towing with V6 2WD

[suuny]

I have a 2004 4runner V6, I had been doing highway and city riding, I am planning on towing a U haul trailer from houston to Seattle washington. I have not done any towing before. I like my runner I dont want to mess it up. The manual says it can tow 5000pounds

here is the specs of the possible trailer
* Volume: up to 396 cu. ft.
* Max load: 2,600 lbs.
* Gross vehicle weight: 4,400 lbs. max
* Empty weight: 1,800 lbs.


Let me know what all precautions and towing tips that I should do. I have no idea of towing since this is my first time.
Anyideas will help.


Thanks
Sunny

 

[boston_kevin]

Load the trailer with about 60% of the weight in front of the trailer axle.

Go over the trailer with a fine toothed comb before you leave UHaul and point out any lights that are out, scratches, dents, etc. Also check the condition of the trailer tires (no cracks/dry rot).

On the highway, stay out of the fast lane and keep the speed under 70. Don't follow too closely, don't make sudden lane changes or turns.

Every time you stop, before you get going again, make a quick tug on the trailer hitch and make sure everything is snug. Every morning, check the tires/lights/hitch on the trailer before starting out.

Watch your engine and tranny temp, stay out of OD unless you are on flat ground, downshift to maintain speed (ascending or descending hills).

 

[Koz]

You will need a brake controller! The Prodigy controller works GREAT!

Koz

 

[peter78]

Watch your engine and tranny temp, stay out of OD unless you are on flat ground, downshift to maintain speed (ascending or descending hills).

It would be my guess you will be in third gear all the way, with that kind of load. A transmission cooler is another idea, you may want to look at that. By leaving it out of overdrive, that is the best way not to overheat the transmission.

Also, make sure you have good brakes on the u-haul trailer. Oh, by the way expect about 10 to 11 MPG.

 

[NCSCOTT]

You will need a brake controller! The Prodigy controller works GREAT!

Koz

I don't think so Koz. Most if not all U-Haul Trailers have surge brakes and no Brake controller is needed. They will make you buy a wiring adapter since they have almost a proprietary harness.

I have towed the same trailer with my V-6. If you are on flat ground o/d is fine. The second you feel it go from o/d to 3rd a few times in a row (called searching or hunting for a gear) put in in 3rd and keep it there until it levels out again. You Can run at 3500RPM all day long. You will also want to increase the tire pressure in the rear to about 45-50PSI. Do not exceed the max pressure on the side of the tire. It will help with trailer sway.

Another precaution, Change your rearend lube to a quality synthetic. It is very easy. There is a drain Plug and a fill plug. Just get new crush washers from the dealer first.

 

[TitaniumToy]

Last year I moved locally using the Uhaul 12' trailer and the 4Runner pulled it with ease, however I did not have any hills to climb.

 

[rook]

Considering you will be driving through the desert then over mountains I'd suggest you install a transmission cooler. It is an inexpensive addition that will save wear on the trans.

 

[boston_kevin]

Considering you will be driving through the desert then over mountains I'd suggest you install a transmission cooler. It is an inexpensive addition that will save wear on the trans.

This is always a a good idea for towing (I had one installed on mine at the dealer). However, if this is a one time towing deal, you'll probably be okay if you keep the tranny from hunting too much.

 

[suuny]

Thanks everyone for the info.
should I watch out for the weight in the trailer not to exceed 5000 pounds, does this exclude weight in the car.

Also incase can I load stuff on the top of the 4runner.

Is it OK driving incase it snows or rains?

Thanks
Sunny

 

[NCSCOTT]

Thanks everyone for the info.
should I watch out for the weight in the trailer not to exceed 5000 pounds, does this exclude weight in the car.

Also incase can I load stuff on the top of the 4runner.

Is it OK driving incase it snows or rains?

Thanks
Sunny

According to your first post you can only load Approx. 1800 Lbs in the trailer. If you load it properly you will not exceed the 5000lbs limit. 4400 lbs is the max trailer weight + trailer cargo.

Read pages 292-295 and pages 304-313 of the Owner's Manual.

It does a fairly good job of explaining what and how much you can load in the 4Runner and Trailer combined.

The only thing I thought was BS was on page 313. it states not to exceed 45MPH while towing. That is very, very, very conservative and there for legal reasons. The road, weather, and traffic conditions will determine what speed is safe for you. Your seat of the pants feel will get better the farther you tow. After the first couple hours you will start to feel more comfortable. By then you will have a good Idea of what your personal limits are. Everyones are different.

I may few comfortable towing that trailer at 65-70MPH and you may only want to go 60MPH.

Rain is just like anytime slow down and increase your following distance, again it is a comfort level thing. to increase your visiblity in the rain treat your windshield with Rain-X. It really works. Also buy the Rain-X washer/deicer fluid if you can find it. It helps too.

Snow is very difficult and dangerous to tow in. I have done it a couple times (I grew up in Michigan) but I don't like to do it. It is much safer to stop and let the plows and salt trucks do there thing than end up in a ditch. The trailer can push you right through an intersection or try and pass you when you put on the brakes.

Check the trailer tires and hitch/ball connections at every fuel or bathroom stop. make sure nothing is coming lose or looks wrong or is going flat. A quick walk around, kick the tires, give the hitch a good shake make sure the nut holding the ball on has not worked its way lose. I have had it happen.

After you read the manual if you have anymore questions please post I am sure plenty of us can find an answer or help ya out.

Good Luck.

 

[Barefoot]

Check the trailer tires and hitch/ball connections at every fuel or bathroom stop. make sure nothing is coming lose or looks wrong or is going flat. A quick walk around, kick the tires, give the hitch a good shake make sure the nut holding the ball on has not worked its way lose. I have had it happen.

I also touch each wheel hub on each stop. Anything more than warm to the touch is a sign of impending trouble.

 

[NCSCOTT]

I also touch each wheel hub on each stop. Anything more than warm to the touch is a sign of impending trouble.

:iagree:

I could not agree more. If you have never been on the side of the road changing wheel bearings on a trailer you have not lived. Just hoping the local tractor supply co. has what you need.