Question about towing a car with the 4Runnah
- Thread starter idobref
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canadianrunner
New member
I have a 240sx, I towed it on a car dolly from Toronto to Kelowna (5000 K).
I do have an aux tranny cooler which obviously helped, the truck didint like hills and couple mountain passes warped the rotors pretty good as much as I tried to stay off the binders.
But otherwise did fine, olny thing with a car dolly is you CANNOT reverse with it, so watch where you park...
I do have an aux tranny cooler which obviously helped, the truck didint like hills and couple mountain passes warped the rotors pretty good as much as I tried to stay off the binders.
But otherwise did fine, olny thing with a car dolly is you CANNOT reverse with it, so watch where you park...
TFJ-4runner
New member
I currently own a S2000 that I want to stage for the winter and continue getting it track ready. I had a V8 03 but sold it to get my current vehicle. I'm willing to take the hit on gas as long as it can handle the task on a trailer non dolly. I did a external cooler on my 2000 4runner so getting that brakes and fluids done will be cake. Its between a thrid gen and a wj v8. I know 4runners so well that I can do just about anything that may happen maintenance wise but I hate the lack of power. If it's ok and can handle some inclines then I'll be comfortable going the 4runner route. I miss having one so it would be nice.
PitbullRescuer
New member
I've towed two different 3rd Gen 4Runners with two different 3rd Gen 4Runners. One on a dolly, one on an actual trailer. You'll be fine. (assuming you haven't already done this trip) External cooler is a good idea, cheap insurance. Just take it slow as it will take FOREVER to stop and accelerate easily.
Why is it so many people are worried about towing with a T4R?
i have towed with 2 different 4runners with 1500 and 2200lbs trailers with all sorts of cars civic, corolla, 240's, datsun you name it im sure many of those times i was over 5Klbs but as long as you know what your doing you are good. people from LA know the trip to vegas over the pass and my runner took the grades without a people with car in tow 2 passengers and car parts.
long as you have a tranny cooler your good to go. along with a good running truck.
i have towed with 2 different 4runners with 1500 and 2200lbs trailers with all sorts of cars civic, corolla, 240's, datsun you name it im sure many of those times i was over 5Klbs but as long as you know what your doing you are good. people from LA know the trip to vegas over the pass and my runner took the grades without a people with car in tow 2 passengers and car parts.
long as you have a tranny cooler your good to go. along with a good running truck.
Scat Adams
New member
Why not fly to LA and drive it back?
I pulled a fully loaded 6x12' trailer from MN to CA taking 80 (big mountains) and experienced very little pucker. Maintain safe distance, turn off O/D and you should be fine. No mention here yet of tire rating? I was on C's, but will be upgrading to E before next tow just for added safety. Will be doing 231 Tundra upgrade as well.
Bumping this thread because I have a similar question and do not have enough posts to start my own thread yet.
I am moving this summer from NC to OR. I own a 2002 4runner, considering towing my wife's 2010 Ford Fusion across with me using a tow dolly from Uhaul. Basic preliminary research has shown that it can be done. Main concern is the distance of the trip. 3000+ miles. I've purchased airbags and will be installing a transmission cooler inline with the radiator. Maintenance is all up to date. Is this an advisable trip? I may have up to two additional passengers and some stuff loaded in the 4runner as well including a car top carrier.
Need advise. New to towing. Thanks.
I am moving this summer from NC to OR. I own a 2002 4runner, considering towing my wife's 2010 Ford Fusion across with me using a tow dolly from Uhaul. Basic preliminary research has shown that it can be done. Main concern is the distance of the trip. 3000+ miles. I've purchased airbags and will be installing a transmission cooler inline with the radiator. Maintenance is all up to date. Is this an advisable trip? I may have up to two additional passengers and some stuff loaded in the 4runner as well including a car top carrier.
Need advise. New to towing. Thanks.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
It's not recommended to load down the rear of a vehicle and tow, since it can only handle so much "tongue weight" on the back of the vehicle. However, you did mention you were installing airbags for the rear suspension? That will help. If you have too much load on the hitch/rear cargo area the front wheels will start to lift off the ground and can be very dangerous at higher speeds. The airbags can help off-set this but not take it away completely.
These 4Runners have a 5,000 lb tow limit and a 500 lb tongue limit. That means if you have a trailer putting 400 lbs of weight on the hitch and 250 lbs of stuff on the roof rack and rear cargo, you are hauling too much. However, if you put the stuff in the car you are towing instead, you'll be much better off since you'll reduce the tongue weight. Hope that helps in your planning.
thegipper
New member
Can it be done? Probably but I wouldn't do it. That fusion probably weighs 3200lbs ish, plus the dolly plus a couple passengers and a bunch of stuff? And you need to tow it 3000k miles? It will be a much better trip if someone just drives the Fusion. Figure a couple hundred bucks in gas to drive it and it may even be offset but the absolutely terrible gas mileage you will be getting try to tow it.
Toyota say's these trucks can tow 5000lbs. Personally, I think that is a load of bs. My boat/trailer weighs 2500ish lbs and it struggles up hills and can be a little scary if you need to get on the brakes quick.
Have people done it? For sure, but again, I wouldn't do it especially since you are new to towing.....
Toyota say's these trucks can tow 5000lbs. Personally, I think that is a load of bs. My boat/trailer weighs 2500ish lbs and it struggles up hills and can be a little scary if you need to get on the brakes quick.
Have people done it? For sure, but again, I wouldn't do it especially since you are new to towing.....
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phattyduck
Elite Member
Uhaul won't rent you a full trailer or tow dolly for towing a Fusion. Curb weight is anywhere from 3340lbs to 3800lbs, depending on options. A full trailer is 2200lbs (putting you over the 5k tow limit of the 4Runner) and the tow dolly itself maxes out at 3450lbs.
You could risk being over the limit and tell Uhaul you are towing a different vehicle, I suppose, but that's on you.
-Charlie
You could risk being over the limit and tell Uhaul you are towing a different vehicle, I suppose, but that's on you.
-Charlie
Per the Uhaul website when you try to reserve a dolly it makes you input both the car you will be using to tow and the car you are towing. It indicates that it will work using the dolly, but that they won't rent you the full car trailer. It does warn you to ensure that the car is in good working order since its an older vehicle doing the towing. Which is a given in my opinion.
I am inclined to drive by myself which would decrease the load, I mention the other factors because I may have passengers. Appreciate the input.
Good insight. Makes perfect sense. Did not consider that factor. Yes, I plan to install airbags in the rear suspension.
