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Travel Trailer Camper ?

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Solenya, Feb 22, 2022.

  1. Feb 22, 2022 at 5:28 PM
    #1
    Solenya

    Solenya [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    2011 4-Runner Pearl
    Looking for some advice on the largest camper I can reasonably pull with my 2011 4-Runner. My 4Runner still in very good mechanical condition, of course, and has good tires.

    Would a 20' trailer type that weights 3,500# be too much?
     
    wendyww likes this.
  2. Feb 22, 2022 at 7:06 PM
    #2
    alittleoff

    alittleoff New Member

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    There are a lot more things to consider besides the empty weight of a TT. If they say 3500lbs., it's more like 4500lbs. by the time you fill propane tank(s), fresh water,
    food, clothing and campground paraphernalia. And as far as the tow vehicle is concerned, you'll need an electric brake controller, and towing mirrors that stick out past the width of the TT to be legal. As in, if a LEO is following you and they can't see your mirrors, that means you can't see them.

    Many years ago I towed a 19' TT with my old 3rd Gen, 3.4L. I made my own towing mirrors that stuck out past the side of the 4R 15" to be legal and I also held a CDL for my job requirements. So I know the value of being able to properly see behind you. And I installed a brake controller. It towed ok but, you definitely knew it was back there.

    Others will have more advice too.
     
    wendyww and Spydr5 like this.
  3. Feb 23, 2022 at 7:00 AM
    #3
    Overland WT

    Overland WT Grumpy Old Guy

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    Bryan
    West Texas
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Off Road
    Many with many more to go
    Your year has a rating from 4,700-5000lbs, depending on trim level. But again, like @alittleoff says, by the time you put 4 people, camping gear, coolers, a full tank of fuel, recovery gear in the truck and then add water, propane, and what ever you throw in your trailer, you will be well over that 5,000lb threshold.

    http://trailertraveler.net/toyota-4-runner-towing-capacity/

    For me, improved stopping power for the truck and trailer are imperative. The ability to see with wider mirrors (assuming it is needed) and even the possibility of a back of trailer camera are important. And, if you have never driven something like that, read up on or watch YouTube videos for proper instruction will keep you safe.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mW_gzdh6to

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvrw6PXJOlA
     
    alittleoff likes this.
  4. Feb 23, 2022 at 2:49 PM
    #4
    DaveW

    DaveW New Member

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    2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad
    My 19' Escape weights about 3500 lb ready to camp and pulls well behind the 4R. 4R-Escape.jpg
     
    alittleoff and fbingha like this.
  5. Feb 23, 2022 at 3:41 PM
    #5
    BionicRandy

    BionicRandy New Member

    Joined:
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    Randy
    TX Hill Country
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    Lots of goodies
    How well it will tow that depends on where you plan to go and how much stuff you plan to load. My RV was around 3700 lbs loaded & ready to go. It pulled fine on flat ground and rolling hills. Colorado was a different story altogether. I would not want to work my truck that hard very frequently. Make sure you get a good load leveling hitch with sway control. It is really a safety thing that should be a non-negotiable DOT requirement. They DO require brakes, and Curt makes a very nice phone app operated bluetooth trailer brake controller that will save you a bunch of money on kits for running wires to controllers and stuff.

    B46F71EB-0FF0-4868-9818-D29182190950.jpg
     
    alittleoff likes this.
  6. Feb 25, 2022 at 12:53 PM
    #6
    Sandbuster

    Sandbuster Breaking Wind

    Joined:
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    Mike
    Central Florida
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Offroad
    Power Commander, LED lights upgrade, Eibach Pro Truck Series suspension upgrade (front & rear), Airbags (rear), dash integrated trailer brake control, Body Armor front bumper, Smittybilt 10K winch
    Solid advice and both of the above trailers look great!
     
    BionicRandy likes this.

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