V8 4x2 Towing

[OjaiHorsewoman]

I'm considering buying the 2003 V8 4x2 4Runner (sport) to tow my horse trailer 1 or 2 of my horses, both XL horses (17 h, horses).

I want to be sure that this vehicle can handle towing the horses. We live in South. Calif, so we don't have to deal with snow...

A friend of mine has the Tundra and tows her XL horses, too... I like the 4Runner because it doubles as a family car for day-to-day also. The dealership sales guys don't seem to know what they're talking about and I am not sure who to ask.

Any advice?

 

[GatorGreg]

The dealership sales guys don't seem to know what they're talking about and I am not sure who to ask.

Any advice?

You've come to the right place I'm guessing it would tow it no problem since the '04 2WD V8 4Runner's tow rating is 7,300 lbs (300 lbs more than the 4WD V8). How much does your trailer weigh with the two horses loaded up with all their equipment?

 

[prlundberg]

How much do your horses and trailer weigh? I don't know much about them. How often will you be towing, and how far?

As far as towing, ratings aren't everything, I wouldn't want to tow 7300 pounds too far with something that small and light. If you have something large to pull a bigger truck will usually give you better stability and make for a better all-around tow vehicle, which could be pretty important when towing things that can shift.

If you don't tow much, it will probably do fine. But if it's main purpose is towing, then I'd look for something bigger.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[GatorGreg]

Well I've done some research (I'm very bored today ) and came up with the following:

The Clydesdale generally stands from 16 to 18 hands, and weighs from 1700 to 2000 pounds. Some of the mature stallions and geldings are taller and weigh up to 2200 pounds.

EquiSpirit 2 horse std trailer in XL size is approximately 3,030 lbs.

Assuming Horsewoman's XL 17 h horses are Clydesdale's (the biggest horse I could think of ) and weigh 2,000 lbs apiece and the trailer she uses is comparable in weight to the EquiSpirit trailer, than it looks like the total weight of 7,030 lbs would slightly exceed Toyota's rating for the 4WD V8 by 30 lbs but fall 270 lbs under the rating of the 2WD V8 :nerd:

 

[prlundberg]

Wow, nice figures, you must be bored! :

While the numbers suggest the 4Runner will tow it, I think a full-size would be a better choice. Especially if passengers and gear will be coming along as well.

 

[OjaiHorsewoman]

4x4 better than 4x2

I think you guys are right and I totally appreciate the input. My horse is a draft cross (percheron/thoroughbred) and weighs about 1,600 pounds...

Even so, I think 4x4 is a safer bet.

I love the 4Runner and I had the opportunity to buy a 4x2 4runner v8, but I think I'll pass because why take the risk?