1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

How much can you tow?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by dniemeye, Mar 7, 2021.

  1. Mar 7, 2021 at 3:19 PM
    #1
    dniemeye

    dniemeye [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2021
    Member:
    #20174
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Vehicle:
    2000 stock
    I got a 3rd gen 4runner, 2000, 6 cyl, auto (I'm lazy, I like it that way...)... And all stock. 225k miles and running tight like a champ, so far... Anyways, I'm thinking of renting and then eventually buying a small 15-20' long RV trailer, just big enuf for the little lady and me and my dog. Probly 4000 max loaded and 300 - 350 tongue weight. I got all the brake wiring done and gonna test that this week with a friends little trailer.
    2 questions:
    1. With that much tongue weight would you recommend beefier shocks or air shocks in the back to make things level? Or those air addons to the coils?
    2. What do you guys and gals tow? How big?

    Dave N
     
  2. Mar 7, 2021 at 5:06 PM
    #2
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,542
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome to the forum.
     
  3. Mar 7, 2021 at 5:23 PM
    #3
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2016
    Member:
    #2395
    Messages:
    1,344
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lee
    Collierville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    Custom scratches
    5th gen 4runner so I make a lot more power, but I tow 1500 lbs. Vehicle rated to 5000lbs/500 tongue. Honestly I'd not go anywhere near that for long trips, too stressful to enjoy myself.

    Find out your tow rating and stick to 50% for easy driving, 80% absolute max.

    Also, consider Weight Distribution bars with sway control.

    *Edit* I forgot we aren't supposed to use WD hitches on these trucks.
     
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2021
  4. Mar 7, 2021 at 6:33 PM
    #4
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    #1 - Air-bags. This would be my preference for carrying extra weight that isn't constant.

    4,000 LBS and 15-20' is a lot of trailer for a 4Runner. If you keep the speed down and take your time, the 4Runner will tow it. But, it might not be much fun.

    A smaller, lighter trailer might be more practical, depending on how often and how far you want to tow it. If you're just looking at options, there are some very nice hard-sided pop-up camper trailers that would be much easier to tow.
     
    brownersd and Moon Landing like this.
  5. Apr 8, 2021 at 2:48 PM
    #5
    GOVERNORBUD

    GOVERNORBUD New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2020
    Member:
    #16204
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JM
    Vehicle:
    2000 4RUNNER LTD
    2000 Toyota 4 Runner Limited ARB OME FULL EXPEDITION is a highly modified off road vehicle built up on the reliable and bulletproof 3rd generation Toyota 4Runner. I bought the truck in Florida and drove it North.The suspension and tire upgrades maintain the excellent original ride characteristics of the 4Runner while greatly extending the off-road capabilities of the already very capable 4Runner. The BFG KM tires are super smooth and get the job done in any terrain. They are probably the best off-road tire in the market. The ARB Awning is a must for any overland/expedition vehicle. It is super rugged and opens and closes easily. No rust anywhere. 3.4l 24v V6. New ARB Expedition Winch Bumper, Old Man Emu Suspension, New Smittybuilt 9500 lb Winch, Recent BF 285 70 17" BF Goodrich All Terrain TA Tires on ICON Vehicle Dynamics Wheels , Roof-Rack, ARB Awning, Driving Lights. New timing chain, AC module, Transfer Case, New Kenwood Blue Tooth Audio System. Tan Leather, Sunroof, Rear window opens (last year available)
    We tow our 13' Trillium at 1200 lbs. No problems towing. Do not use the OD. I would not want to tow anything near 3000 lbs without a V8. I used to have a Tundra that we towed a 17' Bigfoot that weighed 4000 lbs.
     
  6. Apr 13, 2021 at 8:00 AM
    #6
    onesojourner

    onesojourner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2021
    Member:
    #20214
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    3rd Gen LTD
    We have towed many thousands of miles with the old 3rd gen. The 3.4 is a little worker. It yells a bit and makes sure you know it's working. I have the same mileage. The transmission is solid. You can find it behind the 4.7 V8's of the same year. I have owned and towed with 3 toyotas. They all had worthless rear springs at 100k miles. I replaced them with an HD set.

    I would set a hard cut off on dry weight at 3500 pounds. I was towing an rpod at 3k dry and that is plenty. It was safe but your going to run out of power at elevation if you go heavier. I live in the Ozarks so up and down is part of life. If you have no elevation you may be able to stretch it.

    I've towed to FL. I've towed across the pass at Winterpark in the Rockies. That trip we had 3 adults, a dog coolers all the food we needed for a week, mountain bikes ect. We were heavy. We made it there and back and had a ton of fun. If you look up my user name on another 4runner forum you will probably come across a more detailed writeup on that trip.

    I think the 3rd gen is a perfectly adequate and safe tow vehicle. It will be loud and under powered. You wont keep up with traffic on the climbs. You will hang out with the semis and even get passed by some.

    A true 7 pin wiring harness is required along with a brake controller. This is in your manual.

    A good hitch for the 3rd gen will have a 600 pound tongue weight capacity and I think that goes up to 700 with weight distribution. Your going to have 500 pounds of tongue weight with a 3000 pound travel trailer and that is a good thing.

    You need weight distribution and sway control (not a friction bar). I use blue ox. Like the brakes, this is not optional.

    Elk Creek in the Rockies

    signal-2021-04-13-083957.jpg



    signal-2021-04-13-082526.jpg


    Let me climb up here on my soapbox for a minute... 99% of the RV industry produces absolute garbage. That is where I would rank the Rpod or any other forest river, jayco ect. If you can get into one used and unload it quick once you know that travel trailers are the best way to see this country, it will probably work out. They do not match the quality of a Toyota. There are some that are made better. Casita or Escape are some budget options that someone looking for a trailer should definitely consider. These are lifetime purchases and the resale is insane.


    signal-2021-04-13-082811.jpg


    signal-2020-11-08-153242.jpg

    Full disclosure, we used this setup for about 2 years and 15k miles. The 3rd gen is no longer the primary TV. I picked up a 4.7 v8. It is smooth and quite compared to the 3.4 or any 6 for that matter. The best part about pulling with a 3rd gen is the smile it gives because of how paid off it is.
     
    Moon Landing likes this.
  7. Apr 13, 2021 at 8:17 AM
    #7
    onesojourner

    onesojourner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2021
    Member:
    #20214
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    3rd Gen LTD
    Yep. Required.

    Airbags manage load but they do not fix the problem of sway. The tongue of the trailer is pushing down on the very back of your truck. This in turn lightens your front wheels. Now imagine a sway situation where the trailer is jerking back and forth on the very back of your truck. That weight has also lightened your front wheels so the risk of your front tires coming unplanted are real. If you have not, go watch some trailer sway wrecks on youtube. The airbags don't fix this they just hide it. Weight distribution moves some tongue weight to your front steer axle giving you more control and greatly reducing the chance of sway.
    I forgot to mention that. Yes also in the manual and super important. Your transmission will 100% overheat in OD with any kind of large load.
     
    Moon Landing likes this.
  8. Apr 13, 2021 at 9:07 AM
    #8
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Read the OP.

    My reply refers only to managing the extra weight, not sway control. At no point did I mention sway, and I definitely didn't recommend against getting a weight distribution hitch. I also understand how they work and why they're necessary.

    I'm really not sure why you even quoted my post as your reply has nothing to do with the question I was replying to.
     
    Moon Landing likes this.
  9. Apr 13, 2021 at 9:20 AM
    #9
    onesojourner

    onesojourner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2021
    Member:
    #20214
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    3rd Gen LTD
    I quoted your post because you should not manage tongue weight with airbags. You should mange it with a weight distribution hitch. Airbags hide the problem. They do not fix it. The heavy rear end is not the problem, the light front end is the problem. In your manual it does not say use airbags while towing. It does say to use weight distribution while towing.
     
  10. Apr 13, 2021 at 9:31 AM
    #10
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch

    Again, I mentioned nothing about sway, nor did the question I replied to.

    I didn't come into this thread for a lesson. I answered a question about airbags VS springs to manage extra weight. Again, I understand the purpose of weight distribution hitches.


    Since we're picking apart posts here, this is inaccurate. The 4.7 V8 was not available until 2003 in the 4runner and it came with a 5 speed automatic. The 3.4 was swapped for a 4.0 (1GR) in '03 as well.
     
  11. Apr 13, 2021 at 9:42 AM
    #11
    onesojourner

    onesojourner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2021
    Member:
    #20214
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    3rd Gen LTD
    You are correct you said nothing about sway. The reason I did is because what you suggested is a recipe for sway. What you suggested goes against what the manual says to do.

    I am sorry you feel like I am picking your post apart. You gave very common but incorrect information.

    I said what I meant and I never said anything about the 4.7 in a 4runner.
     
  12. Apr 13, 2021 at 10:22 AM
    #12
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    If you're suggesting that airbags or heavy load springs will not allow a WDH to function properly, you should have said so. If not, then it is still irrelevant.

    I did not suggest using airbags to control sway, so no, I did not give "incorrect information." I suggested them for managing weight, which is what they are for.

    I stand corrected. I forgot that the first gen Tundra had a 4 speed and possibly the Sequoia.
     
  13. Apr 13, 2021 at 12:49 PM
    #13
    onesojourner

    onesojourner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2021
    Member:
    #20214
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    3rd Gen LTD
    I am doing a poor job of explaining this.

    Here is a video that shows what airbags do to the front end of your truck in relation to tongue weight. Question 1 from the OP was how to deal with "that much tongue weight".
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZu39pQ8Gg
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  14. Apr 13, 2021 at 1:15 PM
    #14
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I'm assuming what you're trying to say is that you need the rear end to sag to get the weight transferred to the front. If I recall, from the one time I've seen a WDH used, the hitch loads up as the trailer is lowered and tries to force the front of the vehicle down (I realize this is probably an oversimplified explanation).

    I believe you are right. But, even with airbags or heavy springs, it will still sag with that much weight. It may not work quite as well, but it will still work. It will still be better than no WDH.

    It seems to me that sway is usually the result of an improperly loaded trailer (tongue light) and/or wind and excessive speed. The WDH doesn't necessarily prevent it but helps you control it.

    And, I would agree that it's a good idea to have one when towing something as big as a travel trailer.

    As a side note, that Airstream in your pictures looks really nice!
     
  15. Apr 13, 2021 at 2:07 PM
    #15
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2016
    Member:
    #2395
    Messages:
    1,344
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lee
    Collierville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    Custom scratches
    @Thatbassguy Sway and load distribution are correlated but not necessarily intertwined. You are correct in saying improperly loaded tongue/axles, excessive speed or other conditions contribute to sway.

    WD hitches and sway bars do different jobs, but most quality WD hitches have sway mitigations built in, such as the Hensley arrow, the ProPride, Reese Dual Cam, Equal-i-zer, etc. Basic WD hitches typically add a swaybar as an add-on, and simply mitigate weight distribution.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  16. Apr 13, 2021 at 5:46 PM
    #16
    diverdon

    diverdon New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2021
    Member:
    #19018
    Messages:
    556
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    21 t4r sr5 premium
  17. Apr 13, 2021 at 6:13 PM
    #17
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Mother of God!

    I bet it's doable at appropriate speed.
     
  18. Apr 13, 2021 at 6:25 PM
    #18
    wdsteven

    wdsteven New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2020
    Member:
    #18507
    Messages:
    730
    Gender:
    Male
    Totally agree also with that weight and length for trailer Long as all the Roads are Flat no elevation to deal with you will make it but when you hit some real Hills or Mountain roads? not going to be much fun and that poor engine is going to be working extra extra hard going up any significant up hill grade.

    I Just towed a Boat on trailer over 500 miles with overall length of 22 foot (18 foot boat and total of 22 foot with trailer and motor overhang) weight in at total of mere 1800lbs it went well but On the Hills but I did feel it.
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Apr 14, 2021 at 4:34 AM
    #19
    diverdon

    diverdon New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2021
    Member:
    #19018
    Messages:
    556
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    21 t4r sr5 premium
    It’s funny because when you take a picture from the back the camper looks huge but not so much from the front. DAD87D57-A5C6-438C-B917-0CD24BF685F2.jpg
     
  20. Apr 14, 2021 at 6:05 AM
    #20
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2016
    Member:
    #2395
    Messages:
    1,344
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lee
    Collierville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    Custom scratches
    For perspective toward the smaller size to the last post here's my trailer, and yes, it has brakes and I use a redarc TowPro Elite 2.

    IMG_1037.jpg IMG_1432.jpg
     
    Thatbassguy and onesojourner like this.
  21. Apr 14, 2021 at 6:18 AM
    #21
    onesojourner

    onesojourner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2021
    Member:
    #20214
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    3rd Gen LTD
    Parking in the garage would be great. That's a pretty slick way to camp. Any idea what your tongue weight is? I bet it pulls like a dream. I hope to build a teardrop and travel out west one day.
     
  22. Apr 14, 2021 at 6:23 AM
    #22
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2021
    Member:
    #19563
    Messages:
    2,171
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jer
    La Quinta, Ca. AKA "The Skillet"
    Vehicle:
    Moon Rock 4Runner
    Nam 68/69
    Having towed a few trailers a few miles in my life I'd use both air bags and weight distribution. Towing is a live and learn, or learn if you live - sport. ;)
     
  23. Apr 14, 2021 at 6:56 AM
    #23
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2016
    Member:
    #2395
    Messages:
    1,344
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lee
    Collierville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    Custom scratches
    Trailer weight 1300lbs, tongue weight about 130lbs. I have picked the tongue up to move over a bump. There's handles on the sides and you can push the trailer around the driveway. With one person it's ok, with 2 people it's easy to do.

    I do have airbags on my setup, but no sway bar and no WD hitch. It pulls great and I average 13.5 - 15.5 while towing it.

    The airbags help me cut down on rear squat with the truck since tongue weight + cargo in back + lifted suspension is more than stock. Also, it helped with porpoising a little because it slows the bottoming out effect when hitting bumps. Run 20PSI while towing, 5PSI while not.
     
    onesojourner[QUOTED] likes this.
  24. Apr 14, 2021 at 6:56 AM
    #24
    onesojourner

    onesojourner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2021
    Member:
    #20214
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    3rd Gen LTD
    Yes indeed. Airbags definitely have their place in a fully outfitted TV.

    Weight distribution handles the tongue weight, the weight behind the axle that is lifting the front tires up.
    Than after that
    Airbags handle your chubby friend in the back seat.
     
  25. Apr 14, 2021 at 7:01 AM
    #25
    onesojourner

    onesojourner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2021
    Member:
    #20214
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    3rd Gen LTD
    I think the manual specifies weigh distribution at 2000 pounds or so depending on the year of your 4runner. I can't imagine it would be needed with those weights. I think your perfectly safe with that setup. You probably don't even know it's back there.
     
  26. Apr 14, 2021 at 9:29 AM
    #26
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2016
    Member:
    #2395
    Messages:
    1,344
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lee
    Collierville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    Custom scratches
    Yea I've towed 3000lbs with my 4runner and you know it's there. In fact, towing 15,000 lbs with a 5th wheel on a HD2500 Duramax was less stressful then 3000 on the 4Runner that didn't have the weight distributed correctly.

    However, with the T@G, the weight is set right over the axles, slightly forward. Slight rake forward toward hitch. It's absolutely effortless. Don't need tow mirrors, trailer and truck are within a few inches of each other in regards to width. I pull it through drive throughs, parking garages (my truck is 2" lower than the height of the roof bars on the trailer). I'm comfortable letting others drive if they have some experience, and that's not what you'd normally be comfortable doing if you've towed a lot.

    I'd say we have approximately 8,000 miles on our teardrop and it's such a pleasant experience to tow.
     
    onesojourner[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Jun 5, 2021 at 4:31 PM
    #27
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #7180
    Messages:
    12,084
    Vehicle:
    1996 SR5 Limited
    7D082962-AFFC-4E37-A523-43E689541F3A.jpg ran around a bit waiting on my friend so I found a guy I had to tow back to the dock his trolling batt died
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2021
    onesojourner likes this.
To Top