I'm towing a cargo trailer rated for 7,000 lbs with my V6 2005 4Runner across country. I'm not sure how much weight is in the trailer but the back of my 4Runner sinks significantly with the trailer on it. Should I be concerned? Should I beef up the suspension? Should I change my plans?
towing
- Thread starter habadaboo
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eskimochaos
Banned
Not an expert at towing but have seen people go to firestone and have them install airbags for the rear suspension. I heard its under $300.
The V6 is rated at 5k only btw.
The V6 is rated at 5k only btw.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
Change plans... 7000lbs is really high. The only way I would do cross-country in a T4R with that kind of weight is a 2wd V8. The V6 could probably pull it off but why beat an awesome, capable and expensive SUV to death. Big SUV's are bottoming out on the used market. Buy one for 2 months, do you trip and sell it. Buy low and accept it's going to sell low. Just my 2centshabadaboo said:
:cheers:
2 things
1. You said rated for 7K lbs, find out what it actually will weigh when you tow. Don't go over your capacity (I don't like to even come close)
2. Back end sags because of tongue weight. You might be able to move some stuff on the trailer to lower the tongue weight. You don't want it too light, the trailer will sway.
1. You said rated for 7K lbs, find out what it actually will weigh when you tow. Don't go over your capacity (I don't like to even come close)
2. Back end sags because of tongue weight. You might be able to move some stuff on the trailer to lower the tongue weight. You don't want it too light, the trailer will sway.
Thanks for feed back
I've talked with a certified Toyota mechanic and an owner of a truck after-market store. Based on their advice I'm adding a Timbren suspension support part TORSEQ, which should give the back end more support prevent some of the sag. I'll let you all know how it goes. I'm due to hit the road July 1. Wish me luck, Habadaboo - Go Sox.
I've talked with a certified Toyota mechanic and an owner of a truck after-market store. Based on their advice I'm adding a Timbren suspension support part TORSEQ, which should give the back end more support prevent some of the sag. I'll let you all know how it goes. I'm due to hit the road July 1. Wish me luck, Habadaboo - Go Sox.
AmbideXtrous
New member
Re: Thanks for feed back
I'd do some more research on this just to know what it actually does. I had problems with too much sag while towing my travel trailer. When I went to the local Mr Goodwrench to see if they could do anything the guy told me about something called a timbering kit. I'm betting this is the same thing. He told me it would stiffen the backend and it would also lift it. My guess is that it is some sort of spacer. I would get the airbags long before I got that.
habadaboo said:
I'd do some more research on this just to know what it actually does. I had problems with too much sag while towing my travel trailer. When I went to the local Mr Goodwrench to see if they could do anything the guy told me about something called a timbering kit. I'm betting this is the same thing. He told me it would stiffen the backend and it would also lift it. My guess is that it is some sort of spacer. I would get the airbags long before I got that.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
www.timbren.com/timbren-application-guides/toyota.htm
I just read about the Timbren, interesting. It seems like a similar product to the AirLift or Firestone except the bag is sealed allowing for no adjustment. The + seems to be no adjustment required, no lines to leak. The - seems to be no adjustment and a 'one size fits all' solution. IMHO 'one size fits all' solutions seem to be less than ideal as a rule. I personally would prefer the Firestone/AirLift solution.
:cheers:
I just read about the Timbren, interesting. It seems like a similar product to the AirLift or Firestone except the bag is sealed allowing for no adjustment. The + seems to be no adjustment required, no lines to leak. The - seems to be no adjustment and a 'one size fits all' solution. IMHO 'one size fits all' solutions seem to be less than ideal as a rule. I personally would prefer the Firestone/AirLift solution.
:cheers:
Made it to San Diego from Boston
Thanks for the feed back. I arrived in San Diego, five days driving. I did go with the Timbren, it worked well enough, though the airbags probably would have given me a smoother ride. My total weight - 4Runner and trailer loaded - was 10,200 lbs. and the trailer was estimated at 4,400 lbs. according to a weigh station in Nebraska. My V6 averaged 9.2 miles per gallon, ouch. Which translates into roughly $1400 worth of gas, double ouch. Habadaboo, Andrew
Thanks for the feed back. I arrived in San Diego, five days driving. I did go with the Timbren, it worked well enough, though the airbags probably would have given me a smoother ride. My total weight - 4Runner and trailer loaded - was 10,200 lbs. and the trailer was estimated at 4,400 lbs. according to a weigh station in Nebraska. My V6 averaged 9.2 miles per gallon, ouch. Which translates into roughly $1400 worth of gas, double ouch. Habadaboo, Andrew