Towing Help

[Jimmer12]

I am still looking for the right 4 runner to buy and I need some advice...

I have a 17' IO which I believe to have a trailered weight of about 2500 lbs. I am looking to find the right vehicle to tow it. I have narrowed in on the 4Runner and my experience tells me that the V8 is the best option. However, I am struggling to find a V8 in my price range. My understanding is that the V6 has a tow capacity of 5000 and, short of a trannny cooler, seems to do a fine job of towing up to the capacity. Considering I will likely not ever own a boat larger than a 21-23' and based on the thread link below, I am thinking I can get away with a V6 model and install the cooler to protect my investment?

4x4 is a must obviously...

Do you guys have any opinions on this?




http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/16621-06-sr5-v6-towing-question-2.html

 

[8086bruce]

I tow our 3500lb boat 50 miles round trip every weekend with my V6. It does great.

 

[ClockWork]

If you're going to be towing something substantial like it sounds - the V8 is a must IMO.

YMMV.

 

[MikeInNH]

The V6 has MORE then enough hp and Torque to tow that trailer...I use to tow a trailer that size with my 90 Pathfinder (3.0l V6)...and it had 100 less pounds of Torque my V6 4runner...And it didn't have one problem at all. My current trailer weighs 3000lbs and I barely feel it behind me...

Is the V8 better for towing...YES...Is it needed for towing this size trailer...NO.

 

[galactic_04]

I've pulled an 18' wood-deck trailer many times with my V6 and it's fine. I keep it in 3 around town till I hit about 65 then throw it in drive (4 speed, not the 06 and up 5 speed). It tows the trailer just fine with 1000lbs on it. When I had my brother's old mud truck on it (missing 1/2 the sheetmetal but probably 3500lbs.), it was probably over the towing limit, but it did that around town fine.

The V8 would be better, but it'll be just fine if you get the V6.