Towing RV
- Thread starter jmickle11
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The important question is how much will it weigh loaded? How much tongue weight? And what are your expectations for vehicle performance while towing?
I've seen 5th gens towing larger RV's than that, but they could have been overloaded too.
I'd consider asking your question here: RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Tow Vehicles
I've seen 5th gens towing larger RV's than that, but they could have been overloaded too.
I'd consider asking your question here: RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Tow Vehicles
jmickle11
New member
I'll have to check tounge weight. Specs say a 600lb additional load capacity so I'm guessing around 4000 actual weight. Looking at options for smaller campers and admittedly I don't know much about these.
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jmickle11
New member
We have an RV, but it's not something a 4Runner would ever be able to tow. What I'm saying is that I'm not familiar with what's available in the 4Runner towable RV class.
I'll just say that we're under on all our tow vehicle weight capacities, and as a result it does fine.
I'm not a member of that site, but there are some knowledgeable people there that can steer you into a good tow-vehicle/RV combination.
I'll just say that we're under on all our tow vehicle weight capacities, and as a result it does fine.
I'm not a member of that site, but there are some knowledgeable people there that can steer you into a good tow-vehicle/RV combination.
I am towing a 2019 Nucamp TAB400 Teardrop travel trailer that weighs about 3,000 lbs. (incl full 30 gallon clean water tank). I travelled over 10k miles this past summer hauling this trailer with my 2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium. I added a pair of rear Firestone airbags for the springs as there was a very little drop in the rear of the truck when attached. Now I fill up airbags to about 35psi before attaching to the trailer without any sag whatsoever.
firemedicPQ1
New member
We have a similar set up as described above. We haul a Jayco Hummingbird - I believe the dry weight is right at 3K. When we camp, we go to places without hookups, so tend to haul with full water tank. The T4R does "OK" with it. It is about all it can do, especially on hills. I certainly wouldn't go much heavier. Also, I'd suggest anti-sway and load equalizing hitch for safety.
Double_M
Junior Member
We tow this 2017 Starcraft 19BHS, which is just under 3700lbs dry. I live in Atlantic Canada, so its not extremely hilly nor has high elevations.
On the way to Quebec - July 2019 by Mark McGraw, on Flickr
We do about 30 nights a year or so, and most trips are under 2 hrs from home, except for our summer vacations which we get our further.
I have a weight distribution hitch and no airbags. I haven't had our loaded trailer weighed, but I'm sure its closer to 4300lbs loaded with stuff, plus I carry 4 bikes on the roof of the 4R.
The 4runner tows it fine, not super great, but fine. I have to leave it in D4 and for hillier highway sections, sometimes downshift to 3. Last summer, we were in the Gaspe region of Quebec, which is the end of the Appalachian mountain range, highway was a bit more up and down (one section of highway was an 18% grade), so a few times went down into 2nd gear, but we made it through.
On the way to Quebec - July 2019 by Mark McGraw, on FlickrWe do about 30 nights a year or so, and most trips are under 2 hrs from home, except for our summer vacations which we get our further.
I have a weight distribution hitch and no airbags. I haven't had our loaded trailer weighed, but I'm sure its closer to 4300lbs loaded with stuff, plus I carry 4 bikes on the roof of the 4R.
The 4runner tows it fine, not super great, but fine. I have to leave it in D4 and for hillier highway sections, sometimes downshift to 3. Last summer, we were in the Gaspe region of Quebec, which is the end of the Appalachian mountain range, highway was a bit more up and down (one section of highway was an 18% grade), so a few times went down into 2nd gear, but we made it through.
Jetboy
New member
I think the weight is really not a problem at all. The wind resistance will be frustrating after a while. My experience is that I can tow 5-6k lbs of block, concrete, gravel, etc. in a landscaping trailer with ease. It really tows that kind of load very well. The wind resistance of a larger camp trailer at speed is a killer though. The 1GR really struggles when it's asked to maintain higher output on the highway. I'd give it at try and see how you like it. If you keep the speed down you'll probably be just fine.
As an example of this - many 30' travel trailers that are very aerodynamic will tow easier than small 18' trailers that are really boxy shaped. There's been a few tests by RV dealers you can find online that demonstrate this. If I were going to tow one for long distances regularly - I'd probably choose a different tow rig - but also I'd look for something like a Bullet model, one of the Lance models that's very aerodynamic or something similar.
As an example of this - many 30' travel trailers that are very aerodynamic will tow easier than small 18' trailers that are really boxy shaped. There's been a few tests by RV dealers you can find online that demonstrate this. If I were going to tow one for long distances regularly - I'd probably choose a different tow rig - but also I'd look for something like a Bullet model, one of the Lance models that's very aerodynamic or something similar.
ShooterF16
New member
You’ll be fine, especially if you spend some time setting up for success. I’ve towed my 23’, 3400lb (dry) trailer over 20k miles. I currently have 140k miles on my 2012 T4R. I added airbags, shocks (5100s), a trans cooler, scan gauge, and use a weight distribution hitch.
I recently swapped gears and am rolling with 4.56 gears now.
Before I swapped gears, I towed into the mountains enough times to know I wanted gears. Btw, she maxes out at 37mph, near redline, above 10,000’, in second gear towing the trailer, in case you were curious. That was 60k miles ago and the truck is doing great. I’d bet that I could get into third gear over that pass with the new gears. [emoji12]
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I recently swapped gears and am rolling with 4.56 gears now.
Before I swapped gears, I towed into the mountains enough times to know I wanted gears. Btw, she maxes out at 37mph, near redline, above 10,000’, in second gear towing the trailer, in case you were curious. That was 60k miles ago and the truck is doing great. I’d bet that I could get into third gear over that pass with the new gears. [emoji12]
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Do you own a 4Runner already? If not, I'd get something better suited for towing. GX, Tundra, etc.
4Runner is already a brick and underpowered, towing a trailer only going to make it worse. You'll definitely need a hitch with load bars and probably airbags in the rear as well.
4Runner is already a brick and underpowered, towing a trailer only going to make it worse. You'll definitely need a hitch with load bars and probably airbags in the rear as well.
macscac
New member
we have a 16 foot coleman trailer.. 3300lbs dry. 350lbs on the tongue (unloaded)
fully stocked up we are about at 4600lbs.
I have beefier springs in the bag as well as helper airbags. no WD hitch.
the truck pulls the trailer just fine and it tracks perfectly straight down the road. zero wobble.
We live in Phoenix so we pretty much has multiple "passes" we have to traverse up to get anywhere north so my only issue is the being capped for mph while going up hill.
other than that, the truck drives great when hooked up.
and I'm sure others have noted.. the 8mpg is amazing when towing!!
fully stocked up we are about at 4600lbs.
I have beefier springs in the bag as well as helper airbags. no WD hitch.
the truck pulls the trailer just fine and it tracks perfectly straight down the road. zero wobble.
We live in Phoenix so we pretty much has multiple "passes" we have to traverse up to get anywhere north so my only issue is the being capped for mph while going up hill.
other than that, the truck drives great when hooked up.
and I'm sure others have noted.. the 8mpg is amazing when towing!!
Is this too much for my '19 SR5 Premium? Forest River Mini Lite 1909s. About 3300lbs dry weight.
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Did you buy this? I'm curious and in the same situation. Thanks to all for your reply's. I've been combing through the forums looking for answers. Wondering if I'm going to have buyers remorse if I purchase a similar rig ~3300 dry. I own a 2015 SR5 Premium 4x4 (I have airbag helpers and a combo cooler wasting away in a box in my garage...kids :zoom
... I've towed light duty loads many miles, traveled long distances and feel like I know my 4runner well. **I know I'd be better off with a diesel 2500 (but I just paid off my 4runner :flamethrwoer2** My question to the internet is... "If I have airbag helpers, brake controller, weight distribution hitch, combo trans/engine cooler (durale) (know I'm going to get horrible gas, hate mountains and not be able to go very fast...) are me and my family going to be safe in our T4R?"
Would a 22' 11" (total length) 3728lb trailer be way too much? (Pretty sure I know the answer)... but what about a 20" 3300lbs trailer?
RustyAb
New member
Did you buy this? I'm curious and in the same situation. Thanks to all for your reply's. I've been combing through the forums looking for answers. Wondering if I'm going to have buyers remorse if I purchase a similar rig ~3300 dry. I own a 2015 SR5 Premium 4x4 (I have airbag helpers and a combo cooler wasting away in a box in my garage...kids :zoom
My question to the internet is... "If I have airbag helpers, brake controller, weight distribution hitch, combo trans/engine cooler (durale) (know I'm going to get horrible gas, hate mountains and not be able to go very fast...) are me and my family going to be safe in our T4R?"
Would a 22' 11" (total length) 3728lb trailer be way too much? (Pretty sure I know the answer)... but what about a 20" 3300lbs trailer?
I’m in the same boat too, my trailer is 19’8” total.. In short, are you going to be safe? Yes. I’ve got airlifts, WD hitch with sway control. Brake controller. It’s all about the journey. On average we drive 4-6 hours to our destination. We just stay in the slow lane keeping up with the big truck traffic. Basically just at the speed limit. To me,the dozen times a year we use the trailer doesn’t mean that I should go into a bigger tow vehicle. I love the 4Runner. Actually going to re-gear to 4.56 next week so that should help with the hunting for gears constantly while towing.
I tow my 3000 pound boat regularly. Often times 4-5 hours one direction to better lakes. I don’t have trailer brakes/controller or a sway control. It tows great, have never had an issue. Been pulling the same boat for 7 years with a 3rd gen, 4th gen and now 5th gen. I don’t go over 70-75mph and ensure plenty of distance when braking. Just drive smart, these things are rated to 5,000 pounds. Hell, I even towed a 4700 pound boat 3 hours through the flint hills, no problems.
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cody maverick
New member
I’m not towing a boat but have towed my track car 4hrs up hills and no issues. I did install a trans cooler recently (perfect quarantine project). 5000lbs easy. I also installed rear spring bags to help with sag. Another nice addition when towing and super cheap.
Right on! Thanks for your input. I’m just now becoming keen on the re-gear option (...future...). What are your weight specs? Do you carry bikes? Would I be able to put my bike rack on the back bumper with a Curt 2” hitch receiver? Anyone else carry bikes? Got pics?
Thx!!
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Jetboy
New member
My experience with 4.56 was that it made towing worse. Not better. The reason was that I was in 4th gear in both cases. 4.56 gears did not allow me to use 5th gear. Towing a small teardrop trailer with 34" tires. So... I actually got worse mpg towing with 4.56 than I did with 3.73. My last trip with 4.56 and my camper I got 11.7mpg. With 3.73 gears I would normally get more like 14mpg. The ultimate result was that I actually switched back to 3.73 gears. I get better mpg loaded and unloaded. The driving experience is a lot better everywhere with 4.56, but the efficiency goes down significantly. It may be the case that 4.88 gears would actually be better because you might then be able to hold 5th gear on the highway. For me 4.56 was almost like the inverse goldilox setup - it was too high of gears to use 5th gear, but too low of gears to get decent mpg in 4th gear.
I still have the 4.56 diffs wrapped and sealed in my garage in case I decide to go back to them. If you're going to tow a lot - the best setup IMO is stock gearing and stock tires. If we had the 6th gear like the GX, then 4.56 or 4.88 would probably be great.
My ultimate conclusion when I took the 4.56 out was that if I was going to get 11mpg towing - I'm just going to buy an LC200 and a lot bigger trailer. The 4Runner just isn't good at towing efficiently no matter what you do to it short of maybe swapping in a LSx or a baby duramax. The chassis, the brakes, and the drive line are perfectly up to the task. It's the constant output fuel efficiency that's the killer. The 1GR fuel map goes way rich above a certain power output and you can't tow at highway speeds with the large drag of a travel trailer without going into that range in the fuel map. Trailer weight has very little to do with this issue. It's the aerodynamics that cause the drag that's tanking the fuel efficiency. So I don't think there's any way to fix that with gearing. A supercharger might be the best way to spend your $ on improving towing. Or trading for a GX or LC200.
Just my $.02.
I still have the 4.56 diffs wrapped and sealed in my garage in case I decide to go back to them. If you're going to tow a lot - the best setup IMO is stock gearing and stock tires. If we had the 6th gear like the GX, then 4.56 or 4.88 would probably be great.
My ultimate conclusion when I took the 4.56 out was that if I was going to get 11mpg towing - I'm just going to buy an LC200 and a lot bigger trailer. The 4Runner just isn't good at towing efficiently no matter what you do to it short of maybe swapping in a LSx or a baby duramax. The chassis, the brakes, and the drive line are perfectly up to the task. It's the constant output fuel efficiency that's the killer. The 1GR fuel map goes way rich above a certain power output and you can't tow at highway speeds with the large drag of a travel trailer without going into that range in the fuel map. Trailer weight has very little to do with this issue. It's the aerodynamics that cause the drag that's tanking the fuel efficiency. So I don't think there's any way to fix that with gearing. A supercharger might be the best way to spend your $ on improving towing. Or trading for a GX or LC200.
Just my $.02.
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CavPro
Member
The dry weight of the trailer is one thing, you need to take an honest look at how it's loaded, also an honest look at how the 4r is loaded, then look at your numbers. #'s on the rear axle and those tires, which is from both vehicles, CGVWR are going to be the story, along with tire ratings. Good luck.
