Questions about towing with 1999 4WD 3.4L Toyota 4Runner Limited

[jlfecteau]

hello,


Looking at a horse trailer to tow. Trailer is 2295 pounds. I have a hitch on the trailer. Horse weighs 1200 pounds and I would be the only passenger most of the time. According to the manual it will work but I'd love some advice on making it safer for everyone on the road. Will have to do cross country tows. What kind if any stabilizer bars or sway bars do I need and where is the best place to buy them and save money?

Oh horse trailer is a double axel thank goodness. I heard something about toungue weight...how do I find out what toungue weight the hitch can handle? the manual says 500lbs....and does this apply if you have the stabilizer bars? and can I remove the stabilizer bars when I'm not using the trailer?

 

[AddictedOffroad]

Yes, it will handle it. You will need to make sure the trailer has trailer brakes on at least one axle, and will need a brake controller in the cab as well. I would think about installing air bags on the back of the 4runner and definitely a weight distribution hitch.

 

[jlfecteau]

thanks and a few more questions

thanks so much!!! do you know about what I could expect to pay and where is the best and most economical place to have this done? Also whatever controls the lights going to my trailer now longer work......where should i get that fixed and how much about?

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

Everything AddictedOffroad said, and I'll add, getting up to speed and stopping WILL take awhile, so keep that in mind.

Also, since you're near the towing capacity of our truck (mine is the same as yours) your tranny is going to hate you, so I would also HIGHLY recommend an external tranny cooler to prevent the pink milkshake of doom (search here for the simple mod).

 

[RC57]

I too am curious about the trailer light controller. I have a 99 ltd with towing package installed by the infamous southeast Toyota distributor. Trailer hitch is a Reese. Trailer light connector is 4-wire.

Did Toyota make a 6-wire to 4-wire converter, or did the distributor install an aftermarket unit? My limited experience with the converters is they will fail if you get a short in the trailer wiring, requiring replacement of the converter, rather than a simple fuse replacement.

-RC

 

[AddictedOffroad]

The convertor box is located behind the DS rear side panel just to the left of the rear hatch. So, you need to pull back the entire panel to access it. Its a pain, but once its out you will have full access to it. You can get a new control box for around $20 at any local autoparts store and it will last a lot longer than a factory $200+ replacement. The control box you need is designed to be used with separate tail light/brake lights.

For a brake controller you will need to run a wire to the rear for the eletric brake controller. While you're at it install a 7 pin RV type connector and run a hot wire as well to charge a battery in the trailer if you have one. It worth it as most of the larger trailers will need one anyway. Some even have both 7 pin and 4 pin in the same unit.

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

The convertor box is located behind the DS rear side panel just to the left of the rear hatch. So, you need to pull back the entire panel to access it.

Hmm, mine is on the passenger side, behind the storage box. It's a real PITA to get to it. FWIW, mine is a Gulf States Toyota import.