rclangelan
New member
Mine was a 6 speed manual, double-cab, shortbed, 4x4 TRD Sport. Towed like a champ!
As much as I love the 4Runner, there are a lot of things about that Tacoma that I miss.
~ Ryan
HEAVIEST load towed with 4Runner
- Thread starter supercooper
- Start date
Mine was a 6 speed manual, double-cab, shortbed, 4x4 TRD Sport. Towed like a champ!
As much as I love the 4Runner, there are a lot of things about that Tacoma that I miss.
~ Ryan
supercooper
New member
class III vs. class IV hitch
So, it looks like prior to April 2003, even V8 4Runners were rated to tow 5000lbs. and had the factory "rear cross memeber mounted non-weight distributing hitch". Beginning in April 03, V8 4 Runners were equipped with the TMS accessory Class IV hitch.
Anyone know who makes / made the TMC accessory Class IV hitch? Thru 2009, it appears to have been bundled with the the vehicle features as standard, so isn't so identifiable as an accessory. I guess it was a standard-accessory.
It'll be interesting to see what kind of weight distributing hitch options are / will be available for the 2010. It would seem the 2009 V8's would have a good chance of fitting directly on the same frame attach points as on the 2010.
So, it looks like prior to April 2003, even V8 4Runners were rated to tow 5000lbs. and had the factory "rear cross memeber mounted non-weight distributing hitch". Beginning in April 03, V8 4 Runners were equipped with the TMS accessory Class IV hitch.
Anyone know who makes / made the TMC accessory Class IV hitch? Thru 2009, it appears to have been bundled with the the vehicle features as standard, so isn't so identifiable as an accessory. I guess it was a standard-accessory.
It'll be interesting to see what kind of weight distributing hitch options are / will be available for the 2010. It would seem the 2009 V8's would have a good chance of fitting directly on the same frame attach points as on the 2010.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
IMHO studying the hitch/tow limits of the GX460 would have more relevance. Maybe an '09 hitch would fit, I don't know but I bet the GX has a rating higher than 5k.
Easy to find out at lexus.com: 6500 lb.
Saw this post.
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Automotive manufacturers agreed in 2008 to standardize tow ratings as specified in the SAE's Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J2807 to take effect by 2013. An article dated December 21, 2009 Tow Ratings Finally Pass the Sniff Test - The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - Automobile Magazine in Automobilemag.com gives a good overview of the new standards. Prior to this, manufacturers pretty much advertised whatever tow ratings they wanted, and there was no "apples to apples" comparison between brands or models.
The reason I am posting this information now, is that beginning with the 2010 models, Toyota is using the new SAE tow ratings standards which includes the 2010 5th Gen 4Runner. If you are trying to compare tow ratings between Toyota and other manufacturers, you will have to do the research yourself to see whether the other companies are using the SAE standards or their own numbers since they have until 2013 to comply.
Although the new standards will give a more realistic tow rating and allow this "apples to apples" comparison, it does not speak to the durability and longevity of chassis/power trains/etc. However, for Toyota customers you should understand that Toyota builds in a performance buffer or margin. For example, if Toyota is claiming a 5,000 lbs tow rating, the vehicle is actually engineered and designed for a higher number (5,500 - 6,000 lbs. or whatever---a number for legal reasons Toyota may not want us to know). The vehicle is designed for this higher tow rating, and engineered so that it will tow "X" number of days per year, "X" number of miles per year and perform and last through the warranty period of the vehicle. Then the lawyers figure out the statistical probability of performance and failure for the warrantied life of the vehicle to come up with the final tow rating. So for Toyota it's a two step process were they now meet the SAE standards, but also make sure that the advertised tow rating is well within what the maximum capability of the vehicles actually is. Note: Do not exceed the recommended tow rating of your vehicle, and make sure you are towing smartly and safely, taking all variables into account when you tow. This should just give you some peace of mind that your Toyota was designed for both capability and longevity.
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Automotive manufacturers agreed in 2008 to standardize tow ratings as specified in the SAE's Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J2807 to take effect by 2013. An article dated December 21, 2009 Tow Ratings Finally Pass the Sniff Test - The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - Automobile Magazine in Automobilemag.com gives a good overview of the new standards. Prior to this, manufacturers pretty much advertised whatever tow ratings they wanted, and there was no "apples to apples" comparison between brands or models.
The reason I am posting this information now, is that beginning with the 2010 models, Toyota is using the new SAE tow ratings standards which includes the 2010 5th Gen 4Runner. If you are trying to compare tow ratings between Toyota and other manufacturers, you will have to do the research yourself to see whether the other companies are using the SAE standards or their own numbers since they have until 2013 to comply.
Although the new standards will give a more realistic tow rating and allow this "apples to apples" comparison, it does not speak to the durability and longevity of chassis/power trains/etc. However, for Toyota customers you should understand that Toyota builds in a performance buffer or margin. For example, if Toyota is claiming a 5,000 lbs tow rating, the vehicle is actually engineered and designed for a higher number (5,500 - 6,000 lbs. or whatever---a number for legal reasons Toyota may not want us to know). The vehicle is designed for this higher tow rating, and engineered so that it will tow "X" number of days per year, "X" number of miles per year and perform and last through the warranty period of the vehicle. Then the lawyers figure out the statistical probability of performance and failure for the warrantied life of the vehicle to come up with the final tow rating. So for Toyota it's a two step process were they now meet the SAE standards, but also make sure that the advertised tow rating is well within what the maximum capability of the vehicles actually is. Note: Do not exceed the recommended tow rating of your vehicle, and make sure you are towing smartly and safely, taking all variables into account when you tow. This should just give you some peace of mind that your Toyota was designed for both capability and longevity.
Don't tell us - tell the insurance company and police if you have accident while towing. Lets just say the accident is totally unrelated to the towing, but the cop starts looking at the tow weight that will get interesting.
Lots of states also have the troopers outfitted with "scales" so they can get your tow weight. If you exceed have fun and enjoy.
I love the attitude that the use of the vehicle isn't going to affect what vehicle you drive
charlier180
New member
Funny you mention this. I have my car trailer inspected each year (state safety inspection) at a local RV Dealership. Last year I got to talking with the state certified inspection tech about trailer safety, etc. He told me that the local Pennsylvania State Troopers OFTEN come into their dealership to get trailer weight information. This information is ALWAYS included in their trailer accident investigations. It is also used to determine if the driver of the tow vehicle is cited for violating applicable laws and assessing points & fines.
Heck, the local township I live in (in Eastern Pennsylvania) sets up a weigh/inspection station at LEAST once a MONTH in the Spring/Summer/Fall months.
When in operation, ALL commercial trucks and ALL vehicles pulling a trailer (travel, car, landscape, etc) are REQUIRED to submit to inspection and weighing.
During said inspection the trailer is weighed, current registration, insurance and safety inspection stickers are checked and the condition of the tow vehicle and trailer are also checked. If they find something wrong they make you park your rig and issue you fines. In some cases one is not permitted to move one's rig unless it is brought into compliance with the law. If it requires repairs or inspections the rig must be towed away by a towing service.
BTW, I have had to go through this weigh/inspection station with my 4Runner & Car Trailer so I have first hand experience with this.
That amuses me also. Just like some people who tow good sized trailers with the state minimum insurance coverage. When they have an accident, have state minimum insurance coverage and get sued for a HUGE amount of money then it REALLY gets amusing. My insurance agent told me once of a client he had that lost a lawsuit for more than his coverage. He spent 17 YEARS paying off what the other injured party was awarded from the lawsuit. During that time he was also not allowed to own a vehicle or drive one. Oh, BTW, that was after he had to sell/liquidate ALL his assets and turn that money over to the other injured party.
It is no wonder why more than a few people I know that tow trailers have Umbrella Insurance Policies. They all know that when a tow vehicle pulling a trailer gets into a serious accident it can get VERY ugly and VERY costly.
Uneek
Super Moderator
I have a somewhat similar config to yours. Mine is a DC shortbed PreRunner with the Off-Road package. If I needed to tow anything, it'll be with the Tacoma. The longer wheelbase will help out.
If Toyota fully boxed the Tacoma's frame and give it the same drivetrain (full time 4WD) as the 4th gen 4Runner, I wouldn't have a 4Runner.
supercooper
New member
Are you saying that I'm not considering the way I intend to use the vehicle when choosing the vehicle I drive? Really?
I would be interested to get fresh new comments on the above questions...
Assuming there are now more 2010 4Runner owners out there, I would like to know what people have towed so far with their V6 and how was your experience.
I am thinking of getting a 2010 4Runner, SR5 4WD V6 and tow with it a 21 foot camping trailer with a 4000 pounds dry weight. Thanks.
By the time you fill the water tanks, waste tank, add luggage and groceries, you are darn close if not over the 5000 lb tow limit. I wouldn't do it. Get a lighter trailer or a bigger truck.
captainmorgan
New member
Towing
SR5-2wd: I just started pulling my boat (20 ft Scout on an aluminum single axel trailer) from storage to my house to get a jump start on getting it ready for the season. Boat, Motor, Trailer and "stuff" weigh in at ~3500lbs. It pulls decent on flat land and acceleration off the line is sufficient. I have a sloped driveway so going up hills (like a boat ramp) should not be an issue. To me it pulls about the same as a 4.6L Ford Expedition (it also had a 5K tow limit). The one intersting thing is that even with short trips, the Avg MPG gauage in the truck drops like a rock fast. I suspect that if you could get 10MPG towing 3500 lbs, you will be lucky????
SR5-2wd: I just started pulling my boat (20 ft Scout on an aluminum single axel trailer) from storage to my house to get a jump start on getting it ready for the season. Boat, Motor, Trailer and "stuff" weigh in at ~3500lbs. It pulls decent on flat land and acceleration off the line is sufficient. I have a sloped driveway so going up hills (like a boat ramp) should not be an issue. To me it pulls about the same as a 4.6L Ford Expedition (it also had a 5K tow limit). The one intersting thing is that even with short trips, the Avg MPG gauage in the truck drops like a rock fast. I suspect that if you could get 10MPG towing 3500 lbs, you will be lucky????
Captain, I think if you do an actual gallons in the tank vs. mileage test you might be pleasently surprised. The Avg MPG guage is not that accurate and it only calculates a very short period of time. For example, I took a 250 mile tripe over the weekend, made sure I filled up the tank to the first click off of the gas pump, came back, did the same to the first click off the gas pump, used the trip odemeter and I got 19.9 mph overall trip mileage with about 25 % city and 75% hwy at an average hwy speed of 75 mph. My on board computer was showing 17.5. This, with only 450 miles on the odem...not broken in yet. I think with your load you should average about 15 mpg, maybe even 16 depending on the way your drive. But I am very confident it will be better then 10.
Ginuwite
Member
7000 lb. with a 2008 V6
Not sure how relevant this is to the 5th Gen topic.....
On the way home late tonight we came across a big diesel truck blocking the downhill lane of a 2 lane road going up the mountain we live on. He thought he could make the next driveway and came up about 20 ft short. He was stopped diagonally across the road and partway into a ditch in front of the driveway and right next to a fairly steep drop off.
I was worried about the 5,000 lb rating on the V6 but the truck was completely blocking the road around a semi blind curve and it was after midnight (we live in Wine Country....) My recovery strap is a Keeper 3" x 20' rated at 11,000 lbs. The guy said he was worried about pulling me down the hill with him so I definitely had to show him what the 4Runners could do, though I was still slightly concerned.....
Pulled him easily up and out and about 10 yds up the road to a safe spot. not sure how the engine would have felt about pulling him the rest of the way up the hill, but it seemed to have little to no problems with what we did.
Is there anything I should be worried about having exceeded the max tow capacity? Or do you guys think I'm probably fine seeing as how it was more of a recovery than a tow??
Either way it put a big smile on my face being able to use my virgin recovery strap to save a doubting Ford driver who forgot to put gas in his rig before driving up a mountain!
p.s. I did throw it in 4H before attempting the save. probably goes without saying, but thought I should mention it as some only have V6 2x's
Not sure how relevant this is to the 5th Gen topic.....
On the way home late tonight we came across a big diesel truck blocking the downhill lane of a 2 lane road going up the mountain we live on. He thought he could make the next driveway and came up about 20 ft short. He was stopped diagonally across the road and partway into a ditch in front of the driveway and right next to a fairly steep drop off.
I was worried about the 5,000 lb rating on the V6 but the truck was completely blocking the road around a semi blind curve and it was after midnight (we live in Wine Country....) My recovery strap is a Keeper 3" x 20' rated at 11,000 lbs. The guy said he was worried about pulling me down the hill with him so I definitely had to show him what the 4Runners could do, though I was still slightly concerned.....
Pulled him easily up and out and about 10 yds up the road to a safe spot. not sure how the engine would have felt about pulling him the rest of the way up the hill, but it seemed to have little to no problems with what we did.
Is there anything I should be worried about having exceeded the max tow capacity? Or do you guys think I'm probably fine seeing as how it was more of a recovery than a tow??
Either way it put a big smile on my face being able to use my virgin recovery strap to save a doubting Ford driver who forgot to put gas in his rig before driving up a mountain!
p.s. I did throw it in 4H before attempting the save. probably goes without saying, but thought I should mention it as some only have V6 2x's
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Fuzzylogic
New member
Assuming it is properly mounted, I would much prefer a tow receiver to be bolted rather then welded to the frame.
magaca
New member
i rented a 18' double axel toy hauler gross weight was 3800lbs, i loaded with two small quads for my kids one bicycle some food and water, it performed ok but honestly i would not do it again, in my opinion too much weight, at a point in a long up hill i could not go faster than 35 mph, on straight away had no problem 55-60 mph even in drive sometimes shifted to manual to 4th but most of the time D was fine, got like 10.4mpg
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rook
New member
In order to max out the capacity of the V8 hitch, a weight distribution hitch must be added. The hitch itself is weight carrying, like the V6 - it is just a different design with a higher rating. A weight distributing hitch has trunion bars designed to equalize the load between the truck and trailer. It is with this setup that the V8 achieves the max rating.
Koz
New member
The 4th gen V6 could be upgraded to tow 6500lbs with the addition of the WD V8 hitch and an external trans cooler (As per the owner’s manual). Do NOT tow more than the rating of the vehicle or the hitch. The rule of thumb for safe towing is only tow 80% of the max ratings. To tow more (Max rating) you will need a quality WD system and sway control. Also you have to limit the length of the trailer because of the short wheelbase (22' is about it, depending on the type of trailer and weight). I would suggest taking a complete test drive before purchasing. Make sure you simulate every condition you could encounter on the road (steep hills, emergency maneuvers, etc).
The GX460 has a 6500lbs rating because it has a WD hitch, trans cooler and V8. It also offers auto leveling, adaptive variable suspension and KDSS.
Koz
The GX460 has a 6500lbs rating because it has a WD hitch, trans cooler and V8. It also offers auto leveling, adaptive variable suspension and KDSS.
Koz
