Towing a pop-up camper with an 01 T4R

[chrisw]

I'm looking into possibly buying an 01 T4R/SR5 4WD. I'm also looking into possibly buying a Fleetwood Highlander Avalon trailer.

It is classified as a 16 ftr. It's dry weight is 3710 lbs, but it's GVWR can be up to 4600 lbs. I know the 4Runner is rated at 5000 lbs.

Is it a realistic possiblility to tow this trailer with this vehicle on a regular basis? How well does the 4Runner tow going up medium-to-steep grades?

Any suggestions would help me out. It's a toss up between the 01 T4R SR5 or an 02 Toyota Seqouia LTD 4WD... although I love how the stinkin' T4R looks!

 

[p nut]

In your situation, it's a no brainer. Go with the Sequioa with the V8. The V8 will be 100 times better for towing, especially if you're going up steep grades. But the biggest advantage is the weight of the Sequioa. The 4Runner just isn't made to tow anything over 3000lbs comfortably (IMO), because of it's lighter weight. Changing lanes, passing, manuvering, etc. all make the 4Runner skiddish when towing a heavy trailer. If you've towed 4,500lbs in the 4Runner and tried to brake going downhill, you know what I mean. This makes the 4Runner very dangerous, as any sudden movements will make it very hard to control.

I would highly advise against the 4Runner. Get one as your recreation rig, but not a tow vehicle.

Oh, if you will be towing consistently with your Sequoia (or whatever you get), I'd also recommend buying some synthetic drivetrain lube (Amsoil). Also, get an aftermarket transmission cooler (Hayden).

 

[WEINERDOGBONE]

If the 4Runner is rated at 5,000 lbs it will tow 5,000 lbs. It wouldn't scare me to use it's full ability. My Jeep had the same tow rating and I towed my boat for 4 years with it w/o any issues.

My boat weighs about 4,000 lbs. The only thing I didn't like was that the boat sometimes drove the Jeep because it was longer. That's the only reason I would consider buying more vehicle than I needed.

This is only my opinion and it may be worth only what you paid for it!

 

[JustAnotherT4R]

as much as I love the 4runner I would get the Sequoia for towing. hands down on this one.

V8 - eats gas, but it will yank the trailer with no trouble & then some.

V6 - Lacks in power for towing & for uphill, forget it. you might as well pull over and walk it up.