Ideal towing set up for boat

[4RunnerFishin]

I have done several searches and found bits and pieces (Air Lift 1000) but I want to make sure I know what I want to do before I got to the local 4WD shop and tell them what I want done.

I will be towing 3000-3500lbs (loaded) 18.8ft bass boat, one or two trips a year will be 5-10hr drives. Most will be local or an hour or two.

If you had the money (nothing ridiculous - a grand or two) to equip an SR5 to make it better/safer for towing, what would you add or change?

I've seen mention of tires, different suspensions, weight distribution and sway bars but the specifics aren't there. If you could recommend exactly would you would buy (brand and size) and why, it would make this lady very happy.

BTW, I had a tow beast and hated the gas mileage so I knew going into this I might have to change a few things but I really believe the 4Runner will be just fine for what I want to do.

Thanks!

 

[cztheman64]

ive been around boats my whole life. with a 19ft bass boat you should have any problems just leaving it stock, now if you want a small lift then thats all fine and dandy but your 4runner can tow that boat no problem

and what part of tennesse are you in?

 

[Antman]

I have done several searches and found bits and pieces (Air Lift 1000) but I want to make sure I know what I want to do before I got to the local 4WD shop and tell them what I want done.

I will be towing 3000-3500lbs (loaded) 18.8ft bass boat, one or two trips a year will be 5-10hr drives. Most will be local or an hour or two.

If you had the money (nothing ridiculous - a grand or two) to equip an SR5 to make it better/safer for towing, what would you add or change?

I've seen mention of tires, different suspensions, weight distribution and sway bars but the specifics aren't there. If you could recommend exactly would you would buy (brand and size) and why, it would make this lady very happy.

BTW, I had a tow beast and hated the gas mileage so I knew going into this I might have to change a few things but I really believe the 4Runner will be just fine for what I want to do.

Thanks!

Ya know- including your first username, which you changed, this makes the 4th thread you've started with the same question. Why not bump your old thread(s) to get some more info?

 

[4RunnerFishin]

Ya know- including your first username, which you changed, this makes the 4th thread you've started with the same question. Why not bump your old thread(s) to get some more info?

I changed my name after my initial post from tcc11tcc because that account was not working. I have one post on this forum under that name so not sure where you got 4. My first post addressed which was better Air Lift 1000 or Timbren. I believe I sent you a PM as well. I did reply to my last post asking should I tow in 4th gear and haven’t received a response. Sorry my post bothered you, I thought this was a different question and many would benefit from the information being in one post. I thought forums were for gathering information.

 

[Antman]

Your post didn't bother me- just stating the facts. 4 different threads- pretty much same questions. 1 from old username + 3 from new username = 4 last I checked...

But, do what you gotta do- hope you find the answers you are looking for!

 

[4RunnerFishin]

Your post didn't bother me- just stating the facts. 4 different threads- pretty much same questions. 1 from old username + 3 from new username = 4 last I checked...

But, do what you gotta do- hope you find the answers you are looking for!

Fact – do a search on threads started by 4RunnerFishin and you will see one not three – this one. There is one for tcc11tcc which was the AirLift post.

Not going to argue with you. There are many forums to get info. After searching, I liked this one the best but I have no problem asking somewhere else.

 

[phillyd2]

Will 285's rub? ....wait...what? oh, sorry - wrong thread. Good luck with your quest OP but I think you will be more than fine with stock based on what you posted.

Suggest you try one of the shorter trips and report back how it / you did.

 

[brockeverly]

You will be fine stock. Just hooking up and going around the block will confirm that. Do you already have a brake controller? If not, invest in that and call it a day. Your tongue weight will likely be so low that you will little to no sag.

 

[74huggerorange]

I tow 3000-3500lbs regularly for both short and long distances. My trailer is a single axle enclosed. I towed stock at first it was fine and the butt sag pretty much leveled the rig out. I put bilsteins up front set on 0.85" lift for a more level look when not towing and put on aftermarket wheels and 265/70/r17 e-rated duratracs at the same time. I run the pressure at 45lbs. This is GREAT except that it made the butt sag excessive while towing. So I added airlift 1000 bags...PROBLEM SOLVED. BUT! even on the min setting of 5psi they do raise the rear slightly and and make for a slightly rougher ride, but it tows 1 million times better. Ideally to make my rig nearly level again I need the front coilover up 1 more notch to the 1.75" lift setting(I think thats what the 3rd notch is, rear sits about 1.25" higher right now). My brakes have never felt the least bit inadequate. I always tow in 4th, I am SURE that 5th would downshift ALOT! Although my trailer is tall profile with alot more wind drag than a boat. It does get doo doo gas mileage towing. Hope my rambling helps, post any ?'s you may have.

 

[diverdriver]

I'd buy Esso regular unleaded, because is the most convent. ;-) You'll be fine stock, you might want to increase the tire pressure. Try to carry min fuel in the boat and fuel at/near destination, our 20' holds 200lbs worth.

As suggested, hook up and go for a trial run and see if your comfortable with handling and brakes.

 

[4RunnerFishin]

I have towed my boat to the launch ramp and back which is about a 15 minute drive. I thought it did fine except for a tiny bit of sag after I hooked it up. I thought the placement of the plugin was a bit far from the bumper but I just used an extension to reach it. I have yet to go on a trip to Ky Lake or Guntersville which are both a few hours away. Just wondered how it will be towing up big hills. The 4runner itself seems to “blow” around when its windy compared to my Armada and wasn’t sure how it would be with a boat added. Guess I will drive it and learn.

 

[Titanpat57]

I think a LT rated tire of your choice (6 ply or more).....and Airlift 1000's are the key for lessening the chances of things going south. If the trailer has brakes...then get yourself a good brake controller.

LT Tires....$800-$1000

Airlift Bags............$80

Prodigy II............$120


Peace of mind......priceless! :driving:

 

[4RunnerFishin]

I think a LT rated tire of your choice (6 ply or more).....and Airlift 1000's are the key for lessening the chances of things going south. If the trailer has brakes...then get yourself a good brake controller.

The trailer has surge brakes. Isn’t a controller only for electronic brakes?

Why do tires (has Bridgestone Duelers) make a difference? I kind of stayed away from the Limited because of the rims and looked like a more profile tire. Thought the Duelers would be better. Shows how much I know. Should asked then…instead of now. Ha

 

[brockeverly]

I think a LT rated tire of your choice (6 ply or more).....and Airlift 1000's are the key for lessening the chances of things going south. If the trailer has brakes...then get yourself a good brake controller.

The trailer has surge brakes. Isn’t a controller only for electronic brakes?

Why do tires (has Bridgestone Duelers) make a difference? I kind of stayed away from the Limited because of the rims and looked like a more profile tire. Thought the Duelers would be better. Shows how much I know. Should asked then…instead of now. Ha

Yes, the controller will do nothing for you with surge brakes.