How much can you push the tow rating?

[WI_4Runner]

V8 here and tow a 3k boat without any trailer brakes. Does a good job but you feel it. I wouldn't want to be regularly towing double that weight, nonetheless with only the V6.

A 4banger Honda Sedan can pull the same trailer, but like other's have echoed, controlling and stopping the load is more critical. A 4runner is a midsized SUV, and as such isn't a great towing rig for anything outside of smaller to midsized loads.

 

[dkyleb]

V8 here and tow a 3k boat without any trailer brakes. Does a good job but you feel it. I wouldn't want to be regularly towing double that weight, nonetheless with only the V6.

A 4banger Honda Sedan can pull the same trailer, but like other's have echoed, controlling and stopping the load is more critical. A 4runner is a midsized SUV, and as such isn't a great towing rig for anything outside of smaller to midsized loads.

To touch on this, the 4Runner is equipped with a very good braking system. Even better than the Tacoma, which uses drums in the rear. The 4Runner Limited has even bigger brakes than the SR5.

 

[Erkelbot]

I believe the Sports are 13.3 in the front, and the limited and SR5s are the same at 12.6 in the front. All have the same rear 12.2. I could be wrong though...

To touch on this, the 4Runner is equipped with a very good braking system. Even better than the Tacoma, which uses drums in the rear. The 4Runner Limited has even bigger brakes than the SR5.

 

[ThorInc]

97 T4R, 5 speed v6 no issues towing a 3000lb bass boat tournament loaded. Heavy duty Marlin Crawler clutch, tall springs, stock size tires. Always tow in 4th tops as recommended. Class 3 hitch.

 

[m85476585]

If you did all the mechanical changes to make your 4runner as much like a V8 model as possible except the engine then you could probably tow it safely, but you probably won't want to on a regular basis. It won't be legal and you won't have the power and torque of the V8.

-Frame-mounted hitch
-Slightly larger brakes (there are several slightly different sizes on 4th gens, and the largest require at least 17" wheels, I think)
-Slightly stiffer springs
-Brake controller and brakes will be required for trailers over 3000lbs in most states
-Weight distributing setup on the hitch and trailer is probably required for trailers over 5000lbs on the 4runner
-Transmission cooler
-Are the axles rated for the same weight between the V6 and the V8? If not that might be a dealbreaker.

Towing is more than just stopping and accelerating. You also need to maintain control of the trailer to prevent dangerous sway, and the size and weight of the tow vehicle plus the design of the trailer determines how well it can do that. You also need to not overload your tires. And if the engine or transmission or brakes overheat you become a hazard to others on the road if you have to stop or if you can't stop.

Even if you had a hypothetical 2009 trail edition V8 (in Imperial Jade Mica) it sounds like you still wouldn't want to tow a trailer over 5000lbs on a regular basis at high speeds or on hills because it's still a relatively small SUV.

It looks like Oregon has plenty of roads over 5,000 feet, and if you're ever planning on going up there you'll have significantly less power than at sea level. We deal with that all the time in Colorado. It's about 3% less power for every 1000 feet because of reduced oxygen. Unless you have forced induction.

 

[dkyleb]

I believe the Sports are 13.3 in the front, and the limited and SR5s are the same at 12.6 in the front. All have the same rear 12.2. I could be wrong though...

Thanks for clarifying! I got them mixed up!

 

[RonJR]

All of the above cautions still apply, but I did find some info in the 2005 owners' manual that differs a bit from what we've been assuming.

(Quoted from manual)
Towing capacity:

For weight carrying hitch
2268 kg (5000 lb.) <<< I think this is primarily a class II hitch limitation, not a vehicle limitation

For weight distributing hitch:
1GR−FE engine (V6)
Two−wheel drive models
3042 kg (6700 lb.)
Four−wheel drive models
2906 kg (6400 lb.)

2UZ−FE engine(V8)
Two−wheel drive models
3311 kg (7300 lb.)
Four−wheel drive models
3175 kg (7000 lb.)

So, it appears with the proper hitch the V6 is good for 6400 lb, assuming the numbers for the 2009 are the same as for the 2005. Best to check the manual.

 

[07V8]

A truck driver is looking for guidance on exceeding the manufacturers maximum limit???

 

[blind squirrel]

^^ I thought the same thing when he said that. :faint:

 

[dkyleb]

A truck driver is looking for guidance on exceeding the manufacturers maximum limit???

You would be amazed at who they give licenses to now adays.

I've got just under a million incident free kilometres under my belt hauling oilfield equipment, and even I'm concerned about hauling a 5000lb trailer with my 4Runner. Not overly concerned, just making sure to cover all my bases.

 

[Bob22222]

All of the above cautions still apply, but I did find some info in the 2005 owners' manual that differs a bit from what we've been assuming.

(Quoted from manual)
Towing capacity:

For weight carrying hitch
2268 kg (5000 lb.) <<< I think this is primarily a class II hitch limitation, not a vehicle limitation

For weight distributing hitch:
1GR−FE engine (V6)
Two−wheel drive models
3042 kg (6700 lb.)
Four−wheel drive models
2906 kg (6400 lb.)

2UZ−FE engine(V8)
Two−wheel drive models
3311 kg (7300 lb.)
Four−wheel drive models
3175 kg (7000 lb.)

So, it appears with the proper hitch the V6 is good for 6400 lb, assuming the numbers for the 2009 are the same as for the 2005. Best to check the manual.

Thanks for clearing that up. That is what I was trying to say in my post above.

I think the OP wants to know if we think the 1gr-fe will pull the load. My answer is yes. Big truck guy should know to stay in the right gear and take it easy. Another vote for trans cooler. Again I'd go for the bigger front rotors trailer brakes or not (most all states require trailer brakes above 3k).

 

[RPS13]

IMO the V6 will do it just as well as the V8 will. You might have a little more trouble getting up to speed on onramps and stuff like that, but it's not like the V8 is a rocket ship. They're kinda both slow even when unloaded to be honest, put a load on them and they're pretty pokey.

I'd recommend an aftermarket receiver that mounts to the framerail and a WDH. Then add a nice sized cooler to the trans like a Hayden 678 and you'll be fine.

Keep it in 4th, take it easy and you'll be fine. You can tow at 70-75 mph just fine in 4th with the TC locked up. Towing faster than that is stupid IMO, and causes way more stress than the few minutes is worth.

I've got quite a few miles towing a ~4500-4700 lb open car hauler trailer. The above formula worked for me, but I did decide to go for some more power, so I went with a 3L turbo BMW X5. The thing is a freakin' rocketship compared to the 4Runner (V6 or V8), about 6 seconds 0-60. But between the 4th gens, the V6 or V8 doesn't matter much. It's only ~15% different displacement...

 

[WI_4Runner]

IMO the V6 will do it just as well as the V8 will. You might have a little more trouble getting up to speed on onramps and stuff like that, but it's not like the V8 is a rocket ship. They're kinda both slow even when unloaded to be honest, put a load on them and they're pretty pokey.

I'd recommend an aftermarket receiver that mounts to the framerail and a WDH. Then add a nice sized cooler to the trans like a Hayden 678 and you'll be fine.

Keep it in 4th, take it easy and you'll be fine. You can tow at 70-75 mph just fine in 4th with the TC locked up. Towing faster than that is stupid IMO, and causes way more stress than the few minutes is worth.

I've got quite a few miles towing a ~4500-4700 lb open car hauler trailer. The above formula worked for me, but I did decide to go for some more power, so I went with a 3L turbo BMW X5. The thing is a freakin' rocketship compared to the 4Runner (V6 or V8), about 6 seconds 0-60. But between the 4th gens, the V6 or V8 doesn't matter much. It's only ~15% different displacement...

Get outta here with this nonsense.

"Rocketship" doesn't equate to a good towing vehicle.

 

[RPS13]

Get outta here with this nonsense.

"Rocketship" doesn't equate to a good towing vehicle.

It helps get everything up to speed.

An X5 will actually tow better than a 4Runner too since the hitch is placed so close to the rear axle. All the German SUVs get glowing reviews for towing as a result of this and the very good handling chassis. The 4Runner puts the hitch out a little bit, but doesn't have the wheelbase to be really stable with that much of a moment arm pulling it around. Plus they don't handle great even unloaded, so the "bad design" just carries over when towing. Not a surprise there. Same thing with a truck, it might be "stable" with more weight and more wheelbase when going arrow straight, but throw a turn or two in there and most pickups feel a bit scary when towing.

A 4th gen V6 still does just fine up to the ~6700 lb capacity with a WDH. 5000 lbs doesn't feel like much back there. Without the WDH it doesn't feel very stable with ~4500 lbs, so I think Toyota is right in needing WDH above 5k lbs or so to keep the front end from getting light.

But both 4th gen engines are kinda gutless and the gearing spread is wide, so getting something moving with lots of aero drag and weight takes some patience. Sorry, but it's the truth...

 

[WI_4Runner]

It helps get everything up to speed.

An X5 will actually tow better than a 4Runner too since the hitch is placed so close to the rear axle. All the German SUVs get glowing reviews for towing as a result of this and the very good handling chassis. The 4Runner puts the hitch out a little bit, but doesn't have the wheelbase to be really stable with that much of a moment arm pulling it around. Plus they don't handle great even unloaded, so the "bad design" just carries over when towing. Not a surprise there. Same thing with a truck, it might be "stable" with more weight and more wheelbase when going arrow straight, but throw a turn or two in there and most pickups feel a bit scary when towing.

A 4th gen V6 still does just fine up to the ~6700 lb capacity with a WDH. 5000 lbs doesn't feel like much back there. Without the WDH it doesn't feel very stable with ~4500 lbs, so I think Toyota is right in needing WDH above 5k lbs or so to keep the front end from getting light.

But both 4th gen engines are kinda gutless and the gearing spread is wide, so getting something moving with lots of aero drag and weight takes some patience. Sorry, but it's the truth...

There's a difference between torque and HP when towing. I'm not arguing the 4Runner is a premium tow vehicle. I have a V8 and it's not. However, saying the V6 will do the same job as the V8 and that "taking it easy" is towing at 75mph is ignorance. In Washington you I would highly recommend against towing at that speed particularly when the weight of the load exceeds the weight of the vehicle.

You are towing an open car trailer which has considerably different towing manners than does a boat or a travel trailer.

 

[RPS13]

There's a difference between torque and HP when towing. I'm not arguing the 4Runner is a premium tow vehicle. I have a V8 and it's not. However, saying the V6 will do the same job as the V8 and that "taking it easy" is towing at 75mph is ignorance. In Washington you I would highly recommend against towing at that speed particularly when the weight of the load exceeds the weight of the vehicle.

You are towing an open car trailer which has considerably different towing manners than does a boat or a travel trailer.

The V8 doesn't put out that much more torque than the V6 once they're both above 2k RPM. Yes, it puts out some more, but not a lot. The V6 is not stressed at all pulling at 70-75 mph in 4th gear. Yes, a travel trailer will have more aero load, but it should still do it with the TC locked up without issue.

BTW - most SPEED LIMITS outside of large cities in TX are 75 mph. So yea, going 70-75 mph is taking it easy, and getting passed by about 95-99% of the traffic at any given time. When you get passed by a few dozen grannies in their minivans while you're towing at 70 mph, you too will think you're taking it very easy. :surfer:


As far as the X5, it's "rated" at 300 ft-lbs from 1200-5800 RPM and 300 HP. In reality it's more like 330-340 ft-lbs from 1800-5500 RPM, and ~320-330 HP. A little tune gets her up to 400+ ft-lbs in that range and ~360-380 HP. The TT V8 was entirely too much on the street for me, a very underrated 400 HP, 450 ft-lbs of torque over most the rev band. In reality it's more like 450 HP and 500-520 ft-lbs of torque from 1500-5500 RPM. So I went economical with the I6. Turbos are fun! :guitar3:

 

[aude311]

It helps get everything up to speed.

An X5 will actually tow better than a 4Runner too since the hitch is placed so close to the rear axle. All the German SUVs get glowing reviews for towing as a result of this and the very good handling chassis. The 4Runner puts the hitch out a little bit, but doesn't have the wheelbase to be really stable with that much of a moment arm pulling it around. Plus they don't handle great even unloaded, so the "bad design" just carries over when towing. Not a surprise there. Same thing with a truck, it might be "stable" with more weight and more wheelbase when going arrow straight, but throw a turn or two in there and most pickups feel a bit scary when towing.

A 4th gen V6 still does just fine up to the ~6700 lb capacity with a WDH. 5000 lbs doesn't feel like much back there. Without the WDH it doesn't feel very stable with ~4500 lbs, so I think Toyota is right in needing WDH above 5k lbs or so to keep the front end from getting light.

But both 4th gen engines are kinda gutless and the gearing spread is wide, so getting something moving with lots of aero drag and weight takes some patience. Sorry, but it's the truth...

it seems clear you have not driven the v8 its pretty close to the hemi your advice is also dangerous

 

[RPS13]

it seems clear you have not driven the v8 its pretty close to the hemi your advice is also dangerous

I test drove 4 4th gen V8's. They're pretty pokey, yielding about mid 7 second 0-60 times flat out. A hemi powered V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee does 0-60 a full second faster. The 4th gen V8 is the same speed as a new V6 Grand Cherokee, or a new V6 4Runner with the updated 1GR. Yea, the V8 will have a little more oomph right off idle, but that's it.

If you think a mid 7 second 0-60 SUV is fast, then yes, you drive a fast SUV. For everybody else... it's not fast. The 0-60 times between the two drivetrains is maybe half a second. So there's a difference, but it isn't large. They're both slow when you lean on them.



Nothing I recommended on towing is outside factory recommended tow ratings. Go read your owners manual if you think I'm out of it. Maybe you should tell the Toyota engineers they don't know how to specify a tow rating on a vehicle? hah

 

[aude311]

0-60 towing line speed. Must be a new thing the kids are doing these days.

 

[RPS13]

It gives a pretty good indication on how a tow rig is going to get up to speed when pushed. As in, how fast the vehicle is unhitched, then what the total tow rig weight is relative to unhitched weight.


That and how it drives the other 95%+ of the time you're not towing for most people.

But I know it's damaging to most members of this forum when I point out their "super fast" V8 machines are actually slower than most newer V6 powered crossovers... So I'm done here.