Need advise...tow capacities and hitches

[SueP]

So...I think maybe my problem is that Canadian ratings are different, but I cannot figure out the towing thing. Here's my issue:
I have a travel trailer (about 4000lb dry) and am trying to buy a 2003 -2006ish v8 4Runner to drag it around 5-6 times a year (through coastal mountains). Seems to me a 4 runner would do it, and make me happy as a daily driver. I want to have a good margin of tow capacity and will probably be buying something with at least 100,000 km. Been doing hours of research and looking at cars at dealerships and just getting more confused.
-all over the Internet tow capacities for v8s are said to be 7000 or more
-2 separate dealers looked it up for me and said that Toyota lists all 4runners (8's and 6's) at 5000 lb max except for 2003 and then only with a cryptic note about a weight distributing hitch (factory only?) 7000lb
-apparently only some 2003 models have the u7000lb hitch and rating
-looked at a 2003 but wrong hitch...I think. Not the big tubular thing
-talked to my hitch guy, he doesn't have one listed that he could install
- really excited about a 2005 4.7 V8 sport sr5 sport 4Rhunner (15,000 cdn) that I'm looking at tomorrow but still don't know how to satisfy myself that the tow setup is really officially ok for 7000 lbs.
Anyone out there know what the deal is? Do I have to find a 2003 with the upscale hitch? Is the upscale hitch (weight distributing) the one with the big tubular extensions? Is it even possible to swap out the smaller hitch with an after market one, and if so, does that mean other tow package stuff like transmission coolers are also missing or in need of upgrading?

 

[cacarbuff]

I have a 2005 v8 with the weight distribution hitch and the corresponding hitch/ball setup. It tows my >4k lb trailer like a dream. I am pretty sure you'll be fine as long as the 4runner you get has the weight distribution tube hitch.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Even with the regular hitch you will be fine for 4000# it is rated for 5000# so you're good to go.

Yes you swap in an after market tubular hitch to up your tongue weight and tow capacity closer to what is claimed if Toyota doesn't have the official V8 tubular hitch available.

I've never towed 4000#. More closer to 6000ish pounds. Make sure you have the trailer brakes....it should be an given since anything over 1500# I believe is mandated by law to have brakes....but then again all sorts of crazy things are out there being towed.

And V8 or not, the 4runner doesn't have a tow mode. So I know for sure with my 6000# ish you need to leave it in 4th gear manually to over ride the over drive. Also when going up hill you might need to shift it into 3rd manually to keep the RPM up and maintain your power band. Again because no specific tow mode button to do it for you.

For the couple of times I might tow heavy like that a year I don't find it a big deal. If it was a manual that's exactly what you'd do anyway. All the gears are there to be selected for a reason. If I was towing something heavy everyday for work like a contractor trailer then of course I'd have something purpose built like a F250 or something to tow.

4000# no issues. Mine idles forward with over 6000# in the back.

Check your fluids, pay very close attention to tire pressure.

 

[97hb]

I've towed 5K with the V6, you'll be fine with the 8. I'd just be worried about stopping and trans temp.

 

[SueP]

Thanks for the thoughts. I have driven the coast mountains many times over the years but haven't towed a trailer for a while. Had a scary experience yeRs ago coming Dow the kokahala (sp) with no trailer brakes. Drove a 24 ft motor home for yrs, now moving back to a trailer. If the 2004 and later v8s have the weight distributing hitch, why doesn't toyota rate them to 7000 lbs? Why only 2003? How do I know for sure when I look at it that it is a weight distributing hitch and good for use with equalizer bars to 7000lbs?

 

[SueP]

Is the 5000lb hitch straight across and the 7000 lb weight distributing hitch curved and tubular?

 

[CAN-03runner]

Thanks for the thoughts. I have driven the coast mountains many times over the years but haven't towed a trailer for a while. Had a scary experience yeRs ago coming Dow the kokahala (sp) with no trailer brakes. Drove a 24 ft motor home for yrs, now moving back to a trailer. If the 2004 and later v8s have the weight distributing hitch, why doesn't toyota rate them to 7000 lbs? Why only 2003? How do I know for sure when I look at it that it is a weight distributing hitch and good for use with equalizer bars to 7000lbs?

The standard hitch "receiver " is bolted to the rear frame cross member right in the middle. All you see is the receiver square stick out of a notch in the plastic bumper.

The weight distributing "receiver" is bolted up to the side frame rails instead. From there a tube extends from side to side with the receiver in the middle. You can't miss the lower hanging tube.

Either way. An after market hitch receiver does exist. from the usual suspects like curt or reese. good for 6500# I believe. perfect for your 4000# So don't make that the deciding factor. Find a nice 4runner with or without and then add it if needed.

I think the V8 automatically comes with transmission cooler. But if not, simple upgrade for a few 100$. is nothing compared to a camper trailer price anyway. The limited has air bag to level the trailer. But if not, again air lift bags can be added for couple 100$. So find a good clean, maintained runner and add the couple things missing if needed. check t4r sponsors... ------->

 

[ncpinz]

A weight distributing hitch is NOT the tube style hitch that bolts to the frame. That is just an aftermarket hitch.

A weight distributing hitch is one that has rods on either side that help transfer load back to the trailer. It helps with braking, trailer sway, etc.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

what is mounted to your vehicle is called a receiver, what is on your trailer is called a hitch, and the thing that connects them is a ball and ball mount, just to make things clear

 

[CAN-03runner]

A weight distributing hitch is NOT the tube style hitch that bolts to the frame. That is just an aftermarket hitch.

A weight distributing hitch is one that has rods on either side that help transfer load back to the trailer. It helps with braking, trailer sway, etc.

Correct. Good catch. I got carried away whipping out my text.

Except that 4th gen 4runner specifics, the weight distributing hitch receiver is the tubular version. It's not recommended to use a weight distributing setup with the standard receiver bolted to the center of the rear bumper cross member as it may lead to twisting up the frame. And 4th gen 4runner specific again, it's this tubular version that is the higher rated receiver.

 

[TechWrench]

A weight distributing hitch is NOT the tube style hitch that bolts to the frame. That is just an aftermarket hitch.

A weight distributing hitch is one that has rods on either side that help transfer load back to the trailer. It helps with braking, trailer sway, etc.

You are incorrect. You are identifying the weight distribution towing system [A weight distributing hitch is one that has rods on either side that help transfer load back to the trailer. It helps with braking, trailer sway, etc.], which is a separate item from a weight distribution capable hitch receiver, which is the part that bolts to the tow vehicle frame. They are two different things, that work together to make a weight distribution system work properly.

If your vehicle only has the 5k rear cross member mounted hitch receiver, it is NOT rated for a weight distribution towing system. You could physically install one, but it might bend/twist the rear cross member. To the best of my knowledge, all V8 4unners, from '04 and up, that came with the factory installed tow package, had the frame mounted heavier hitch receiver. The 7k tow limit, was actually only for the 2wd models. I believe the 4wd ratings was closer to 6,300k and only with a full weight distribution towing system. Without the weight distribution system, I believe the factory ratings was still 5k. In any case, check the owners manual for your specific year/model for the actual figures.

 

[boondoggle]

If you're going to get a WDH, I'd recommend getting one that also has sway control.

There are various ways to manage sway control. The 'worst' IMHO is a sway bar that uses friction bar. You have to remove it for tight turns and for backing up. I'd recommend against getting this, even though it is the cheapest solution. http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Pro-Series/PS49902.html

Other WDH such as Equal-Izers, Fastway or Blue Ox use friction where the bars meet the hitch.

I recently got a camper (3200# GVWR) and am planning to get an Andersen Hitch like this: https://www.andersenhitches.com/Catalog/andersen-nosway-weight-distribution-hitch.aspx

I like the lower tongue weight, simple setup and compact storage. And at $450 it's a pretty reasonable price.

Remember, a 2004 4Runner with a V8 has a cargo capacity of 1195 pounds. That will be used up by you, other passengers cargo and the tongue weight of your trailer. So if you're looking at a 4000# dry camper it probably has a GVWR closer to 5000#. That means the tongue weight could easiyly be 500-600#. That reduces the cargo carrying capacity of your 4Runner quite a bit.

Also, when looking at WDHs they are rated for various capacities. You would want a 600/6000 minimum. But be careful not to overdo it. Getting one rated for 1000# tongue/10000# trailer has adverse effects.
600 / 6,000 lb. Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch : Equal-i-zer Hitch Store

Hope that helps.

 

[SueP]

Thank you so much guys. So.. Bottom line..
The 4.7 v8 engine on the 2005 sport 4Runner is rated to tow 7000lb
I'm 90% sure the hitch receiver on the truck israted to 5000 lbs and not weight distributing
The trailer weighs 4000 lb dry so I'm right on the hitch limit towing
So should I go for it? If I use equalizer bars, which I have always done in the past, and can't imagine towing without, and tow at the limit of the hitch am I in danger of doing damage to the frame or suspension? If it has the 5000 lb not weight distributing hitch does that mean I can't use sway control bars? My hitch guy was definitive saying there is no replacement weight distributing hitch receiver available for him to install.
Other than my hitch paranoia it's the perfect vehicle. Low mileage, service records and receipts. What to do what to do. If I want the vehicle I have to move on it quick cuz he's got 3 other buyers lined up to view.

 

[ebg18t]

Thank you so much guys. So.. Bottom line..
The 4.7 v8 engine on the 2005 sport 4Runner is rated to tow 7000lb
I'm 90% sure the hitch receiver on the truck israted to 5000 lbs and not weight distributing
The trailer weighs 4000 lb dry so I'm right on the hitch limit towing
So should I go for it? If I use equalizer bars, which I have always done in the past, and can't imagine towing without, and tow at the limit of the hitch am I in danger of doing damage to the frame or suspension? If it has the 5000 lb not weight distributing hitch does that mean I can't use sway control bars? My hitch guy was definitive saying there is no replacement weight distributing hitch receiver available for him to install.
Other than my hitch paranoia it's the perfect vehicle. Low mileage, service records and receipts. What to do what to do. If I want the vehicle I have to move on it quick cuz he's got 3 other buyers lined up to view.

It's very rare for a v8 to have the crossmember mounted hitch found on the v6. Maybe it's just a Canadian thing.

All the aftermarket gen 4 hitches are basically the same (03-09), I used a Reese on mine, but the Curt or hidden hitch also sell options. You may have to buy in the US.

If you have the crossmember mounted hitch you do NOT want to use a weight distribution system. You need a frame mounted hitch to use the weight distribution systems. Ie equalizer or blue Ox.

If the truck has records and in good condition I would go for it. A aftermarket hitch in the U.S. (from Amazon) is ~$150.

 

[CruzadoBlanco]

My 2004 V8 still has the original rating tag on the hitch and it says 7300lb max towing, 500lb max tongue weight unless using a weight distributing hitch which ups the tongue weight to 730lb.

 

[boondoggle]

V8 4x4 is 7000#.

V8 4x2 is 7300#.

Sue don't confuse the hitch receiver on the vehicle with the 'hitch'. I've never heard of anyone replacing the hitch receiver on the V8 4runner. It should be a class III hitch receiver.

It will work in conjunction with a weight distributing hitch. Not replaced by a weight distributing hitch - such as your equalizer bars.

 

[SueP]

Thank you thank you

I do understand the difference between the receiver, and the hitch /WD system (I always called this the sway control but it was actually equalizer bars I think..slotted in to the hitch and adjusted by choosing the right link in the chains). I'm happy to have people lead me back to the belief that the v8s all came with the higher rated hitch. I will see the runner in the am. Just have to find some pics of what I am looking for. Hopefully it's not some weird thing where vehicles shipped to Canada had the lighter hitch. In any case, it seems like even if it's the wrong hitch, Hidden Hitch.makes one that you could swap it out with if necessary. (70779). So...fingers crossed that the mechanics check out and nobody else buys it out from under me!

 

[CAN-03runner]

Maybe your hitch guy doesn't have it in his suppliers. Trailer Hitches, Hitch Accessories, Hitch Wiring

It may likely be a Canadian thing. Mine didn't have the bigger receiver. I see many V8 runners here without it.

Do a kijiji.ca search for V8 4runner look at the rears. You'll a lot without it. Probably more without than with.

 

[emoore924]

Isn't there a sticker right on the receiver saying what its rated for?

 

[TechWrench]

Isn't there a sticker right on the receiver saying what its rated for?

That depends on which receiver he has. If he in fact does have the 'V6' receiver (Canada version), it is hidden behind the bumper cover, and doesn't have any limit stickers that I remember. If he has the V8 receiver, then it might have a limits sticker. If he has an aftermarket receiver, the limits sticker, if it has one, will give the limits for the device, (which may be more or less than what the vehicle it is attached to may be rated for. In any case, it is suggested that one look to the owners manual for that vehicle, for any specific Toyota recommended limits.