Follow Up: 4 Runner Towing Reality

camperfamily wrote:
For what its worth - I towed a Trailmanor 3023 for a few years with a 1999 Ford Ranger. The Ranger had a 4.0 V6 that provided 160hp and 220ft/lb torque (about) through a 5 speed auto trans and 4.10 rear end. Used a Equalizer hitch. That combination towed real well, level, decent power and nearly 12mpg @ 70mph. It was rated to tow 5660#. We took it over the Rockies from NJ, put o Maine and many places between.

We also towed that same trailer with a 1998 Explorer with a 5.0 V8, AWD, 3.73 gears and a 4 speed auto. The Ranger outperformed it in every way despite the Explorer having the V8 power plant. FWIW.

It sounds like your being realistic which is great. If you want to consider a lower profile unit (i.e. Trailmanor) it will help with towing because of the reduced frontal area.

Doesn't sound like its quite time to give up. Consider how much you'll be using it, where, how far and how frequent your towing will be. With consideration and planning a smaller TV and trailer can be very satisfactory.

One comment about your 4Runner. You mention it has 110,000 miles. Make sure your up on maintenance on things like brakes, trans service, rear axle fluid, battery, alternator. LT vs P rated tires will also make for a better towing experience (stiffer sidewall = more stable).

Get good side mirrors. The last I knew McKesh was one of the best. A shaky mirror won't help you see all that well.

I towed an Keystone 3600lb dry, 5K wet, Z191 with an 1997 ranger 4.0L 4:10 automatic and it was average at best. No way I would tow it for an long trip. You can make due with the lack of power, but the sway made the experience uncomfortable. My WD hitch and antisway was setup correctly.

I towed this setup like this for a 3.5 years. After 3 years the transmission light started flashing on my ranger while towing the trailer and I sold the ranger 6 months later. The transmission never gave out, but it did act goofy about once every 30 miles.

For the record, I'm a single guy, adrenaline junkie in his late 20's... and it was uncomfortable for me to tow.

I dare you to find someone who started with a mediocre TV who did not upgrade the TV with 2-3 years. This should answer if you can tow it or not.