New 4runner owner, have some questions re: towing?

[Somboa]

Hi all, picking up my 2008 V8 Limited 4runner later tonight. Can't wait, got it to tow my track car to the track as driving it 2 hours each way with a dronning exhaust was getting tiring.

This will also be a step up from my 2006 Subaru Impreza Wrx Wagon as it'll be a bigger version of what I'm used to.

So here are a few questions I have... I can't seem to find an FAQ for towing or anything so please accept my apologies if these questions have been asked numerous times before.

1. I have the V8 with towing package. Is the existing tranny cooler sufficient or is it recommended to upgrade that anyway? I'll be towing approximately 5,000lbs only in summer (about 25-30 deg celcius).

2. Is there such a thing as overcooling? Assuming the recommendation from #1 is to get a bigger tranny cooler, is it possible to go too big and overcool? Winters here get to around -20 celcius and summer to about 40 deg celcius. I'll only be towing in summer.

3. I understand I have a tow "receiver". The flatbed/auto trailer I'll be renting requires a ball receiver. Does that mean I just need to add a ball attachment to my receiver or do I have to yank that out and replace with another receiver?

4. Do I need a weight distributing receiver or with 5,000lbs, am I good to go with the existing Toyota receiver on the car?

5. Will surge brakes work with the stock braking system or should I be looking at electronic brakes on the trailer as well?

6. Are the OEM brake pads sufficient for stopping a trailer + car combo (approx 5,000lbs) or do I need to upgrade to better pads all around?

7. The existing tires are getting worn down and I'll be looking to get some tires for them.. they're the stock 18" rims. Any recommendation for cheap/good/long lasting tires that can handle the extra load of towing? I'll be getting dedicated winter tires and rims for winter.

Thanks!

 

[cali_axela]

I also tow a track car on a flatbed style auto trailer with my V8 T4R -- only towed a couple times so far (just got mine in December), but so far it has been a very easy and pleasant experience. You'll love it!

1. The OEM transmission cooler is just fine for most people, I have no plans to upgrade mine for towing my track car all summer. Just don't drive like a maniac while you're towing and... remember to KEEP IT IN 4, NOT D while towing! That's really the only thing to remember, and you'll be good.

2. I wouldn't worry about it, towing 5k pounds on weekends for a few months a year, your truck is setup to handle it already.

3. You just need to buy a ball mount and ball, and pin. The ball mount slides into your existing receiver and locks in place with the pin. I got a cheapish Reese ball mount and ball for like $20 at Walmart, which is rated up to 6k lbs, and it's working fine so far. Don't need anything fancy here.

4. The OEM hitch on the V8 is the weight distributing type already, giving it a higher tow capacity than the lesser hitch on V6 models, and it's compatible with more trailers. No need to replace, your OEM hitch is perfect for what you're doing.

5. Your truck is setup to work with a brake controller very easily, so I recommend going that route if you're going to get a braked trailer. Much better.

6. I've been towing mine so far without the brakes on the trailer hooked up, because I haven't bought and installed a brake controller yet. But I do recommend getting a braked trailer and brake controller for this weight. You really have to be careful towing this much weight without extra brakes... it's doable and not too crazy or dangerous, just leave yourself a lot of extra room.

6. My completely stock brakes worked fine for the ~1.5 hour each way trip I've taken it on, they only faded a tiny bit when I was really trying to test them.

7. I actually just replaced my OEM tires with Yokohama Geolandars a few months ago, and am really loving them. Quite cheap, nice ride, were great in the snow in Tahoe. They handled towing great, too. Although since you're getting a second dedicated winter set (I am not) you might want to consider a stiffer touring tire instead of an A/T tire like these on your summer set.

 

[Koz]

I also tow a track car on a flatbed style auto trailer with my V8 T4R -- only towed a couple times so far (just got mine in December), but so far it has been a very easy and pleasant experience. You'll love it!

1. The OEM transmission cooler is just fine for most people, I have no plans to upgrade mine for towing my track car all summer. Just don't drive like a maniac while you're towing and... remember to KEEP IT IN 4, NOT D while towing! That's really the only thing to remember, and you'll be good.

2. I wouldn't worry about it, towing 5k pounds on weekends for a few months a year, your truck is setup to handle it already.

3. You just need to buy a ball mount and ball, and pin. The ball mount slides into your existing receiver and locks in place with the pin. I got a cheapish Reese ball mount and ball for like $20 at Walmart, which is rated up to 6k lbs, and it's working fine so far. Don't need anything fancy here.

4. The OEM hitch on the V8 is the weight distributing type already, giving it a higher tow capacity than the lesser hitch on V6 models, and it's compatible with more trailers. No need to replace, your OEM hitch is perfect for what you're doing.

5. Your truck is setup to work with a brake controller very easily, so I recommend going that route if you're going to get a braked trailer. Much better.

6. I've been towing mine so far without the brakes on the trailer hooked up, because I haven't bought and installed a brake controller yet. But I do recommend getting a braked trailer and brake controller for this weight. You really have to be careful towing this much weight without extra brakes... it's doable and not too crazy or dangerous, just leave yourself a lot of extra room.

6. My completely stock brakes worked fine for the ~1.5 hour each way trip I've taken it on, they only faded a tiny bit when I was really trying to test them.

7. I actually just replaced my OEM tires with Yokohama Geolandars a few months ago, and am really loving them. Quite cheap, nice ride, were great in the snow in Tahoe. They handled towing great, too. Although since you're getting a second dedicated winter set (I am not) you might want to consider a stiffer touring tire instead of an A/T tire like these on your summer set.

Good advice.

Just to add to it; the V8 is rated for 7K lbs. so 5K will be fine. You may need to add a WD or sway system, you are traveling several hours. Make the first trip without any added systems and you will know after that if you need some help. You absolutely need some type of brakes, I would recommend electric brakes using a Prodigy controller. If the vehicle sags you may want to install a cheap set of air bags. good luck!

Koz

 

[Somboa]

Excellent thanks for the thorough replies. The truck I'm getting already has the rear air ride so it should be all levelled out regardless of weight in the bag... although I'm browsing the lifts page and I never noticed before but a level even stance looks better than the forward raked look. I'm addicted to modding... let's see how long I can hold off for.

 

[Koz]

Excellent thanks for the thorough replies. The truck I'm getting already has the rear air ride so it should be all levelled out regardless of weight in the bag... although I'm browsing the lifts page and I never noticed before but a level even stance looks better than the forward raked look. I'm addicted to modding... let's see how long I can hold off for.

The T4R I had was equipped with the OEM auto leveling rear air spring susp. For towing it is worth its weight in gold. Not only does it level both vehicles but in doing so it helps improve all aspects/dynamics of the ride. You can also adjust the approach and departure angle of both vehicles driving forward and backing up.

Koz

 

[jetboy1975]

I'm assuming since you're stating temps in celcius that you are in Canada? You may want to check the hitch reciever and make sure it is the upgrade frame mounted one. Most (all?) Canadian V8 models only came with the cross member mounted reciever which won't be good enough for what you are doing. Not sure if they changed this in the newer models. I rarely see T4Rs here with the heavier hitch. Look underneath and see if the tubes extend out and mount to the frame rails, if so you are good to go.

Trailer brakes are a must with that weight. Prodigy controllers work with electric and surge brakes (electric being better) and you may want to consider a WDH depending on how much weight is on the tongue.

 

[Somboa]

Yes, I'm in Canada and unfortunately for me, yes, I just checked, looks like I do not have the WD hitch as it's just attached to the rear subframe and does not have the extra 2 pieces that goes to the sides.

Having said that, should I just get a Toyota heavy duty WD hitch (for the US V8's) then or should I go aftermarket? I'd like it to look as OEM/hidden as possible.

 

[jetboy1975]

Either OEM or aftermarket hitches will be fine. Many have upgraded with Hidden Hitch 70779 or Curt 13445 models. They are relatively cheap ($150) and easy to install. You may even be able to find a used one in the classified section. Do a search on here to see pics of them installed.

As mentioned, the airbags will help a lot but you will still need a good WD hitch. The bags will help keep the truck level but will do nothing to distribute weight back onto the front axle which is important for stability and steering control.