How big of a boat can I safely tow with a 2004 V6 4runner?

[OtherGuy]

Hello everyone,

I am looking into buying a boat and was wondering if anyone has an input on how big of a boat (weight, length,....) I can safely tow. I have a 2004 4runner V6 with two wheel drive. I know the manual shows 5,000 lbs, but I have concerns about pullling a boat out of the water.

Thanks,

Duke

 

[gizmopt2002]

We own a 2001 22.5' Four Winns 214 deckboat, it weighs in, when fully loaded at about 5,500 LBS. The 4Runner V6 pulls it perfectly and pulls it out of the water just fine, even on a steep incline, where we frequently use. Here is a really old pic of the boat

 

[sbbamafan]

My boat is +/- 4,500# per a landfill scale. That is fully loaded with trailer, life jackets, fuel, skis, etc. The T4R pulls it great! As for the boat, it is a pristine 1991 Chaparral 20' bowrider with 330 HP 5.7L V-8 turning a Volvo Penta Duoprop drive. It is a bit heavy for what it is, but solid and fast enough. One last note - make sure you have a good trailer. Mine is Shorelander and is great.

 

[gizmopt2002]

Yes if it a used boat, besides checking all the stuff in the boat, check the trailer, make sure the hubs are lubed up, and if it has surge brakes, top off the dot 3 brake fluid. Also check the tires. And always always check the coupler, we've had our old boat pop off from not checking it, luckily no one was near us. Anyways the 4R is a great tow vehicle.

 

[Fro-Runner]

Our V6's with the old 3rd generation reliable 4-spd tranny has more grunt than one thinks. If you have upgraded to the 7,500 lb tow hitch then you should be able to deal with a 5000-6000 lb boat. Just my opinion but I trust my V6 as I upgraded to the larger tow hitch.
:artist: Tow away lad.

 

[wolfgang]

I have a 20' 115HP OB -- I always use 4wd LOW when starting to pull it up out of the water. Where I am the water is very tidal (about 18" fall/rise) so ramps tend to be pretty slick and algae slime covered. Supposedly Rappahoch (River) is Indian for rapidly rising water!

 

[TheBlueWave]

Any of you guys towing those sweet rigs around with V6's install a tranny cooler? I have been considering one, but if you guys tow those boats with out one than I am probably good.

 

[gizmopt2002]

If you plan on long tows, say like from Chicago to Lakes of the Ozarks, I would highly recommend it. But if you are doing only short tows say 20 or so miles, then you don't necessarily need it. Personally I would install one, they are only about $60 - $80, and take about an hour to install. They will help prolong your transmissions life.

 

[OtherGuy]

Thanks for all of the input guys. Most of the boats I have looked at were around 4,000-5,000 lbs. Looks like my good old dependable 4runner should pull it without any problems.

 

[TheBlueWave]

If you plan on long tows, say like from Chicago to Lakes of the Ozarks, I would highly recommend it. But if you are doing only short tows say 20 or so miles, then you don't necessarily need it. Personally I would install one, they are only about $60 - $80, and take about an hour to install. They will help prolong your transmissions life.

Do you know where I can buy one that is comparable to the TRD that doesn't cost as much?

 

[wolfgang]

BlueWave - look up a few post to sticky in this category on installing a transmission cooler. The thread there says that the Hayden 1678 for $50 is same manf as the TRD one for $150 more. They also make a smaller ones too.

http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/M...en=CTGY&Category_Code=hayden-transaver-cooler

 

[Fro-Runner]

BlueWave - look up a few post to sticky in this category on installing a transmission cooler. The thread there says that the Hayden 1678 for $50 is same manf as the TRD one for $150 more. They also make a smaller ones too.

http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/M...en=CTGY&Category_Code=hayden-transaver-cooler

Hmmm! I'm in the market for a tranny cooler but I don't know about this one. $50 is a good price but I am a little leary of the cooler being attached to my trusted 4Runner with just plastic ties. If I purchased one of these I'd look into a modification of a more secure, permanent mounting. Just my opinion.

 

[TheBlueWave]

Hmmm! I'm in the market for a tranny cooler but I don't know about this one. $50 is a good price but I am a little leary of the cooler being attached to my trusted 4Runner with just plastic ties. If I purchased one of these I'd look into a modification of a more secure, permanent mounting. Just my opinion.

On one of the posts, I think its sticky, the guy used self tapping screws with the Hayden unit. There are detailed pictures. That's probably what I will do, but I'm still worried about warranty issues if my tranny croaks. They cost like $6k to replace!

 

[Fro-Runner]

On one of the posts, I think its sticky, the guy used self tapping screws with the Hayden unit. There are detailed pictures. That's probably what I will do, but I'm still worried about warranty issues if my tranny croaks. They cost like $6k to replace!

Uh huh! I'm thinking of just letting the dealer install their model. I believe one member talked their dealership maintenance dept. down to about $150 installed. The install is easy but I may order from the dealer or partz4u.com, who advertises here on this site. That cooler might be a little wishy-wishy for me. I bookmarked the page and will google the name later for some more insight on that brand of tranny cooler before I make my decision.