First and definitely not last Post

[toyotatech84]

Hello now fellow 4runner amigos, My name is Bryan. I just got a 07 black on black sports edition v6 on saturday. I love it and plan on keeping it for 10+yrs. But my first challenge has risen, My girlfriends sister is moving from the Quad Cities to St. Louis for schooling and she asked if i can hook up a trailer to my truck. I have the factory Hitch but ive never towed anything ive always had cars/sedans...What do i need to tow a small size u-haul trailer and what should i be on the look out for? i know obviously braking distance will increase, got that. I know fuel mileage will obviously go down. Ive been searching for a few hours now and thats all i have found. Please help.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

First off welcome and secondly the only thing I can add to what you already know is load the heavy stuff towards the front of the trailer will make it pull better and won't cause the trailer to sway as much

 

[jpless]

one thing i learned recently was to put in in 4th when towing. This actually turns off the OverDrive and keeps wear down on the tranny. I can't find the link to the thread about it but it also says that on the sticker in the driver's door jamb. Not that D wouldn't do it (that's what I used the first few times for light towing before I found out) but I assume it's better over time and since you plan to keep it a while, start off on the right foot

another thing is a brake controller (if the trailer has electronic brakes). If you're towing a trailer like this, a brake controller is a great idea and reduces the strain on your t4r even further. Unfortunately, my boat trailer doesn't have this capability but then again I only tow under 2 miles each way a couple times a summer.

AND LASTLY...WELCOME, it's a great place to be when you own a t4r.

 

[8086bruce]

Welcome and congrats on the new rig! As others have said put er in 4th and go!

 

[toyotatech84]

Awesome thanks guys.

 

[RickC]

First off welcome and secondly the only thing I can add to what you already know is load the heavy stuff towards the front of the trailer will make it pull better and won't cause the trailer to sway as much

I have to disagree with this. If you load all the heavy stuff on the front of the trailer, it will cause more weight on the rear of the tow vehicle. If this weight is too much, it will cause the front end to be light and makes it a b*&% to steer. I try to weight the trailer over the axle of the trailer. But you want everything fairly level meaning the weight should be as evenly distributed as possible.

I pull a 14ft trailer with mine with ATVs on it, with no issues.

 

[d2huffman]

Regarding loading - it should be distributed in trailer so load is to the axle. Uhaul type trailers that need breaking will usually have a hitch mount brake assist if needed. On flat road I still use D with trailer but shift down on grades. You can shift down going down hill also to reduce brake use. Watch your speed as it is easy to get going faster than is good. Assuming an enclosed trailer, wind gusts will create havic if not carefull. Make sure your tires are at proper pressure on truck - I use 35 for any load or trailer situation with stock tire type/size. Watch the tack and temp on hills - downshift to 3 if it starts searching and back off on speed. Make sure your radiator is clean and check if lots of bugs.

 

[EDness]

I've towed 6x12 enclosed uhaul trailer a few times and it's actually very easy to tow. It has hydraulic brakes so braking's not really that much of a problem.

Drive slower and brake earlier...don't stress it. The 4runner can take the load.

 

[d2huffman]

You will want to get the feel of those hydraulic brakes on the trailer right off the bat. How you brake affects how they brake.