towing capacity
- Thread starter nvestor88
- Start date
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What is the weight of the car trailer? The BMW may weigh about 3000 lbs. If the trailer is more than 2000 lbs then you need to find another tow vehicle. Also, anything over 3000 lbs you need to have electric brakes with an electric brake controller. Also you my have to have a load equalizing hitch if your hitch weight is too high. May not want to go over 500 lbs pushing down on the hitch. Another point to consider is if the trailer is fairly long your 4Runner wheelbase may not be long enough even with an anti sway control hitch to safely tow. General rule of thumb:
For the first 110" of wheelbase, this allows you 20' of trailer.
For each additional 4" of wheelbase, this gets you 1' more of trailer." Review the manual and or ask a Toyota Service Director for advice.
For the first 110" of wheelbase, this allows you 20' of trailer.
For each additional 4" of wheelbase, this gets you 1' more of trailer." Review the manual and or ask a Toyota Service Director for advice.
fun_runner
New member
Growing up on the farm I was told "its not what you can tow, its what you can stop". That being said, you still have to be very careful when towing anything, big or small. I honestly think your 4runner will be fine. Those older E30s weigh a little under 3000lbs. If you put it up on a nice, light U-Haul trailer you'll be fine. Just give yourself lots of extra braking room and don't ride the brakes. Last weekend I pulled a 95 Acura Legend (3500lb car) home from an hour away with my '97. Pulled just fine.
Pikeman
New member
Several people have hauled cars with their 3rd gen and the 4th gen is a little heavier stronger. Most rental car haulers will have surge brakes so no need for electric brakes. If you are getting your own car hauler then get it set with electric brakes and a good brake controller. Personally I would not have an issue towing a car hauler trailer every once in a while. In fact one of the 3rd gen guys(stick Figure) pulled a car trailer loaded with car and other supplies for a 1200+ mile trip.
the trailer is like the one you have pictured, from uhaul. what do you figure the weight of the trailer is? was your 4 runner struggling? last time i pulled a
e36 bmw 325 on a tow dolly, and it felt like she was struggling a lil bit. did it feel like that when you pulled the acura home? thanks for all the input.
e36 bmw 325 on a tow dolly, and it felt like she was struggling a lil bit. did it feel like that when you pulled the acura home? thanks for all the input.
just stumbled on this old thread and figured I'd chime in just for posterity, since I"m towing an e30 325e race car on a 1500lb open-deck trailer (with electric brakes) this weekend 4 hours to the track.
Anyhow, last month pulled a 77 e21 (about 2400lbs + a spare set of wheels) back from W.Virginia, on a UHaul trailer (they are about 2200lbs empty). Tow was easy with no issues - My 08 V6 was totally stock except the tires (Revo 2s).
I'll be running a brake controller and tranny cooler for the tow next week, though.
Anyhow, last month pulled a 77 e21 (about 2400lbs + a spare set of wheels) back from W.Virginia, on a UHaul trailer (they are about 2200lbs empty). Tow was easy with no issues - My 08 V6 was totally stock except the tires (Revo 2s).
I'll be running a brake controller and tranny cooler for the tow next week, though.
