I normally use my 4Runner to tow my 20ft boat for gas/ storage- all local a few times a year when not in it's slip, it's right at 4,500 lbs on the trailer which is single axle with disc brakes- I've yet to break 50MPH towing with it however it does the job for local runs and would not do any distance moves. I've been towing all my life so it's nothing new.
Friend of ours Tahoe broke down the same week his boat broke down so no marina can pick it up for 2 weeks so we used the 4Runner. I didn't realize how heavy I bit off... Now that I looked it up it was every bit of 6,500lbs. Tongue weight was relatively light, rear didn't drop more than an inch.
We only went 7 miles with it on local roads- never got over 40MPH with some rolling hills. I was VERY gentle on the transmission / throttle and just tried to use momentum as much as possible and let it fall into whatever speed it preferred.
Was this a really bad on the drivetrain for a one time tow? It felt remarkably un-eventful, rather stable, good braking by the truck/ trailer just short on power. My temp gauge never moved and I left the engine idling a bit while un-hitching just to ensure the trans fluid could cycle/ cool rather shutting off. I changed the trans fluid last year- should I be concerned?
Friend of ours Tahoe broke down the same week his boat broke down so no marina can pick it up for 2 weeks so we used the 4Runner. I didn't realize how heavy I bit off... Now that I looked it up it was every bit of 6,500lbs. Tongue weight was relatively light, rear didn't drop more than an inch.
We only went 7 miles with it on local roads- never got over 40MPH with some rolling hills. I was VERY gentle on the transmission / throttle and just tried to use momentum as much as possible and let it fall into whatever speed it preferred.
Was this a really bad on the drivetrain for a one time tow? It felt remarkably un-eventful, rather stable, good braking by the truck/ trailer just short on power. My temp gauge never moved and I left the engine idling a bit while un-hitching just to ensure the trans fluid could cycle/ cool rather shutting off. I changed the trans fluid last year- should I be concerned?
