Max towing Capacity... vs 'size'

[SnowLizard]

question out there... should i try to tow a 3000lbs 'dry weight' trailer, with probably 800 lbs of equipment with the 99 runner? less than 4000 lbs...

I do have a 2 inch lift and slightly larger tires (32's)
I do have the tundra brake upgrade... 13WL
using stock AND added trans cooler...

VEHICLE WEIGHTS (lb)
Total GVWR Cargoload
4WD V6:
Limited 3975 5250 1275

TOWING (lbs)
Maximum Trailer Weight
V6 5000
Maximum Tongue Weight
4-cyl / V6 350 / 500
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
4WD V6 9200


my truck is say 4200lbs dry... (tires, and 'added' tow hitch)
trailer is 3000lbs dry....
800 lbs cargo...
add gas, people and dogs... 500-800lbs??

that's 8800lbs...
yes I'm in factory limit... and I did upgrade brakes...

is this 'safe'... should I even try it? I really don't think it'll do that well up the hills... and down, at least the trailer does have brakes too...

the last factor... the trailer is a 16ft long x 9.4ft tall x 6.5ft wide box on 20ft frame... is that too much of a 'sail' for the 3rd gen. I know others tow boats about that weight, but this is more in the wind vs those...

what's the consensus... ?

do it, or don't.

 

[wcjeep]

You will be just under max tow. Recommend installing a transmission temp gauge. Follow manufacturer guide for turning off over drive. Place the brake controller where you can reach it. If you can't easily reach the brake controller without taking eyes off the road it's in the wrong place. Brake controller has an over ride in case of "way the dog". Consider down shift while descending long grades for engine braking. The key is keeping the service brakes cool in case of emergency. Cool/cold brakes work best. Hot brakes work the least and can liquify.

Take your time.

 

[calimobber]

Well im pretty much an expert in this topic so ask me anything you would like. I got the idea id buy a 3000lb travel trailer and put 500lb of gear in it. Figured it would be okay.

I will say it can tow it even up some decent hill but it was not fun. It tracked solid and driving was no issue but it cant really handle normal driving. Need to drive with overdrive off always so expect like 10mpg. I live at sea level and its a 5k foot hill to get out of the valley. About halfway up my tranny temps were like 230f and I got worried and pulled over to cool it.

That was my mistake since I could never get out of 2nd gear when I started again and I was going 25mph up the hill. Once on flat ground you can maintain 60mph but def overdrive is off.

 

[thegipper]

You'll be able to move the trailer but it is going to absolutely suck towing that trailer with a 3rd gen.

IMHO these trucks are already under powered without towing anything. And the fact that you are going to be pulling a big heavy "sail", is going to make it REALLY suck.

If you were just moving this trailer/stuff around town, I'd say go for it. But if you are planning on going through mountain passes or if this is going to be a long trip, I'd figure something else out.

Good luck either way!

 

[Coward]

How far are you planning to go? Do you have a trailer brake controller installed or just surge brakes on the trailer?

 

[jgue467]

...es, and 'added' tow hitch)
trailer is 3000lbs dry....
800 lbs cargo...
add gas, people and dogs... 500-800lbs??
but this is more in the wind vs those...

what's the consensus... ?

do it, or don't.

I doubt it'll kill the runner to tow that weight/shape yet dream the sequoia won't lead to failure either. :cowboy:

 

[phattyduck]

If its a one-off thing, go for it. Keep it slow and enjoy the ride.

If you want to do it regularly or for long trips, a better tow vehicle would be good idea.

Power won't be great, but you'll be faster than the semis around you in the right lane. Brakes won't be great - make sure your trailer brakes are setup well. The big issue for towing will be wheelbase, which you can't fix unless you get a (longer) truck.

-Charlie

 

[gamefreakgc]

If its a one-off thing, go for it. Keep it slow and enjoy the ride.

If you want to do it regularly or for long trips, a better tow vehicle would be good idea.

Power won't be great, but you'll be faster than the semis around you in the right lane. Brakes won't be great - make sure your trailer brakes are setup well. The big issue for towing will be wheelbase, which you can't fix unless you get a (longer) truck.

-Charlie

Could you expand on this? I know there's more to towing then pulling & braking but I've not towed anything more than utility trailers.

I'm in a similar point at the OP, except for me power is not an issue, I have gobs of it. Transmission cooler, bigger brakes, stiffer springs, etc. But our 4Runners are narrow and short compared a more modern SUV or pickup truck. How does that affect our towing capacity?

I ask because I am thinking about towing another 4Runner on a flat U-Haul trailer. So that's 2500 lbs for trailer, 4000 for 4Runner, 4000 for my 4Runner, plus two people so around 10,800 total weight.

 

[fdmsiv]

I ask because I am thinking about towing another 4Runner on a flat U-Haul trailer. So that's 2500 lbs for trailer, 4000 for 4Runner, 4000 for my 4Runner, plus two people so around 10,800 total weight.

Check with UHAUL, some places will not let you rent a flat trailer unless your car meets their requirements. I had a Pathfinder and they would only let me rent the 2 wheel dolly type.

I have towed quite a few things with my 4runner but I was never comfortable doing it. I started renting a full size truck when I needed to tow things, make the drive much more relaxing.

 

[phattyduck]

Check with UHAUL, some places will not let you rent a flat trailer unless your car meets their requirements. I had a Pathfinder and they would only let me rent the 2 wheel dolly type.

I have towed quite a few things with my 4runner but I was never comfortable doing it. I started renting a full size truck when I needed to tow things, make the drive much more relaxing.

They should let you rent one, but you'll have to tell them your towing a light car (like, '89 Civic hatchback or something). A 4Runner behind a 4Runner on a heavy Uhaul trailer probably isn't a good idea.

I have personally only towed up to ~3000 lbs with my 4Runner:

If I was going to tow anything near the limit, I'd want a good brake controller instead of the surge brakes, and you really have to make sure the load is balanced correctly.

-Charlie

 

[96RedRunner]

I ask because I am thinking about towing another 4Runner on a flat U-Haul trailer. So that's 2500 lbs for trailer, 4000 for 4Runner, 4000 for my 4Runner, plus two people so around 10,800 total weight.

Couple years ago I called U-Haul to do what you mention won't fly, BS them your hauling a Camry or something, they say 1/2 ton pickup or better for Runner.

 

[SnowLizard]

It really does sound like it can... But shouldn't.

I was planning on going to Bear Lake Idaho. Plenty of mountain passes.