Towing Questions

[gerhard]

I bought a 2011 Limited with 4WD and want to tow a camper.(Not purchased so far)
1. There was no towing package option available. Do I still need an additional transmission fluid cooler? The Toyota dealer was not sure either.
2. Is anyone using a Weight Distribution/Sway Control Hitch on a 2011 Limited model? The Hitch receiver is VERY short because of the 20" spare tire. Would a WD/Sway Control hitch rattle a lot with this short hitch receiver?
The camper will be around 3500 pounds with about 300 pounds on the hitch.
I am aware of getting a brake controller installed.
Thanks for any advise.
Gerhard

 

[Koz]

If 3500lbs is the base/empty weight you can expect an additional 1000lbs with equipment and supplies. This will put you near the max rating. If so, you will need some type of sway/WD system. I recommend installing air bags (inexpensive) and if you have the dough, check out the Hensley Cub;

The Hensley Cub | Hensley Hitch Towable Products

Koz

 

[brockeverly]

I regularly tow 3000-3500# without a WD hitch. If the tongue weight is only 300# I'd say you probably don't need one. Rear end will squat, but not terribly. An airbag system would definitely be worth the effort, and a sway controller isn't a bad idea.

 

[tlflow]

lots of data posted on this forum

I routniely tow a #3000-#3500 trailer with 1000# cargo/people. A normal trip is 400 miles, 25-30 miles off-road, 50/50 logging road/trails with fire-breaks and washes. I put an OW 2.5" HD suspension tuned for this application. Everything works very well.

If you are not off-roading you trailer, you should be good to go as your truck sits (make sure your tongue weight is <500#, watch your gauges).

My application may not be relevant to you needs, in which case, search on.

Some guy installed a tranny cooler, some have various hitches, brake controllers, etc. You should find tons of good info, if you can figure out how to search (I am not very good at it).

 

[Claff]

I tow 3900 lbs using a box stock SR5, just a brake controller. No suspension mods. Load the trailer right (we tow a car on an open trailer so we have some flexibility here) and it'll tow level. We never felt a lick of sway in 8000+ towing miles this year. I say get the trailer and give it a test tow or two to see if you have to spend money to make the ride better; you might get away without having to crack open your wallet.

 

[thebwlife]

I would also recommend the air bags for $100 bucks, and possibly some c or higher rated tires. The P tires already have a bit too much flex, but the 20's will do a bit better than the 17's.

 

[4RunnerFishin]

What gear do u tow in on the interstate?

Why are the 20s better for towing?

 

[Franzmann]

I have an 2011 sr5. I tow a 23" travel trailer (bumper to hitch). I had added airbags although they do not take much air, with the 4runners short wheel base, it is very important you use the WDH setup to get the weight transfered to the front tires. if you don't, the tail will wag the dog big time! You must also use an anti sway bar and crank it down pretty snug. The thing with having airbags is that you can't tell how much weight is really on the rear tires when inflated so when you hook up, leave them almost empty. Use the WDH to level out the 4RUNNER then I add air to stablelize, not to lift. After I figured this out from some other postings here I can tow at 70 mph and it feels very stable.

 

[Franzmann]

I just towed my travel trailer 700 miles to Chico California from Wa State. It towed pretty good over the siskiyous too.

 

[1engineer]

What gear do u tow in on the interstate?

Why are the 20s better for towing?

Less sidewall on tires = less side to side give.

 

[Koz]

I tow 3900 lbs using a box stock SR5, just a brake controller. No suspension mods. Load the trailer right (we tow a car on an open trailer so we have some flexibility here) and it'll tow level.

You are towing a car and trailer that only weighs 3900 lbs. and the rear doesn't sag at all? Also, how do you have flexibility when loading a car?

Koz

 

[Jtraskell]

You are towing a car and trailer that only weighs 3900 lbs. and the rear doesn't sag at all? Also, how do you have flexibility when loading a car?

Koz

I am thinking it is a very small car on a dual axel trailer, hence hardly any tongue weight......does this makes sense?

 

[Antman]

I am thinking it is a very small car on a dual axel trailer, hence hardly any tongue weight......does this makes sense?

No. No it doesn't.

 

[CmdrCody]

One option for a brake controller and mount that has worked out well for me.

My trailer is light (~1500 lbs), but I highly recommend trailer brakes. On road, it inspires confidence and nice short stopping disctances. Off road, it keeps the trailer from ending up beside you after a hard braking, followed by a loud crunching sound.