Towing experiences with your 5th Generation

[Abq4runner]

Relocating Trailer Electrical Connector

Last year I decided to relocate the trailer electrical connector on my 2015 4runner to somewhere sensible. The factory location under the rear end was lousy. I relocated it to the vertical part of the plastic bumper bonnet and just to the left of the large metal tube (the hitch is mounted to) behind the plastic bonnet. No extension to the wiring harness is needed. Unbolt the metal frame holding the 7/4 pin connector. Unplug trailer cable from 4runner wiring harness and remove metal frame from around 7/2 pin connector. Unwrap the tape and straighten out the folded electrical cable to it's full length of 18". Bingo, this is long enough to reach the plastic bonnet. Very carefully measure, mark, and cut a hole (start small) in the plastic bonnet and mount it on the plastic bonnet. The plastic melts easily using a cutting wheel on a Dremel tool. Put split plastic cable protector on the wiring harness and zip tie in place. A horizontal flat plastic panel between the LR mudflap and the bumper plastic bonnet needs to be removed for access to the inside of the plastic bumper bonnet. The 18" wiring harness is not Toyota specific. I found new ones on the internet and purchased an extra one (used) on Ebay for $15.

 

[teotwaki]

Fail... those are the Tetons...

I just figured that the CTD in a Smart Car would really distract them from ogling the Grand Tit Mountains...:frisky:

 

[Granitesilverunner]

We tow a coachman clipper 105st pop up and it seems to tow well.

 

[Tib30015]

Towed for the first time (only had it a month now) but a few dirty bikes on a 5X8 trailer, didn't even notice it back there.

 

[DuckFan]

So far, so good.

I've had my 2013 4Runner Limited for about a year and half now and have put about 25k miles on it. I have very little towing experience. Besides some small hauling trailers, below is the extent of my experience:

My first towing experience included 3 adults (myself included), 2 teenage boys, a dog, and a cat in the cab with luggage on the roof.
Hooked to the back was a fully loaded 6x12 U-Haul. I'm sure it came in at over 4000 lbs. We took it from Florida to Oregon in late October with no issues. Elevation spanned from below sea-level to over 4000 ft if I remember correctly.

About a month ago we purchased a 21' Evo trailer that comes in at 4100 lbs dry. It was probably 4600-4800 loaded. I've got a WDH and sway control for it which kept the trailer level but there is noticeable sag so I plan on getting some airbags for the rear. This past weekend we took it out on our first camping trip. Only about a 45 minute drive but all went well. Had some serious wind on the way back so had to take it easy but made it home safe.

Eventually we'll be taking it over one of the passes so that will be the true test. I don't anticipate any issues though.

I can't say enough good things about the 4R. It's perfect for our family and it can do just about anything. Fits 7 people, can handle all the terrain I plan on encountering and it can tow what I need it to. Sure, i could tow a bigger one with a truck but a bigger one won't fit in my driveway anyway. My only complaint came from the OEM tires on the Limited. They sucked. Easily remedied: Put on some Terra Grappler G2s. Love them!!

 

[macentyre]

We pull our smittybilt scout trailer all the time with no issues! MPG drops off a bit but not bad.

 

[casselj]

Just completed a 3,000+ mile tow of a 6x12 UHaul trailer from the Northeast out to California. I weighed the full rig prior to starting and the weight was just shy of 5K lbs. Overall the experience was fine with no major concerns to the 4Runner and no issues to report. I tried to keep it at 60-65 mph the whole time but sped up to around 70-75 in the southwest when the roads are long, straight, and empty. My average gas mileage for the trip was around 14-15 mpg unless I was in a particularly mountainous area when it dropped as low as 10mpg.

I know it's been answered throughout this thread but the short answer to whether or not you can tow a full 5K lbs is a resounding yes. It's important to note that I didn't have any modifications like air bags, sway control equipment, or extended mirrors on either. Cruise control is out of the picture as the tranny struggles to find which gear it wants too frequently and will kill your mpgs. It'll drive like a pig and you'll need to anticipate braking somewhat far in advance but I was overall very satisfied with the experience.

 

[Tx4Runner18]

Spotted this Honda Pilot driver,
took these on Highway 40 today.
The rear tires were slanted so badly I thought his axle was fixing to snap.
The inside was packed with kayaks, he was white knuckling the steering wheel and we could smell his dirty droors as we passed him.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[WallyT4R]

Spotted this Honda Pilot driver,
took these on Highway 40 today.
The rear tires were slanted so badly I thought his axle was fixing to snap.
The inside was packed with kayaks, he was white knuckling the steering wheel and we could smell his dirty droors as we passed him.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

WOW, what an idiot. Glad he didn't hurt someone.

 

[teotwaki]

He is over on a Honda Pilot forum wishing he had bought a 4Runner :rofl:

Spotted this Honda Pilot driver,
took these on Highway 40 today.
The rear tires were slanted so badly I thought his axle was fixing to snap.
The inside was packed with kayaks, he was white knuckling the steering wheel and we could smell his dirty droors as we passed him.

 

[proimion]

Mission: haul a trailer of boy scout camping gear from the Denver area to Great Sand Dunes National Park for a weekend campout. While this is not a particularly challenging route by Colorado standards, I did go up and over La Veta Pass, elevation 9,400 ft.

• Trailer gross weight: 3,220 lbs. Also had 2 passengers and more gear in the back.
• Distance towed: 462 miles round-trip
• Mix of Interstate driving at 70-80 MPH and winding mountain roads between 25-60 MPH
• MPG: 12.7
• Average TC temps (transmission out): 180-190 deg F with one spike to 238 for a few miles over La Veta Pass

My 4R is equipped with BFG K02 stock size tires Rated C, Bilstein 5100 all around, and AirLift bags in the rear springs that I had set to 25 PSI. I tracked my transmission temps with a Carista OBD2 adapter and the OBD Fusion app. I also have a Tekonsha P3 brake controller. Frankly, I don’t know what all the fuss is about. For my occasional towing needs, the 4R did just fine. Here’s what I learned:

• Use “Sport Mode”
• The 4R did best on the Interstate in S4 gear and 2500-3000 RPM
• Don’t be afraid to rev it when you need to. I had no problem on the mountain passes in S3 and letting it rev up to 4500 RPM when needed.
• The AirLift bags are worth it

I’ve overcome my fear of running high RPMs in the 4R. Sure, it could be disconcerting at first if you aren’t used to this. I think most of the power complaints about the 4R stems from unnecessary worrying over RPMs. I’m not going to rev it all the time, of course. But for those short distances up hills or when you need the power—why not? I can tell you we did just fine with the trailer (no problem keeping good pace with traffic) once I went where the power is.

 

[Jetboy]

Spotted this Honda Pilot driver,
took these on Highway 40 today.
The rear tires were slanted so badly I thought his axle was fixing to snap.
The inside was packed with kayaks, he was white knuckling the steering wheel and we could smell his dirty droors as we passed him.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Wow. That must be loaded with crap. That's a Macgregor 26x sailboat. Although it's huge physically - they only weigh about 2600lbs. They use a water balast that takes on about 1500lbs of water for sailing. But it should be within the tow capacity of a Pilot. Assuming the water is drained for towing! But not if you filled it up and the interior is stuffed with another few thousand lbs of stuff. They're not known as being great boats either. But they make a good mini floating RV for cheap. I wonder what is going on inside that Pilot or how much weight they stuffed into that boat hull.

 

[Tx4Runner18]

Wow. That must be loaded with crap. That's a Macgregor 26x sailboat. Although it's huge physically - they only weigh about 2600lbs. They use a water balast that takes on about 1500lbs of water for sailing. But it should be within the tow capacity of a Pilot. Assuming the water is drained for towing! But not if you filled it up and the interior is stuffed with another few thousand lbs of stuff. They're not known as being great boats either. But they make a good mini floating RV for cheap. I wonder what is going on inside that Pilot or how much weight they stuffed into that boat hull.

It was just one guy in the pilot. Looked terrified as we passed. Lmao

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Tx4Runner18]

He is over on a Honda Pilot forum wishing he had bought a 4Runner :rofl:

Haha. It was a sight to see for sure.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Pilot_172]

Wow, can't believe he was pulling that. Certainly looks dangerous.

 

[DuckFan]

View attachment 295453

Mission: haul a trailer of boy scout camping gear from the Denver area to Great Sand Dunes National Park for a weekend campout. While this is not a particularly challenging route by Colorado standards, I did go up and over La Veta Pass, elevation 9,400 ft.

• Trailer gross weight: 3,220 lbs. Also had 2 passengers and more gear in the back.
• Distance towed: 462 miles round-trip
• Mix of Interstate driving at 70-80 MPH and winding mountain roads between 25-60 MPH
• MPG: 12.7
• Average TC temps (transmission out): 180-190 deg F with one spike to 238 for a few miles over La Veta Pass

My 4R is equipped with BFG K02 stock size tires Rated C, Bilstein 5100 all around, and AirLift bags in the rear springs that I had set to 25 PSI. I tracked my transmission temps with a Carista OBD2 adapter and the OBD Fusion app. I also have a Tekonsha P3 brake controller. Frankly, I don’t know what all the fuss is about. For my occasional towing needs, the 4R did just fine. Here’s what I learned:

• Use “Sport Mode”
• The 4R did best on the Interstate in S4 gear and 2500-3000 RPM
• Don’t be afraid to rev it when you need to. I had no problem on the mountain passes in S3 and letting it rev up to 4500 RPM when needed.
• The AirLift bags are worth it

I’ve overcome my fear of running high RPMs in the 4R. Sure, it could be disconcerting at first if you aren’t used to this. I think most of the power complaints about the 4R stems from unnecessary worrying over RPMs. I’m not going to rev it all the time, of course. But for those short distances up hills or when you need the power—why not? I can tell you we did just fine with the trailer (no problem keeping good pace with traffic) once I went where the power is.

Thanks for the write up. This is similar to my U-Haul setup that I took from Florida to Oregon. We didn't hit the elevations you did but my weight was closer to 4k lbs and 5 total passengers. Back was packed and had a cargo carrier on top full of luggage. I had mine humming at 4k RPM on a regular basis in the hills without issue. Sure, it wasn't fast on the steep inclines but did fine. I don't have an extra tranny cooler or air bags just yet though but plan to add them in the future.

 

[fgeorge097]

Tow Package

Hello,
I am considering buying a brand new 2018 4Runner to use as my daily driver, and I also want it to be able to tow a boat that weighs ~4200lbs dry on the trailer:

https://www.yamahaboats.com/21-ft-boats/sx210/

I would imagine that with the fuel, passengers, and cargo I would be within, but close to, the 5000lb tow limit.

Is there a tow package for the 4Runner? I live in PA. I would like to make the occasional long distance trip with the boat (> 500 miles, few times a season), and regularly tow around my local area (~50 miles).

I can't figure out if the 4R comes with engine/trans coolers, and all the things that tow packages should come with.

I will mention I am brand new to boating and towing, and trucks in general.

Do you think the 4R is an appropriate vehicle for this trailer weight? I find driving a full sized pickup to be a pain with maneuverability. The 4R seems to be the only non-pickup that has body on frame construction, and a decent tow rating.

Also, what affect does the KDSS system have on towing? I have found some posts that say it helps a lot with rear-sag, other posts that say it does nothing. I have read a lot of posts saying I should get airbags installed...I don't know what that is, but will the KDSS system do the same thing? Will the KDSS system prevent the airbags from getting properly installed?

Any help is appreciated.

Update: I have read the entire 30 pages of this thread, and it seems that the 4R should be able to do this just fine. My only question is with the KDSS system. A lot of posts indicate the need for airbags. Does the KDSS by itself help with rear sag, like an airbag would? Would the KDSS prevent an airbag from being installed? Many thanks.

 

[Off2Mtns]

Update: I have read the entire 30 pages of this thread, and it seems that the 4R should be able to do this just fine. My only question is with the KDSS system. A lot of posts indicate the need for airbags. Does the KDSS by itself help with rear sag, like an airbag would? Would the KDSS prevent an airbag from being installed? Many thanks.

KDSS should have no bearing on towing save for maybe a little added sway control. It will not help with rear end sag nor should it prevent air bag install. There is no "extra" tow package available.

 

[Hltoppr]

I recently picked up a 2015 Solaris Custom toy hauler. #2340 dry weight. Loaded with 2 motorcycles (Honda CRF250Ls), 20 gallons of fresh water and misc. (propane, battery and RV stuff), it's about #3,700.

No WDH, but a brake controller.

4Runner tows it just fine...not fast (I keep maximum speed to 65mph), and fuel economy ranged from 13-9mpg, depending upon headwinds and altitude gain.

I'm running Toytec's 2" TRD Pro springs in the rear, and will likely uprate those to an Old Man Emu heavy spring (#330 to GVW), as I get a little sag.

-H-

 

[greatape]

I recently picked up a 2015 Solaris Custom toy hauler. #2340 dry weight. Loaded with 2 motorcycles (Honda CRF250Ls), 20 gallons of fresh water and misc. (propane, battery and RV stuff), it's about #3,700.

No WDH, but a brake controller.

4Runner tows it just fine...not fast (I keep maximum speed to 65mph), and fuel economy ranged from 13-9mpg, depending upon headwinds and altitude gain.

I'm running Toytec's 2" TRD Pro springs in the rear, and will likely uprate those to an Old Man Emu heavy spring (#330 to GVW), as I get a little sag.

-H-

Sweet! finally picked up my trailer a while back as well. I would have stopped by but was under time constraints.

What happened to the front bumper or is that just the lighting?