More Input on 18'-20', 3000lb TT with 4.0 V6

[Dougtoms01]

Hey guys,
I am looking for some more up to date, real life experience with pulling a 18-20' travel trailer with a 4.0 V6, obviously equiped with WDH, anti-sway bars and electric brakes.

I have searched hard and wide for information and I am currently set on keeping my pop-up to go out West and combine that with more stays in hotels to be comfortable for at least 2 months.

I have seen some good factual data that says I should be able to pull something 20' or less safely staying as light as possible loaded out.
Those comments are still mixed with concerns of instability catching wind with the frontage, crossing the Rockies and when being passed by big rigs. Just me, wife and dog so we don't have more than about 500-600lbs in the rig including fuel. Most of the TT's I am looking at have 400lbs or less tongue weight.

I don't want to be unsafe or white knuckled the whole trip. However, if our rigs can do this safely I'd really enjoy the benefits of a hard sided camper.
A lot of the towing comments with the V6 are from 3.7L earlier model rigs.
I was just wondering if anyone has additional input from this forum. Technically, I always find the members here on top of their game.

As background, I have towed a lot of campers with longer wheel based set-ups. I also have a CDL lisense Class C (limousines) so I do drive very defensively and respect the dangers of the road. I just don't have any background with short wheel base units and the limitations.

My current set-up with a pop-up is very stable and the V6-4.0L handles it well. It's only a 10' box and loads out at about 1700lbs. I took some prep runs earlier this year through the mountains of PA for several weeks. It's just a lot more work to set up and tear down every move.

I appreciate your input. Unless I get a green light from a majority here backed up with technical and real life experience, I am going to ditch all thoughts of a TT. Changing tow vehicles or adding a different tow vehicle is not in the options. I am retired and love my 4Runner.

Best regards,
Doug

 

[450exc115]

I don't pull a travel trailer but do pull a 12 ft box that measures 17' with the V and hitch. Loaded I'm probably 2500lbs with trailer, bikes, gear, spare parts, and tools. No problems towing other than it's a little noise high due to the soft rear springs on the 4runner. Either airbags or OME springs would solve the problems. Power wise it will maintain 65 in 4th without issues in most hills around New England.

 

[Dougtoms01]

Thanks 450exc.,
Thats pretty close to what I am looking at weight wise and not fa off on the length.
With the WDH, you can level the sag. I am also raked 1" down in ther front to begin with.
I may get enough information to get a TT yet.
The only problem is that I have to invest in a new hitch to try a test pull. Th V6 equiped hitch is not compatible with WDH.
It's only bolted in the center of the bumper and my understanding is that you need the upgraded hitch that bolts down both main rails :-(

 

[450exc115]

Thanks 450exc.,
Thats pretty close to what I am looking at weight wise and not fa off on the length.
With the WDH, you can level the sag. I am also raked 1" down in ther front to begin with.
I may get enough information to get a TT yet.
The only problem is that I have to invest in a new hitch to try a test pull. Th V6 equiped hitch is not compatible with WDH.
It's only bolted in the center of the bumper and my understanding is that you need the upgraded hitch that bolts down both main rails :-(

I swapped my V6 hitch for a Hidden Hitch (200ish dollars) and put it on in a few hrs. I often put my dirt bike on the back of the 4runner for local rides rather than tow a trailer and I wanted the comfort of more tongue weight capacity. It's rated at 7200lbs towing 500lbs tongue and relocates the plug to a more friendlier spot for trailering

 

[Dougtoms01]

What do you think about this option. I found a Jayco Featherweight, 18' TT. It's a M-165 Sport. The unloaded weight is 2850 and loads out at 3500 max. The tongue weight is 450. With the V6 option, this seems like the weight of a good size pop-up, just catching more wind. My hitch shop is saying I probably only need anti-sway, but they'll put a WDH on if I think I need it. Is the WDH mainly for any sag? I have a lift, so the rear sits level with 450lbs on the tongue. I am going to take it for a test tow this afternoon and see how it does. The length seems within search recommendations. I just can't trade tow vehicles, so I'll either keep my pop-up or see if this smaller TT will tow safely. Feedback much appreciated. Best regards, Doug

 

[Dougtoms01]

Well, I took this thing for a test tow today. It pulled up and down some pretty good hills fine. I don't think this lite of a trailer is even equiped for accepting WDH. I dropped the rear about 2", but I am + 2" in the rear anyways, so I was pretty level. The steering felt fine and didn't seem like the front end was floating at all. I would add an anti-sway bar for sure. It was pretty breezy today and the thing towed fine without one at 55mph. Here's a picture of the set-up. I will contact Jayco to see if a WDH can be run with this unit. Looks like they do sell a WDH 600/6000 that would work. I think with this hitch unit, the combination should tow well out West. The Equilizer E-2 has the anti-sway build into it.

 

[ebg18t]

Good to hear. If it were me I would add some of the firestone air bags to help level the rear out and offset the load. Kit is $100 and easy to install. We use a set in our F350 SuperDuty when we tow 15k+ to help level the truck off. Makes a noticible difference.

 

[Dougtoms01]

Thanks for the input,
Those Firestone Air Bags make sense. I'll look to get a set to put in my set-up. Thanks again my friend.

Best regards,
Doug

 

[Dougtoms01]

Final Rig 16' TT with WDH

Well, I ended up purchasing the Jayco Feather 165 Sport. I bought a hidden hitch and WDH. After setting the WDH up, I an now only down 1/4" in the rear and feels much better with the weight back on the front axel. Anything bigger is a little squirly with this short wheel base. These 16' TT's are hard to find, but they seem to be a good choice for the V6 4Runner. Went through the 2007 TT top to bottom and have it put in storage. RV dealer wanted $675 to put on WDH alone. I purchased from Etrailer for $325. If you have a lift, you'll need to order the 4 5/8" drop shank to level your trailer. The one that comes with the E2 Equilizer is not long enough. The Hidden hitch was $191 on sale. If you have the V6 factory hitch, you'll have to remove the back bumper to get the 4 bolts off under the bumper.
Best regards,
Doug