Long distance towing

[TRBenj]

One of the main reasons I bought the 4Runner was because it would allow me to tow my boat. Since taking delivery at the end of April, Ive put it to good use. Ive logged over 2500 miles towing so far- including trips to Wisconsin and Lake George, NY (I keep the boat in CT). Mileage has ranged from 12 to 14 MPG while towing- considering the hilly terrain and higher highway speeds (70-75) I dont think thats too bad, since the boat and trailer combine for about 4,000 lbs. Daily driving (mostly highway) I average 18-20 MPG- not bad for a 4WD V8!

The truck's versatility and overall refinement put it in a class by itself, IMHO. In just 3 months of ownership, Ive logged over 8500 miles and Im loving every minute of it. Well worth the 4 month wait for the special order (I wanted a 4WD V8 Sport with NO spoiler in Shadow Mica). No upgrades so far besides the tires- Im rolling on 265/70/17 Firestone Destination A/T's. An Airlift1000 will be the next addition to have me running more level while towing.

A few pics from my recent trip to Wisconsin:

 

[benk777]

Where did you go boating in Wisconsin? Have any pics of that? What preparation (if any) did you do to your trailer before the long tows? Thanks.

Ben

 

[TRBenj]

Where did you go boating in Wisconsin? Have any pics of that? What preparation (if any) did you do to your trailer before the long tows?

I spent a long weekend in Green Lake for a Correct Craft Owners Reunion.

This spring, I rewired the trailer and replaced the tires (Goodyear Marathons). My bearings were repacked 2 years ago, so I gave them a shot of grease and kept checking their temps while on the road. Before making the trip, make sure you set the proper tire pressure and inspect everything- axles, springs, coupler, etc. Also bring plenty of tools in case you run into problems. In addition to hand tools, bring a lug wrench, jack, blocks, flares, grease gun, etc.

 

[benk777]

Did you stay at a campground? Where did you slip your boat? I ask because I live in Wisconsin, and am looking for a good spot to combine camping and boating. I go to Green Lake yearly, but not for the boating, for the golf. The more details you can give the better. Thanks.

Ben

 

[TRBenj]

Did you stay at a campground? Where did you slip your boat?

I stayed at Hattie Sherwood Campground. They dont have any slips available, but they do have a launch that I used every day. There are slips available around the corner at the marina.

 

[crozhawk]

cool!

 

[TRBenj]

Not a bad looking boat, even if it is a Mastercraft :

 

[crozhawk]

I was thinking just the same thing about the nautique! lol! j/k ....hey atleast you have a 4R!! ..looks like a nice trip.

 

[4x4v8]

its awsome to see that other people use their 4runners to tow too. It is a very capable car to tow with. I love it!

 

[TRBenj]

I added some Air Lift 1000 airbags a few months ago. I also installed some rear coils from an FJ Cruiser, which gave me about 1" of lift. A 2" Daystar front lift leveled out the front.

January in the northeast:

 

[SportRunner]

TRBenj-
How do you like those Firestone's, Thats what I've been looking at getting....Do you have any more pics of the tires maybe closer up? How do they handle and do they look a little aggresive closer up??

-Kris

 

[TRBenj]

TRBenj-
How do you like those Firestone's, Thats what I've been looking at getting....Do you have any more pics of the tires maybe closer up? How do they handle and do they look a little aggresive closer up??

-Kris

Kris, Ive been very happy with them. Theyve handled everything Ive thrown at them very well. Snow and rain dont phase them, and they get good MPG. I dont do any serious offroading, but steep, ugly dirt roads arent a problem either. They do look more aggressive in person than they appear in photos. If I remember, Ill try and get a pic for you.

 

[SportRunner]

Yeah if you could get me some pics that would be great, Thanks!!

 

[TRBenj]

Yeah if you could get me some pics that would be great, Thanks!!

 

[SportRunner]

Cool, thanks!! What got my attention first with these tires was the size they offered it in: 275/70r17 which is like a 32.2 cause I wanted something a little bigger then the 265/70r17 so these look great and are priced really awesome.... Thanks again....