‘19 4Runner SR5 4x4 with factory tow package

have a new 4Runner that I’ll be using to tow a boat from Florida. I have the factory tow package. Nice looking receiver with the 2 harness outlets. I’ll be towing an 18’Flats boat, roughly 2500lbs. I’m not new to towing boats, but I never have with a 4Runner. Anything I should know?

 

It should be fine. Does your trailer have brakes?

 

Yep just be aware of an increased stopping distance. Run it in 4 and not D.

 

No brakes. I’ve owned one of these before, had no issue towing with my Hummer H3. That trailer didn’t have breaks either.

 

You're asking for an accident towing a 2500 lb. trailer with no brakes. Furthermore, you are braking the law. Florida law clearly stipulates that if trailer is over 40% of towing vehicle it must have brakes.

 

I really don't think 2500lbs is that big of a deal. My little 6'x10' utility trailer with my loaded UTV is 2400lbs. No brakes. It's rated for 2900lbs and brakes aren't an option. I really don't think a manufacturer, in this day and age of snowflakes and lawyers, would sell a product without brakes if it wasn't safe.

 

The fact that something is for sale doesn't make it safe. You're still breaking the law.

 

I'm not breaking the law. You're not understanding the wording or definitions of the law.

https://trailers.com/state-laws/washington.php

Washington Trailer Brake Laws

Every trailer and pole trailer, and every vehicle combination must be equipped with service brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle under all conditions of loading, and on any grade incident to its operation. Every trailer and pole trailer must be equipped with brakes acting on wheels except for those not exceeding a Gross Weight (GW) of 3,000 lbs. if the total weight on and including the wheels of the trailer or trailers does not exceed 40% of the GW of the towing vehicle when connected to the trailer.

My trailer's GW rating is 2900 lbs. Legal. The GW of the 4Runner is 6300 lbs., which with my trailer loaded to 2400 lbs, is not 40% or more of the GW of the towing vehicle. The guy towing the 2500 lb boat is also not breaking the law.

Florida laws...

https://trailers.com/state-laws/florida.php

Florida Trailer Brake Laws

Every such vehicle and combination of vehicles shall be equipped with service brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle under all conditions of loading, and on any grade incident to its operation.

Every vehicle shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels except trailers, semi trailers, or pole trailers of a gross weight not exceeding 3,000 lbs., provided that the total weight on and including the wheels of the trailer or trailers shall not exceed 40 percent of the gross weight of the towing vehicle when connected to the trailer or trailers; and the combination of vehicles, consisting of the towing vehicle and its total towed load, is capable of complying with the performance requirements of the law.

Pole trailers with a gross weight in excess of 3,000 lbs. manufactured prior to January 1, 1972, need not be equipped with brakes.

Every towing vehicle, when used to tow another vehicle equipped with air-controlled brakes, in other than driveway or tow-away operations, shall be equipped with 2 means for emergency application of the trailer brakes.

 

What is happening here?
Just posting quotes...
I have towed a trailer for work, daily for over 20 yrs now.
I am not a lawyer nor is that the point.
I have used, seen & owned many trailers.
If Florida does have such a law it would make every utility trailer would need brakes.
If it was law manufacturers would have to put brakes on even small trailers & I don't think they do.
This seems to be a gray area of the DOT.
They love those areas. That is how they make their money.

Side note: my riding mower (exmark 60" lazer z) is 1,200#, add a trailer and you need trailer brakes... Something isn't right.
My $0.02

 

Hell man, you could pull a trailer with your mower.

 

Exmark Lazer Z 60" width rider
28 hp & 50 ft lb torque.
EFI 990cc Kohler engine!
New with the old.
Exmark Turf Tracer 60"
20 hp unknown torque carburetor...
13 years of technology improvements equals a phenomenal new mower!
The rider has a transport speed of like 14mph!

 

Actually the brakes are an option on most utility trailers. You have to ask for the brakes and they will put them on. I bought my 5'x10' with brakes. You can also put brakes on to any trailer as it's not that hard to do. I just like having trailer brakes as I cannot stand that feeling of not being able to stop quickly if I had to. With the trailer brakes I can stop like I am not even towing anything. My peace of mind was worth the extra cost.

 

your 4runner is more than adequate to pull that little ole trailer...

 

This is an 18’ Xpress, no trailer brakes. It handles it just fine.

 

And no brakes means no yearly inspections!!

 

You have to have a yearly inspection of your trailer in your state if you have brakes on it? That seems weird, or are you saying because you have brakes you need to inspect it yearly? I would think even without brakes you should inspect your trailer and bearings yearly to ensure your trailer is in proper working order.