Towing with 4Runner or Tacoma

[4runnerAzGuy]

We just bought a Jayco travel trailer that weighs around 3000 fully loaded that were going to start using on trips where we don't plan on going too remote. We have a 2004 4Runner sport with the v8 that has been our expo rig for the last few years and we have a 2015 Tacoma TRD sport.

I'm not sure which vehicle I want to tow with. The 4Runner has the v8 but it's also loaded all the time with all our gear plus winch bumper, roof rack, fridge, drawers, etc.. Plus the 4runner has around 200k miles on it. So I'm not sure how the weight in the vehicle and mileage will effect towing. The Tacoma has about 15k miles and is just stock but I worry that towing a lot will be though on the truck.

I don't have a lot of experience towing travel trailers and main thing I'm worried about is the wear and tear on my Tacoma since its newer and I need it to last me a long long time. The trailer isn't even half of the tow rating of either vehicle.

What do u guys think?

 

[having fun]

So why don't you use this? Or it doesn't exists any more or to big to get into places.

"2000 F250 Superduty v10, 4x4 (hunting/ towing rig)"

 

[truman3]

Choose the most comfortable for the trip. Neither will have any trouble with that trailer, as long as, you know how to pull a trailer.

My '08 V6 pulls a 19' pop up (around 3,000 lbs loaded) with no problem. My mpg sucks while towing but that's normal. I don't have trailer brakes so I just keep alert and aware so not to have to jam on the brakes at any time and risk getting squirrelly!

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[4runnerAzGuy]

So why don't you use this? Or it doesn't exists any more or to big to get into places.

"2000 F250 Superduty v10, 4x4 (hunting/ towing rig)"

I traded that in when I bought my Tacoma, I just forgot to take it off my sig

 

[having fun]

I traded that in when I bought my Tacoma, I just forgot to take it off my sig

Gotcha.... 4runner has more power, not sure if that yr v8 had a 4sp though. As long as it has been well maintained like it should be, shouldn't be a problem as I tend to occasionally pull tandem flatbed/horse trailers V6. 125k.

So saying that, should answer the Tacoma part also.

Electric brakes also helps if not hydraulic. I tend to go through pads a little faster though.

 

[CXS]

That's about the same weight as mine and the runner has no isdues at all. My son has a Tacoma and it does fine as well. Flip a coin.

 

[radlynx]

I will tow it with the Tacoma. here are my reasons. it's still under warranty and if it fails at some point during the trip, you have no problem getting it fixed with the dealership at no cost to you. Also, I would think when your car is still under the warranty, you should always use it until the warranty expires. you also don't have to worry about something failing during your vacation.

We just bought a Jayco travel trailer that weighs around 3000 fully loaded that were going to start using on trips where we don't plan on going too remote. We have a 2004 4Runner sport with the v8 that has been our expo rig for the last few years and we have a 2015 Tacoma TRD sport.

I'm not sure which vehicle I want to tow with. The 4Runner has the v8 but it's also loaded all the time with all our gear plus winch bumper, roof rack, fridge, drawers, etc.. Plus the 4runner has around 200k miles on it. So I'm not sure how the weight in the vehicle and mileage will effect towing. The Tacoma has about 15k miles and is just stock but I worry that towing a lot will be though on the truck.

I don't have a lot of experience towing travel trailers and main thing I'm worried about is the wear and tear on my Tacoma since its newer and I need it to last me a long long time. The trailer isn't even half of the tow rating of either vehicle.

What do u guys think?

 

[wahoossi]

I tow my 25 foot bay boat (Contender 25 Bay) and with 80 gallons of fuel , trailer etc . it is likely about 5000 lbs. + and I have no issues, although I live in an extremely flat part of the country. The V8 actually pulls my boat well, significantly better than a buddy's 2008 5.3 liter Tahoe I had borrowed before I had my 4Runner.m

 

[Bob22222]

My 04 SE V8 with original suspension tows my Starcraft (Jayco) which weights about the same as yours with little effort. A rachet on mirror for at least the drivers side is a good idea. The runners brakes handle the added load of the Trailer with no problem. But I'd highly advise trailer brakes, I'm sure your Jayco has them you just need a controller both vehicles are pre-wired, trailer brakes have a separate lever control which allow you to brake the trailer separately so it won't be pushing you down the hill. And in the unlikely, with your well balanced rig, event of trailer sway the trailer brakes applied alone will generally stop it. My tranny by the way has never gotten hot or overheated even here in the mountains in summer heat. I understand why you wouldn't want to do that to your new truck. But, they are pretty both made for it. If I'm right the new Tundras are rated a 10,000 lb tow capacity and the V8 at 7,500.

 

[flipflopnfly]

I will tow it with the Tacoma. here are my reasons. it's still under warranty and if it fails at some point during the trip, you have no problem getting it fixed with the dealership at no cost to you. Also, I would think when your car is still under the warranty, you should always use it until the warranty expires. you also don't have to worry about something failing during your vacation.

That's good reasoning.

I've towed 4000 lbs with a Tacoma 4.0 V6 through the Four Corner states for many miles, onroad and offroad. That's a stout engine and a nice tow package (hopefully the Tacoma Sport has the factory tow package).

A 4.0 Tacoma can tow, it can't match a 4.7 though, I've towed the same trailer with both. The difference is maintaining speed. The 4.0 will always be in one lower gear to maintain speed.

 

[Bob22222]

Opps: I mis-read and thought you said Tundra when I answered above. I would definitely tow with the runner V8 rather than the taco. How much torque do those Tocoma put out these days? Can't possibly come close to a 04 4.7 runner. And jus wondering how many miles on the runner? Mine has 190k runs and handles like a dream. I take it anywhere towing or not.

 

[bugout06]

I will be towing a 6x12 from idaho to sw florida end of the week with my 2006 v6. Guessing 3-5k.

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[4runnerAzGuy]

Yea both my vehicles came with the tow package. Sounds like everyone thinks either vehicle will tow fine. I love the 4.7 in my 4Runner but the v6 in my Tacoma is no slouch either so I don't think power will be an issue with either. I know my 4Runner has the better brakes with discs all corners plus bigger front rotors because it's the sport.

My trailer does have brakes and both trucks have the wiring for a brake controller so I bought a controller today.

Thanks for all the opinions everyone.

 

[VT245]

Trailer brakes make a huge difference. I tow my Chris Craft 20 Speedster on a custom steel dual axle trailer with electric over hydraulic disc brakes on both axles and its no problem for my 08 SR5 V8. It weighs over 4000 for sure all loaded and I towed it from Burlington VT to the finger lakes near Ithaca NY (lots of secondary highways with numerous large hills) and the power combined with the stopping capabilities made me confident. You'll do fine! Just be smart and know your new stopping distances/capabilities after installing your controller. Good luck!

 

[Powder_Hound]

Your 04 T4R should also have a trany cooler if you have the towing package. WDH, pre wireing for trailers/brake controller and the tranny cooler came specced on these. I'm pulling a 4000-5000 (empty - loaded) travel trailer with my 04 T4R through the Colo mountains with no issues. She gets a little slow (50-55) going up the big hills and engine temps are fine.

 

[Joex481]

I towed a 2250 lb escort loaded with stuff, with my 04 v8 fully loaded from Wisconsin to Florida without a problem. I'd say the dolly/loaded car combo was well over 3k, and probably 700+ lbs cargo on the 4runner. Even decided to take it through the Smokies on US 441 and it did great. Trailer brakes would definitely make it a lot more comfortable... I had to leave plenty braking distance.

 

[t-man]

I tow a tandem axle 6x12 enclosed work trailer often enough. With all my tools it weighs around 6k. Tows without issues even with stock gears and 35's, 220k miles. Hill's will make it kick down of course, but that's to be expected.

 

[4runnerAzGuy]

Well we just got back from a week long 1000 mile plus trip with the trailer and I pulled it with my 4Runner. It did great, I was very impressed with how well it pulled the trailer. I felt like it had more than enough power and just handled it well. The weight distribution hitch definitely helped and the brake controller was nice to have. The 4Runner always our trip vehicle and now after doing a trip with it its the trailer I'm going to just keep pulling it with the 4Runner when we take the trailer.

Thanks for all the help guys

 

[4runnerAzGuy]

Plus it was nice to be able to leave the trailer at camp and go explore a little, I didn't really think about that before but it was a nice option to have.