Towing question
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96Blacklimited
New member
Great question. 400 miles is quiet a distance. I once used the auto trans to transport my 95 4runner 40miles using my 96 limited. I did'nt have any problems going 40 miles. The trailer was 2260lbs and my 95runner weighted in @ 5450 so all together it was more than what was recomemded and i did not think my runner would fail on me, just make sure your breaks are good.
domstriker
New member
This. It makes a huge difference in the tranny temp.
I would get a scangauge to keep an eye on all of your temps.
J-money$$$
New member
i personally think any towing with a 4runner is a bad idea. They are not made for it.
98_4runnerSR5
New member
2 weeks ago I towed a 6x12 trailer that weighed 2,210 lbs and transported furniture from St. Louis to Columbia, Mo (123 miles) on the highway which the speed was 70 and my 4-runner was struggling quite a bit! It was almost impossible to keep 65 on highway and I got HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE gas mileage! Went through close to 3/4 of a tank so I wouldn't recommend towing a vehicle that far. Definitely gonna weigh more than the stuff I was towing. I've got a v6 too, just don't think 4-runner are the best for towing...
Car runs perfectly fine still and didn't have any 'PINK MILKSHAKE' problems but I know it took a strain on her.
Car runs perfectly fine still and didn't have any 'PINK MILKSHAKE' problems but I know it took a strain on her.
Mr. Leary
New member
Absolutely.
I tow quite frequently. I do not tow huge amounts of weight, but have never had any issues. 4Runners are not purpose built tow vehicles, but will do the work when asked.
OP, may want to consider Tundra brakes and a traanny cooler if this is a common thing. Otherwise, keep the speed down and don't push too hard on hills or when speeding up. Get in the right lane, relax...
domstriker
New member
That's great info right there.
Mr. Leary
New member
I towed a loaded down 1st gen 4Runner 193 miles through the mountains after a breakdown during an Overland trip. I kept the OD off and kept it slow... around 60 or so. Got 11.9 mpg, usual is between 16 and 17. Don't use cruise control, don't use OD, don't try to go fast, and try to pick up some speed before big hills.
twitchee2
Member
i regularity tow my single jetski 500 miles from socal to chico usually with a full car and i pull 19-20mpg, i guess going 60mph for that long does it when its nice and flat the whole way. I tow it in OD when its flat but as soon as i come up on any slight hill where it even thinks about shifting (every slight rolling hill with the 4runenr) i drop it out of OD right away. I have a tranny cooler and I think im going to order a scangauge here tomorrow. Yeah its rated to tow 5k but i personally wouldnt tow any more then 3500. i can tell my 700lbs ski+trailer combo is there
Granted my entire load is probly at 1500 lbs MAX probly closer to 1000. that includes trailer+ski and all my gear for going back to school from home.
Granted my entire load is probly at 1500 lbs MAX probly closer to 1000. that includes trailer+ski and all my gear for going back to school from home.
johnny c
New member
I pull a 3500 lb boat and trailer combo all the time, usually a distance of 160 miles plus. I have a tranny cooler now, but have done it without. My runner seems to have no problem doing it! I leave it in overdrive and hit the od switch when approaching hill or steady up and down areas. It will run at any speed I want it to! I wouldnt go over the 5000lb mark though, not because I dont think it couldn't do it, but because there is just not enough power there to get there efficiently. I pulled the same boat with a 05 f-150 with a 4.6 v8 and I feel my runner did just as well. I would say tow away up to 5000lbs, but over that you may be asking for issues.
BTO
Member
Lots of variables.
Does the 4r have the towing package?
How heavy is the car + trailer?
Does the trailer have it's own brakes?