Towing/Brake Question

[sfla4runner]

Hey all,
I regularly tow a ~6500# boat and trailer with a 04 SR5 V8 2WD. I live in South Florida therefore there are no hills. I am wondering if a different brake set-up/upgrade may benifit me, and if anyone has suggestions. My main concern is if some a-hole cuts me off (which happens all the time in South Florida, the driver's H**l), I want to be able to stop. The trailer has surge brakes, so that helps. Any suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

 

[boston_kevin]

The brakes on the 4Runner are really quite adequate for towing and stopping. If you are running 17" wheels and do not have the larger brakes, you could always upgrade to the SE brakes (which are slightly larger) in the front. I would highly consider upgrading the trailer braking system (if possible) to something that is an active system (not passive like surge brakes) and using a brake controller. You can upgrade the brakes on the two vehicle to be fantastic, but that will not stop that heavy load from coming around if you stop fast... Electronic brakes and a brake controller are probably the best bet (if you can upgrade the trailer).

 

[Koz]

The brakes on the 4Runner are really quite adequate for towing and stopping. If you are running 17" wheels and do not have the larger brakes, you could always upgrade to the SE brakes (which are slightly larger) in the front. I would highly consider upgrading the trailer braking system (if possible) to something that is an active system (not passive like surge brakes) and using a brake controller. You can upgrade the brakes on the two vehicle to be fantastic, but that will not stop that heavy load from coming around if you stop fast... Electronic brakes and a brake controller are probably the best bet (if you can upgrade the trailer).

:iagree: I would upgrade the trailer brakes first and see if that would be enough.

Koz

 

[khaug]

First, you should realize that you're WAY over the 5,000# limit for towing that Toyota stipulates (unless you've changed the hitch).

I tow a track car on a lightweight trailer (4,000#), and that's about all I'd want to tow with a 4th gen 4Runner!

Make sure your trailer has 4 wheel brakes (It better be a tandem trailer at that weight!) and that they're correctly adjusted. Florida being as flat as it is, I don't think you should have major problems if your trailer load is balanced (tongue weight c. 10% of total trailer weight). I've towed our rig through the Virginia Mountains and W Va with no problem. Keep the trailer brake fluid fresh with good DOT-4 brake fluid, keep the trailer brakes adjusted and you should be OK.

Good luck.

 

[Uneek]

First, you should realize that you're WAY over the 5,000# limit for towing that Toyota stipulates (unless you've changed the hitch).

No, he's fine. The 2004 V8 2WD can tow upto 7300lbs. '04 has the upgraded hitch.

 

[sfla4runner]

Thanks All. I'll look into the upgrade on the trailer brakes. I'll also look into the SE rotors and brakes for my SR5. Apreciate the help and ideas!