SR5 V8 Load Limit For Camping — Too Much Weight?

[DavidK99]

I own a 2007 SR5 V8 4Runner (great car). My wife and I have gotten into car camping lately and have several trips planned. I installed heavy duty crossbars on the roof rack, and they now carry a 160 lb “hard shell” roof tent. (It has definitely reduced fuel economy, but doesn’t seem to affect the ride much or create wind noise.)

Besides the roof tent, we carry a lot of other stuff — 10 gallons of water, a big cooler, a large battery backup system, 4 totes filled with hiking, cycling, and camping items, and a bunch of other items. I removed the bottom sections of the rear seats to make more space back there. In addition I have a bike rack on the trailer receiver that carries 2 bikes.

I’ve done the math and all together I believe the roof tent, bike rack and bikes, plus everything else total about 1000 lbs. Plus the two of us, of course.

I certainly feel the difference when driving around with all that stuff, and drive slower and more gently. That said, am I over-doing it; is this a problem?

My manual shows maximum load capacity as 950 lbs. with 5 occupants and 1050 lbs. with 7 occupants. I don’t understand the different numbers, and my car doesn’t seat 7 people. But either way, the 1000 lb. load plus the two of us is nearly 1400 lbs.

Is that dangerous; is it bad for the car? Should I look into heavy duty tires, or beef up the suspension in some way? Should I cut back on my packing list? Should I adjust tire pressure? Any other comments?

In the next year we hope to drive about 5000 miles loaded like that. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Tironeous]

I’m just going from memory but I thought the payload on these was closer to 1,500lbs with a tow capacity of 7,000lbs. They weight about 4,500lbs and have a GVM of 6,000lbs.

It would be wise to look at the load rating and overall condition of your tires. Maybe bring less stuff too.

 

[rdruss]

From what I've read on this site there are many who carry close to what you are AND they have replacement front/rear steel bumpers and a rear mounted oversize tire and other stuff. Are they overloaded? I would say yes. You may be too, but not to the extent of some. Make sure you have good tires and inflate them properly.

 

[y=mx+b]

The numbers you want to look for are the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). GVWR is the maximum weight the single unit (the 4runner including tongue weight but not trailer weight) can safely support. The GVW is the actual vehicle weight and will change as its loaded with gear. the GVWR on my 2005 v6 is 5580lbs. I don't think the empty GVW is listed, but it is somewhere around 4,300 - 4,600lbs IIRC. You would have to weight it empty to see for real. Then also weigh it full to see if the actual loaded weight to compare to the GVWR and ensure you're under that limit.

CAT scales are like $12 for initial weigh and $3 for reweigh within 24hrs

 

[southern_runner]

My manual shows maximum load capacity as 950 lbs. with 5 occupants and 1050 lbs. with 7 occupants. I don’t understand the different numbers, and my car doesn’t seat 7 people. But either way, the 1000 lb. load plus the two of us is nearly 1400 lbs.

7 occupant listing is probably for the 3rd row option? Like someone suggested, next time you load her up you could have the vehicle weighed. Might call a weigh station ahead of time and find out how/when/where they want you to come.

 

[Unner]

I wouldn't worry about it. Make sure the tires are in good shape, brakes are good, and if the suspension sags or rides bad loaded down upgrade it. I've ridden loaded down like that on multiple 3k, 5k, and 10k mile road trips in my 3rd gen. And it's armored, bumpers, etc. for even more extra weight. But it does have upgraded suspension and LT tires.

I don't think you need to upgrade tires, suburbans and other heavy large SUVs come with P rated tires to my knowledge, and those have a higher weight rating than what you're doing with a 4th gen. Maybe adjust tire pressure up a little bit if anything.

You are aware of it and cognizant that there is extra weight in the vehicle, and that is good. If something seems off while driving it look into upgrading/replacing that component.

So long as you don't have 3,000 lbs of lead bricks or something crazy in the back I wouldn't worry about the weight in my opinion.

 

[DavidK99]

Many thanks for the replies. Consensus seems to be that I'm probably ok with that amount of weight, which is good to know. I'm going to have my mechanic thoroughly check the suspension next week. (And maybe replace the shocks because the car has felt a little bouncy to me lately, even with a normal load.)

I'm also going to try to eliminate a few items to get the weight down a bit (and reduce clutter a bit.)

Thanks again.

 

[4r-4ever]

Let's calculate what added weight you have in your list. This is just an estimate.
250lbs - you and your wife
200lbs - cross bars and roof tent
90lbs - 10 gallons of water
45 lbs - battery backup
40 lbs - big cooler with food
100lbs - camping items totes
30 lbs - bike rack
60 lbs - 2 bikes

ok, that's around less than 1000 lbs.

I would say with all that weight, you are okay for that road trip. Make sure to increase your tire pressure at 35 so that your tires can handle heavier load. Always check your tire pressure to avoid running too low. For your family's safety, make sure the tires are not older than 5 years old too.

I think you will be fine driving at normal speed or whatever is the speed limit. I drove around 5000 miles round trip with 4 people and a loaded trunk up to the roof and an additional loaded enclosed hitch cargo box, driving at the recommended speed limit. Tire pressure at 35psi and was using OEM tires. it increases to 38 while driving. And most of all, say a prayer before you drive.

I own a 2007 SR5 V8 4Runner (great car). My wife and I have gotten into car camping lately and have several trips planned. I installed heavy duty crossbars on the roof rack, and they now carry a 160 lb “hard shell” roof tent. (It has definitely reduced fuel economy, but doesn’t seem to affect the ride much or create wind noise.)

Besides the roof tent, we carry a lot of other stuff — 10 gallons of water, a big cooler, a large battery backup system, 4 totes filled with hiking, cycling, and camping items, and a bunch of other items. I removed the bottom sections of the rear seats to make more space back there. In addition I have a bike rack on the trailer receiver that carries 2 bikes.

I’ve done the math and all together I believe the roof tent, bike rack and bikes, plus everything else total about 1000 lbs. Plus the two of us, of course.

I certainly feel the difference when driving around with all that stuff, and drive slower and more gently. That said, am I over-doing it; is this a problem?

My manual shows maximum load capacity as 950 lbs. with 5 occupants and 1050 lbs. with 7 occupants. I don’t understand the different numbers, and my car doesn’t seat 7 people. But either way, the 1000 lb. load plus the two of us is nearly 1400 lbs.

Is that dangerous; is it bad for the car? Should I look into heavy duty tires, or beef up the suspension in some way? Should I cut back on my packing list? Should I adjust tire pressure? Any other comments?

In the next year we hope to drive about 5000 miles loaded like that. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Fern]

How does the vehicle sit and drive when fully loaded? Might want to look into upgrading the rear springs.

 

[4r-4ever]

i'm surprised it was not squatting too much. just a little bit. if i remove the hitch enclosed carrier and replace it with a roof cargo box, i would think it would be level. i guess you are right, i can put a rear support to help that spring with the load. it drove fine so far at highway speeds, 80s on other areas.

How does the vehicle sit and drive when fully loaded? Might want to look into upgrading the rear springs.

 

[Flyer]

Next time you buy tires, maybe look at the weight rating of C rated tires vs what you have now (probably P?). Get something with a decent weight rating and a bit over what you have now. Don't go to Ds or Es though.

 

[alia176]

I own a 2007 SR5 V8 4Runner (great car). My wife and I have gotten into car camping lately and have several trips planned. I installed heavy duty crossbars on the roof rack, and they now carry a 160 lb “hard shell” roof tent. (It has definitely reduced fuel economy, but doesn’t seem to affect the ride much or create wind noise.)

Besides the roof tent, we carry a lot of other stuff — 10 gallons of water, a big cooler, a large battery backup system, 4 totes filled with hiking, cycling, and camping items, and a bunch of other items. I removed the bottom sections of the rear seats to make more space back there. In addition I have a bike rack on the trailer receiver that carries 2 bikes.

I’ve done the math and all together I believe the roof tent, bike rack and bikes, plus everything else total about 1000 lbs. Plus the two of us, of course.

I certainly feel the difference when driving around with all that stuff, and drive slower and more gently. That said, am I over-doing it; is this a problem?

My manual shows maximum load capacity as 950 lbs. with 5 occupants and 1050 lbs. with 7 occupants. I don’t understand the different numbers, and my car doesn’t seat 7 people. But either way, the 1000 lb. load plus the two of us is nearly 1400 lbs.

Is that dangerous; is it bad for the car? Should I look into heavy duty tires, or beef up the suspension in some way? Should I cut back on my packing list? Should I adjust tire pressure? Any other comments?

In the next year we hope to drive about 5000 miles loaded like that. Thanks in advance for any advice.

David,
this is a hard question to answer objectively but it sounds like you're aware of the weight and taking appropriate precautions. I don't load my 4runner like you do but I do overload my 80 series landcruiser and I'm actually over the GVWR. It's taller and drives like a lumbering cow but I try to be careful. It's rather top heavy but it a fun rig to take camping, especially when I move daily.

I think the rear diff is the weak points in our 4runners so if you can find a 8.2 rear end, perhaps that'll reduce your apprehensions?