've pulled a 10,000lb trailer with my 3rd gen 4Runner a few miles. I think my 5th gen would pretty easily pull that much around the yard. I wouldn't want to go much more than maybe 1,000lb on the ball though. I'm not sure how much weight the rear end could really handle without risking damage.

 

[Maingear]

My 2013 towed a M715 with a harbor freight tow bar 70 miles at 45mph.

Tongue weight was zero due to the tow bar. I did it late at night with no traffic - brakes were not an issue because there were no hills and I could coast to a stop.

The published rates are to maintain control at moderate speeds, Do not exceed tongue weight by 150% (dont bottom out your rear springs to the stops) and make sure your ball‘s tight!

How about a pic of what your towing?

 

[wcjeep]

At idle speed towing I would be concerned about excessive tongue weight breaking the hitch.

 

[nglayton]

Are the front wheels still touching the ground? Okay, I think you're good.

 

[Cadesun]

I pull my 5,500lbs (trailered weight) Nautique in and out of the water and around my lakehouse from time to time. Just go slow. As stated above, watch your tongue weight.

 

[gainman]

Depends on how much over. If it is in a yard I would be extra careful bucause a dip or bump will put alot of stress on the drivetrain

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

 

[MTN4RNR]

It's all about the tongue weight if we are talking about overloading a 4R on private property. You can drag a lot of weight if it's just dragging it (provided you have the traction to do so) and there is limited tongue weight. But your capacity for weight at the receiver is definitely a limiting factor. At a certain weight you will bend or break components on the 4Runner if the tongue weight of your trailer is too high. Tongue weight will also affect your steering ability, and above all your total weight will affect your stopping ability. So plan accordingly if you do decide to weigh down your 4R, and stay off of public roads :thumb3: