Towing a BIG Trailer

[4RNR-LOVN]

Bigltaka, no offense to koz but a 29 ft trailer is just too big for our 4Runner's. Even with the V8 that is only part of the equation. Wheelbase, chassis, suspension and brake components are even more important. There are a lot of informative places out there but I would recommend starting with the Open Roads forum on rv.net. Before you buy anything I would also recommend renting a similar size and weight unit that you are interested in so you can see first hand how everything handles. Even with a very high end hitch system like a Hensely Arrow and a good brake controller you'll find that you'll be limited to something smaller and much lighter.

Remember, the tow capacity of the V8 may be 7,000-7,300 lbs but that is before passengers, accessories and cargo in your 4Runner. As an example, the Gross Vehicle Wieght Rating (GVWR) on the '03 that I have was around 5,450 (without looking at the sticker on our's) but when I weighed it with my wife, son and I with some cargo as we would be loaded when pulling it came in at 4,900 lbs with a full tank. That only leaves around 550 lbs of tongue weight for a 4,550 lb trailer fully loaded (assuming 12% tongue weight which is optimal). Now Toyota did increase the cargo capacity a few hundred lbs over the last couple of years which also increases the total trailer weight you can safely tow. However, you'll find that there are some very good ultra light trailers in this weight range. The best thing to do is learn as much as you can about trailer lingo so you can ensure you're within the various vehicle, axle and combined weight ratings of the 4Runner you have in mind.

 

[azskyrider]

Coolers

My main concern with towing is the engine and transmission longterm reliability during the Hot summer AZ months.

I always wondered why Toyota never offered a Tow package similiar to the 2005 Tacoma's that includes oil and tranny coolers for the 4 runner. For my purposes this is keeping me from buying one. I was looking at the Tacoma which has the V6 engine, oil/tranny coolers, and lockers but they have DRUM brakes in the rear.

My brother has a Titan and it is very well built but I believe it is just too wide for my taste. Maybe in 2006 things will get better.

 

[rossmon1]

Re: Coolers

My main concern with towing is the engine and transmission longterm reliability during the Hot summer AZ months.

I always wondered why Toyota never offered a Tow package similiar to the 2005 Tacoma's that includes oil and tranny coolers for the 4 runner. For my purposes this is keeping me from buying one. I was looking at the Tacoma which has the V6 engine, oil/tranny coolers, and lockers but they have DRUM brakes in the rear.

My brother has a Titan and it is very well built but I believe it is just too wide for my taste. Maybe in 2006 things will get better.

my 05 se came stock with a tranny cooler. i think its a stock part on all of them along with the tow hitch.

 

[peter78]

I just got back from a trip out west and I towed a pop-up camper. Only 2,000 pounds. After 6,000 miles I averaged 17.6 MPG, that includes about 1,000 miles without towing. I figure I can get over 20 MPG without a trailer and with the trailer I get 16-ish or so.

That trailer is really nice, I wouldn't mind getting something that big rig & with a new 4Runner with a V8, but that 8 MPG really hurts.

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

cooler's

The 4th gen 4Runners do come with tranny and oil coolers.

 

[azskyrider]

Re: cooler's

The 4th gen 4Runners do come with tranny and oil coolers.

Thanks for this info as I have not seen this on any specs from toyota.com or my search on the web.

 

[Koz]

Bigltaka, no offense to koz but a 29 ft trailer is just too big for our 4Runner's. Even with the V8 that is only part of the equation. Wheelbase, chassis, suspension and brake components are even more important. There are a lot of informative places out there but I would recommend starting with the Open Roads forum on rv.net. Before you buy anything I would also recommend renting a similar size and weight unit that you are interested in so you can see first hand how everything handles. Even with a very high end hitch system like a Hensely Arrow and a good brake controller you'll find that you'll be limited to something smaller and much lighter.

Remember, the tow capacity of the V8 may be 7,000-7,300 lbs but that is before passengers, accessories and cargo in your 4Runner.

No offense taken, but a 5500lbs. trailer with a total weight that doesn't exceed 7000lbs. will be NO problem to pull, with the V8, good sway/hitch system and brake controller. Again, if you could get the limited with the auto leveling rear air suspension it would be even better.

Koz

 

[jharris2]

Re: cooler's

The 4th gen 4Runners do come with tranny and oil coolers.

I believe the 5-speed transmissions have this, but that the 4-speed does not.

 

[Koz]

Re: Re: cooler's

I believe the 5-speed transmissions have this, but that the 4-speed does not.

V8s have it, V6s don't.

Koz

 

[charlier180]

No offense taken, but a 5500lbs. trailer with a total weight that doesn't exceed 7000lbs. will be NO problem to pull, with the V8, good sway/hitch system and brake controller. Again, if you could get the limited with the auto leveling rear air suspension it would be even better.

Koz

I understand that total weight and weight distribution is very important when towing and plays a BIG part in towing ratings.
Should not the length/width of the trailer also be taken into account when determining the tow vehicle's ability? A 29ft trailer (when adding the hitch length of ~3ft) is roughly DOUBLE the length of a 4Runner. Don't you reach a point where the length of the trailer (even though it is under the weight limits) is simply Too Long for the 4Runner's wheelbase, etc. even with WD Hitch/Sway Control and air suspension?

At some point (as a trailer gets longer) I would think that even with a WD Hitch, Sway Control and Air Suspension the tail will start wagging the dog.

 

[Koz]

I understand that total weight and weight distribution is very important when towing and plays a BIG part in towing ratings.
Should not the length/width of the trailer also be taken into account when determining the tow vehicle's ability? A 29ft trailer (when adding the hitch length of ~3ft) is roughly DOUBLE the length of a 4Runner. Don't you reach a point where the length of the trailer (even though it is under the weight limits) is simply Too Long for the 4Runner's wheelbase, etc. even with WD Hitch/Sway Control and air suspension?

At some point (as a trailer gets longer) I would think that even with a WD Hitch, Sway Control and Air Suspension the tail will start wagging the dog.

I'm sure more care and attention will be needed to pull a trailer that size but with the right towing accessories the V8 4Runner will have no problems. Look at the first post of this thread. He is pulling a 6500lbs., 26' trailer, at 70mph, with a 03 V8, with NO problems. If you stay within safe speeds the extra 3' will not be an issue, as long as the trailer/tow vehicle is properly set-up (braking/sway system, tongue weight, etc.).

Koz

 

[TeryT]

BTW, the MPG display in my 4Runner was only .8 mpg higher than calculated when towing. Usually it is 2-2.5 mpg higher than calculated when not towing.

I think this is because since it is a percentage off, when up around 20 MPG it will show a bigger difference than when at 10 MPG.

 

[TeryT]

I

 

[TeryT]

Re: Coolers

My main concern with towing is the engine and transmission longterm reliability during the Hot summer AZ months.

I always wondered why Toyota never offered a Tow package similiar to the 2005 Tacoma's that includes oil and tranny coolers for the 4 runner. For my purposes this is keeping me from buying one. I was looking at the Tacoma which has the V6 engine, oil/tranny coolers, and lockers but they have DRUM brakes in the rear.

My brother has a Titan and it is very well built but I believe it is just too wide for my taste. Maybe in 2006 things will get better.

I installed a temp gauge in my tranny pan. Currently I am working with 2 different dealers to determine exactly what the temperature should be. In most estimations it is running high at around 200 - 230 when pulling a pop-up around our hot Arizona mountains. This is with the stock cooler at around 100 degrees ambient temperatures. I would rather my fluid wouldn't see over 200, even though the T-IV is supposed to be synthetic & able to withstand another 20 degrees of heat.

Since I plan to tow a larger trailer (ultralight 26 foot @ 4,000 lbs), I know these tranny temps will only go up. As a cushion I am playing around with cooler fans and/or a larger cooler.

(BTW: We rented a 24 foot trailer @ around 4500 lbs. a while back. The 4Runner definately knew it was back there. At one point we got the weight in the trailer unbalanced and the trailer started swaying. This was quite the "white knuckle" experience. The trailer came with a weight distributing hitch, but no sway bars.)

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

I couldn't have said it better myself charlier180. And, I was hoping you would chime in as well TeryT.

In my mind, Tery's setup is the way to go IF you plan on towing a travel trailer with the 4Runner. Not only is the length of the trailer an issue but the ultralight series trailers are a bit shorter, narrower and are usually more aerodynamic which provide less wind resistance. And the Hensley is the hitch of all hitch brands out there.

 

[rossmon1]

I understand that total weight and weight distribution is very important when towing and plays a BIG part in towing ratings.
Should not the length/width of the trailer also be taken into account when determining the tow vehicle's ability? A 29ft trailer (when adding the hitch length of ~3ft) is roughly DOUBLE the length of a 4Runner. Don't you reach a point where the length of the trailer (even though it is under the weight limits) is simply Too Long for the 4Runner's wheelbase, etc. even with WD Hitch/Sway Control and air suspension?

At some point (as a trailer gets longer) I would think that even with a WD Hitch, Sway Control and Air Suspension the tail will start wagging the dog.

I would tend to agree with you. I have a boat that i even towed with a real short wb jeep wrangler and it pulled it but it was much tougher to control and would've been dangerous in a sudden stop.
I don't know what you might buy short of a larger truck body or 5th wheel setup that could help however.

 

[Koz]

After researching real life towing (people's experiences), I stand corrected. It looks like you would want to stay under a total weight of 6000lbs (trailer & passengers, etc.). The data I looked at was based on the 235hp V8 and no rear air suspension, so the 05 V8 and rear air should raise the max. Everyone recommends staying under 25

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

Well, I'm certainly impressed Koz. It takes a lot of character to admit you may have been mistaken, particularly behind the anonimity of the Internet where ego's can run rampid. :cheers:

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

TeryT, one other item you may want to consider for increased towing stability is upgrading to an LT rated tire for higher air capicity and stronger side walls...if you haven't already.

 

[biglatka]

First off, I