V8 Tow rating '03 vs. '05

[dragr1]

Why is the tow rating higher on the '05 at 7000 instead of the 5000 on the '03's?

I'm really interested only in the V8 4x4 models. I know the '05 has more hp, but are there any other differences in the frame or the hitch? I believe they both have the same 5spd automatic, correct?

Looking for a possible tow vehicle for my 18' trailer and built '85 4Runner (around 6500 pounds combined).

 

[tkr128]

Early 2003 V8's had the 5000-lb weight-carrying hitch. Toyota added the higher-rated weight-distributing hitch in late 2003, so some of the late-build V8 2003's have the 7000-lb hitch.

 

[dragr1]

Early 2003 V8's had the 5000-lb weight-carrying hitch. Toyota added the higher-rated weight-distributing hitch in late 2003, so some of the late-build V8 2003's have the 7000-lb hitch.

I guess the hitch could just be swapped to the newer one then?

 

[boston_kevin]

Yep. The hitch can be installed on any 4runner. On a V6, that same hitch from the V8 will give you 6700 lbs towing capacity - but you should add a tranny cooler if you decide to do this. On the V8 4WD, it gives you 7000 lbs towing. On the V8 2WD, it gives you 7300 lbs towing.

 

[peter78]

On a V6, that same hitch from the V8 will give you 6700 lbs towing capacity

I have been thinking of getting a 2008 4Runner. Are you sure about this? Is it on there site you can do this? By going up to 6,700 pounds that would give me a little more flexibility in the future, should I decide to get a slightly bigger camper.

 

[boston_kevin]

Yes, this has been posted in other threads in this forum. Keep in mind that you will be putting a bigger load on the V6 when you tow this much. Toyota used to have this published on their site too.

 

[peter78]

Yes, this has been posted in other threads in this forum. Keep in mind that you will be putting a bigger load on the V6 when you tow this much. Toyota used to have this published on their site too.

I did look at other threads. Being a 3rd generation owner, I guess I haven't kept up with the upgrades done on the newer 4Runners. I am still a little confused about a weight distribution hitch though.

Also, in another thread you posted this:

I had my dealer add one in October 2004 after purchasing the vehicle at the end of September 2004 (new '04 V6 SR5). They added the V8 tranny cooler for about $150 including parts and labor (easy to add, I was just too busy to do it). I have the receipt from the service manager also stating it would be covered under warranty. I have not updated my hitch, but there is no reason why you couldn't do that at the same time.

That is good advice, get the transmission cooler before you buy to get a better deal. Plus I would try and get a weight distb. hitch on before I buy. I am not planning on getting a huge trailer in the future, but having the capability to go to maybe 4,000 pounds dry weight, opens a whole new level of possibilities. I saw a neat trailer wieghing in at 3,900 pounds that my Wife loved, but I thought was just too big for my current 4Runner.

 

[dragr1]

I did look at other threads. Being a 3rd generation owner, I guess I haven't kept up with the upgrades done on the newer 4Runners. I am still a little confused about a weight distribution hitch though.

Also, in another thread you posted this:




That is good advice, get the transmission cooler before you buy to get a better deal. Plus I would try and get a weight distb. hitch on before I buy. I am not planning on getting a huge trailer in the future, but having the capability to go to maybe 4,000 pounds dry weight, opens a whole new level of possibilities. I saw a neat trailer wieghing in at 3,900 pounds that my Wife loved, but I thought was just too big for my current 4Runner.

Hey Peter, still enjoying my old popup?

I just can't enough of 4Runners as you can see. The 4.0 V6 in the new 4Runners is very strong-a huge difference over the 3.4 V6. I have towed about 6500 pounds with my '07 Tacoma and had plenty of power. I posted up this thread and a couple of others about the towing ability of the 4th gen 4Runners, b/c I'm tempted to get one for my wife and it can also double as a tow vehicle for me. My Tacoma is a company vehicle and my boss doesn't want me towing heavy loads for long distances with it.

 

[boston_kevin]

I did look at other threads. Being a 3rd generation owner, I guess I haven't kept up with the upgrades done on the newer 4Runners. I am still a little confused about a weight distribution hitch though.

That is good advice, get the transmission cooler before you buy to get a better deal. Plus I would try and get a weight distb. hitch on before I buy. I am not planning on getting a huge trailer in the future, but having the capability to go to maybe 4,000 pounds dry weight, opens a whole new level of possibilities. I saw a neat trailer wieghing in at 3,900 pounds that my Wife loved, but I thought was just too big for my current 4Runner.

Here is one other thread that mentions is:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29869&highlight=Weight+Distributing+Hitch

As far as the tranny cooler, it's cheap insurance against transmission failures. I have had one vehicle blow the tranny due to overheating while towing through the Sierras and I knew I would not let that happen with this truck. I planned on upgrading the hitch this year, but ended up not doing hardly any towing this year.

 

[peter78]

Hey Peter, still enjoying my old popup?

I just can't enough of 4Runners as you can see. The 4.0 V6 in the new 4Runners is very strong-a huge difference over the 3.4 V6. I have towed about 6500 pounds with my '07 Tacoma and had plenty of power. I posted up this thread and a couple of others about the towing ability of the 4th gen 4Runners, b/c I'm tempted to get one for my wife and it can also double as a tow vehicle for me. My Tacoma is a company vehicle and my boss doesn't want me towing heavy loads for long distances with it.

Yeah man, your old popup is great. It is a 2002, for me that is brand new. I was thinking of selling it after I went out west, but I have really been enjoying it. I have used it 3 times this year, the last time was Big South Fork in Tennessee. I got to visit Sgt. York's home, a WWI hero. We are going to North Carolina twice before the end of the year.

I am sorry to see you have sold your 4Runner, but I see you have a 1st gen 4Runner. I have been thinking of getting a new car. My Son, who you met in 05 is now driving and he really likes the 01 4Runner. I was thinking of getting a RAV4, but I am tempted to maybe get another 4Runner. See my thread here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30523

So, I think I'll wait for a 08 4Runner with side & curtain air bags. I do like the idea of having the ability to tow more than 5,000 pounds. Your thread about what a V6 can tow, is really amazing.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30826

So, if it all turns out right, I will be a 2 4Runner family & thanks for the really nice popup.

 

[dragr1]

Yeah man, your old popup is great. It is a 2002, for me that is brand new. I was thinking of selling it after I went out west, but I have really been enjoying it. I have used it 3 times this year, the last time was Big South Fork in Tennessee. I got to visit Sgt. York's home, a WWI hero. We are going to North Carolina twice before the end of the year.

I am sorry to see you have sold your 4Runner, but I see you have a 1st gen 4Runner. I have been thinking of getting a new car. My Son, who you met in 05 is now driving and he really likes the 01 4Runner. I was thinking of getting a RAV4, but I am tempted to maybe get another 4Runner. See my thread here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30523

So, I think I'll wait for a 08 4Runner with side & curtain air bags. I do like the idea of having the ability to tow more than 5,000 pounds. Your thread about what a V6 can tow, is really amazing.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30826

So, if it all turns out right, I will be a 2 4Runner family & thanks for the really nice popup.

Sorry, I didn't mean to refer to it as "old", I really meant just my previous popup. It just didn't make sense for me to keep the '99, I wanted a true beater trail rig and I have the Tacoma for work and really anything else except heavy towing. So I sold the '99, a 4th gen 4Runner is really only a desire, b/c I can get a used Suburban or Excursion much much cheaper and will suit my needs fine. I would really like to have a 4th gen V8 4x4 though!

 

[peter78]

I can get a used Suburban or Excursion much much cheaper and will suit my needs fine. I would really like to have a 4th gen V8 4x4 though!

Do they even make an Excursion anymore? That thing is a monster, some even came with a V-10. You could probably get those things cheap, but I bet it wouldn't fit inside your garage.

 

[dragr1]

Do they even make an Excursion anymore? That thing is a monster, some even came with a V-10. You could probably get those things cheap, but I bet it wouldn't fit inside your garage.

Quit making the Excursion in '05, but the great thing about them is the 7.3 turbodiesel that came from '00 through early '03. With a little aftermarket electrical goodies you have tons of power and will get 18mpg towing 6500 pounds at 75mph! They guy I ride with most of the time has one and theat's what he gest for mileage when towing his exo'd '85 4Runner. By the way, here's some pics of my 4Runner and one pic of me towing it with the Tacoma-in that pic though the weight distributing hitch was setup wrong and I have also since learned that there is a TSB for the rear springs on my Tacoma.

Pics here:

http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e335/dragr1/1985 4Runner/