What towing package do I have? 2003, V6

M

mudd_mickey

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<p><font face="Arial" size="2">There seems to be a lot of discussion and confusion about towing hitches and
of all the posts I've read, although I've learned a lot, it doesn't answer my
question directly.
Can someone tell me which tow hitch I have and how it relates to what the
owner's manual states I can pull?</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">I have a 2003 2wd Limited, V6, 4.0L, 1GR-FE
engine.  I'm showing pics here instead of describing it.  Also, if
anyone has any hints or tips about towing capacities I'd love to hear them. 
I plan to put in a transmission cooler just to be on the safe side and although
I don't know the weight of the boat yet, I'll be towing something between 18-22
feet and of course I'll keep within the limits that Toyota recommends. 
I'll need to buy a ball and hitch mount so if anyone has any suggestions on a
reputable place to get one that would be great.  From the stealer? What the heck does it mean with and without
towing package?  As if I could tow something without a towing package.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Please see my towing equipment here:<br>
<a href="http://web.tampabay.rr.com/muddcam/images/4runner">
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/muddcam/images/4runner</a></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Thank you in advance, this board is always very
helpful.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Mark</font></p>
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5000 lbs recommended max

If it is stock, then the limit is 5000 lbs tow capacity, and a 500 lbs tounge weight.

Even if you had a frame rail mounted weight distributing hitch system installed, the V6 would probably struggle with anything significantly heavier.
 
Fourty-four said:
You do not have the weight distributing hitch, so I believe the maximum tow rating for your 4Runner is 5000 lbs.
Click to expand...

Fourty-four is correct, it's 5K pounds. Check your owner's manual if you haven't already as it'll have lots of useful information. For example, if you're towing 1,000# or more the trailer needs to have brakes.

I'd buy the ball mount from the dealer, as standard off-the-shelf ball mounts are generally too long and will hit the spare tire before the holes line up. Be sure to get one with the correct drop or rise so your trailer will be level when hooked up

I'm strongly of the opinion that aftermarket tranny coolers aren't necessary if you stay within Toyota's weight stipulations. I previously owned a '98 V6 Ltd and towed a 4,000# trailer with it for 25K miles, including hot weather and mountains, with only the factory oil-to-water cooler at the bottom of the radiator. The tranny overheat light never came on, and when I sold the truck at 75K miles, it ran and shifted perfectly. I'm still towing with our '03 with no add-on cooler and it, too, works just fine.

Good luck.
 
You have the basic weight carrying hitch rated at 5000lbs max. The V6's max rating is 5K anyway even with a higher rated hitch.

My 4Runner has the same one and it came with the ball mount in the left (passenger side) rear side compartment in the cargo area. Check that before you buy anything. If you have the ballmount, all you need is the ball which has to match the trailer. Find out what size coupler is on the trailer and then get the appropriate ball from Walmart / Home Depot / DAP.

Good luck.
 
Thanks everyone. I don't have the ball hitch so I'll have to get one and yes, there is quite a bit of usefull information in the user's manual.

Can't wait to pull a boat!
 
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