Towing Travel Trailer Recommendations

[kenm09]

Neighbor is looking to sell their travel trailer, which is a 2009 Keystone Outback 210RS. Upon looking at it, I thought the V8 would have no issues, but I want to run the numbers through everyone here first. From reviewing various posts I came up with these numbers...

2007 V8 4Runner SR5:
Curb: 4500
GVWR: 6005
Towing Capacity: 7000
GCVWR: 12000

Trailer:
Dry: 4850
Loaded: 5500
Tongue: 550
Length: 23 ft

Total Payload:
Me, Wife, 2 Dogs: 400
Extra Stuff: 50
Hitch: 25
Tongue Weight: 550

Totals: 1025 payload (roughly 475 to spare - future kids, etc.?)


I know the 4Runner will pull it, but is this OK? I would still be in the 80% of towing capacity (5600 lbs), and I would be within the confines of the 12000 lbs GCVWR. Is 23 ft too long for the wheelbase of the T4R? I would have a WDH and Sway Control. I love our V8, and the trailer is a good deal so I don't want to pass it up if it works. Any experiences?

Thanks.

 

[MidwestT4R]

I towed a 27 foot enclosed snowmobile trailer with my V8. 4000 lbs empty and about 5600 loaded.

The truck didn't have any issue pulling it but stopping is something to watch. You certainly would want to install a brake controller to take advantage of the brakes on the trailer. I very briefly pulled my buddies trailer without it and you could feel the trailer just push the truck forward. When I put the controller in the braking was much better.

I know everyone has opinions but if you are going to push the truck to it's limits you want to make sure that you check everything.

What is the rating on the trailer ball and hitch that you attach to the back of your truck? Make sure it is rated for weights beyond the capacity of the truck.

I don't have a trailer sway control installed but the guy at the trailer store recommended it. If I were to pull my buddy's trailer long distances on the highway I would probably get it.

Get the brake controller.

Maybe most importantly, don't drive like and idiot when you are pulling the thing. Take it easy and don't speed.

 

[MikeInNH]

There's a lot of safety built into the towing numbers. Toyota isn't saying that the 4runner will be able to just move the trailer....they're saying it can safely tow it in ALL conditions. You should NOT have a problem towing it.

My previous SUV was a 98 Pathfinder (Excellent vehicle). The towing capacity was 3500lbs with the 5-speed manual. I towed a 3000lb trailer for years without a problem. Last I knew the truck had over 500k miles.

 

[ebg18t]

I think a brake controller is they key.

 

[CXS]

I agree, I pull mine (@ 3300lbs) with no issues, the brake controller is a must.

 

[kenm09]

I think a brake controller is they key.

I have a brake controller set up already - should've mentioned that in the original post. I tow a 3000 lb camper now, and it's definite a nice piece of mind to have the brake controller connected. I definitely am the one that rides the right lane to let everyone pass. No hurry when I'm vacationing!

I think we ruled out weight as an issue, but my main concern is the length. I know the 4runner's wheelbase is only 109". I've read others say 20 ft is the max length, but the manual doesn't say anything about it. There has to be a "safe" limit to the length you can tow per a vehicle's wheelbase.

Good to see the 4Runner has worked well for others. Just want to dot my i's and cross my t's.

Thanks again for the input.

 

[wht4thgen912]

I towed an 18 foot enclosed with some toys inside (4800lbs) about 200+ miles to the sand and in the sand. No problems at all. Good power bad fuel economy. Grab the break control for sure. Enjoy!

 

[ebg18t]

Based on the weight I don't think the length you mentioned in the original post will be an issue. Just make sure the hitch & tongue is in good condition and you brake controller is set properly.

 

[ripley711]

If you are going to tow something of that length and that weight please consider a weight distribution hitch. Many will suggest a friction type such as an equilizer or Reese. Take a look at a Hensely design, primarily one from ProPride, the P3. This eliminates the sway, not reducing it. Sean, the President, will answer all your questions. It cost about $2300, but consider your TT and TV value and why be cheap what is connecting the both together.

2008 4Runner
2014 Salem Lite 26ft
Propride P3

 

[CXS]

Really? there's an extra 0 on there, right?

 

[pickerdd]

You should be OK pulling that particular TT as long as you are using a brake controller, WDH, sway control and keep within the published weights of the TT and T4R.

If you buy the TT you should visit a weigh station (CAT scales) and get weight readings on your particular setup. That will be the best way to determine if you are exceeding your weight specs for the TT and the T4R.

I pull my 1971 23' Airstream Safari with my V8 4WD T4R. I use a ProPride 3P hitch for WD and sway control. I don't tow in the mountains, but for everything else the combination has been excellent. I average between 10 and 12 mpg on the interstate drive between 60 and 65 when towing my AS.

 

[Joeggernaut]

99% of the time towing capacity is almost always based on brakes/stopping. Haven't you seen the toyota commercial for a stock 5.7L tundra towing (10k towing capacity) a space shuttle that weights 240,000 lbs?

They don't show you in the commercial how the truck stops and I guarantee you it isnt with the stock disc brakes.

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

If you are going to tow something of that length and that weight please consider a weight distribution hitch. Many will suggest a friction type such as an equilizer or Reese. Take a look at a Hensely design, primarily one from ProPride, the P3. This eliminates the sway, not reducing it. Sean, the President, will answer all your questions. It cost about $2300, but consider your TT and TV value and why be cheap what is connecting the both together.

2008 4Runner
2014 Salem Lite 26ft
Propride P3

OP mentioned right off the bat that he's using a WDH. Good quality WDHs can be had for a few hundred dollars new. I couldn't dream of paying $2300 for something to help distribute the load and eliminate sway on such vehicles as these towing such trailers as they are rated to pull. $2300 solution to a $400 problem.

 

[webby]

I tow a 21' 8" travel trailer with a 2008 SE V8. GVWR of the trailer is 4769 lbs. Ignore dry weights. They mean nothing. That weight is without any options, no propane, water, camping gear, etc, so your TT weighed more than that when it was delivered new. Go by actual weight loaded to camp, or GVWR.

I use a Curt WDH with Sway control ($350 installed and adjusted), plus a Prodigy brake controller. Mine tows mine OK, tho that is the max length and weight I would tow with it. I upgraded the puny little OEM trans cooler with a larger one which dropped trans temps when towing significantly. I also use a Scan Gauge II to watch trans temp. I would suggest a Scan Guage to watch trans temp, and recommend a professional cooling system flush -- I do that every other Spring to my vehicles, since I live in the desert.

How yours will handle that trailer depends on how many and steep a grades you encounter, and the temps you tow in. I tow in the hot hot SouthWest, and tow from 1500' to 7700' elevation in 120 miles. Good luck!

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

I tow a 21' 8" travel trailer with a 2008 SE V8. GVWR of the trailer is 4769 lbs. Ignore dry weights. They mean nothing. That weight is without any options, no propane, water, camping gear, etc, so your TT weighed more than that when it was delivered new. Go by actual weight loaded to camp, or GVWR.

I use a Curt WDH with Sway control ($350 installed and adjusted), plus a Prodigy brake controller. Mine tows mine OK, tho that is the max length and weight I would tow with it. I upgraded the puny little OEM trans cooler with a larger one which dropped trans temps when towing significantly. I also use a Scan Gauge II to watch trans temp. I would suggest a Scan Guage to watch trans temp, and recommend a professional cooling system flush -- I do that every other Spring to my vehicles, since I live in the desert.

How yours will handle that trailer depends on how many and steep a grades you encounter, and the temps you tow in. I tow in the hot hot SouthWest, and tow from 1500' to 7700' elevation in 120 miles. Good luck!

Sounds like we have a similar setup except for the fact that I'm missing two cylinders up front.

I have to concur with your recommendation to change and even flush the coolant far more often than Toyota recommends. My water pump was leaking and I changed it out yesterday. Upon draining the factory fill coolant (think I'm about 55,000 miles right now) I noticed a few hundred black flakes. It took 5 flush cycles to get rid of the flakes (not even sure what they were yet).

 

[CXS]

How yours will handle that trailer depends on how many and steep a grades you encounter, and the temps you tow in. I tow in the hot hot SouthWest, and tow from 1500' to 7700' elevation in 120 miles. Good luck!

I second what Webby says, A few weeks ago I went from Denver to Santa Fe in 104° temps with A/C on and 40mph winds. No real issues outside of the awning unfurling and MPG's hitting a new low of 6. I also suggest a ScanGauge to monitor tranny temps.