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How much is too much?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Firetrucksarewatertrucks, Aug 4, 2022.

  1. Aug 4, 2022 at 2:04 PM
    #1
    Firetrucksarewatertrucks

    Firetrucksarewatertrucks [OP] New Member

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    Hear me out...

    If I upgrade the brakes along with an electronic brake controller and upgrade the suspension can the truck tow 5,500 pounds?

    We have a 2016 limited and tow our boat 600 miles round trip a 2 or 3 times a year. Boat and trailer are a little over 4000 pounds and it pulls and handles very nicely. Trailer is a single axle with surge brakes.
    I want a new boat, the new boat and trailer are about 5500 pounds. The new trailer is a dual axle with electric brakes. With some mods to the truck I'm thinking I can get away with 2 trips a year slightly overloaded.
    What do we think?
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  2. Aug 4, 2022 at 2:11 PM
    #2
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Welcome to the forum!

    I don't think anyone here will recommend towing over the limit. I'm sure the 4runner can probably handle it. But, if you were to get into an accident or something, it might become an issue.
     
    Ironguy, Toy4X4 and kmeeg like this.
  3. Aug 4, 2022 at 2:15 PM
    #3
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    @Thatbassguy short wheel base on 4Runner is also an disadvantage for towing right?

    Even for 5000 pounds I would get something like a Sequoia from Toyota world.
     
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  4. Aug 4, 2022 at 3:23 PM
    #4
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I think so. It's probably part of the reason the Tacoma has a higher towing capacity.

    Yeah, if I would tow that much weight regularly, I'd up-size. But, twice a year I could live with.
     
    kmeeg[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Aug 4, 2022 at 6:31 PM
    #5
    HarrisNC

    HarrisNC New Member

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    Good trailer brakes help but where you’re pulling it makes a difference too. Flat highways are different than hairpin mountain roads.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  6. Aug 4, 2022 at 6:59 PM
    #6
    Firetrucksarewatertrucks

    Firetrucksarewatertrucks [OP] New Member

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    Thank you I'm glad I found this forum. Good point thank you
     
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  7. Aug 4, 2022 at 7:10 PM
    #7
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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    Also just food for thought, if someone runs into you at the gas station and it’s enough damage for the police to be called for insurance purposes then you would be ticketed for towing over the limit.
     
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  8. Aug 4, 2022 at 7:11 PM
    #8
    Firetrucksarewatertrucks

    Firetrucksarewatertrucks [OP] New Member

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    No mountains and no hilly roads.
    We love our 4runner so we won't be buying a new vehicle.
    It pulls 4,300 pounds so well I was hoping I can get away with a little more weight.
    The boat stays in a marina all year we only pull it out and tow it when we go on vacation.

    I can only buy one new vehicle, If I buy a boat I need to be able to tow it. If I buy a bigger truck than I won't have a boat that I need to tow lol

    Thanks for the input I really appreciate it.
     
    4runGirl88 and Thatbassguy like this.
  9. Aug 4, 2022 at 7:12 PM
    #9
    Firetrucksarewatertrucks

    Firetrucksarewatertrucks [OP] New Member

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    Yes that is a good point, I'm just gonna assume the cops won't ask how much it weighs although my insurance company will be aware since they insure all our vehicles.
     
  10. Aug 4, 2022 at 7:22 PM
    #10
    DadOperator

    DadOperator New Member

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    Yeah more likely the insurance company will ask than the police even questioning it unless it’s a specialized DOT officer. Otherwise most “regular” cops wouldn’t even know.
     
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  11. Aug 4, 2022 at 7:23 PM
    #11
    DadOperator

    DadOperator New Member

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    BTW, not giving justification to do it, just saying that should be the least of your concerns with safety being #1
     
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  12. Aug 5, 2022 at 1:21 AM
    #12
    Firetrucksarewatertrucks

    Firetrucksarewatertrucks [OP] New Member

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    Thats why my first thought was bigger brakes and better suspension is to make sure I can stay straight on the highway and stop quickly if I have to.
    So safety is very important to me its not just knowing if there is enough power to tow, if I'm towing something that means my wife kids and dogs are in the car so that is my first thought.
    My second thought is that I don't want to break my truck
     
  13. Aug 5, 2022 at 4:22 AM
    #13
    AuSeeker

    AuSeeker New Member

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    My suggestion would be buy the boat and rent a suitable vehicle twice a year to tow it, then you have the safety covered and less miles on your T4R.
     
  14. Aug 5, 2022 at 7:44 AM
    #14
    mac1usa

    mac1usa New Member

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    I would not do it. If you heaven forbid have a bad accident and their is an investigation and looking at all the specs it will not come out in your favor. Its not worth the risk particularly if an accident took place and someone was hurt they will sue you big time.

    I agree with previous post; rent a truck for your twice per year trips and be safe.
     
    4runGirl88 likes this.
  15. Aug 5, 2022 at 10:59 AM
    #15
    Altitude4x4

    Altitude4x4 New Member

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    Exceeding weight ratings on anything is dangerous, just don't do it.
     
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