Towing RV trailers

[SnoboardingDave]

Does anyone tow an RV trailer w/ there 4Runner? I have an 05 4WD V8, w/ all the towing goodies and am thinking about getting a trailer to tow down to the Outer Banks, NC a few times a year. It's about a 5 hour trip, give or take. I'm wondering if anyone has any size suggestions. I know what my truck is rated for, but I really want something that's going to tow straight and stable, not sway my vehicle around on the hi-way. I wondering if anyone has found a good trailer weight & length that tows nicely.

 

[abin]

Does anyone tow an RV trailer w/ there 4Runner? I have an 05 4WD V8, w/ all the towing goodies and am thinking about getting a trailer to tow down to the Outer Banks, NC a few times a year. It's about a 5 hour trip, give or take. I'm wondering if anyone has any size suggestions. I know what my truck is rated for, but I really want something that's going to tow straight and stable, not sway my vehicle around on the hi-way. I wondering if anyone has found a good trailer weight & length that tows nicely.

This has been discussed. You can find pics and discussions here
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10877

 

[SnoboardingDave]

Thanks for the link. I know I'm not trying what some others have. I had an diesel F-250 a few years back. I could tow anything w/ that. However, I don't trust the tow ratings from Toyota, I think they leave out a little too much of the sway factor in there findings. I know they have the power to pull, but control is another story. Thanks again.

 

[trd2001]

I tow a toy hauler with my 4runner. I know it weighs about 5500 loaded with my bike and quad. I have no issues with it. The 4runner tows better than my Tundra did.

 

[charlier180]

Thanks for the link. I know I'm not trying what some others have. I had an diesel F-250 a few years back. I could tow anything w/ that. However, I don't trust the tow ratings from Toyota, I think they leave out a little too much of the sway factor in there findings. I know they have the power to pull, but control is another story. Thanks again.

A good weight distributing hitch and sway control should take care of your sway and control concerns.

The weight distributing hitch and sway control I use with my 4Runner and 20ft car trailer does an excellent job. I have passed or been passed by a wide variety of large trucks, tankers, car haulers, etc. and have felt nothing more than a very slight bump from their wakes. I have also driven with 30+ mph crosswinds, headwinds and tailwinds and felt in control at all times.

The only times I have ever been uncomfortable towing is when I see a pickup truck or SUV towing a large trailer WITHOUT sway control. Seeing their trailer swaying and bobbing up and down is a very fugly sight. I stay as far away from those people as I can get.

 

[SnoboardingDave]

A good weight distributing hitch and sway control should take care of your sway and control concerns.

The weight distributing hitch and sway control I use with my 4Runner and 20ft car trailer does an excellent job. I have passed or been passed by a wide variety of large trucks, tankers, car haulers, etc. and have felt nothing more than a very slight bump from their wakes. I have also driven with 30+ mph crosswinds, headwinds and tailwinds and felt in control at all times.

The only times I have ever been uncomfortable towing is when I see a pickup truck or SUV towing a large trailer WITHOUT sway control. Seeing their trailer swaying and bobbing up and down is a very fugly sight. I stay as far away from those people as I can get.

Thanks, that's good to know. On average, how heavy is your trailer when loaded? I had a 20' enclosed Haulmark a few years ago and would like to go w/ something that size again. Maybe a toy hauler/camper type.

 

[charlier180]

Thanks, that's good to know. On average, how heavy is your trailer when loaded? I had a 20' enclosed Haulmark a few years ago and would like to go w/ something that size again. Maybe a toy hauler/camper type.

When loaded my 8.5 ft x 20 ft trailer weighs ~5500 lbs.

FYI, if you need a brake controller the Prodigy Brake Controller made by Tekonsha is a product you should consider also. I am VERY pleased with mine as are others here who tow.

 

[TeryT]

Just spotted this thread. I have some pretty good experience - perhaps the biggest trailer on this forum. I've done perhaps the most extensive research to arrive at certain technical conclusions - PM me if you like, & I can send various links, etc.