How much can my 3rd GEN 3.4L V6 tow?

[diverscale]

I wouldn't overload too much, the rear wheel bearings on our trucks are pretty wimpy (eg. ball bearings vs sturdier roller bearings).

Such misinformation

1- wheel bearings on 4runners are not ''wimpy'', vast majority fail because of a badly designed axle seal. People not getting axle seal failure have a very long rear wheel bearing life. Mine went 1 year without grease because of a leak and were still good. Call that wimpy.

2- tongue weight is only 10% of trailer weight. That 200 more lbs on each bearings won't kill them I assure you.

 

[VanIlse]

Found this thread in my search for info on towing with a gen 3 4Runner.

I have a 2000 LTD I am preparing for the purpose of towing a small travel trailer, about 3200lbs. loaded weight. As I understand it, from looking through the owners manual, a weight distribution hitch is NOT recommended, but sway control is. My question is, why would a WD hitch not be recommended? Or did I misunderstand?

I am planning on installing air bags to help level the load in any case, though.
May also install something a little stiffer than stock rear springs as well. Have already installed a transmission cooler. The towing trips will be short, less than 100 miles, at speeds not exceeding 50mph, over relatively flat terrain. So, hopefully will not stress the 4runner very much. It has over 190k miles on it now, so I worry a bit about the transmission.

 

[Drummermonkey]

Found this thread in my search for info on towing with a gen 3 4Runner.

I have a 2000 LTD I am preparing for the purpose of towing a small travel trailer, about 3200lbs. loaded weight. As I understand it, from looking through the owners manual, a weight distribution hitch is NOT recommended, but sway control is. My question is, why would a WD hitch not be recommended? Or did I misunderstand?

I am planning on installing air bags to help level the load in any case, though.
May also install something a little stiffer than stock rear springs as well. Have already installed a transmission cooler. The towing trips will be short, less than 100 miles, at speeds not exceeding 50mph, over relatively flat terrain. So, hopefully will not stress the 4runner very much. It has over 190k miles on it now, so I worry a bit about the transmission.

I think I read somewhere on here that a weight distribution g hitch on a frame not made for it can damage the frame of the truck. Something about twisting in a way that it's not reinforced for.