Towing with 4Runner

[SilverFox2020]

Hi I just got a 20 4Runner TRD Pro Premium and as life circumstances would have it my wife and I are contemplating living in a travel trailer until we finish remodeling our house.
In order to find something half livable the travel trailers I’m looking at come in right at the max tow rating of 5000 lbs.
After we finish the house we would like to do a little traveling with our camper.
Is there anyone here that pulls a trailer close to the 5000# limit?
How do these 4Runners pull? What kind of gas mileage can I expect?

 

[Sky]

We towed an Rpod all over with our FJCruiser- the Rpod grossed around maybe 4k. We bought a 4R a few months ago that and will be towing a Camplite grossing about 4.4K.
Same drivetrains- driving 65 the FJC averaged about 10MPG haven't towed the CL yet but expect about the same. I did tow the CL home 1200 mi with the FJ and got about 10 or a hair under.
One thing to note I found the fuel mileage was better in 4th gear than 5th, so I left it in 4th- too much shifting back and forth in 5th.
Power was adequate but certainly not peppy.

 

[iruninca]

I also towed an r-pod, heavily loaded (was moving cross country), with an ‘02. I kept Overdrive turned off, and it did great. Going up and over the Rockies was a bit slow, but we made it!

I’m sure your new 4R will do better, but we had to take breaks through the mountains to let the transmission cool down.


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[Ryan1975]

I’ve certainly towed over the limit. It’s not ideal but can work out. R-Pod definitely seems like a good size choice.

 

[DaveSki]

I tow a 3,000-4,000 pound boat pretty regularly in the summer. Does just fine. MPG around 10-12 mpg (boat does have a wake tower). Just make sure to get a trailer with surge brakes at that weight.


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[Sky]

Surge brakes are common on boat trailers but virtually unheard of in the RV world.
SO that brings up the point that an electric brake controller will have to be added to the 4R to tow a travel trailer. They don't come with one.
The pigtail to hook one up is under the dash near the internal fuse box- don't know if all 4R's come with it, mine did.
Having installed many brake controllers from scratch that pigtail saves a lot of work

 

[davidbeitz]

I tow a 5000 lb boat a short distance between storage and the lake. i know it's back there!

I second the brakes and make sure you get a weight distributing hitch and air bags in the rear.

you can't get in a hurry but it'll do fine

 

[jhguth]

12 page thread
HEAVIEST load towed with 4Runner

33 page thread:
Towing experiences with your 5th Generation

 

[llDemonll]

I wouldn't.

4Runner is not a tow vehicle. It can do it, but it's FAR from optimal.

 

[Rack]

I have to agree with the post above.
The 4runner is capable of towing 5000 lb Max. I personally would not push it to its limit. In Florida you don't have the Mountain passes like in the west. So you might be Ok.
Just keep in mind you will be adding your gear, cooking utensils. Maybe a kid or two this all adds up.
Sure you can add air bags, heavier suspension,Trans cooler $$$ and get the rig towing but you also have to stop it. Trailer brakes $$$ are a must. But the one thing that you don't have is wheel base.
I tow a lot, but not with the 4runner. I have a older K 2500 Suburban with a 454 cu in V8 that when towing gets 12 MPG at 70 MPH. and has a 42 gal fuel tank. I prefer Longer wheel base and heavier suspension and Larger Brakes.
At 10 to 12 MPG with the 4runner smaller fuel capacity you will not pass a gas station.
I see where your coming from trying to dual purpose your investment.
But to live in a trailer the size of what you might be able to tow in the 4runner is going to be a challenge.
You can Rent a larger trailer and have them put it in your driveway while your construction is going on. When your home is livable have them pick it up.
Then you can down size your trailer to match your 4runners towing.
I feel your pain, I'm having major construction done at my house as we speak,But I can still live here while its being done.

 

[SilverFox2020]

I have to agree with the post above.
The 4runner is capable of towing 5000 lb Max. I personally would not push it to its limit. In Florida you don't have the Mountain passes like in the west. So you might be Ok.
Just keep in mind you will be adding your gear, cooking utensils. Maybe a kid or two this all adds up.
Sure you can add air bags, heavier suspension,Trans cooler $$$ and get the rig towing but you also have to stop it. Trailer brakes $$$ are a must. But the one thing that you don't have is wheel base.
I tow a lot, but not with the 4runner. I have a older K 2500 Suburban with a 454 cu in V8 that when towing gets 12 MPG at 70 MPH. and has a 42 gal fuel tank. I prefer Longer wheel base and heavier suspension and Larger Brakes.
At 10 to 12 MPG with the 4runner smaller fuel capacity you will not pass a gas station.
I see where your coming from trying to dual purpose your investment.
But to live in a trailer the size of what you might be able to tow in the 4runner is going to be a challenge.
You can Rent a larger trailer and have them put it in your driveway while your construction is going on. When your home is livable have them pick it up.
Then you can down size your trailer to match your 4runners towing.
I feel your pain, I'm having major construction done at my house as we speak,But I can still live here while its being done.

Unfortunately rental trailers are not available here so that’s why I wanted to invest into a small trailer. The one we are looking at is 3400lbs dry so outfitted it will be around 4000lbs. I have these crazy thoughts of using it for camping after we move in the house but that may fade after spending 60 to 90 days in a 160 sq/ft space with my lovely wife. :argue: