what to buy in a 4r for towing??

[lashlr]

Forgive my ignorance, autos are not my area of expertise. I am looking for 4R to be my personal vehicle and pull a 4500 lb or so horse trailer from time to time. Used to drive a RAM 3500 4WD dually but dont need that kind of power anymore. My current car, Volvo v70 XC is safe and works great but needs more primping than a texas debutante and can only tow 3500 lbs. I had a great experience driving a 98 4R for many years but the 4 cylinder was anemic as hell. A newer 4R looks like a great fit for me, lots of internal space, not too big to park in the city etc. I am looking at 2006 to 2008 models, and I am going for a V8 so I have plenty of power.
My questions: 4WD or 2WD?? Is either better or are they equal? and I am confused about the tow "packages"? Some discussions say the tow package is nothing more than a bolted on hitch and plug. Some say the V8's already come with beefed up oil and tranny coolers and weight distributing hitches and you dont need to look to see if a "tow package" specifically came with it. I am completely confused. Can someone educate me??

thanks!!
Lauren

 

[Titanpat57]

Forgive my ignorance, autos are not my area of expertise. I am looking for 4R to be my personal vehicle and pull a 4500 lb or so horse trailer from time to time. Used to drive a RAM 3500 4WD dually but dont need that kind of power anymore. My current car, Volvo v70 XC is safe and works great but needs more primping than a texas debutante and can only tow 3500 lbs. I had a great experience driving a 98 4R for many years but the 4 cylinder was anemic as hell. A newer 4R looks like a great fit for me, lots of internal space, not too big to park in the city etc. I am looking at 2006 to 2008 models, and I am going for a V8 so I have plenty of power.
My questions: 4WD or 2WD?? Is either better or are they equal? and I am confused about the tow "packages"? Some discussions say the tow package is nothing more than a bolted on hitch and plug. Some say the V8's already come with beefed up oil and tranny coolers and weight distributing hitches and you dont need to look to see if a "tow package" specifically came with it. I am completely confused. Can someone educate me??

thanks!!
Lauren

Hi Lauren...welcome aboard!

If you're looking for a new 5th Gen, search "towing" in the search bar and there's lots of good information there. I tow a lighter trailer (#2500) but it has brakes and a controller, really the only way to go. Truck wise, it handles it fine, and sometimes you forget it's even there.

All 5th Gens come ready to tow, but the things you described(cooler,hitch) would be a must at #4500.

good luck,

Pat

 

[lashlr]

Thanks for the input!

Thanks for the info and the welcome. I am having a blast doing my research on this vehicle. I am looking at a 4th generation, say 2008 to 2009 as the side airbags became standard then. My understanding is that you cant get a V8 in the newest 4runners. Still confused if the V8 automatically is equipped with the beefed up coolers and weight distributing hitch for heavy towing, or if that has to be added on as an extra "package". Also do I understand correctly, the V8 is either 2WD or full time 4WD (essentially AWD) and you can only get part time 4WD on the V6? My volvo is AWD which is great for stability but a pain in the patootie when you blow one tire and have to replace the full set, and you really do have to do that with the volvo if the tires have much wear on them. Trust me, I know. Does the same hold for the 4runner AWD vehicles??

Lauren

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Thanks for the info and the welcome. I am having a blast doing my research on this vehicle. I am looking at a 4th generation, say 2008 to 2009 as the side airbags became standard then. My understanding is that you cant get a V8 in the newest 4runners. Still confused if the V8 automatically is equipped with the beefed up coolers and weight distributing hitch for heavy towing, or if that has to be added on as an extra "package". Also do I understand correctly, the V8 is either 2WD or full time 4WD (essentially AWD) and you can only get part time 4WD on the V6? My volvo is AWD which is great for stability but a pain in the patootie when you blow one tire and have to replace the full set, and you really do have to do that with the volvo if the tires have much wear on them. Trust me, I know. Does the same hold for the 4runner AWD vehicles??

Lauren

Yes, the 5th generation 4runner have no V8 option, it was dropped for 2010 I think.

The V8 almost always came equipped with a side frame mounted reciever, and they have a higher tow and tongue weight capacity than the rear crossmember mounted V6 version. The V6 version is NOT recommended to use sway control or a weight distributing hitch. With the V8 version you can tow using a weight distributing hitch and also have sway control.

I am sure they all come with a trailer socket and wiring pre-installed. My V6 even came with the wiring harness for the brake controller. It was very easy to install. There is a socket under the left side panel footwell for it to plug in.

Correct about the V6 being selectable 4wd. 3 modes, 2wd,4wd,4wd low.
For the V8's, it is either full time 2wd, or full time 4wd/4wd low. The 4wd systems for that model year are the same on both V6 and V8 vehicles (Torsen Center differential, drive on any surface in 4wd without issue).

As far as transmission coolers, my V6 didn't have one, but I did install one myself in a couple of hours. It was not difficult. Some V8's have them but some people on the forum report theirs (V8) didn't come with them. You would have to check the truck you are interesed in. It would cost about $200 for a mechanic to install, or less than $100 do-it-yourself plus time.

 

[rebelbowtie]

The Torsen center differential is essentially the same as Quattro branded Audi cars.

 

[lashlr]

Great info!

I want to thank you for the great information. Anyone have any opinion on the interiors? Isnt the sports edition seat fabric supposed to be more water proof or resilient than the SR5? I have dogs and the inevitable spit up etc happens from time to time. Of course the leather in the limited edition would be great but not sure the pocket book will stretch that far. The 3rd row seats look like a total waste of cargo space if you dont have a herd of little ones to accommodate.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Yes, the 5th generation 4runner have no V8 option, it was dropped for 2010 I think.

The V8 almost always came equipped with a side frame mounted reciever, and they have a higher tow and tongue weight capacity than the rear crossmember mounted V6 version. The V6 version is NOT recommended to use sway control or a weight distributing hitch. With the V8 version you can tow using a weight distributing hitch and also have sway control.

I am sure they all come with a trailer socket and wiring pre-installed. My V6 even came with the wiring harness for the brake controller. It was very easy to install. There is a socket under the left side panel footwell for it to plug in.

Correct about the V6 being selectable 4wd. 3 modes, 2wd,4wd,4wd low.
For the V8's, it is either full time 2wd, or full time 4wd/4wd low. The 4wd systems for that model year are the same on both V6 and V8 vehicles (Torsen Center differential, drive on any surface in 4wd without issue).

As far as transmission coolers, my V6 didn't have one, but I did install one myself in a couple of hours. It was not difficult. Some V8's have them but some people on the forum report theirs (V8) didn't come with them. You would have to check the truck you are interesed in. It would cost about $200 for a mechanic to install, or less than $100 do-it-yourself plus time.

The V6 also has full time awd. So 2wd, 4hi awd, 4lo awd, 4hi centre lock, 4lo centre lock. The V8 doesnt have 2wd unless it's the 2wd version. I got flamed and tortured one time when i wrote only the V8 was full time awd. Oh well, live and learn, thanks edgy V6 guys. eace:

Either can tow the weight you need. You can spot the distributing hitch receiver because it bolts to the frame rails and the obvious metal tubing it's made from that hangs lower than the bumper. In the event you come across a post 2003 V8 that didnt get one for some reason. All you see on the 5000lb version is the square receiver sticking out the plastic bumper.

With the horse and trailer what it the tonque weight going to be. 4runner will pull 5000lbs on idle. It the tonque weight that might be an issue with a horse trailer.

 

[CAN-03runner]

I want to thank you for the great information. Anyone have any opinion on the interiors? Isnt the sports edition seat fabric supposed to be more water proof or resilient than the SR5? I have dogs and the inevitable spit up etc happens from time to time. Of course the leather in the limited edition would be great but not sure the pocket book will stretch that far. The 3rd row seats look like a total waste of cargo space if you dont have a herd of little ones to accommodate.

Don't about sr5 vs sport seats. No stains on my sport seats with kids and snacks, juices, milk, fruits, rain boots, snow and slush.

The sport does automatically come with larger brakes. That could be a benefit for your towing for the stopping part...

 

[lashlr]

Thanks!

The bigger brakes on the sports model would be good. What about the XReas? What does that do? The weight of the horse trailer is very variable. I would likely be looking at a light weight type like a brenderup that will be about 2000 pounds empty and has very light tongue weights, like 150 pounds - they tow these in europe with volvo v70's and the like. Once you put 2 horses in the trailer though you have 4000 plus pounds weight to pull and I want to have enough power to go uphill at more than a crawl.

 

[rebelbowtie]

The V6 also has full time awd. So 2wd, 4hi awd, 4lo awd, 4hi centre lock, 4lo centre lock. The V8 doesnt have 2wd unless it's the 2wd version. I got flamed and tortured one time when i wrote only the V8 was full time awd. Oh well, live and learn, thanks edgy V6 guys. eace:

Either can tow the weight you need. You can spot the distributing hitch receiver because it bolts to the frame rails and the obvious metal tubing it's made from that hangs lower than the bumper. In the event you come across a post 2003 V8 that didnt get one for some reason. All you see on the 5000lb version is the square receiver sticking out the plastic bumper.

With the horse and trailer what it the tonque weight going to be. 4runner will pull 5000lbs on idle. It the tonque weight that might be an issue with a horse trailer.

Whoever flamed you wasn't very smart, no matter how you cut it the v6 is part time 4x4 with the option to be AWD.

 

[rebelbowtie]

XREAS reduces body roll and nose five be linking each corner of the vehicle to each other in an X. When one shock compresses it gets stiffer by taking fluid from the uncompressed shock, this reducing body roll.

 

[lashlr]

good info

OK so the Xreas is maybe more important for 4 wheeling, which I doubt I will do intentionally. Any thoughts on which is better for towing, the 4WD or 2WD? One acquaintance said that the 4WD has the down hill break assist, I think the engine kicks in and slows the truck so you don't have to ride the brakes heading down a slope.Now that might be handy if you have a heavy trailer behind you, trailer brakes or no.

 

[TechWrench]

OK so the Xreas is maybe more important for 4 wheeling, which I doubt I will do intentionally. Any thoughts on which is better for towing, the 4WD or 2WD? One acquaintance said that the 4WD has the down hill break assist, I think the engine kicks in and slows the truck so you don't have to ride the brakes heading down a slope.Now that might be handy if you have a heavy trailer behind you, trailer brakes or no.

2WD vs 4WD depends on how/where you intend to tow. I, IMHO, prefer the 4WD version for the additional traction potential. As for the down hill assist, it will not be of any assistance in towing situations. It was designed to help the vehicle decend difficult slopes when 4 Wheeling. It uses the ABS system to apply braking force to wheels that are losing traction. But, it only works in very low speed conditions. It must be applied before starting down the slope, and any manual application of either the brake or the throttle cancels it out. I have tried my several times, and found it interesting to see in action, but of little practical use except for specific circumstances. And, it is quite alarming to hear the first time you use it (quite noisy) with the ABS system banging away on all four wheels. When towing, you will find that you need good equipment, rated for the load you intend to tow, and the more experience you have towing the easier it gets. As long as you ALWAYS are aware of the load behind you, and your increased stopping distances in front of you.

 

[lashlr]

So good to know!

Thanks for all the info. I have hauled trailers all my life but always with standard trucks, Ford F150, Chevy one ton, Dodge Ram one ton, and, in the olden days, with an electric pea green Ranchero. Never have done it with an SUV of any size. I understand the wheelbase is important too, the length of the vehicle vs the trailer. What length trailer should I stick to?
Lauren

 

[TechWrench]

Thanks for all the info. I have hauled trailers all my life but always with standard trucks, Ford F150, Chevy one ton, Dodge Ram one ton, and, in the olden days, with an electric pea green Ranchero. Never have done it with an SUV of any size. I understand the wheelbase is important too, the length of the vehicle vs the trailer. What length trailer should I stick to?
Lauren

Because the 4runner has a shorter wheelbase, it can be more challenging to tow longer/heavier trailers, but it is not impossible. It all depends on several things. Driver experience, how the trailer load is balanced, how well weight is distributed on tow vehicle, and how well your setup controls sway and side wind forces.

I tow three different trailers. A 4x8 light utility trailer which is just under 12' long, a boat trailer w/17' aluminum outboard which is about 20' long, and a 26' camper trailer which is just under 30' long. Each one presents its own, different set of issues when towing. I wouldn't limit myself to a specific length of trailer, but would be more concerned with its total weight, how well it is balanced, and how well the braking system works.

 

[lashlr]

Thanks!

Hey thanks for all the collective wisdom!


Lauren