More towing weight questions...

R

RPCIII

New member
Hello, I have been reading numerous threads and sites on tow weights and related subjects. I have also been told many things by friends and dealers. Unfortunately I'm just as confused as when I started. I have a 2011 V6 4runner. My wife and I, and our 2 year old, are looking to get into a camping trailer. We are looking at hybrid campers (Rockwood Roo or Flagstaff Shamrock), but are stuck between the 17' amd the 19' models, mainly because I don't know if the extra 600-800lbs of the 19' can be handled safely by the 4runner. Here are some of the stats, any feedback is appreciated.

4runner:
GVWR - 6300
Curb - 4400
GCVR - 11,300 (according to Toyota)
Max Tow - 5000
Max Tongue - 500
I will be adding the electric brakes, weight dist. hitch as well.

Trailers
17': GVWR 3800, Dry 2872, Hitch 341
19': GVWR 4660, Dry 3389, Hitch 261

Questions: Do you really have 1300lbs of cargo in a 19' trailer? Can the 4runner tow the 19' safely and comfortably? The numbers seem to say so, but I would appreciate advice from mor experienced folks.
Thanks
RPC
 
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Keep in mind that dry weight doesnt include water at 8.(something)lb (so a 40 gal tank would add 300is lbs), propane or a battery. Plus clothing, food, tools, stuff for leveling the trailer, etc. You have to be carefull of how you load the trailer or you can have 1300lbs real quick.

One more thing, is the hitch on the 4Runner wd rated? I don't know. The manual does state that trailers over 2000lbs require/recommend (dont remember the wording) a sway control device.
 
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The standard hitch is NOT a WD setup, but you should be fine with the 19' camper. I'm not sure they even make an aftermarket hitch setup yet, please share if you know of one!
I have a Jayco 19H EXP, but unfortunately I haven't had a chance to tow it with my 'Runner. I DO tow my boat at least once per week (3500#), and it handles the load remarkeably well. The biggest difference will be the tongue weight- significantly higher with the camper. 5th Gens have very soft suspension, which will cause the rear-end to sag under the load. I installed an Airlift 1000 airspring kit ($100) to handle the weight.
Campers are like boats in that you always wish you would have gotten the one that was a little bigger... Good luck with your decision!
 
Good feedback!

Thanks for the info, thats very helpful. I can see how weights can add up quickly. As for the hitch, I haven't looked yet, but I will share what I find. Thanks for posting.
Rob
 
With a 3K lbs - 19' trailer you will be close to maxing out the T4R's 5K lbs rating. You can easily add 1K lbs in trailer cargo, plus the weight of passengers and TV cargo. Your best bet is to load up the trailer and weigh the whole trailer and its tongue weight. You even have to include the weight of the WD/sway systems and you will need a WD/sway system.. For cheap you should add air bags to level everything. If you have the money and want to have an incredible ride (completely eliminating sway) take a look at the Hensley Cub system. With this system you don't even have to worry about how you load the trailer weight. It truly is an amazing system. Also take a look at a Trailmanor trailer, you get a trailer that is half the weight of a regular trailer the same size. They use aircraft materials and technology in the construction to make it the lightweight champion of TTs . My 2720SL is 27’ opened (20’ closed) and weighs approx 2800 lbs. On my last trip I got 16.8 mpg and that’s with a V8 GX. Check out the link to the Cub and the Trailmanor.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/86446-new-trailer.html

The Hensley Cub | Hensley Hitch Towable Products

Travel Trailers That Are Lightweight and Easy to Tow|Trailmanor Travel Trailers

Koz
 
Thanks for the posts

Hi all,
I apprecaite the feedback and the great tips. I got the 4runner just before we decided to get into a camper. I love it, but wished it had been the other way around. Thanks again for the comments

Rob
 
RPCIII said:
Hi all,
I apprecaite the feedback and the great tips. I got the 4runner just before we decided to get into a camper. I love it, but wished it had been the other way around. Thanks again for the comments

Rob
Click to expand...
The problem with the 5th generation is that it if you add a wt distribution hitch you risk twisting the frame. When you tighten your cams you will put a lot of stess on the frame. I haven't heard of anyone making a receiver that will bolt on.
 
I know I sound like a broken record, and someone will stand up and say" well, that's what they designed it for"....but the bottom line is you have a very short wheel based vehicle with limited weight, and also limited pulling and stopping power. You don't mention if you've towed before, but if this is a new adventure, let's keep it a happy one. My personal preference would be to err on the side of safety, and leave a little wiggle room weight wise. If you can get by with the 17' I think it would be a better choice.

Being you are taking your "most precious cargo" on a great camping adventure, the weight seems to add up quickly. As others have stated, water, bikes, loaded coolers, enough clothes to dress an army, and then all the goodies that actually stay in the trailer to make it a home away from home....it all weighs something. I think you'll find that it'll be a good match with the truck, and the trailer will be a pleasure to tow...vs. may something the opposite. I think they're people here that tow sucessfully at the weight limit, but I'm not one of them. I think I'm towing right around 2500#, and really you have to be careful because you can forget it's back there.

If this is your first trailer, then maybe in a few years you guys will outgrow it. That may be a good time to look at other truck options if you need to step up the trailer size.

Either way, tow safely, have fun, and enjoy your new camper, what ever size you end up with.

Pat
 
I towed over 5000 pounds without any problems for about 100 miles. Braking was not so good (no trailer brakes) and a little slow on the hills but otherwise i was surprised on how well the truck performed. Averaged about 15 mpg.
 

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m777 said:
I towed over 5000 pounds without any problems for about 100 miles.....
Click to expand...

You didn't have any problems because you were lucky and noone pulled out in front of you, or a dozen other things. "Over 5000#" with no trailer brakes is not very smart.... and, I should think, illegal as he!!.
 
m777 said:
I towed over 5000 pounds without any problems for about 100 miles. Braking was not so good (no trailer brakes) and a little slow on the hills but otherwise i was surprised on how well the truck performed. Averaged about 15 mpg.
Click to expand...

philsey said:
You didn't have any problems because you were lucky and noone pulled out in front of you, or a dozen other things. "Over 5000#" with no trailer brakes is not very smart.... and, I should think, illegal as he!!.
Click to expand...

I agree. Bad example.
 
Probably a good time to post this.....
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Thanks again!

Thanks you all for the posts, but most especially Titanpat57, your post made lots of sense to me. This will be my first time towing something this large, and I'd rather be on the safer side. We have been visiting RV dealers the last few weeks. This past weekend we saw the Jayfeather Sport 17Z. 2995lbs dry, and a better layout for us than the Forest River 17' models, and many of the options we were looking for. Going back for a second look and maybe some negotiating. Thanks again!

Rob
 
2007 4runner towing rockwood roo 183

I Bought a 2012 rockwood roo 183 to tow with my 2007 V6 4Runner. Added wd hitch, WD/sway system, Prodigy controller, trans cooler and KN filter.
No long trips yet but towed it 100 miles back from the dealer with full propane and battery with no issues.
 
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