WDH Recommendations

DiskDoctr wrote:
I have a nearly identical setup as OP.

I have a Starcraft Travel Star (hybrid) 23SRB, which is 23ft closed, which hauls just like a TT. It is 5k lbs dry.

I have 2004 4Runner Limited V8. Yes, 7300lbs tow capacity and 1200lbs tongue capacity with WDH. Sticker right on the factory installed OEM hitch.

This is the WDH we use. (Not my pic)



A few recommendation for your 4Runner.

1. Change to LT tires if you haven't already. HUGE improvement in handling, especially when towing.

2. Open up that exhaust Y-pipe if you haven't already to get full flow. The factory OEM Y-pipe is horrendous. I opened that up, removed the rear CAT, rear resonator, and turned the tailpipe out the side. I also replaced the muffler. Just these changes helped smooth out the power/performance curve. It tended to bog at times before that.

3. MAKE SURE you properly adjust your WDH by using the measurement techniques to properly balance the load. Our 4Runners tend to squat a fair amount with the XREAS suspension. Be certain to have sway control or you'll regret it (short wheelbase)

4. Tekonsha Prodigy proportional brake controller. Order the Tacoma pre-made cable. It fits the factory plug ziptied above the driver's footwell, just to the left of the steering wheel. I mounted it just to the right of the emergency brake. It gets in the way sometimes, but the best place I found.

5. Keep weight in the 4Runner. It's quite capable (but very noisy beeps when airborne :E :B), but it is light. More weight means more stability and control. Make sure the brakes on the trailer are in good shape and adjusted properly with the Prodigy or it will push you all over the place.

6. Remember, our transmissions are designed to allow manual shifting and work quite well with heavy loads both uphill and downhill for power and engine braking.

And, yes, it will feel like you are towing a brick with a billboard on top, getting quickly worse as you go over 6k and up ;)

Hope this helps. If you need more info, don't hesitate to ask.

Great post DiskDoctr. I did order some new tires but haven't actually mounted them yet. I decided to go with the Michelin LTX M/S2. My other option was the Michelin MTX A/T2, but went with the M/S2 for the quieter ride. I will look into the exhaust system. I wondered why they put in a single exhaust pipe with the V-8. I do have a brake controller I had on my previous vehicle 2008 Yukon that I removed before I sold it. It is a Tekonsha primus iq. I hope this one will work with my package. thanks for all the tips. One more question, do I need to upgrade my suspension; shocks, air bags or lift?