Towing Response

[mgotchy]

I'm looking into purchasing a Zepplin Z303 Travel Trailer (TT) (33.5 feet). My wife wants a new SUV. I'm trying to kill two birds with one stone and therefore I'm looking at purchasing a 2003 or newer Toyota 4runner 4.7-liter V8 that generates 235 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 320 pounds-feet of torque. The Zepplin TTs are designed to be pulled by 1/2 ton SUVs - they are really light.

I've estimated the load (GVWR = TT + all camping supplies + weight of kids, wife and dog) to never exceed 6800 lbs. The towing capacity for the V8 is advertised by Trailer life towing guide to be 7300 2WD (7000 4wd). This gives me about 500+ cushion.

The dealers are encouraging of course as they are no doubt eager to make a sale. However, I want to make sure I'm buying enough truck to do the job and that I'm considering all that I should be in order to make an educated purchase.

I'm completely new at this and very intersted in the experience of others towing with there 4runners. Is this a mistake? Should I give in and get my wife a SUV, and get a big ugly diesel to pull the TT. I appreciate any feedback I can get.

-Matt

 

[khaug]

First, you should know that the first couple of years of 4th gen 4Runners are only rated to tow 5,000 lbs. Not sure in what model year the upgrade to 7,000# occurred, but you can easily find out.

The difference in tow rating appears to be in regard to whether you have a weight-bearing or weight-distributing hitch.

Realize that you are going to be pushing the limiits in any case. Addition of camping gear, water cans or the like will quickly put you over Toyota's stipulated limits. As a former paralegal, I'd certainly hate to defend a client who was sued for an accident he had while towing a load in excess of Toyota's recommendations. You wouldn't have a leg to stand on, legally speaking.

I tow a Porsche on an open trailer. The rig weighs c. 4K#. My '03 handles this without any problems, but the thought of towing almost twice that much (plus more aero drag) makes me blanch! Not something I think I'd like to try.

Best regards.