New Member buying a 4th Gen 4Runner.plz help.

[VdronA]

Hi guys,

Apolozise if the information is already provided in other forums but I am a prospect 4runner buyer (2006 V8). I found a good deal in Miami. I have a few questions before i complete my purchase.

The reason for this purchase is to tow a race car(3200lbs) on a uhaul rental surgebrake trailer (2200lbs)..

Q1: Is the 06 V8 4runner okay to tow the racecar.
Q2: do i have to look for any specs on tow package
Q3: Do i have to look for any transmission cooler if the car ia equipped with or not. If not how bad is it for my towing needs
Q4: what are the pre-requisites that I have to be aware of before towing my 5400lbs on a 12hr drive to the track.

 

[VdronA]

Here is the Pic of the 4Runner that I was going to buy.

 

[VdronA]

Also, Is this the OEM tow package or an after market ones?

 

[NuclearN8]

Q1: Is the 06 V8 4runner okay to tow the racecar. Sure why not
Q2: do i have to look for any specs on tow package. shouldn't have to
Q3: Do i have to look for any transmission cooler if the car is equipped with or not. If not how bad is it for my towing needs. I would suggest getting one if there are any hills whatsoever pulling that heavy of a load (you're at the rated limit pretty much for the 4Runner). B&M makes great coolers, check out JEGS for fast free shipping and good prices.
Q4: what are the pre-requisites that I have to be aware of before towing my 5400lbs on a 12hr drive to the track. (um, nothing, hook it up, lock it, and connect the electrical...)

v8's have a Weight distribution hitch like the one you have pictured... might already have an aux tranny cooler as well not sure (if not, you can buy one and install it easy enough)

things I would do after you buy the 4Runner but before towing 5400 lbs
(unless you have proof they performed it as part of the make ready)
- Get the transmission serviced or service it yourself with fresh fluid. (lots of DIY threads on here, use google as it's easier to find than the forum search)
- Check your tires make sure they're relatively new and properly inflated (4runner and Trailer)
- Drain and fill the rear differential
- Service the Engine oil and filter
- Depending on mileage of the 06 make sure the timing belt is replaced

good luck.

 

[VdronA]

Thanks nuclearN8.

Im going to walk into the dealer today with an offer!

Ill also keep in mind about the required fluid maintenance before towing.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Weight distributing hitches are found on the trailer, not the vehicle let. What's pictured is a frame mounted receiver, as opposed to the one that is just wielded to the crossmember

 

[m85476585]

Weight distributing hitches are found on the trailer, not the vehicle let. What's pictured is a frame mounted receiver, as opposed to the one that is just wielded to the crossmember

That's a hitch that can be used with a weight distributing system, but yes, it doesn't distribute any weight without additional parts. The hitch that comes on the V6 should not be used with a weight distributing system. There are a bunch more parts needed, including a trailer that's set up for it, the weight distributing shank and head that replace a normal ball mount, a pair of spring bars, and sometimes and anti-sway system. I don't think any uhaul trailers are set up for it, but I could be wrong. Just aim for 10% of the trailer weight on the hitch, so about 540lbs in this case. If you have less the trailer could go out of control, and if you have more without a weight distributing setup it will put too much weight on your rear suspension making it more difficult to control the car. The max payload for the truck is around 1200lbs, so with the trailer attached don't put more than 660lbs (including people and cargo) in or on the truck to stay within the weight limit. If the actual tongue weight is higher, you have even less cargo capacity. But it's probably better to go over the rated payload/GVWR rather than under 10% tongue weight if you can't meet both requirements. Just make sure your tires are properly inflated.

 

[jambone]

I'd also suggest checking the brakes thoroughly (esp. frozen caliper pistons) before you tow with it.

 

[VdronA]

Thanks for that insight guys!
Im about to buy a 98k miles 05 V8. Dumb question but Will high mileage be trust worthy to tow? I only tow 5 times a year for about 5000 miles combined. Should i be particular about low mileage or better maintained high mileage is also okay? Heard these SUV's when maintained well go over 200k without any issues.

 

[jstanwood]

Thanks for that insight guys!
Im about to buy a 98k miles 05 V8. Dumb question but Will high mileage be trust worthy to tow? I only tow 5 times a year for about 5000 miles combined. Should i be particular about low mileage or better maintained high mileage is also okay? Heard these SUV's when maintained well go over 200k without any issues.

Just make sure you get it caught up on recommended maintenance, and you should be fine. I bought my 2008 with 98k miles this summer. I knew it needed a timing belt and all the fluids changed, so I had that done. It already had new front brakes. I started towing with it as soon as I got a brake controller.

 

[chitown40]

Let's talk common sense here.

I get that the V8 is rated to tow 2300 lbs more than the V6, but actually being able to physically move the added weight around is only one small factor.

I think we can all agree that the remainder of the suspension, brake, and other drivetrain components are all similar to the V6.

SO, with that being said, the OP wants to tow a 5400 lb. trailer. I don't think that a 4Runner is really the best vehicle for him. I know we are all biased and love our 4Runners like children, but let's just come to grips that while it is an incredibly engineered vehicle, it's not always the best (or even good) vehicle for certain applications.

Can he tow 5400 lbs for 12 hours? Sure. Would it be safe? In good weather or perfect conditions it would be marginally OK. Add a storm or poor road conditions and now it's just plain dangerous.

If he already owned the 4Runner and he had no other option, then I'd say sure, go for it, give it a try on an early Sunday morning in good conditions and see how it handles. BUT, he doesn't own a 4Runner already and he would be much better off with a Land Cruiser 100 series, or a Tundra, or a Sequoia assuming he wanted to stay in the Toyota family.

 

[VdronA]

I personally would stick to the Toyota family. I might lower my towing wait probably by gutting out atleast 500lbs on my racecar and try to purchase a light weight trailer if needed to reduce the tow load but still would like to stay with 4runner compared to Tundra or sequoia. Thet both are great trucks but too big for me for DD.

What would be the ideal recommended towing weight limits for the 4Runner which is rated at 7000-7300lbs.

I was hoping i could gut down the racecar to 3000lbs and use a 1500lb or less aluminum trailer to keep the limit at 4500lbs.

 

[chitown40]

That would save you almost 1000 lbs. It's a good start. The V8 should pull that just fine, but you will want to make sure your brakes and tires are up to snuff as well in case you run into wet weather or other poor conditions.

I get why you want to stay with a 4Runner. It's a nice size vehicle for someone who doesn't need to cart around a soccer team or cub scout group. Mileage is decent for its brick-like aerodynamics and body on frame construction is a nice feature over similar sized SUVs.