Towing Questions.

[Gkarter65]

Hello Guys,

I have a 2002 4runner SR5 4wd with 225k, i plan on doing some towing with an enclosed trailer that i bought for my racing. The trailer is an 7x16 enclosed. I've recently bought a P3 brake controller as well as a weight distribution hitch set up. After browsing through some of the forums/online, I see that some people put trans coolers. Is this something that i need to have or would my truck still be suitable to pull without it?
Any input or advice

Preston

 

[Robb235]

Hello Guys,

I have a 2002 4runner SR5 4wd with 225k, i plan on doing some towing with an enclosed trailer that i bought for my racing. The trailer is an 7x16 enclosed. I've recently bought a P3 brake controller as well as a weight distribution hitch set up. After browsing through some of the forums/online, I see that some people put trans coolers. Is this something that i need to have or would my truck still be suitable to pull without it?
Any input or advice

Preston

Any idea how much weight you'll be pulling?

Having pulled several Uhaul 6x12 trailers, and also the jet boat in my signature, I would recommend the following:

1.) Transmission cooler - but not just for towing. Do it for the overall reliability of your truck. The stock trans cooler that's integrated into the radiator is known to fail causing the "pink milkshake" condition.

2.) Tundra Brake Upgrade - One of the best mods I ever did to my truck. Makes braking SO much easier. I would say this is a "must do" mod if you plan on towing any kind of weight. I would recommend going with the 231mm brakes as opposed to the 199mm if possible. Do some research and see if the 231mm brakes are compatible with your wheels.

3.) Airbags - They're not required, but they do help with the rear squatting too low. For about $100 you can get an Airlift 1000 and not have to worry about your 4Runner dragging its ass down the road as you haul your toys.

 

[02SE]

How much total weight will you be towing? An enclosed trailer is harder to pull than, say, a more aerodynamic boat. Your lift will make the 4Runner more unstable while towing.

For an auto trans., a cooler is a good idea. A good brake controller and brakes on the trailer, is necessary.

 

[4x4runner2002]

i feel that my scanguage is very helpful when towing so i can monitor the trans temp. you can really watch the temp climb when going up hills with od still on. turn it off and it locks the torque convertor and the temps drop back down almost instantly.

i also have a external trans cooler in series with a fairly new radiator.

 

[Gkarter65]

The weight i guess would be around 3300-3500 fully loaded. Ive got stiffer springs in the back as well as new shocks but with the weight distribution hitch and the leveling arms, im not to worried about sagging. I've lowered the hitch to help level it out with the trailer... I'm just curious about the transmission. I wont be pulling it farther than 60 miles or more each way on the interstate.

 

[gamefreakgc]

The question should be how often are you towing. Is this going to be a one time thing, or a weekly activity? That should decide if you put in a transmission cooler or not. Towing once isn't going to ruin your transmission, it's built better than that.

Makes sure your brakes are good though, you want to make sure you can stop safely if you need to.

 

[Gkarter65]

I would possibly have to haul every weekend to the race shop which is 32 miles from my house. Then my hauler guy would be pulling the trailer with his dully. Brakes are good. Stops on a dime.

 

[A.Wilson013]

I'd highly recommend installing the transmission cooler for peace of mind... For the price and relative ease of install it's something that should be seriously considered.

Pulling trailers on a few trips with my 4Runner I have noticed trans temps getting pretty dang high even with OD off and my trans cooler. I wouldn't want to do it without one.

And the trailers I towed were nowhere near that heavy I don't think...

 

[Gkarter65]

Any advice on installing a cooler on it??

 

[Unner]

It's super easy. A lot of here have done it to avoid the pink milkshake. Just search for it. There's a good write up by BigFishAllDay.

 

[nevada]

The weight i guess would be around 3300-3500 fully loaded. Ive got stiffer springs in the back as well as new shocks but with the weight distribution hitch and the leveling arms, im not to worried about sagging. I've lowered the hitch to help level it out with the trailer... I'm just curious about the transmission. I wont be pulling it farther than 60 miles or more each way on the interstate.

what is the towing capacity for that 4runner?
3500 is quite a bit of weight, I don't think its a question as to whether you need the transmission cooler or not. I would say its necessary.

do you have stock gears, with those over size tires? that is going to make the transmission work that much harder.

I think towing that much weight with your 4runner is going to suck.

 

[Gkarter65]

5000 pounds. Stock gears. I'll have to search for that write up on that trans cooler.