V8 4Runner makes a great tow vehicle

[y=mx+b]

Thanks all for the feedback. I believe the trailer hitch is factory. How can I tell if the hitch is a weight distributing hitch to confirm?

Importman is more versed in towing and will probably chime in with some better info, but hopefully this helps:

This is the v8 hitch. Toyota calls it "weight distributing" but its really just a frame mounted hitch. However, this is a key ingredient to a weight distributing hitch setup. Your 05 should have it, but just check its not a crossmember hitch like the v6s and early-early v8s

Next ingredient is the weight distributing hitch itself. The arms and chains reduce the up and down rotation at the hitch, while also directing force into the frame of the vehicle and up to the front wheels. The sway control is the thing labeled with the CURT in both these pictures, and acts like a shock for the rotational axis. This helps to make your setup drive more like a straight truck on the highway, where you're not turning a whole lot and don't need the trailer to rotate freely about the hitch. I'd suggest watching a video on how it works, it kinda clicks if you can see the trailer lowered down onto a vehicle with a WHD vs a conventional hitch.

 

[importman]

This is the one I used. It uses a cam action to keep the truck and trailer centered in a straight line. In effect it has to unseat the cam to allow a turn. I really liked it. Just another option to look at.

Reese - Sway Control - Dual Cam

 

[jhjeff]

This is the one I used. It uses a cam action to keep the truck and trailer centered in a straight line. In effect it has to unseat the cam to allow a turn. I really liked it. Just another option to look at.

Reese - Sway Control - Dual Cam

I know this thread is now many years old, but had a few towing questions:
Buying an 06' V8 T4R to tow our 18ft travel trailer to and around Baja. (4000lbs GWT). Getting a weight equalizing hitch setup and brake controller but wondering about if upgrading to Tundra or larger rotors (Stoptech, etc), is highly recommended.
Thanks for any input.

 

[theladyviola]

I know this thread is now many years old, but had a few towing questions:
Buying an 06' V8 T4R to tow our 18ft travel trailer to and around Baja. (4000lbs GWT). Getting a weight equalizing hitch setup and brake controller but wondering about if upgrading to Tundra or larger rotors (Stoptech, etc), is highly recommended.
Thanks for any input.

The Sports and some Limiteds (it was optional on the Limited) already have bigger rotors and calipers than the SR5. Best thing is to check the backside of the front caliper for the writing. The 13WH is already the bigger one so it’s already as upgraded as it’s going to get. The 13WG is the smaller. I tow A LOT, so I’m happy to already have a ‘03 V8 Sport and I have PowerStop pads/rotors. I think it depends on how much you tow, but I’d say yes, upgrade if you don’t have the larger setup already. You can always do the 5th gen swap for the larger size if yours is the SR5, you just may have to mod the dust shield. This may help if you’re doing the modification.

5th Gen 4Runner Brakes Upgrade (for 4th Gen 4Runner)


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