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Trailer Hitch Capacity

Discussion in 'Towing' started by HDSPIDER, Jan 18, 2022.

  1. Jan 18, 2022 at 10:22 AM
    #1
    HDSPIDER

    HDSPIDER [OP] New Member

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    I have a 2016 4Runner my towing rate is 5000# and trailer hitch 500# I am looking at buying a travel trailer with a hitch right at 500# the dealer seems to think my truck won't be suitable for this trailer it has a 500# hitch. Anyone have any experience with towing at this level is it safe or not?
     
  2. Jan 18, 2022 at 10:28 AM
    #2
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Not sure where you are getting the 500# from. Is that the tongue weight?

    Should look at what class hitch you are getting. I'm assuming 3.
     
  3. Jan 18, 2022 at 10:41 AM
    #3
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I wouldn't personally max out tongue weight.

    How heavy is the trailer?
     
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  4. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:02 AM
    #4
    HDSPIDER

    HDSPIDER [OP] New Member

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    My hitch is class 3 The travel trailer is 3500# Dry 800# payload Cap with 4300 GVWR To clarify the trailer has a 535# tongue rating My 4Runner I believe is rated for 5000lb Towing. But not sure what the tongue weight is rated at 500lbs?
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022
  5. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:12 AM
    #5
    HDSPIDER

    HDSPIDER [OP] New Member

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    I have a class 3 but not sure what the hitch weight limit is.
     
  6. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:13 AM
    #6
    HDSPIDER

    HDSPIDER [OP] New Member

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    My hitch is class 3 The travel trailer is 3500# Dry 800# payload Cap with 4300 GVWR To clarify the trailer has a 535# tongue rating My 4Runner I believe is rated for 5000lb Towing. But not sure what the tongue weight is rated at 500lbs?
     
  7. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:13 AM
    #7
    HDSPIDER

    HDSPIDER [OP] New Member

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    My hitch is class 3 The travel trailer is 3500# Dry 800# payload Cap with 4300 GVWR To clarify the trailer has a 535# tongue rating My 4Runner I believe is rated for 5000lb Towing. But not sure what the tongue weight is rated at 500lbs?
     
  8. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:14 AM
    #8
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    It should of said when you bought it. If not I'd go with the low end of Class 3 to be safe. 3,500lbs
     
  9. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:16 AM
    #9
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    It is 500 tongue weight. You should have 10 - 15% of trailer weight on the tongue so if you are hitting that # you are pushing it.

    3500# dry can add up fast when you throw crap in it.

    You may want to reconsider your tow vehicle.
     
    Trail Runnah and Thatbassguy like this.
  10. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:17 AM
    #10
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    4300 doesn't sound bad. But, towing capacity is 5K assuming only driver + 1 passenger. You must add 4300 + any backseat passengers + cargo and be under GCWR.

    Depending on who's travelling with you, 4300 might be pushing it.

    And, I personally think it will be miserable with that much tongue weight.

    Additionally, your anti-sway or weight distribution hitch might need to be added to the trailer's tongue weight, probably putting yoy well over 500#. I'm not 100% sure on this, though.

    Screenshots_2022-01-18-12-36-49.png
     
  11. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:25 AM
    #11
    HDSPIDER

    HDSPIDER [OP] New Member

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    Thanks.....I haven't purchased the travel trailer yet so I can look for something lighter. My option is a trailer that weighs 2700# with a 3500# GVWR and a hitch weight of 450. Is 450 still too heavy.
     
  12. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:26 AM
    #12
    HDSPIDER

    HDSPIDER [OP] New Member

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    Thanks.....I haven't purchased the travel trailer yet so I can look for something lighter. My option is a trailer that weighs 2700# with a 3500# GVWR and a hitch weight of 450. Is 450 still too heavy.
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:28 AM
    #13
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    I would say you would be fine with the smaller trailer as long as you are not filling it al the way up with junk.
     
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  14. Jan 18, 2022 at 11:31 AM
    #14
    HDSPIDER

    HDSPIDER [OP] New Member

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    Most of my gear will be in the 4runner not carrying much in trailer maybe some clothes and two bikes.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  15. Jan 18, 2022 at 12:24 PM
    #15
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I would think 450 is ok.

    I would actually try to put as much weight in the trailer as possible, as opposed the cargo area of the 4Runner. If you can keep the weight close to the axle on the trailer, it might help reduce the sag on the 4Runner. But, don't load everything behind the axle. Tongue-light trailers tend to sway.

    I believe Toyota recommends a WD hitch, or anti sway, with a trailer that heavy.

    Tow in S4, and keep it under 65, and you'll be fine. :turtleride:
     
  16. Jan 18, 2022 at 12:56 PM
    #16
    coryanderson

    coryanderson New Member

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    I agree. Especially if your trailer has brakes. Load the trailer up with the weight and keep your payload light.

    When towing, what matters is 2 numbers: your payload (weight on/in the vehicle) and towing capacity (how much you are pulling). If your trailer has brakes, I would feel better about towing more weight than advised vs. having a higher payload than advised. The motor is going to feel it either way. Personally, I don't like towing with the 4Runner.
     
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