Towing Lance 1685 with a Toyota 4Runner?

[Clattertruck]

I'm looking into this combination knowing that it will be way down from the performance of my F450 6.4 ltr. However, is it doable if I keep the trailer weight under 5000 lbs.?
The Lance is 3405 lbs dry with a GVWR of 5400 lbs.
The 2011 Trail Model has a V6 rated at 270 hp and 278 lb-ft. The WB is 109.8 inches. towing capacity 5000 lbs.
I would use a WD hitch, and add trans cooling etc.

Ron

 

[TechWrench]

I'm looking into this combination knowing that it will be way down from the performance of my F450 6.4 ltr. However, is it doable if I keep the trailer weight under 5000 lbs.?
The Lance is 3405 lbs dry with a GVWR of 5400 lbs.
The 2011 Trail Model has a V6 rated at 270 hp and 278 lb-ft. The WB is 109.8 inches. towing capacity 5000 lbs.
I would use a WD hitch, and add trans cooling etc.

Ron

You can tow that trailer, with a few things to consider. 1st, it is likely that you only have the standard V6 hitch receiver, which is NOT rated for any type of weight distribution towing system. I can't say for certain with the '11 models, but the earlier 4th gen's had different hitch receivers for the V6 and V8 packages. If the owners manual rates your TM as max 5k towing and max 500 lbs tongue weight, then it is probably the lighter duty V6 version. In order to use any type of weight distribution towing system, you will need to upgrade the hitch receiver to a frame mounted model. Doing this will allow you to use weight distribution towing systems, and may increase the overall tow ratings (depending on the specific receiver hitch you get). You mentioned installing an aux trans cooler, and that is a very good idea.

All that being said, the 4Runner is a short wheel base SUV, and isn't the ideal tow vehicle for heavier loads. As you approach the max ratings, you can expect the V6 to work, expecially on hills, to pull the load. Trailer sway can be an issue, and can be made easier to control with the right type of sway control device. Last, but certainly not least, is towing experience. The more experience you have towing heavy loads, the easier it to manage towing heavy loads with the 4Runner. Not to say it can't be done (as my sig indicates, I occasionally tow a 26ft, 5,600 lb camper trailer), but I have done the necessary upgrades, and take it easy when towing it.

 

[lezavw90]

You can use weight distribution hitch on a 5th gen. At least in Canada you can as it says so right in the manual. Currently own a 2012 Limited and tow a Nash 17c that is right around 3800lbs loaded. No problems towing so far.

 

[RoadTraveler]

You can tow that trailer, with a few things to consider. 1st, it is likely that you only have the standard V6 hitch receiver, which is NOT rated for any type of weight distribution towing system. I can't say for certain with the '11 models, but the earlier 4th gen's had different hitch receivers for the V6 and V8 packages. If the owners manual rates your TM as max 5k towing and max 500 lbs tongue weight, then it is probably the lighter duty V6 version. In order to use any type of weight distribution towing system, you will need to upgrade the hitch receiver to a frame mounted model. Doing this will allow you to use weight distribution towing systems, and may increase the overall tow ratings (depending on the specific receiver hitch you get). You mentioned installing an aux trans cooler, and that is a very good idea.

All that being said, the 4Runner is a short wheel base SUV, and isn't the ideal tow vehicle for heavier loads. As you approach the max ratings, you can expect the V6 to work, expecially on hills, to pull the load. Trailer sway can be an issue, and can be made easier to control with the right type of sway control device. Last, but certainly not least, is towing experience. The more experience you have towing heavy loads, the easier it to manage towing heavy loads with the 4Runner. Not to say it can't be done (as my sig indicates, I occasionally tow a 26ft, 5,600 lb camper trailer), but I have done the necessary upgrades, and take it easy when towing it.

This is a really good reply, and I can tell from reading it that Mr. TechWrench knows what he is talking about. The only major thing I didn't see him mention was mirrors; the narrow 4Runner car makes it hard to see around the trailer, even with add-on mirrors.

I do some towing with some bigger trucks, a 1996 F350 diesel being one of them, but I have pulled a substantial load with my 2006 V8 4Runner (which is built and heavily modified). I've pulled my 30' 1978 Avion travel trailer with the 4Runner about 5 times for hundreds of miles on hunting trips, 7,500 pounds at the truck scales.

My suspension is upgraded, and the big thing, I have 4.88:1 gears with only 33" tires. Those low gears are a tremendous help up grades and at altitude.

You probably have towed before?