Towing question

[Miranthis]

I have a 08 SR5 V6. Based on a recent thread I have a question on towing capacity. the Toyota site says that I have factory installed towing noted this way "TO Weight Carrying Tow Hitch and Ball Mount Kit (V6 Models Only)". I have noticed some other later 4th gens at work that have a different style of hitch that is more below the bumper than mine which is more in the bumper, but they are not V8's. I also understood from the manual that all 4Runners came with factory towing hitches, but that the V6 (weight carrying hitch) was 5,000 lb rated and the V8 somewhat more (weight distributing hitch). The thread I saw today said that a guys's SR5 was rated at only 2,000 lbs, according to the UHaul flunky.

So, what is the REAL capacity of the "TO Weight Carrying Tow Hitch and Ball Mount Kit (V6 Models Only)"? 2k or 5k?

 

[Dropzone]

what does your owner's manual say?

5K


2K is RAV4 and Highlanders

over 3K you should have trailer brakes

 

[TechWrench]

I have a 08 SR5 V6. Based on a recent thread I have a question on towing capacity. the Toyota site says that I have factory installed towing noted this way "TO Weight Carrying Tow Hitch and Ball Mount Kit (V6 Models Only)". I have noticed some other later 4th gens at work that have a different style of hitch that is more below the bumper than mine which is more in the bumper, but they are not V8's. I also understood from the manual that all 4Runners came with factory towing hitches, but that the V6 (weight carrying hitch) was 5,000 lb rated and the V8 somewhat more (weight distributing hitch). The thread I saw today said that a guys's SR5 was rated at only 2,000 lbs, according to the UHaul flunky.

So, what is the REAL capacity of the "TO Weight Carrying Tow Hitch and Ball Mount Kit (V6 Models Only)"? 2k or 5k?

If your V6 has the factory hitch, it is rated for 5K. The other V6's with a different looking hitch than yours, probably have an aftermarket, upgraded frame hitch.

 

[VT245]

+1 about trailer brakes. I tow about 4000lbs regularly with my 08 V8. I have electric over hydraulic brakes on my trailer with a controller inside and it makes a world of difference.

 

[dagen]

From what I understand the crossmember mounted hitch is not rated for as much as the frame mounted hitch.

Also, depending on what you are towing the cross member mounted hitch is not able to handle anything with weight distribution/ anti-sway bars. You need a frame mounted hitch for those.

If I remember right, the cross member mounted hitch will go up to 5K and the frame mounted hitch will go to 6K. I believe that there is an area in the manual that specifies this, but I haven't looked at it for a little bit.

Also. . . +1 on having trailer brakes/ brake controller. . .