towing a 4000lb car

[KDCane]

Re: Re: Re: Re: towing a 4000lb car

I am so tired of arguing about this crap. Everyone just read their owner's manual. On mine there is a sidebar (off color box) that states that a weight distributing device should be used for trailers over 2000 lbs and trailer brakes must be used for trailers over 1000 lbs. It also says that the maximum load is 7000 lbs.

Again, I am not saying the 4Runner cannot tow a car - I am just reciting the owners manual.

Abe: The reason why Uhaul does not recommend a WD device is because they usually prevent the built in surge brakes from operating properly. WD devices usually have to be used with electric brakes.

Let me also state again: I did tow my Mustang using a Uhaul trailer just fine. I am only pointing out Toyota's recommendations / requirements. In the end everyone makes their own choices.

Another thing I want to mention again for all the doubters: READ the April 2008 issue of Off-Road Adventures and their excellent towing article.

You have a first year 4Runner so maybe the manual is different. My 2005 manual says nothing to this effect. The only difference is spec is between the V6 and V8 tow capacities.

I have never seen any body on frame truck post such a silly low towing capacity as 2000 lbs. Even the old 4-cylinder 4Runners had a higher tow than that!

Was the trailer hitch standard on the 2003 or did you have to put it on? On the 2005 it came with it. Generally everyone I talked to, and my understanding is exactly what Koz and I posted earlier in the thread.

 

[gonittanylions]

I have 2002 V6 SR5 with the 5000# capacity and live in FL. I also installed the weight distribution hitch, a brake controller (if electric) and a transmission cooler so I can tow my 4800# travel trailer. I know I am at my limit for the 4Runner but never thought we would by a camper. We have plans later this year to buy a Sequoia but are trying to make due for now.

I took the camper on a 400 mile round trip and had no issues on the way up. Coming back, twice the 4Runner failed me. Each time I was on an entrance ramp (very mild grade) and in the middle of excellerating at a modest pace when it stopped excellerating forward. The engine speed stayed steady around 2000 -2400 RPM's (no out of control reving), the transmission felt like it disconnected with the brakes and power steering was still getting power. After pulling over to check the transmission fluid and various other ideas, I started the 4Runner and it ran fine. The same thing happened 3 hrs later when I stopped for gas.

It occurred a third time this weekend, excellerating out from a red light at a modest pace. In this case, the transmission did "kick" in but it did not slam into gear by any stretch before I pulled it over.

The 4Runner appears to be balanced on the weight distribution system (Equalizer) as designed. The dealer checked it out after the first incident and found no computer codes tripped.

I am new to this forum stuff. Can anyone explain what the issue could be?

 

[mtnracer]

I have 2002 V6 SR5 with the 5000# capacity and live in FL. I also installed the weight distribution hitch, a brake controller (if electric) and a transmission cooler so I can tow my 4800# travel trailer. I know I am at my limit for the 4Runner but never thought we would by a camper. We have plans later this year to buy a Sequoia but are trying to make due for now.

I took the camper on a 400 mile round trip and had no issues on the way up. Coming back, twice the 4Runner failed me. Each time I was on an entrance ramp (very mild grade) and in the middle of excellerating at a modest pace when it stopped excellerating forward. The engine speed stayed steady around 2000 -2400 RPM's (no out of control reving), the transmission felt like it disconnected with the brakes and power steering was still getting power. After pulling over to check the transmission fluid and various other ideas, I started the 4Runner and it ran fine. The same thing happened 3 hrs later when I stopped for gas.

It occurred a third time this weekend, excellerating out from a red light at a modest pace. In this case, the transmission did "kick" in but it did not slam into gear by any stretch before I pulled it over.

The 4Runner appears to be balanced on the weight distribution system (Equalizer) as designed. The dealer checked it out after the first incident and found no computer codes tripped.

I am new to this forum stuff. Can anyone explain what the issue could be?

I am not a tranny expert but that sounds like a transmission problem. Maybe all the towing is causing overheating. Do you have a tranny cooler?

 

[Koz]

Koz,
Ive spent the last hour reading through the posts on the Air Lift 1000.

In your experience, using the uhaul trailer and my track car (combined ~5000-6000lbs), can i get the air bags, and be ok with NO OTHER ADDED equipment?

The uhauler has surge brakes as mentioned, so trailer brakes are not necessary, and i cant add sway control with the surge brakes.

So:

Buy air bags, tow my 6000 lbs and everything is good?

Abe

PS how are you measuring tongue weight? just guessing?

To measure the tongue weight you can find a junk yard with a vehicle scale and roll the trailer up to the scale with only the tongue on the scale (disconnected from vehicle and level). You could find (call) a trailer store and get it weighted.

The weight police will tell you not to exceed 80% of the tow rating, so you are very close. The only way to see if everything is under control is to try it. When you are towing close to the max rated weight the level of the vehicle is very important so the air bags would help a lot. I have towed 6K lbs with no problems but I have the OEM rear air susp. Also different trailers and/or different weight distribution will tow differently. The length of the trailer also has a big affect on control. I can tell you the drive train has no problem with that weight.

Koz

 

[Koz]

I have 2002 V6 SR5 with the 5000# capacity and live in FL. I also installed the weight distribution hitch, a brake controller (if electric) and a transmission cooler so I can tow my 4800# travel trailer. I know I am at my limit for the 4Runner but never thought we would by a camper. We have plans later this year to buy a Sequoia but are trying to make due for now.

I took the camper on a 400 mile round trip and had no issues on the way up. Coming back, twice the 4Runner failed me. Each time I was on an entrance ramp (very mild grade) and in the middle of excellerating at a modest pace when it stopped excellerating forward. The engine speed stayed steady around 2000 -2400 RPM's (no out of control reving), the transmission felt like it disconnected with the brakes and power steering was still getting power. After pulling over to check the transmission fluid and various other ideas, I started the 4Runner and it ran fine. The same thing happened 3 hrs later when I stopped for gas.

It occurred a third time this weekend, excellerating out from a red light at a modest pace. In this case, the transmission did "kick" in but it did not slam into gear by any stretch before I pulled it over.

The 4Runner appears to be balanced on the weight distribution system (Equalizer) as designed. The dealer checked it out after the first incident and found no computer codes tripped.

I am new to this forum stuff. Can anyone explain what the issue could be?

It sounds like you were in too high a gear for that weight and incline. You need to use the trans (low gears to get the RPMs in the high torque range) for inclines. Sometimes when moving slow, on inclines, you could even use low range on the transfer case.

If the RPMs started racing (slipping), you may have a trans problem.

Koz