Stick with the 6 or go 8

TrexRunnerGirl

TrexRunnerGirl

New member
I am wanting to drag a trailer. My trailer of choice is an Airstream 25 ft Sovereign or smaller. Prefer a 22 ft with bunk beds if I ever find another one.
The stats say it's Dry weight is 4900 lbs. Max at 6800 lbs.

wouldn't this be a bit taxing on the V6 in the Runner I have if the max cap towing is at 5000 lbs?

Should I either:
A - look at smaller trailers
B - bid my time (a few years) and get a V8
C - not worry too much and the V6 will do a fine job
D - look at adding one of the cooling systems I see y'all post about

The ultimate goal in 5-7 years is become a nomad. Best laid plans and all that. :ballchain:
 
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My $.02

If your ultimate goal is to drag that size trailer around full-time, I would get a rig that can handle that amount of load. OR buy a smaller trailer.

Dry weight for that trailer is 100lb under the max towing capacity for the 3rd gen with V6. Add in belongings, water, gear, etc. You're taking some risks there.
 
I would look for a bigger rig that was designed to pull that kind of weight. Yes, a 4Runner will pull it, and a V8 is better than a 6. But either way your T4R will not be happy- everything will wear out a lot sooner. You will also have to be a lot more conscious of your speed and terrain.

For me, the most important question is not if the rig will tow the trailer, but can it stop? In a hurry? Something like a Yukon or Suburban seems more in line with your trailer desire (nice choice!). The significantly longer and wider wheelbase makes quick stops be much less of an event.
 
TrexRunnerGirl said:
...
wouldn't this be a bit taxing on the V6 in the Runner I have if the max cap towing is at 5000 lbs?

Should I either:
A - look at smaller trailers
B - bid my time (a few years) and get a V8
C - not worry too much and the V6 will do a fine job
D - look at adding one of the cooling systems I see y'all post about

The ultimate goal in 5-7 years is become a nomad. Best laid plans and all that. :ballchain:
Click to expand...

Yes, more than taxing, early life ending.

A. Look for single axle, 3500# max. or
B. Go Tundra or Sequoia (IMO).

Luck and enjoy! :cowboy:
 
I had a 28ft travel trailer with one slide that had a dry weight of 4900lbs. I redid the floor with 3/4 inch plywood which added a lot of weight I’m sure and my V8 pulled it just fine up to 70mph. I had gotten a nice brake controller and weight distributing hitch with firestone airbags and strap on mirrors. I think 25ft would of been perfect as the 28ft in cross wind at higher speeds took some concentration. Hitch set up is key. I could set the cruise at 65-70 and it would run thatvall day on the highway. Gas mileage on the other hand was terrible. Less than 10mpg. Had to make a few emergency stops with it and I had the trailer brakes service before and with the brake controller set up right it stopped really well and straight. Hope this helps
 
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see good to know! I thought it was a bit much of a trailer.
And thanks for throwing out a max weight for a trailer there jgue467.
I love the old vintage ones - when they made them light. I so miss my 67 Airstream Safari (22ft). My Tacoma pulled it like it was nothing!

I'll stick with something better to the Runner to like towing.
 
E - Get a Roof Top Tent.

I here there all the rage. lol


If you wanna tow get a diesel. Torque is king when in comes to pulling weight.
 
E - Get a Roof Top Tent.

I here they're all the rage. lol


If you wanna tow get a diesel. Torque is king when in comes to pulling weight.
 
A V8 would tow the weight fine it's the wheelbase that is lacking. I've actually towed 10k pounds for a short distance with mine and was surprised how well it did.
Like everyone else said, get a bigger vehicle.
 
TrexRunnerGirl said:
Got a quick link for said rooftop tent? I do like teardrop trailers too. With that little backside kitchen.
Click to expand...

It was a joke hence the lol part.

If you really want to check out RTT's search this site and google. There's more than a few days reading about them. I like tents but I like metal wall way more.
 
Do you feel like you'd need all the space of a 25ft trailer? If you're looking into getting into more of a nomad lifestyle, I'd consider a smaller trailer. Much easier to manage on the road as well as where you park it for a night or week or whatever. If you do that, there are lots of smaller options that your 4Runner will pull just fine. The fiberglass models like the Casita are nice and light. Tons of room for the size and stand up well to time if they're taken care of being they're fiberglass.
 
My uncle purchased a 22ft Airstream at an estate auction in 2015 for pennies. No one wanted it. He uses a Nissan Armada with the 5.6 V8 in it and tows fine except in high wind he says due to the lack of length of the Armada in comparison to a 3/4 ton truck.

They live in Maryland but have been out to Washington state and back.
 
LittleCaesar said:
My uncle purchased a 22ft Airstream at an estate auction in 2015 for pennies. No one wanted it. He uses a Nissan Armada with the 5.6 V8 in it and tows fine except in high wind he says due to the lack of length of the Armada in comparison to a 3/4 ton truck.

They live in Maryland but have been out to Washington state and back.
Click to expand...


REALLY??!!! a 22ft Airstream no one wanted?!! That is my Holy Grail! I am so jealous - congrats to them on such a find!
 
jgue467 said:
Yes, more than taxing, early life ending.

A. Look for single axle, 3500# max. or
B. Go Tundra or Sequoia (IMO).

Luck and enjoy! :cowboy:
Click to expand...

The best advice right there. Keep it in the family and get something more appropriate. Both suggested vehicles give you more wiggle room when it comes to weight. You'd rather have that than max out with the 4Runner.
 
TrexRunnerGirl said:
REALLY??!!! a 22ft Airstream no one wanted?!! That is my Holy Grail! I am so jealous - congrats to them on such a find!
Click to expand...

I think it was listed to start at $10,000 and since the estate sellers didn't have any means to move it after the sale ended, and no one bid on it, he gave them $6K and they took it. Even on CL they would have made at least 2x to 3x as much money. It pays to carry cash.
 
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