Towing Rating

[jclark]

I just bought a 2004 4Runner SRV V8 and have been doing some research about the tow rating. Seems every where i go people tell you a different story 5000 lbs and 7000lbs. When i bought the vehicle there was no option for WD hitch so this is a bit of a mystery. Is there a 7000lb hitch on all 04's? or are they 5000lbs?

I've read threads in this forum on that topic but nothing firm is said about this issue.

Cheers

 

[mshrake]

The first thing I would do is check the manual. My guess is you can safely tow 7300 pounds. I have a 2004 Limited V8, and that is what my hitch has printed on it.

 

[mshrake]

Today I pulled my boat 30 miles up to the lake with NO problems. Total weight of boat, trailer, and gear is 6500 pounds.

Mike

 

[jclark]

Thanks for the photo, once mine arrives I'll have a look underneath and see what the hitch looks like. I didn't see a sticker like that on the limited V8 I seen at the dealer.

 

[pdonnell]

You also need to read the owner's manual. Some things in the manual supercede (and don't reconcile) to whats printed on the hitch. For example: 7300 Gross distributing weight if its two wheel drive 7000 pounds for 4 wheel drive. And weight carrying in the manual is 5000, weight distributing is 7000 (for 4X4)
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At least reading my '04 V8 4x4 manual. Don't know about others.
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But the hitch sticker does disclose to read the manual first. Which is where the manual has the final say.
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The 4R will tow about anything but its where the braking (emergency or otherwise) comes into play that you will wish you were in compliance to the manual. At least if something went awry Toyota NA would be responsible and not you personally. I don't believe given the dead weight and gross vehicle weight of the 4R it would safely tow anything over 5000lbs. without a weight distributing hitch. (contrary to what the decal shows above about 7300lbs. for a weight carrying rating) That may be the hitches, but I doubt it would disclose that spec in the manual.

 

[jclark]

I agree, the trailer we plan on towing is 3200lbs dry weight, so maybe 4000 loaded up at most. I just really want the WD hitch, and it appears that not all 04's have the WD hitch (from looking at one on the lot).

Trailer Info: (BT220)
http://www.kustomkoach.com/breezetrailers2001table.html

 

[leftyrb]

JClark:

If you are a Canadian, I think the hitches are different than the US models. My 2004 V8 does not have the sticker on it, as depicted in an earlier post. All the 04's I have seen all have the same hitch as mine, and it looks the same as the unit for the 2003's. The manual, however, speaks to the tow rating of up to 7,000 lbs. so I am confused. If we are to use the manual as 'gospel' then stickers, hitch design etc. are moot.

You are aware that the 7 pin plug is about 18" to 2 feet from the hitch, so that may be an issue for electrical cord length. To make a full right hand turn, you will probably find that the cord drags on the ground when making left hand turns.

KustomKoaches are good trailers. I currently tow a 15' Trillium, about 2,000 lbs loaded - not an issue with my tow vehicle.

Let us know how you make out, as with that trailer, you will need a weight-distributing hitch.

 

[jclark]

Hi lefty, yep I've heard about the cord length. I guess i'll have to deal with that when the time comes, any suggestions?

 

[mshrake]

I had the same problem with the length of the cord. Advance Auto has a 12" extension for about $3. It worked out perfect for me.

Mike

 

[jclark]

Lefty, yep I'm canadian, from ottawa ontario. Why would you say i'd need a WD hitch btw? The trailer should stay under 4000 lbs loaded, the 5000lb receiver should handle that. I definitely want the WD receiver, just have to wait and see whats on this vehicle once it arrives. I assume the 5000lb standard receiver is a weight carrying receiver. So, to go to a weight distrubution setup I'd need to change the receiver as well.

Thanks for the info.

 

[leftyrb]

You may get away with the standard hitch, but you will probably need sway control and an equalizer hitch, due to length of tow and tongue weight. Let me know what type of hitch comes with your unit - I expect that it won't have the label on it, and be exactly like mine.

Mshrake: You got a good deal on the extension. I made one for about $20.00 in parts: 7 wire cord at $1.95/ft, a male and female trailer connector ($6.95 each), and a bracket I mounted on the hitch shank ($3.00). The RV dealer wanted about $50.00 to make the extension, minus the mounting bracket.

I also suggested to Toyota that the placement of the trailer connector was not a good design, but have not heard a response.

Tried twice to post a photo, but no luck.

Hope this helps

 

[jclark]

Lefty, I think you're right, regarding the hitch. I looked at the limited V8 on the lot when we were there and couldn't find a sticker anywhere. Just have to wait and see i guess, if its a standard hitch I guess im off to uhaul or something to find a new receiver and hitch.

 

[TechWrench]

I thought I remember reading that some time mid-way thru the '03 production run all V8s were upgraded to WD hitches. I would have assumed they would have not changed back for the '04 model.

 

[leftyrb]

thought I remember reading that some time mid-way thru the '03 production run all V8s were upgraded to WD hitches.

I don't think this holds true for Canadian models.

 

[TechWrench]

I don't think this holds true for Canadian models.

I wonder why the difference?

 

[leftyrb]

Mshrake:

Does you factory hitch tuck up under the bumper notch like the 2003 models did? Any photos from the rear and possibly from under the bumper area would be great.

Thanks

 

[Wai]

I just really want the WD hitch, and it appears that not all 04's have the WD hitch (from looking at one on the lot).

I thought I remember reading that some time mid-way thru the '03 production run all V8s were upgraded to WD hitches.

Guys, WD hitch does NOT come from Toyota. It's a device that you add on the tongue of the trailer that you're towing, or some are installed to the tow vehicle by an aftermarket installer.

You wouldn't want a WD hitch coming from the factory, because that thing looks ugly and takes up a lot of room in the back.

I've towed over 1000 miles last month to different tracks with my 4Runner. I have no WD hitch and the total trailer weight was approximately 4000 lbs. It towed great.

 

[mshrake]

Sorry for the delay, I have been traveling...

Here is a picture of the hitch on my 04 4Runner.

http://68.209.112.156/shrake.net/4Runner/Pictures/slides/Hitch2.html

Mike

 

[jclark]

I'm quite certain that the hitch on the 04's here in canada do not look like that they are further towards the bottom of the bump than yours. But, according to Toyota Canada (called them) the manual says 7000 lbs towing. I've already priced out a WD hitch with sway bars and prodigy brake controller, should be fine for a 4000 lb trailer (when loaded).

 

[mshrake]

I am not sure what the differences are, but mine has towed our 6500 pound boat with no problems.

Mike