Travel Trailer Success with 4th Gen V6

[klemoine]

Hey all, I've lurked here for years but have finally gotten a travel trailer to fit my family and wanted to report back with details on my success of towing a pretty good size travel trailer with a 9 year old 4Runner with 200k+ miles. With the right hitch, not factory but a hitch meant to be used with a weight distribution hitch, and stabilizer bar and brake controller, I've been SUPER happy with how well my 4Runner drives with a 25' travel trailer, family of 5 in a three row 4th Gen 4Runner, including a 70 lb dog. The camper is 4005 lbs dry and we pack very heavy with toys, food, beer, etc, for long trips. I drive in the north GA mountains with relative ease (yes, I am in 2nd and 3rd gear going up mountains), but with the right hitch and setup, this is a fantastic tow vehicle. PM if you need details on the setup.

The V6 with factory installed hitch cannot be used with a WDH, but my low end SR5 (before upgrades) didn't have a hitch, so it's now got the same after market receiver that the 4th gen V8 came with, so I might be low on torque compared to the V8, but I am confident I can handle and stop every bit of the 7300 lbs that the V8 guys claim to handle...I just might not get to speed as fast as they do.

My profile pic shows my TT.

 

[V6Mike]

I would love to know the details. BTW, what are the differences between the V6 and V8 receivers? I have a V6, and it has a frame mounted receiver.

Mike

 

[oldmansimek]

What hitch did you get? I have been looking at replacing my aftermarket hitch with the factory V8 frame mount hitch I think they tuck in a little nicer. You are not missing out on anything not having the V8 the full time awd negates almost all power gained.

 

[07V8]

. You are not missing out on anything not having the V8 the full time awd negates almost all power gained.

NotSureIfSerious

 

[oldmansimek]

only kind of serious. I have pulled my 25' airstream with both and there is not much difference only on really long hills do I notice anything. Just my 2 cents but I will never purchase any full time 4wd suv ever again.

 

[Arthur4R]

What hitch did you get? I have been looking at replacing my aftermarket hitch with the factory V8 frame mount hitch I think they tuck in a little nicer. You are not missing out on anything not having the V8 the full time awd negates almost all power gained.

full time 4wd negates all the power gain from a V8? Did you just come up with that or actually have facts to support it? Full time 4wd system in Toyota is a step above the conventional 4wd system hence why it only comes on more expensive models.

To the OP good to hear you had a great experience towing so much with a full vehicle. 4Runners are champs!!!!

 

[oldmansimek]

You gain roughly 30 ft. lbs of torque and 20 something horsepower!! Not trying to start a battle here but that is not exactly earth shattering and yes by being in 4wd (super sophisticated) you now need more power to drive those extra items so yes you are not gaining very much.

As for v6 mike yes there are different hitches the v6 comes with 2 different style hitches both of which bolt to the rear crossmember. The v8 comes with those hitches also but with the tow package it comes with what toyota calls a weight distribution hitch that mounts to the frame rails just like a traditional style reese type hitch.