I have a 2011 SR5 and just returned from a 4000 mile trip from Arizona to Wisconsin. I have a little over 10K miles on it now and have to say it is a slug. I'm not sure if there is something wrong or these things just have no power. I'm talking cruising along at 75+ MPH and have to upshift at even the hint of an incline even with no wind. A bit more incline and bam I'm doing over 3000 RPM. Yeah I know these are shaped like a brick but c'mon, this is 270HP??? I know there isn't much torque seeing as how it's a V6 but I certainly expected much better power than I am getting. It will be going to the dealer for the 10K service and I fully expect them to tell me everything is just fine. But I have to say I am disappointed. Additionally, before I left for the trip I was averaging 20.3 MPG. After the trip 20.5. Not much improvement after 4000 mostly freeway miles with very little in the way of hills or mountains. The vehicle is comfortable and smooth. At one point I drove 19 1/2 hours in one day. But I am wishing it just had more power.
Slug
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brockeverly
New member
At 10k it is still a baby, give it time. But yes, the 5th gen is not a beast. I find myself in S2 more often than not with the slightest of incline when pulling my camper. The more interesting thing to me is the gap between S2/S3. I can be 5k or so and up shift to S3 and immediately start losing speed. It gets annoying, but I love the truck so I deal with it. :cheers:
Thanks for the reply. So it's not just me. I'm thinking of purchasing one of the Chalet hard sided A frame pop ups but I'm concerned about the ability of my vehicle to pull it's own weight much less that of a camper. These pop ups weigh around 2000 lbs unloaded. What are you pulling with your 4Runner?
brockeverly
New member
You'll be fine, just get used to hearing high RPMs. I am pulling 3200# regularly, no issue once I got used to keeping the gears lower. Averaging 17mpg with the camper back there too. I am not much for the Chalet's, but I have my fiance and a nearly three year old so space is an issue. Even with mine fully extended (22ft) it gets crowded. It will do just fine, buy it!
Looking at the Chalet's only because of the light weight and figuring the lower profile would help. I am 6' 6" tall and to be honest the peaked ceiling is pretty nice too. They are expensive for what you get and I liked the Lance travel trailers I also looked at better. Glad to hear you are doing well with your set up. Seems more power is on a lot of people's minds considering the thread about the supercharger. I have heard these engines come on a bit stronger after about 15K miles. Hope so.
brockeverly
New member
I just hit 25k, it has been noticeably better on our trips. Any popup gives you that lower profile. I attached a couple photos to give you an idea of my setup. I do not recall if I am 100% correct, but the Chalet's are not any taller than a regular popup, but much less space.
Ramzey28
New member
For this size weight and shape of a vehicle, your getting over 20 mpg because of how the engine is geared, lacks front power in order to gain better gas mileage. I like you, would prefer more power and maybe 1-2 mpg less for it. The vehicle always wants to be in the highest gear as fast as it can.
offroadingatc
New member
I'm suprised nobody seems to notice that it's geared for efficiency on the test drive.
To me it's acceptable, and a big reason I bought it was the decent mileage. A V8 option would be nice for some users, but similar to more agressive gearing, power costs fuel...
To me it's acceptable, and a big reason I bought it was the decent mileage. A V8 option would be nice for some users, but similar to more agressive gearing, power costs fuel...
This.:hatsoff:
philsey
New member
All of these. On my first test drive I was so disappointed at the slugmobile, that it went off my list. (Coming from a PF which literally jumps off the line).
But I wanted another SUV with everything the 4R brings. Now I don't even notice, and am soooo happy with this vehicle. You just have to get used to how it's 'tuned' and drive it that way. It WILL go, you just have to ask, err tell it.
There are V8 SUVs out there if you want to pay the price, and there WILL be a S/C along from URD one of these days.
Thanks to all for the replies. Brock you have a nice set up there. Thank you for the pics. I guess I will just have to put my foot in it a bit more and as was said, get used to the higher RPM's. I suppose I've always babied mechanical things so now maybe it's time to put more faith into the engineering that has gone into the engine.
offroadingatc
New member
I'm with you there, I accelerate more slowly now than I used to, but overall I think that's for the best
3,000 rpm is nothing to a motor these days - your not hurting it in the slightest... If you want the available 270hp you need to be above 4krpm and maximum torque isn't there till above 3k. Less torque and more HP means you simply have to rev it to get to the peak power.. It even sounds pretty nice when you kane the thing.. That 4L V6 moves 5,000 pounds pretty damn spiritedly... Your just using all of the engine you paid for - it doesn't need your babying to be a long lasting engine. It's a happy engine at 4krpm albeit more thirsty.
StRanger7032
New member
+1. I came from a Tundra regular cab 5.7L. I literally had to take my foot off the brake and let it start rolling before accelerating to avoid doing a burnout. I got used to the 4Runner over time and I really don't notice the reduced power anymore. Its there when you need it; just put the hammer down!
brockeverly
New member
I pull a Rockwood A122, which fully loaded is about 2700lbs+. I have no problems with pulling the camper, but adding the Airlift bags made a huge difference in towing.
Just curious, what is your setup time on that? Much faster than a standard popup?
The A122 looks nice Mike. That is the kind of unit I am looking for. I'm interested in your thoughts on yours.
Brock I did the set up on one of the Chalet's this weekend. To get the roof and sides up takes less than a minute. The leveling jacks would probably take a bit longer but I'm assuming if it's attached to the truck the jacks aren't necessary.
Hope I haven't stepped on any toes here asking about these trailers on the 4Runner forum. If so then please accept my apology.
Brock I did the set up on one of the Chalet's this weekend. To get the roof and sides up takes less than a minute. The leveling jacks would probably take a bit longer but I'm assuming if it's attached to the truck the jacks aren't necessary.
Hope I haven't stepped on any toes here asking about these trailers on the 4Runner forum. If so then please accept my apology.
brockeverly
New member
Nice! That is a bit better than my Coleman. From arrival to beer and campfire is about 30 minutes. Most of this time is spent setting up inside though, I can have it leveled, roof up, stabs down, and beds out in about 5-10 minutes.