Campers

My family and I just invested in a travel trailer to enjoy the peace and quite

It's a Keystone Springdale 2010BH (very nice) Dry weight is 3600 lbs. The GVWR is 5400. We felt that it's the perfect size since the 4runner could tow 5000 lbs. We also invested in weight distribution hitch (which included anti-sway bars), and trailer brake controller.

During our first time pulling it from the dealership, the 4runner (2007 SR5 4.0 V6 200k miles) was definitely screaming for help. The 4runner was showing it's time. We didn't feel safe driving it home.

We are unsure what to do in regards to another vehicle. We are looking for something stronger.

I made the suggestion for a used Sequoia, but my wife wants to upgrade to a 5th Gen 4runner. She's in love with 4runners lol.

We have thought of different scenarios.

1. Buy a used sequoia or even a domestic suv (V8 engine) just for the camper and keep the current 4runner just for daily driving. However, I worry about high mileage with a used suv.

2. Upgrade to a 5th Gen Trd 4runner, but unsure of which trim package. I have tried to research the difference in each Trd package but all I'm reading is cosmetic upgrades. Is the engine, transmission, suspension upgraded? I'm hoping a Trd expert can chime in.


What are your suggestions? Pros/Cons?

It's not the best picture in the world, but here's a visual.

 

Personally, I think that's too much for a 4Runner to tow on a regular basis. I'd look at something with a GVWR at or below 4,000#. But, it looks like that ship has sailed.

The 5th gen might tow it a little bit better, but not much. If you can find a 4th gen V8 4Runner, it will be a big improvement. Another option would be a new Landcruiser, Taco, or moving up to a Tundra or Sequoia.

I'm not sure what kind of cruising speed you're trying to maintain, but the manual recommends 65 MPH tops, and I would definitely stick to that with such a large trailer. You might want to keep it out over overdrive to keep the transmission happy, as well.

 

Yup, I would think a Sequoia would be a better fit in Toyota SUV land for that large of a tow behind.

 

Tundra is a Beast!!

 

You shouldn't use a 4Runner for that, it's way too heavy/big for a 4runner IMO. I would say a small teardrop at around 3000lbs would be more appropriate.

Do what we did and get a Freightliner.

 

Damn! Now that's a travel trailer!!!

 

Oh my, that’s way too much camper for the 4Runner. You must look at tongue (hitch) weight vs payload capacity also, not just towing capacity. By the time you load stuff and people in the tow vehicle then add in the tongue weight you’re probably almost tapped out.

 

+1. It’s not the age of your rig, just too much to regularly haul at the max tow rating. I bet the tongue weight is borderline also.


The 5th gen has the same tow rating and only like 30more hp… it will struggle just as much. Look for something with a tow rating around 2x your expected actual loaded weight. Sequoia or Tundra if you want to stay Toyota.

 

Edit.
Had to Google what you had. We basically have the same thing. I have a 23' Salem FSX 178bhsk which is rated 3950 dry. There are plenty of other 4Rs towing these, although depending on who you listen to, is still too much. But a steep incline will set you back while towing. I put sumo springs on to help with the rear sag, WDH helps, and even while being lifted she still squats. Either way we enjoy our RV.

Also I added a dual propane tank and a bunch of other RV upgrades that add weight. Was it smart no. Did I do it, Yes. We've been all over Eastern PA and have pulled to Niagara last year. Did I win a race, not a chance. Did I get there, Sure did.

She'll be fine. Enjoy it.
Cheers.

 

I'd recommend a full sized pickup for that camper. 4-runners are small and short, not well suited for towing much. Just because you can tow 5k with a runner does not mean it's a good idea. I personally tow with a 4-runner and keep the load under 2k.

 

Any V8 truck or SUV would work well; 5.7L Tundra, 5.7L Ram, 4.7L or newer 5.7L Sequoia, etc.

 

Listen to that inner voice that is speaking common sense to you. Either get rid of that trailer and buy a smaller one that is more appropriate for the 4Runner, or get a bigger more powerful tow vehicle. You are right at the edge of the danger zone and, IMO, are flirting with disaster pulling that thing with your 4runner. And anyone on this forum that tells you otherwise won't be riding with you when trouble hits.

Most people focus on whether the tow vehicle will pull the trailer. The real question is: Will it STOP it? If your 4Runner has trouble pulling it, how much trouble will it have STOPPING it in an emergency situation?