V6 vs V8 Towing Capacity

[4RunnerSR52004]

Of course a V8 has more torque then a V6, don't take a genius to figure that out but a V6 is adequate for most jobs. If you tow heavy Sh!t then get a V8 otherwise a V6 is very capable. I have a V6 & don't need a V8 to feel MANLY, lol.

 

[Atlanta_man]

If the V8 had another 70 or 80 hp then it would feel manly.
As it is, no way.
It may be a V8 but it is tiny.

 

[m85476585]

this is the only side x side video i have ever found. v8 is 2/1 lifted with what looks like 265/70's, v6 os stock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuzYY5r2uGU

I wonder if that's the pre VVT-i v8, or the new one?

Speed wise there isn't much of a difference, it's mainly the torque and where it's at (in my opinion), although my P38 Range Rover was rated to two 7700 lbs and it only had 190 horsepower and 230 lb/ft of torque (vs. the 315 of the Runner)...so I don't know actually.


Re: Civics, rpm isn't a concern nor is the power, it's the suspension. At least to me. Even with two middle sized polynesians in the back, my car would sag something fierce. I know Civics aren't meant to tow in the first place, but the 1,000 lb towing capacity even them to me is just stupid.

Yep. Here's mine fully loaded. The bike rack and bikes are about 150lbs total. The trunk and all the seats (except driver seat) are full of stuff, who knows how many pounds, but probably not more than the weight of 2-3 people. I had most of my belongings for a temporary move across the country. With this load the rear would bottom out/hit bump stops on anything but the smallest bumps in the road, the headlights aimed too high, and the front end hydroplaned on me a couple times (worn tires didn't help). What you can't see is the excessive camber angle on the rear. Independent rear suspension is nice until you need to carry some weight. I've seen some Honda Odysseys towing, and they look like this too!

 

[Ask10]

^^I had an 8th gen too (Si though).

It never ceased to amaze me how rough the Civic's ride was, yet at the same time the car couldn't take any sort of weight.

 

[Streams]

Can the hitch setup from the V8 be fitted to a V6?

 

[AuSeeker]

Can the hitch setup from the V8 be fitted to a V6?

Yes very easily.

BUT, 4Runners that came with the "V8" hitch also came with a transmission fluid cooler just in front of the radiator on the driver's side, when towing more weight the transmission will get hotter than normal and can shorten the life of the transmission, so I would recommend adding a transmission cooler as well, a aftermarket cooler will work fine as long as you don't get the cheapest one you can find, better to look for quality than a low price, also you can get a cooler that comes with an electric fan which it can be located anywhere instead of in front of the radiator.

 

[oldmansimek]

I love chiming in on these! First of all go and buy a truck or a larger suv (suburban, sequioa etc) are little 4runners are not tow vehicles, do I tow with mine yes but when I actually need to tow anything that is more then a quad or two on a single axle trailer I use my F350. And for all the manly v8 owners on here the hp and torque difference is pathetic and being in awd all the time almost completely negates the benefit.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I love chiming in on these! First of all go and buy a truck or a larger suv (suburban, sequioa etc) are little 4runners are not tow vehicles, do I tow with mine yes but when I actually need to tow anything that is more then a quad or two on a single axle trailer I use my F350. And for all the manly v8 owners on here the hp and torque difference is pathetic and being in awd all the time almost completely negates the benefit.

The most scientific and methodical way of quenching the V6 vs V8 debate entirely: an old-school redneck pull-off! Let's go bro! :fencing:

 

[nevada]

I love chiming in on these! First of all go and buy a truck or a larger suv (suburban, sequioa etc) are little 4runners are not tow vehicles, do I tow with mine yes but when I actually need to tow anything that is more then a quad or two on a single axle trailer I use my F350. And for all the manly v8 owners on here the hp and torque difference is pathetic and being in awd all the time almost completely negates the benefit.

that sounds like its coming from someone who doesn't/hasn't owned a v8...

 

[oldmansimek]

I bought the V6 4runner for my girlfriend because in my biased opinion as a mechanic and having worked on just about anything you can think of I believe the V6 is a better more reliable motor, and yes I have owned a V8 4runner it was a good truck just never felt the power difference you guys do. I drive a truck with over 500hp as a daily driver so no neither of them impress me in that aspect. As for the towing nonsense neither of them are very good at it.

 

[Atlanta_man]

I towed a single axle u-haul half way across the country with my 2wd V8 4runner.

It was a struggle acceleration wise (lots of planning and careful execution on the freeway on-ramps), and anything over 70mph pushed the mileage to between 10 and 11. 0 to 60 felt like 30 sec.

I cannot imagine towing anything bigger than a small rowboat with a v6.

 

[HKTackDriver]

I've pulled an 8-9,000 lb tractor on a heavy trailer. Up steep hills and down them. Not regularly, but on occasion. The V8 can handle it, in acceleration and in braking, without a problem. The only thing is that the trailer that heavy seriously sags the rear end, requiring a height adjustable hitch, jacked up. Otherwise the trailer would be aimed down and could bottom out turning into/out of parking lots or driveways.

I would not hesitate to tow larger trailers for short distances, since it seemed to handle the tractor so well.

As far as safety - the trailer can bounce around the 4runner a bit, so you have to drive smoothly. I've had it up to 60mph only and had no problems. YMMV.

 

[m85476585]

I've pulled an 8-9,000 lb tractor on a heavy trailer. Up steep hills and down them. Not regularly, but on occasion. The V8 can handle it, in acceleration and in braking, without a problem. The only thing is that the trailer that heavy seriously sags the rear end, requiring a height adjustable hitch, jacked up. Otherwise the trailer would be aimed down and could bottom out turning into/out of parking lots or driveways.

I would not hesitate to tow larger trailers for short distances, since it seemed to handle the tractor so well.

As far as safety - the trailer can bounce around the 4runner a bit, so you have to drive smoothly. I've had it up to 60mph only and had no problems. YMMV.

Did you use a weight distributing hitch? I wouldn't tow anything that heavy a significant distance with a 4runner without one.

 

[Silver4RunnerIS300]

I'm driving cross country right now with my V6 pulling my Subaru

 

[jminz]

I bought the V6 4runner for my girlfriend because in my biased opinion as a mechanic and having worked on just about anything you can think of I believe the V6 is a better more reliable motor, and yes I have owned a V8 4runner it was a good truck just never felt the power difference you guys do. I drive a truck with over 500hp as a daily driver so no neither of them impress me in that aspect. As for the towing nonsense neither of them are very good at it.

If you've owned both and say you can't feel a difference you are lying. There is an obvious torque gap when you drive them.

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[jminz]

What is the difference in towing capacity between a V6 4Runner 4x4 and a V8 4Runner 4x4?

I am considering getting a 4th Gen 4Runner and I would like to be able to tow a 2 horse trailer with 2 horses in it.

Would a V6 be able to handle this or do I need to go with the V8?

Would the V6 be able to go up hills at highway speeds or would it be underpowered?

I would prefer the V6 for the better gas milage but if it won't be able to get the job done then I guess I have to go with the V8.

Thanks!
Jeremy

Rear airbags would go a long way for your application. Seems like keeping the rear from sagging would be at a premium.

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[Ironhorsenva]

I have owned, driven and towed with both models, V6 and V8. The V8 model isn't going to tow like a newer Tundra/5.7 V8, but the V8 4Runner does provide a noticeable difference in power, compared to the V6. If the truck was ordered with the factory towing package, it should have come with a receiver hitch that bolts to the side frame rails and rated for use with a Weight Distribution Hitch, which often makes the difference between towing a heavier trailer safely, and just being able to white knuckle it.

I regularly tow a travel trailer that weighs around 4,500 loaded, with around 450-500 pounds on the ball. The rig has plenty of takeoff power and tows the load confidently, though I opt to use the Weight Distribution Hitch, as it reduces squat in the rear.

I really like 03-08 4Runners and didn't want to upgrade to a Tundra to tow my camper. I probably would have had to upgrade if my current 4Runner had the V6. Real world mileage between the V6 and V8 is negligible. If I was buying another 4Runner of this vintage, I would look for another V8, and I have nothing to "compensate for" otherwise.

If I knew I'd never or rarely have to tow anything, either motor should be fine.

 

[dalandshark]

V8 Tow Pkg has other upgrades too...

A lot of people touched on the oil cooler added and the hitch being different...the V8 tow package also has larger front brakes, maybe on the rear... and larger front sway bar.

 

[daka320]

Been down this road!!!

A few years ago we bought a 4200 lb (dry) travel trailer. Believing some of the towing fantasies I read about the 4Runner we upgraded it. Hidden Hitch so we could attach a wdh. It is a V6. Also increased the towing capacity to 6300 lbs and hitch rating to 630 lbs (I think). Installed a transmission cooler. Bought new AT E rated tires. Replaced the radiator. Installed better brakes for stopping. Spent some $$$ "improving" our ride to tow!

Towed our tt twice!!! Once from the dealer to our rv storage spot and once to a weekend campground. Found out real quick that it was not a V6 vs a V8 thing!!! Our (loaded) tt was a little above 6000 lbs. Took it to the CAT scales and weighed both the vehicle and trailer. We were over on hitch weight, payload, and rawr (even with the wdh). Do not remember the numbers of how much since it has been four years ago.

So, we ended up buying a Tundra. It is a towing beast compared to the 4Runner!!! Night and Day difference! If I ever do tow "heavy" again with our 4runner it will not be over 4-5000 lbs. It just can't handle it very well. Not a V6 thing but a too small of a vehicle thing!

That is my 2 cents worth from my experience. Take it for whatever you feel it is worth!

 

[Chrisw05]

If I ever do tow "heavy" again with our 4runner it will not be over 4-5000 lbs. It just can't handle it very well. Not a V6 thing but a too small of a vehicle thing!

I have towed heavy with my old v8 and the problem I found was stopping or slowing down. The heavy weight easily pushed the 4runner. I am looking for another v8 awd with the towing package but never plan on towing more than 5k lbs. If you need more than that you need to be safe with it and go with a Tundra or bigger SUV.