Noob Towing Question

[Ju1cE82]

So still don't have 1,000 mi on my 4R yet but am getting ready to do a job 420-ish miles away. Will be towing a trailer (900 lbs, 5x8 enclosed, V-nose, no trailer brakes) with about 600-700 lbs of electronic gear. This electronic gear is the heart and soul of my new company, I intend to drive speed limit or under with excessive stopping distance and the like

I will be towing interstates through West Virginia, so some big "hills." Should I take the truck out of 5th when ever going up hill, when ever going up big hills, never have it in 5th?

Any other advice you have for a noob is a appreciated as well.

I do pride myself in being able to drive anything with wheels, biggest fault is getting comfortable and driving fast. The fear of losing everything should help keep that in check.

 

[CXS]

You should be fine with 900lbs, just don't get comfortable. :thumb:

 

[CA-RJ]

I bought my 4Runner last November and a week later drove almost 3,000 miles towing a UHaul trailer with a Piano in it. For the most part, it was a very easy trip. I set the cruise at 65 and rolled. On steeper hills, I'd pop it out of overdrive. Make sure you secure your load well, check it whenever you stop and take your time.

 

[having fun]

Even with the 6-700lbs cargo still ok. Usually with trailers under 1k DON'T have elec brake
axles on them. Yes probably best to drop 1 gear also. Give it a try on a hill ( in 5th) and your trans will tell you what you should drop on other hills with the same grade.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Not sure I've towed that light up hills so I can't say what the experience might be. I'm afraid you won't even feel it and get too comfortable. On the flat roads with an empty 2000lbs trailer I barely feel it except when it hits bumps or pot holes.

But with heavier trailers for sure I'm in 4th, and I have no issues going to 3rd and even 2nd when going uphill. My goal is to keep the RPM in the power band and it's easier to shift down when you are at the bottom of the hill than when you start losing momentum half way up. I find it's also helpful to down shift going back down.

If any issue I see is that if the loaded weight of the trailer is too low the suspension of the trailer will have it bouncing around.

 

[Ju1cE82]

Thanks guys,

This is all kind of what I assumed.

The light load on the trailer and bouncing is a concern, I'm tempted to pull the smallest leaf. The guy at the dealership told me the suspension should be rated right around 2,000 (with the 900# trailer that keeps it under the 3K that requires brakes) So I am only at 1/3 of it recommended weight. If I get a big job and carry two sets of equipment I am still just over half....

I have already loaded my gear once just for fun and with 4 ratchet straps on it couldn't move it with a couple good hard shoves so I hope I will be OK

Thanks again

:cheers:

 

[CAN-03runner]

Lower tire pressure could mitigate some of the bounce if it's too lightweight.