Should I get a 2021? Need a 4x4 with a low gear.
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Thanks but i need an SUV for the dogs. They like their A/C here in Florida. I'm only moving the boat a couple times a year. My buddy did it in his Tacoma with no problem so i figure the 4Runner should be similar no?
Soulsurvives
New member
Get a Highlander. Has the same tow capacity as the 4runner, has rear heat and ac, gets better mileage and has more tech. It would be more than capable enough to pull your boat out of the water.
From your other thread, you have a 6500 lb boat. If you need an SUV for that, Sequoia, Tahoe/Yukon.
He said he's only towing a few blocks. My guess is he'd be ok for that.
Any 4R has a low range, so I'd go with whatever 4x4 one you like, fits in your budget, and can find whether it be a Limited, TRD, Pro, or SR5. All will do the job for a few blocks.
I saw that, and it's his call. If I am giving advice though, I won't be recommending someone buy a vehicle with the plan to exceed manufacturer's tow rating by 30% on a regular basis. There are other vehicles meeting his needs that are designed for that.
CO_ForeUnner
New member
Probably not what you want to hear, but I tow a 6200 lb boat/trailer a few blocks 4 times per year with a GX and have never needed to put it in 4 wheel drive. I've used 4 different boat ramps, some steep, some slippery.
Might save you a lot of money by using your current 4x2 with different tires? Michelin LTX for me.
Might save you a lot of money by using your current 4x2 with different tires? Michelin LTX for me.
Oh absolutely. But, If I wanted a 4R and the only caveat was that I had to exceed the tow rating for 4 blocks per year I wouldn't worry one bit.
Jetboy
New member
I would second this. It would be a pretty rare situation where you'd need low range for a 6500lb trailer. Should pull that load at low speeds in high range without too much effort.
4x4 on a steep ramp might be another issue though. Good tires can really help with that problem.
MN_Pat
Member
I have some experience in this realm. Two blocks at less than 30 mph you can get away with quite a bit. If you only, and I mean only, exceed your tow rating for a 2 block trip to the ramp you can do it. Few other notes:
4x4 - can be very useful for two things. The obvious is needing the traction on a slippery ramp. If you need it, there's no substitute. I don't but have a very good ramp.
4x4 - Much less obvious is the possibility of having your boat/trailer drag your tow vehicle into the water. I spend time on the malibu crew forum. There's a few stories that come through there about a boat dragging a vehicle into the water even though it's in park. If in two wheel drive the front wheels roll and only the rear skids. Doesn't happen in 4x4 because the front is engaged and won't roll free.
Bottoming out suspension - If you're close or at risk you could consider airbags. Inexpensive option to provide some additional support for the rear suspension.
4x4 - can be very useful for two things. The obvious is needing the traction on a slippery ramp. If you need it, there's no substitute. I don't but have a very good ramp.
4x4 - Much less obvious is the possibility of having your boat/trailer drag your tow vehicle into the water. I spend time on the malibu crew forum. There's a few stories that come through there about a boat dragging a vehicle into the water even though it's in park. If in two wheel drive the front wheels roll and only the rear skids. Doesn't happen in 4x4 because the front is engaged and won't roll free.
Bottoming out suspension - If you're close or at risk you could consider airbags. Inexpensive option to provide some additional support for the rear suspension.
MN_Pat
Member
Sorry, I should have asked. Is the load 6500 total with trailer, gas, etc or is that 6500 boat only? If boat only then you need to add ~2000 pounds for the total load.
As long as you are not towing on a public road You could buy a used Farmall tractor for about 5,000. Don't laugh
My neighbor has a vacation home and he has one to launch and retrieve his 24' boat. allot of his neighbors have them too. they launch from the beach.
The tractor holds it resale value so if you decide to sell you won't be out allot if any money.
When i first saw this I thought that's crazy but it works and his pretty new F250 never gets dirty.
My neighbor has a vacation home and he has one to launch and retrieve his 24' boat. allot of his neighbors have them too. they launch from the beach.
The tractor holds it resale value so if you decide to sell you won't be out allot if any money.
When i first saw this I thought that's crazy but it works and his pretty new F250 never gets dirty.
CharlesNellis
New member
Buy a gx460. More towing capacity and AWD.
I like my Limited. 4 wheels locked on the ramp when in park, and it has low range if I do need it.
I like my Limited. 4 wheels locked on the ramp when in park, and it has low range if I do need it.
I love my 4Runner but the whole reason I bought it was because I do a lot of hunting, camping and hiking and am routinely miles back on forest service roads or Jeep trails and 4x4 is an absolute necessity in the mountain West. If my only criteria was towing a heavy boat and having interior room for the dogs, I don’t think 4Runner would be on my list. While I love mine, it’s antiquated compared to most new vehicles, gets horrible gas mileage, and drives like a truck. All reasons why I bought it, but also reasons why a lot of others wouldn’t buy it LOL
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