Setting Up An Sr5 V6 For Towing

[black2kmax]

I am buying a travel trailer that weighs about 4,000 lbs empty. I figure that loaded up I should be right at my max of 5000 lbs. So I will be adding a trans cooler (Hayden) and a hitch rated for the extra weight. I was thinking of adding a dynomax exhaust system and an intake for some extra grunt. Last but not least is a prodigy brake controller.

I rented a trailer and the 4Runner pulled it with no problems. I am concerned with long term problems as well as control problems when towing the trailer. I would appreciate any feedback from guys that have towed heavy trailers on your setup as well as things you would like to change.

Thanks guys.

 

[Koz]

You may want to wait on the exhaust and intake because you may need some kind of sway control and/or weight distribution set-up.

Koz

 

[boston_kevin]

I would also recommend adding air-lift bags to the rear suspension to help level out the rig. I am adding these to my setup this year (tow a 4200 lb boat and trailer). Tranny cooler is just a nice reassurance (I have one), and adding the extra capacity to the hitch is a great idea. Prodigy brake controller (or another controller) is a must.

 

[black2kmax]

Yeah I had planned on doing some type of weight distribution system. I guess that I should wait until I tow for the first time and work from there. I am scared that the V6 may not be able to handle to weight. This is my wifes daily driver and there is no way she will go for anything bigger. Maybe a Sequia or a V8 4Runner but nothing any bigger.

To be honest I think that it should be fine as long as I take it easy and don't expect to be able to fly up mountains like a full size truck. My main concern is not to kill the truck and to be able to control the load.

 

[mtnracer]

What does a brake controller do when towing a trailer?

I have a 5x10 cargo trailer with electric brakes but I was under the impression that the brakes are automatically applied when I press the brakes in the 4R. My trailer uses the full 7 Pin trailer harness btw.

Can anyone enlighten me about the benefits of a brake controller?

 

[boston_kevin]

To be honest I think that it should be fine as long as I take it easy and don't expect to be able to fly up mountains like a full size truck. My main concern is not to kill the truck and to be able to control the load.

When towing, do not use Cruise Control, and stay out of overdrive - especially important when towing heavy loads. Stay in the right lane and leave plenty of distance in between you and the car in front of you. Some people like extended mirrors, for me, the oversized mirrors of the 4Runner work fine.

Originally posted by mtnracer

I have a 5x10 cargo trailer with electric brakes but I was under the impression that the brakes are automatically applied when I press the brakes in the 4R...

Hopefully these are surge brakes... The 7 pin controller has the added capability for the controller, but no intelligence to apply the trailer brakes. The controller is linked into the vehicle's braking system (electronically) to send the same level of braking to the electronic trailer brakes. There is a harness in your vehicle (usually in the glove box) that will connect to a specific connector under the dash and links the controller to the braking system and the 7 pin connector. Controllers typically run anywhere from $49 to $200 and can be installed in about an hour.

Surge brakes detect the vehicle slowing down and apply brake force equal to or greater than the detected braking (this is detected via a valve on the trailer tongue). The downside to surge brakes is that they are far less senstive in detecting slowing and less responsive (i.e. takes longer to brake). I have also found that surge brakes are prone to false stops when going down hill and the trailer is pushing the vehicle slightly.

 

[SKO450ES]

Get the air bags, probablly firestone are your best bet. I put them in a while ago and regret not putting them in sooner. It should take you about 2 hrs taking your time.: In between getting dirt in your face a couple of dirty words and some brown/whobbly pops.

 

[Kmvreter]

You should be pleasently surprised at how capable the V6 is. I didn't upgrade the hitch but I did add AirLift 1000 rear bags. I put them in after reading about them hear (search around the forums.) Pump them up when under load to level it out and firm up the ride. Good mod value for the money. Cheapest is probably from Summit Racing.
Definitely get the brake controller then get the hitch later if you really feel you need it.

 

[black2kmax]

How much of a difference does the Magnaflow exhaust system really make? I have read that the K&N FIPK makes a good amount of power. I have the drop in now and noticed 0% difference. I am not looking for the holy grail of power but just a modest bump.

 

[Koz]

How much of a difference does the Magnaflow exhaust system really make? I have read that the K&N FIPK makes a good amount of power. I have the drop in now and noticed 0% difference. I am not looking for the holy grail of power but just a modest bump.

The Magnaflow makes approx 13/14 hp with the non-VVTi V8, so the VVTi should make a little more. From what I understand the stock intake design on the 4Runner has very good flow therefore, an aftermarket intake has a limited affect.

Koz