Too much for V6 to tow ?

WNY 4Runner

WNY 4Runner

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Looking at a 2008 Rockwood Roo 19 w/ dry weight of 3503# ... 2 axle trailer. GVWR on trailer is 4651. I have the WC hitch with 5,000# max and 500# tongue weight rating. So by the numbers my V6 can tow this trailer, but I am concerned that it will be an all around crappy towing experience due to the surface area of the trailer.

Any one have a similar set up ? I will upgrade to WD receiver and WD hitch and do aux. cooler if needed.

We dont really want a pop up, looking at the hybrids. As another option would consider a Kodiak Skamper 16 w/ dry weight of 2927# ... single axle trailer. GVWR on trailer is 3750. So this trailer is 500# lighter than the Roo, but roughly same height and width ... so towing may be just as cruddy ???

Any thoughts ? I know some have upgraded to a V8 .. but that is not an option at this time.
 
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Since you're so close to the limits one big factor will be over what sort of terrain do you plan to tow it?

Probably wouldn't have any trouble in Kansas or other flat-ish states. But I don't think I'd try it in seriously mountainous terrain like the Rockies, Sierras or Cascades.
 
I dont think it will be too bad. Pop-ups do not create much drag when towing, so that will make things eaiser. Although I think you would be much happier with the Kodiak. Towing in winds will be harder with the Kodiak, but after a while you get the hang of it. Loaded up you should be around 3500 pounds, and that should be fine for your 4Runner.

Just to be safe, I'd get the weight distrubiting hitch and a small transmission fluid cooler. Maybe some headers and a computer chip to help you with torque.
 
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I used to have an '01 1/2 ton Silverado that was rated for 7,500# or so with a 8.5' x 24' enclosed car trailer behind it ... and that was terrible ... even with WD hitch and sway control. I swore I would never travel like that again with an under powered tow vehicle. Just want to make sure I don't get into same situation.

Dealer is going to let me tow the Roo 19 this Sunday ... so we will see what happens ... and all I will have is brake controller, no WD.
 
WNY 4Runner said:
Looking at a 2008 Rockwood Roo 19 w/ dry weight of 3503# ... 2 axle trailer. GVWR on trailer is 4651. I have the WC hitch with 5,000# max and 500# tongue weight rating. So by the numbers my V6 can tow this trailer, but I am concerned that it will be an all around crappy towing experience due to the surface area of the trailer.

Any one have a similar set up ? I will upgrade to WD receiver and WD hitch and do aux. cooler if needed.

We dont really want a pop up, looking at the hybrids. As another option would consider a Kodiak Skamper 16 w/ dry weight of 2927# ... single axle trailer. GVWR on trailer is 3750. So this trailer is 500# lighter than the Roo, but roughly same height and width ... so towing may be just as cruddy ???

Any thoughts ? I know some have upgraded to a V8 .. but that is not an option at this time.
Click to expand...

I think GVWR on trailer 4651 would be pushing it for V6.
I would recommend transmission cooler, if you going to be doing any towing (all V8 model comes with one).
 
I've got experience with this exact setup and can add some useful insight. If your only towing occasionally for short trips, on flat highways, with no passengers/gear in the truck, and don't mind the driving in 3rd gear with the engine screaming, you'll be okay. Personally I don't think you'll be happy for long.

I bought a Starcraft Antigua 195ck 2 years ago when I had an '03 limited V6. It's similar to the Roo but 6" narrower(read less frontal area). It weighs in at 3800lbs loaded to camp but with tanks empty. I lasted 3 short trips with this setup before I had had enough. It wasn't so much the weight, but the frontal surface area of the trailer. I had difficulty holding 55mph on flat highway with the slightest headwind and felt the engine straining. Occasional drops to second gear on hills and no power left to pass.

I have since traded up to an '04 Limited V8. It made a huge difference. With the extra gear (5speed vs 4), load levelling suspension and extra torque I hardly notice the trailer. I tow in 4th (and even 5th on flats with a tailwind)which gives close to the same rpms as the V6 in 3rd, but it sits better in the power curve and is smoother and quieter. Fuel mileage is also better because it's straining less and still has plenty of power to pass. I keep finding myself at 70mph passing everyone :shrug:

In short the V6 will do it but not happily. It's a solid engine that will pull all day but with that weight your pushing the limits. 5000lbs is also calculated with 1 driver and full fuel, any added weight for passengers/cargo must be subtracted from it. You'll definately want a WD hitch with sway control but make sure you have the proper reciever. The stock one on most V6s is bolted to the xmember only and is not certified for use with a WDH.

Let me know if you need any more info and happy camping :cheers:
 
Forgot to mention, be very cautious with "dry weights". From the factory that won't include things like A/C, propane tanks, microwave etc. Plan to add 3-500lbs to get empty weight. Add a min of 500lbs for camp gear, clothes, toys, bbq etc and you'll be pretty close to max weight.

Before you buy try to take it to a scale.
 
WNY 4Runner said:
I used to have an '01 1/2 ton Silverado that was rated for 7,500# or so with a 8.5' x 24' enclosed car trailer behind it ... and that was terrible ... even with WD hitch and sway control. I swore I would never travel like that again with an under powered tow vehicle. Just want to make sure I don't get into same situation.

Dealer is going to let me tow the Roo 19 this Sunday ... so we will see what happens ... and all I will have is brake controller, no WD.
Click to expand...
Wow, My Ram tows a Jayco Eagle travel trailer that weighs around 7500 and it tows it just fine. And the Ram is only rated for 7600.
 
WNY 4Runner said:
I used to have an '01 1/2 ton Silverado that was rated for 7,500# or so with a 8.5' x 24' enclosed car trailer behind it ... and that was terrible ... even with WD hitch and sway control. I swore I would never travel like that again with an under powered tow vehicle. Just want to make sure I don't get into same situation.

Dealer is going to let me tow the Roo 19 this Sunday ... so we will see what happens ... and all I will have is brake controller, no WD.
Click to expand...

What engine did you have? 4.3, 4.8, or the 5.3.
 
WNY 4Runner said:
Looking at a 2008 Rockwood Roo 19 w/ dry weight of 3503# ... 2 axle trailer. GVWR on trailer is 4651. I have the WC hitch with 5,000# max and 500# tongue weight rating. So by the numbers my V6 can tow this trailer, but I am concerned that it will be an all around crappy towing experience due to the surface area of the trailer.

Any one have a similar set up ? I will upgrade to WD receiver and WD hitch and do aux. cooler if needed.

We dont really want a pop up, looking at the hybrids. As another option would consider a Kodiak Skamper 16 w/ dry weight of 2927# ... single axle trailer. GVWR on trailer is 3750. So this trailer is 500# lighter than the Roo, but roughly same height and width ... so towing may be just as cruddy ???

Any thoughts ? I know some have upgraded to a V8 .. but that is not an option at this time.
Click to expand...

I would say have a good set of weight rated tires. I learned a bit from driving a duramax and a 2500 6.0L V-8 that once the vehicle is up to speed having a good set of tires can make a big difference. another is having the load balanced so that it doesn't shift around. you might already know this but be careful with the cross winds! :bigok:
 
5.3 engine with 4.10 rear end, came with tow package from factory. i forget how heavy the trailer was empty, but i had 2 dragbikes, 4 wheeler, tools, futon, porta potty, etc. in the trailer. semis threw me around like a rag doll.

towing a 24' enclosed sled trailer with my buddies duramax ... ha ... cruise control and 70 mph .. 1 finger on the steering wheel.
 
I don't think the smaller trailer with single axle will help much. The V6 T4R has the power to haul the weight it just doesn't handle the drag and the gearing isn't ideal. The single is also more unstable, will bounce and sway more not to mention more dangerous with blowouts etc.

Like I said earlier, I'm sure the V6 will tow the Roo all day long, but you better pack light, and not be in a hurry. Everybody treats their trucks differently. I felt it was strained and didn't want to push it but I tow a fair bit as well (8000kms this summer) so the upgrade for me was for comfort and peace of mind. You may be more comfortable with it. See if the seller will let you take it for a test tow.
 
WNY 4Runner said:
5.3 engine with 4.10 rear end, came with tow package from factory. i forget how heavy the trailer was empty, but i had 2 dragbikes, 4 wheeler, tools, futon, porta potty, etc. in the trailer. semis threw me around like a rag doll.

towing a 24' enclosed sled trailer with my buddies duramax ... ha ... cruise control and 70 mph .. 1 finger on the steering wheel.
Click to expand...

Yeah I was like that with my uncles D-max with 2 race cars. lol I have not towed with my f-250 PSD and don't plan too but I think i could tow well. I'm kinda surprised that 5.3 let you down. I guess it could be that 4 speed trans. my guess. The only chevy I've driven with that motor is an 03 suburban.
 
jetboy1975 said:
I don't think the smaller trailer with single axle will help much. The V6 T4R has the power to haul the weight it just doesn't handle the drag and the gearing isn't ideal. The single is also more unstable, will bounce and sway more not to mention more dangerous with blowouts etc.

Like I said earlier, I'm sure the V6 will tow the Roo all day long, but you better pack light, and not be in a hurry. Everybody treats their trucks differently. I felt it was strained and didn't want to push it but I tow a fair bit as well (8000kms this summer) so the upgrade for me was for comfort and peace of mind. You may be more comfortable with it. See if the seller will let you take it for a test tow.
Click to expand...

dealer is letting me do a test tow on sunday and they are located next to highway. also located about 1 exit from truck stop ... so i will get to do some highway driving (without the WD receiver/hitch yet) and maybe go run it over the scales. will let you know how it goes and maybe post some pics too.
 
I'd be interested to know how it goes. Don't forget the trailer will still be unloaded from the lot. You should only tow in 3rd especially at that weight. I'll guarantee it will hunt gears and the strain in 4th will overheat the tranny. You'll actually get better mileage in 3rd even at the higher rpm.
Also what tires do you have on the T4R? The stock Cross Terrains are a great tire but not for towing. They have a max pressure of 35psi which leaves it a little soft in the sidewall. Doesn't help with sway and lets it drift/wiggle in the the wind. I think the Dunflops were similar. If you're that close to the weight limit you should consider an upgrade in tires too.
Keep us posted.
 
In all this discussion, no one has mentioned tongue weight. With the standard, 5K receiver, you are limited to 500 lbs tongue weight. I would check on the factory rated tongue weight, and look to see if it includes the propane tanks being full, and if it will change when either of the travel trailers onboard tanks are full. I tow a 27' coachmen with my V6, but I have upgraded the hitch to a WD capable, frame mounted unit, I have an Equalizer WD hitch with sway control, and I have installed a Hayden transmissio cooler. I would not suggest you tow for any distance without either. My trailer runs just at 5,900 lbs with all the normal equipment loaded, and the V6 is working. I can do 60 on the thruway, but hills make it work, and I don't use OD while towing. I only take the trailer on three/four trips a year, so far, and stay in NY. Another factor is how much experience you have towing heavy loads. I have been towing for a long time, and am comfortable with my setup, but am always aware of the load and plan accordingly. If you are not comfortable with what you are towing, it can make the trip nerve racking to deal with.

Another option is to look at some of the hybrid units, like Trail Manor or Hi-Lo. Because they drop down when towing, they have a much smaller frontal area which significantly decreases the wind resistance. They tow much easier, and you save a lot on gas mileage. But they are more expensive that standard units.
 
Jetboy1975 -

I have 245/70x17 Nokian Vatiiva AT's, like new. They have load index of 110S or 2337#'s. I am not sure what max. pressure is, but I will check before my test tow, and maybe adjust.

TechWrench -

Holy cow - a 26' trailer !!?? Do you have any pics ?? I am aware of the tongue weight, and brochure says 251# hitch weight, but I will have to check it at the dealer .. and I will take propane level(s) into consideration.

I have towed a 6x10, 7x16, and 8.5x24 enclosed trailers over my ten+ years of drag racing all over NY,PA,OH. So I would say I have more experience than the normal person. I have also towed 24' trailer with buddies Dmax as far west as MN. I drove a Peterbilt w/ a 53' walking floor trailer once on the thruway, does that count ? lol ...

If the test tow goes well on Sunday, then I will definitely upgrade receiver, hitch and add tranny cooler.

Ideally, I would get a pop up - for ease of towing, but would rather have hard side trailer so we can stop along the way to eat, use bathroom, etc.

Thanks for the info. ! - Maybe see you on the thruway.
 
we have a kiwi 16, loaded up for travel and fun we are at 4050 for our bigest trip...over loaded by 50lbs. We had been towing with a honda van it worked great, till i decieded in my moment of great genius to get better mpg and tow in OD :bash: the Engine could do it no problem...the ity bity lil od gear got torn to shreads...good news is I now have a V8 4runner and no Problemos!
I have towed a 23 footer loaded at 6500lbs no issue.
I like my kiwi, its got everything we need and it tows like there is nothing there.
you should be fine and remember you dont need to take everything with you...in all likely hood there will be stores where you are going :beer:
 
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