Towing 20' pontoon?
- Thread starter jgtree
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
4x4runner2002
New member
how much does the boat and trailer weigh?
if you have a truck just use it and make life easier.
if you have a truck just use it and make life easier.
calimobber
Member
I tow a 2k pound trailer (guessing) all over the country. I have 205k miles one mine. I just watch the temps and downshift when I have to.keep an eye on your temps if you can.
True. I'll need to look up the weight in my owners manual. Only trouble is hauling the family in the standard cab chevy[emoji21]
4x4runner2002
New member
Ah gotcha with the family thing.
After you check the weight and it checks out just keep od off on any type of hill or incline. Slow and steady wins.
TheWhighet
New member
No I think you will be fine I used to tow that with my 2.7l tacoma or TOYOTAAA POWERRRRRR just fine. Heck, it drove almost as good as my dad's v8 tundra LOL! Turn off overdrive and maybe turn on ECT power haha. This puppy I'm sure could do the same if not better I wouldn't worry about it. But you can always put it on the tongue and see what it's like!
ur rear springs can be pretty soft so you might see some significant sagging if the tongue weight is high. Should have no problems just watch the braking down the hills. Our mirrors suck for towing btw
IBallEngineer
New member
3rd Gen brakes can't handle much towing weight, even with surge brakes on the trailer.
Your truck weighs around 4500 Lbs. , if you go in to a turn towing 3000 Lbs. the load is going to try to go straight, inertia wins. This topic comes up here all the time and there is a lot of misinformation. Can your truck pull the weight, yes, is it safe ABSOLUTELY NOT. If your family matters to you, you won't do it.
:frusty:
Your truck weighs around 4500 Lbs. , if you go in to a turn towing 3000 Lbs. the load is going to try to go straight, inertia wins. This topic comes up here all the time and there is a lot of misinformation. Can your truck pull the weight, yes, is it safe ABSOLUTELY NOT. If your family matters to you, you won't do it.
:frusty:
vanion2
New member
5000/500 # tow rating. As long as you are under that, turn O/D off, and don't try to set any land speed records you should be fine.
Does the trailer have brakes? If not, invest in getting some installed (I know pontoon boats aren't that light). That and a WDH and a brake controller. I had no problems pulling my 3800# pop up 2 weeks ago except for transmission temps being too high for my liking. So I am adding an external ATF cooler (inline), new radiator (needs one anyway for peace of mind), and an Airlift 1000 kit to help with the ride.
4Runners can pull just fine but leave the O/D off. Some people say that on flat grades you can turn it back on but then you better keep an eye on the transmissions temps because it will climb fast (mine did). If your 3rd gen is 96-98(99?) I would invest in putting a temp sensor on the hot side since you can't track it using and OBD1 scan tool.
I eventually plan to buy a V8 for just towing (with a crew cab if it's a truck) but in the mean time I have no problem enjoying the 4Runner and every time I ask more of it it just does the job leaving me pretty happy with the results. Of course I make sure I do everything I can to help it along so we all get there safely.
Does the trailer have brakes? If not, invest in getting some installed (I know pontoon boats aren't that light). That and a WDH and a brake controller. I had no problems pulling my 3800# pop up 2 weeks ago except for transmission temps being too high for my liking. So I am adding an external ATF cooler (inline), new radiator (needs one anyway for peace of mind), and an Airlift 1000 kit to help with the ride.
4Runners can pull just fine but leave the O/D off. Some people say that on flat grades you can turn it back on but then you better keep an eye on the transmissions temps because it will climb fast (mine did). If your 3rd gen is 96-98(99?) I would invest in putting a temp sensor on the hot side since you can't track it using and OBD1 scan tool.
I eventually plan to buy a V8 for just towing (with a crew cab if it's a truck) but in the mean time I have no problem enjoying the 4Runner and every time I ask more of it it just does the job leaving me pretty happy with the results. Of course I make sure I do everything I can to help it along so we all get there safely.
vanion2
New member
I disagree. With trailer brakes/brake controller (not surge), a WDH/sway kit, and maintaining proper speeds you can do just fine. That is why I always recommend these items for towing regardless of the tow vehicle. I wouldn't put my family in harm's way if I thought otherwise.
This statement is based on what? Personal experience or opinion? I have both under my belt and while I am no CDL certified driver I have driven a 30' motor home to a Rav4 pulling a 3000# pop up and others in between over the years and am still here to talk about it. Why? Because I took the time to get all the equipment needed to make sure it was safe and was well educated on the towing limitations of each vehicle I used.
I agree that if he has a truck then use it. Some times creature comforts are just not worth the "hassle" to set up a safe towing environment for the 4Runner to some people.
Whaaaat?
If what you said was true, I would be dead with a 4runner and a travel trailer on top of me in a ravine somewhere in Texas.
I used to tow my 20 foot travel trailer to my hunting lease with my 2001 4runner and never had an issue with stopping or skidding on curves. I did have sway bars with weight distribution. Which, I would always recommend when towing.
Now, if you are towing some gigantic trailer or a cruise ship........that would be a different story.
Ruff
IBallEngineer
New member
It's ok to disagree, I disagree alot!
Based on what? Fair enough question. I have a little experience. And I have towed plenty. I tow my 7K LB. Landcruiser with an RV factory rated to tow 3500 Lbs. , but I did MAJOR upgrades to be able to do so, and I use a brake system on the towed vehicle that actually works. I was an RV Service manager for a few years, and I was in the autobody industry for 30 years. I've seen a few "accidents" involving towing more than a vehicle is capable of. So yes, I'd say I am basing my assertion on experience. There is ALWAYS someone who will say they towed the Queen Mary with their Samurai, that doesn't make it safe.
The OP didn't post the weight, so maybe all these discussions are moot. It sounds like you understand the dynamics of towing, ultimately it is simple physics, not opinions that matter. Of course we all have our own opinion.
:noidea:
vanion2
New member
I agree a 20' pontoon boat + trailer sounds like it will be at least in the 3000-4000# weight range and depending on the axle placement that means it would be close if not over the tongue weight rating as well (estimating 15%). And that's not including the WDH weight or any gear put behind the rear axle of the 4Runner.
If it were me I would stick with the truck because of the tongue weight being so close.
