Ready to buy a '08 V8 4x4 sport- will it tow my boat ok?

[zimm]

I sold my diesel F250 4x4. It pulled my 5000lb boat like it wasn't there.

Now I'm ready to buy a new 4runner, but before I spend some serious money- will it handle my boat okay? I know there's a 7000lb tow rating, but I want to hold my speed on the highway.

My boat is the white one in the pictures.

 

[zimm]

another pic

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I occasionaly tow a 26ft Hacker (Mahoganey (sp?) boat) with my V6 in flat, fast Florida. While our hills are little more than the humps for bridges it does very well. 50-67mph is sometimes is best driven in 4th gear (in my case). Once you get it over that speed anything up to 80 is easy and it stays in 5th with no problems.

The trailer is a double axle with surge disc brakes. The overal profile of the boats is similar.

I think the reason it works so well is that it is not a camp trailer. The aerodynamics of the boat on the trailer is very good compared with that of a camp trailer/closed utility trailer. If you search through the Gallery section you'll see many fairly large camp trailers with happy T4R owners.

In no way will a V8 T4R tow like the diesel but based on the performance of my V6 with a similar load I would speculate the V8 would be very good and when you weren't towing you'd have a super-sweet ride.

:cheers:

 

[gizmopt2002]

I would say you will definitely be able to keep speed.

Considering I towed a 5000 lb boat with the V6 and it didn't feel like much, the V8 will be even better.

 

[Tariqie]

For sure. It's THE BIG V8, my uncle had a similar boat with 05, V8 no problems.

 

[myp1974]

I've got a 2005 V8 sport that I've been using to pull my boat for the past few years. Just put a new Hidden Hitch on it actually because in Canada the V8's come with the v6 hitch. Anyway....

Crownline 206LS
Boat weighs 3800 lbs dry.(21 ft with platform)
Trailer is 1000-1200lbs.(tandem axle disc breaks)
Gas & gear approx 700lbs.
When the family goes camping we'll end up putting more weight in the boat now.

Never had a need for more power. Plenty of passing power when needed. To be fair, I never drive that fast while towing. I'll do 60 to 70 mph max on the highway except when I need to pass trucks and whatnot. I drive in forth 99.9% of the time. I know the boat is there but it doesn't "bother" the 4runner at all.

I had a reg cab '95 f150 with the inline 6 before I bout the 4runner. Family grew and I needed a spot to put a car seat. That truck pulled the boat. Barely.
I fell in love with my 4runner all over again the first time I pulled my boat. Going up hills, big ones, is a breeze. It won't pull like a big diesel pick up, because it isn't a big diesel pick up but if I needed to buy a new tow vehicle all over again it would be this truck. Hands down. No seconds thoughts.

Hope this helps if you have any specific questions I'll help where I can.