Tow cap

[Proctor750]

I have the factory tow receiver that is connected to the rear cross member... Would getting a proper receiver that bolts onto the actual frame rails increase the tow cap at all? Seems like the bottleneck on the tow cap for this truck.

 

[MikeInNH]

Would getting a proper receiver that bolts onto the actual frame rails increase the tow cap at all?

If you have the V6...towing capacity increases from 5000lbs to 6200lbs. Not sure what the capacity is for the V8.

But if you are going to consistently tow over 5000lbs..then I hope it's the V8.

 

[Staceman]

With the V8, and factory tow package, it's 7500 pounds. It is also prewired above the driver kick panel for a trailer brake control module.

 

[Proctor750]

If you have the V6...towing capacity increases from 5000lbs to 6200lbs. Not sure what the capacity is for the V8.

But if you are going to consistently tow over 5000lbs..then I hope it's the V8.

I have an 04 V6 RWD SR5. I'm towing a 2700 lb car + spare tires/wheels fuel cans tools etc so + trailer should be around 4,500 lbs. total tow weight.

Truck has been expertly maintained and was driven mainly on the highway for all of its 224,000 miles.... I'm assuming a trans cooler is in order? Any links to some decent ones for this truck?
I don't think this truck has the trailer brake wiring like the v8 from the factory...

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

V8 is 7300 for 2WD, 7000 for 4WD.
V6 is 5000

 

[wnelax04sr5]

the biggest issue when it comes to towing with 4th gens is not the motor, although it does play a difference

its lies within the rear suspension. the coils springs simply cannot handle the tongue weight of a lot of trailers, and once you load them up it because quite an issue. if you want to increase your capacity, invest in the airlift 100 system, and/or pick up a WDH

 

[Proctor750]

the biggest issue when it comes to towing with 4th gens is not the motor, although it does play a difference

its lies within the rear suspension. the coils springs simply cannot handle the tongue weight of a lot of trailers, and once you load them up it because quite an issue. if you want to increase your capacity, invest in the airlift 100 system, and/or pick up a WDH

Tongue cap with stock cross member mounted receiver is 500lbs, not sure if that also increases with a proper frame mounted receiver but that doesn't seem unreasonable? I should be able to stay under that with the weight I'm towing, mainly depends on hitch height.

Anyone know if the tongue increases with proper frame mounted receiver that takes tow cap to 6200?

Also is trans cooler necessary? links to what most guys here use?

Thanks.

 

[ebg18t]

Higher rate springs are NOT a substitute for a proper WDH with Sway control.

The v6 hitch is not designed to handle the forces generated by a WDH w/ Sway control.

The v8 hitch or aftermarket hitch (frame mounted) is good for more tongue weight but more importantly disperses the forces to the frame rails appropriately.

I would not want to tow much behind this short wheel base without a good WDH w/ sway control.

I just picked up a Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH to use with our new small RV behind the 4Runner.

I am Using an aftermarket Reese receiver hitch to replace the stock v6 hitch. P3 brake controller and B&M tranny cooler to keep the tranny happy. This will be sufficient for low altitude and flat land towing.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Tongue cap with stock cross member mounted receiver is 500lbs, not sure if that also increases with a proper frame mounted receiver but that doesn't seem unreasonable? I should be able to stay under that with the weight I'm towing, mainly depends on hitch height.

Anyone know if the tongue increases with proper frame mounted receiver that takes tow cap to 6200?

Also is trans cooler necessary? links to what most guys here use?

Thanks.

a WDH would help the tongue weight id assume

 

[Proctor750]

Higher rate springs are NOT a substitute for a proper WDH with Sway control.

The v6 hitch is not designed to handle the forces generated by a WDH w/ Sway control.

The v8 hitch or aftermarket hitch (frame mounted) is good for more tongue weight but more importantly disperses the forces to the frame rails appropriately.

I would not want to tow much behind this short wheel base without a good WDH w/ sway control.

I just picked up a Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH to use with our new small RV behind the 4Runner.

I am Using an aftermarket Reese receiver hitch to replace the stock v6 hitch. P3 brake controller and B&M tranny cooler to keep the tranny happy. This will be sufficient for low altitude and flat land towing.

Agreed, It would also help transfer some of the weight towards the front of the truck as well (relieving some of that sag). Which B&M model did you choose? I was thinking of just grabbing a Hayden 677 from local autowhathaveyou. I find it unusual that the V6 actually already has a cooler in the radiator and that by adding an external one you now technically have 2 trans coolers. Neat.

a WDH would help the tongue weight id assume

Ok I need to set something straight here. When I think of WDH I think of the gadget that attaches to your already installed aftermarket frame mounted receiver which extends outwards towards the trailer and comes with 2 bars and chains for sway control.
For some reason people keep calling just the aftermarket frame mounted receiver a WDH. I think they mean it distributes the weight to the frame instead of just the cross member but its not a hitch and it's certainly not a WDH, it's a receiver. Sorry not directing that to you it just reminds me of that inconsistency.

 

[GTOchris]

I was thinking something very similar, I have the stock V6 hitch and using it to pull a boat very near the capacity of the 4Runner. I really feel the load, especially in turns how it pushes the back of the SUV and was considering upgrading to a frame hitch. Is it worth it even though my tongue weight isn't substantial? (more dead weight rather tongue weight)

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Ok I need to set something straight here. When I think of WDH I think of the gadget that attaches to your already installed aftermarket frame mounted receiver which extends outwards towards the trailer and comes with 2 bars and chains for sway control.
For some reason people keep calling just the aftermarket frame mounted receiver a WDH. I think they mean it distributes the weight to the frame instead of just the cross member but its not a hitch and it's certainly not a WDH, it's a receiver. Sorry not directing that to you it just reminds me of that inconsistency.

i totally get what you're saying

attached: an example of a weight distribution system, followed by a hitch receiver

 

[ebg18t]

I was thinking something very similar, I have the stock V6 hitch and using it to pull a boat very near the capacity of the 4Runner. I really feel the load, especially in turns how it pushes the back of the SUV and was considering upgrading to a frame hitch. Is it worth it even though my tongue weight isn't substantial? (more dead weight rather tongue weight)

It would be a tad safer as it transfers the weight to the frame rails versus just the crossmember. I am not confident that you would notice a huge difference but the truck would appreciate it.

 

[ebg18t]

Agreed, It would also help transfer some of the weight towards the front of the truck as well (relieving some of that sag). Which B&M model did you choose? I was thinking of just grabbing a Hayden 677 from local autowhathaveyou. I find it unusual that the V6 actually already has a cooler in the radiator and that by adding an external one you now technically have 2 trans coolers. Neat.

I purchased the one listed below: b&m 70268

From what I read the B&M quality is slightly better.

This is the WDH I picked up.
SwayPro By Blue Ox

 

[GTOchris]

It would be a tad safer as it transfers the weight to the frame rails versus just the crossmember. I am not confident that you would notice a huge difference but the truck would appreciate it.

The hitch assembly just always seems like the old step bumper type IMO as it just hangs off the back. I know it is not to be used for Weight Distribution however it almost seems like it could bend/ snap in a hard situation.

This theoretical 6,200 lb capacity I think would be a stretch for the V6- I feel my under 5K load has the V6 screaming on hills just barely holding speed so I couldn't imagine more. Another thing to consider, the newest 4Runner with the new tighter spec tow rating I believe is only rated for 4,500lbs so I think more than ever it would be pushing it.

 

[ebg18t]

The hitch assembly just always seems like the old step bumper type IMO as it just hangs off the back. I know it is not to be used for Weight Distribution however it almost seems like it could bend/ snap in a hard situation.

This theoretical 6,200 lb capacity I think would be a stretch for the V6- I feel my under 5K load has the V6 screaming on hills just barely holding speed so I couldn't imagine more. Another thing to consider, the newest 4Runner with the new tighter spec tow rating I believe is only rated for 4,500lbs so I think more than ever it would be pushing it.

I agree. The v6 hitch is a little disappointing. But not many people really tow with them.

 

[kat]

I just picked up a Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH to use with our new small RV behind the 4Runner.

What size RV did you pick up? I'm looking at a few travel trailers that are right in that 4k-5k range dry and loaded.

Ultimately, I'd only be using mine for short & flat distances to stage the trailer for tailgating.

 

[ebg18t]

What size RV did you pick up? I'm looking at a few travel trailers that are right in that 4k-5k range dry and loaded.

Ultimately, I'd only be using mine for short & flat distances to stage the trailer for tailgating.

Katie - Overall is 20'6". Double axle with 1 slide. Actual weight with our stuff is 3600#, we weighed it at the truck stop (Cat scale) for $10. I only keep 5-10gal water in the tanks and pump it before we leave a campground. This was the max weight I wanted.

We previously towed a 12,500# 38' 5th wheel (4slides) with our other truck. It will be nice to tow a small trailer. But I will miss the space and luxury of the big trailers.

 

[kat]

Katie - Overall is 20'6". Double axle with 1 slide. Actual weight with our stuff is 3600#, we weighed it at the truck stop (Cat scale) for $10. I only keep 5-10gal water in the tanks and pump it before we leave a campground. This was the max weight I wanted.

We previously towed a 12,500# 38' 5th wheel (4slides) with our other truck. It will be nice to tow a small trailer. But I will miss the space and luxury of the big trailers.

I've pretty much decided I'm not towing this thing if we get it. I really don't have much experience towing anyway and I only have one vehicle. I guess practice makes perfect but I'd rather practice with a vehicle that is better equipped for the size trailer I'm looking for. And I'm not ready to sink (2k+?) into a new setup. Thanks for responding!

 

[Proctor750]

I was thinking something very similar, I have the stock V6 hitch and using it to pull a boat very near the capacity of the 4Runner. I really feel the load, especially in turns how it pushes the back of the SUV and was considering upgrading to a frame hitch. Is it worth it even though my tongue weight isn't substantial? (more dead weight rather tongue weight)

How heavy was your boat + trailer?

I've pretty much decided I'm not towing this thing if we get it. I really don't have much experience towing anyway and I only have one vehicle. I guess practice makes perfect but I'd rather practice with a vehicle that is better equipped for the size trailer I'm looking for. And I'm not ready to sink (2k+?) into a new setup. Thanks for responding!

Hmm, My truck has 225k miles on it (Great condition) and I'm going to get a frame mounted receiver ($200?), brake controller ($150?), trans cooler ($75?) and will pull an 1800lb trailer with a 2700lb car on it + 250-500lbs of tools and equipment (possibly in the truck). So that's a grand total of right around 5,000lbs for ~$425.
With the 6200lb limit receiver, brake controller, and trans cooler I think it should be fine. I've driven 53' trailers and 24' straight trucks for years so this really doesn't seem like a big deal. I don't mind going 45mph up hill in the right lane with flashers, wouldn't be the first time.