Towing with '03 or '04 4Runner

D

deniss

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Has anyone tried towing a car with their '03 or '04 4Runner? I am talking about a U-Haul type car dolly (2-wheel) or car carrier (4-wheel), both of which do NOT sport their own braking systems. Do you think I could tow a car with a 4Runner like this? I'm talking towing somewhere between 2500 lbs to 3500 lbs without trailer brakes. I am confident that 4Runner body frame and the V8 can handle the task, but I am wondering if the brakes on the 4Runner will handle this by themselves.

Any insight appreciated.

Denis
 
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I'm no expert but I would think if the 4Runner is rated to 5000 or 7000 lbs, it would be no problem.
I think the 4Runner's brakes have a additional power assist or something like that to help out.

I'm sure someone else that tows alot will chime in. If it were me, I wouldn't worry about it.
 
I don't think you can tow 5000+ lbs on a trailer without brakes. Too much momentum. I would guess that anything above 1000-2000 lbs would require brakes, unless you're driving a Ford HD truck.
 
Thai is right - that's why I'm asking. I noticed the Land Rover booklet provides the weight limit on a trailer with and without the brakes separately, and they are quite different. I think Land Rover Discovery is rated for like 2000 lbs without brakes or something... Maybe 2500. Can't remember.

I'm sure 4Runner has a similar issue, but the booklet doesn't break down towing limitations based on brakes or lack thereof.
 
I recall reading (but not where) that towing anything over 1,000 lbs. requires electric brakes. I'm out of the country, so I don't have access to my owner's manual, but check the towing section -- it may have been there.
 
I don't own a 4Runner yet - I was just wondering about its capabilities. I forgot to ask the salesperson about this, so I thought someone might know or might have tried this. Land Rover is rated for like 1,600 lbs without brakes, so I would think the 4Runner won't be much more than 2000 or 2500 without brakes.

No hurry - this isn't the matter of national emergency. :)
 
I don't know what is appropriate for the Toyota, but Pennsylvania law is, any trailer GVWR over 3000 lbs requires trailer brakes.

I'm not sure who it was, but last weekend I heard that someone towed a trailer that grossed at 4700 lb. The 'runner was a v8...distance towed was about 25 miles with some mountainous terrain. No trailer brakes.

No problem whatsoever with this job. Oh what a Feeling!
 
Oh I see... Well, if the trailer brakes are required by law for trailers over 3000, then the U-Haul tow dollies and car carriers must be grossing out below that... I don't know..

It's great to hear that the 4Runner could do 4700 lbs without brakes :) That is... wow.
 
The UHaul Dolly (2 wheel) does not have brakes. But their 4 wheel Auto Transport does.

I've towed many vehicles (12+) with my 4runner using the auto transport and it's pretty easy. Tow weight from a tiny mini cooper to a 03 Explorer (but I think I might have gone over the 5k limit on this tow) but none the less it managed. Just drive slow and give LOTS of room to brake.
 
my wife and I ordered a 2004 V8 4Runner which should be here in December.

The main reason we got it was to use as a tow vehicle for a show car we travel with. The car weighs approx. 3000 pounds. I am going to purchase a Open trailer for it. You guys that have done towing like this with your 4Runner, Im asking what set-up should I get that would work best for what im doing? I am assuming I can keep the stock hitch. I am new to the whole towing thing and looking for your guys advice. Much of what Ive read here has already helped out alot. Thanks....
 
Stock hitch will definitely be able to tow your 3000# vehicle. Also your hitch is now 7000# capable so no worries there.

All you need to make sure is that your tow has brakes (which it should if it's a flatbed).

When you get the tow bed, just make sure you also get the 7 pin adapter or whatever adapter you need for the electrical for the bed. Usually places that sell the bed to you will also provide all the necessary electrical hardware so you shouldn't have to worry.

Just drive ultra SLOW :) Give lots of time to stop and drive in 4 instead of D too when you tow.

Have fun and good luck.

Lance
 
thanks for the good advice. Most of the driving will be highway and I will keep to speedlimits for sure. I wasnt sure if it was important to get anything to reduce any possible sway.
 
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