camp-n-family wrote:
coolmom42 wrote:
camp-n-family wrote:
I towed with an '03 V6 and an '04 V8 4Runner. Started with a 10' pup then a 19' 3600lbs hybrid. Finished with a 26' 5k bunkhouse with the V8. They were good reliable tow vehicles that towed well, within their rated capacities. The 26'er was getting a bit long for the short wheelbase 4Runner though.
I don't have experience with the new generation T4R but it has basically the same 4.0l engine as the older model. A little more power now and mated to a tranny with more gears should make it better than what I had.
The only note I can add is that the stock T4R hitch is not rated, or recommended, to be used with a WD hitch. It is simply bolted to the rear cross member which isn't designed for the stress. If you want to use a WD hitch you should get a frame mounted hitch.
The 2016 4Runner brochure refers to the "integrated towing receiver hitch." Wonder if that means it's been changed to frame mounted? All versions are listed with 5000 lb towing capacity.
I think by "integated" they mean integrated into the rear bumper. The factory hitch looks like this. Just a small block that mounts to the crossmember. The crossmember is not designed to handle the twisting stress that a WD hitch can cause. What you need looks like this. Much more substantial and bolts directly to the frame rails which are strong enough for the forces applied to distribute weight.
OK thanks for the info. I can certainly see a huge difference!
So the factory hitch would have to be removed, and this one installed to use a WD system. Makes sense.
