From 3rd gen to 4th gen...will it tow a horse trailer?

[2003Can4runner]

I made a thread about towing horses with my 3rd gen 4runner probably 6 months ago. At the time, she wanted a small 2 horse trailer to tow two of her ~900lb horses. The trailer was too small, so now shes looking to go bigger...so that means i need to go bigger

She was looking at a horse trailer that weighed approx. 4000lbs, with two horses bringing it up to 5800lbs, plus gear, plus people etc. Would a V8 4runner be able to handle this? I'm aware I would need to get a tranny cooler. I LOVE the new 4runners and the v8s, but I'm somewhat concerned it may not be enough. If it isn't, I'm probably going to be looking at a Titan, seeing as the previous gen. Tundra tows the same as the 4runner.

so, would a v8 4runner comfortably handle a horse trailer with two horses? i'm not sure on the length, but it can't be much longer than...16 or 18ft?

thanks!

 

[2003Can4runner]

no insight guys?

 

[GYoter]

Rating on the v8 is 7000lbs. Plus the V8 comes with a tranny cooler stock. Should be ok, tho I have no experience towing this much, ive gone up to about 3500.

 

[gonzo]

the 4runner could tow it, but there are certainly other vehicles out there that are better equiped for this type of towing. i guess the determining factors for me would be how often i tow the horses and how far. if it is just an occasionaly tow within a couple hours drive, i'd certainly be comfortable with the 4runner.

 

[boston_kevin]

Towing horses and towing a static load in a trailer are different types of towing. Where the 4Runner may be able to tow that weight, horses are constantly shifting weight on their feet, and sometimes get a little spooked in the trailer which causes some level of sway in the trailer. I think the 4Runner could handle the weight, but the width of the vehicle could be a downfall when these animals shift back and forth. If you are towing short distances infrequently, I would say you would probably be fine. If you are towing at highway speeds for longer periods or more frequently, I'd suggest a Tundra.

 

[peter78]

I'd suggest a Tundra.

You mentioned you might get a Titan. If you don't get a 4Runner, I would look at a Tundra, even a Ford or GMC truck. Titan has been having reliability troubles. Consumer Reports slams it. Consumer Reports even mentioned that the 10 most likey cars NOT to reach 200,000 miles and one of them was the Titan. Sometimes you can take what Consumer Reports says with a grain of salt, but I thought I would metion it.

 

[Koz]

If you get the OEM auto rear air suspension and add a Hensley Arrow sway system you will be fine.

http://www.hensleymfg.com/whatisthearrow.html

Koz

 

[2003Can4runner]

Thanks guys! I don't think I'll be towing TOO many times, with the majority being within town. We may take them camping for some trail rides, but its only a 45min drive. I doubt we will go much farther. I would like to look at a NEW tundra but they are out of my reach. The previous gen. tundra doesn't do anything for me, and still has the same towing capacity. I think the 4runner will be perfect.

I've been reading lots on the Titan and it is kinda scaring me a little bit. I've had 0 issues with my current 4runner and I love not having to worry about it.