To those that pull trailers, look over my setup

[brockeverly]

This is for you veterans out there. I want to be sure I understand this all correctly as we will be loading up quite a bit for a trip to Yosemite and Yellowstone this summer and I want to be sure I am on the safe side.

2010 4Runner 4x4 - curb 4675# gvwr 6300# gcvwr 11300# max trailer weight 5000# max tongue 500#
2011 Coleman Santa Fe Cp - dry 1890# gvwr 3000# hitch 235#

Okay so lets say I have four adults and a three year old as passengers, lets round off to 800# worth of people..

4675 + 800 = 5475

Add in 200# of cargo and 235# tongue weight

5475 + 200 + 235 = 5910

Total vehicle weight is now 5910#, 390# below the GVWR of the TV, should be safe. I also figured on the high side for cargo and weight of people.

Now for the trailer. Dry weight plus 700# cargo, again figuring high.

1890 + 700 = 2590

Total combined weight

5910 + 2590 = 8500

11300 - 8500 = 2800

This leaves me with 2800# worth of safety net for GCVWR, and 410# worth of safety net in GCWR in the trailer. Even maxing the trailer weight and maxing the TV weight, totaling 9300#, I am still well below the GCVWR. This seems to be a no brainer for me as to the safety as far as weight goes, but I just need confirmation before I feel comfortable having everyone important to me in my care in a vehicle I loaded.

 

[patricksheehy]

I pull my bands trailer around loaded with gear and and I've had the vehicle loaded up too. Pulled like a dream. I did some weight calculations and estimated on the high side like you did every time. My GVWR is 6000. I used to pull my boat around (3500), and trailer (1250), but that left me with 1250 safety net. I never had any issues. Always felt completely safe.

I would say you will be fine. How far are you traveling with that kind of weight? Make sure you've got a spare tire for the trailer plus a jack that can lift it up should you have any issues.

 

[brockeverly]

I have pulled the trailer many times prior. I have 4k miles under my belt this year. Difference this time is the extra passengers. Typically just the wife, daughter, and myself.

Our big trips next year are both around 2k miles round-trip. Normally we are within 350 miles roundtrip to our favorite park

 

[patricksheehy]

That's quite the haul. Nevertheless, I would say that you'll have no issues this time around. Hopefully some more people will tell you the same and alleviate your worries.

Sounds like a fun trip! Enjoy.

 

[tlflow]

you're good

I tow about the same loaded out a little different but very close. The trailer can't drive the truck, even in the mountains. You may have to shift maually in hilly terrain.

That's a long drive for a 3 yr old ... have fun.

 

[brockeverly]

Thanks guys!

My daughter is used to long car rides. She did just fine on our trip from Phoenix to Cotopaxi, CO last year. The DVD player really helps.

 

[BEAST-IV]

On the topic of trailers and towing, I had my 2010 TE with 25k miles at the mechanic's today for an oil change. He told me that that my rear diff fluid was looking really dirty and asked if I towed alot. Funny thing is, I've pulled a trailer maybe 500 miles total in the past year. So, according to the mechanic, the diffs don't come with synthetic, which kind of surprised me. There's synthetic in there now though. Just thought I'd mention this to fellow trailer owners.

 

[brockeverly]

Thanks for the info, I will swap mine out at 30k then. I tow at least a few hundred miles a month so I am sure mine is breaking down if its dino oil.