SpeakEasy wrote:
Sam - which 4runner do you have? The older 8-cylinder? If so you may be OK. But if you have a more recent 6-cylinder, what are you doing about hitch weight? That 5000lbs trailer should have a hitch weight of 500 to 700 lbs. That would exceed the capacity of the 4runner's hitch unless you're using weight distribution. Unfortunately, the 4runner's frame isn't recommended for weight distribution. So what's your situation?
I went through all of that stuff a few years ago. Was shocked and terribly disappointed to learn that I was exceeding specs on my 4runner. Had to trade it out for a better tow vehicle. Toyota is horrible about towing and payload. They just don't "get it." And I had been a Toyota loyalist for over 30 years!
-Speak
It's the 6cyl 4runner. This is my 3rd 4runner and had a mechanical engineer friend who worked for Toyota.
My initial question to him was why my older one was rated at 7,000 lbs with the same 6 cyl engine. He said it was for bigger safety allowance for the litigious US customers.
He also assured me that my 4runner has welded cross member on chassis meant for towing (I did look underneath).
I have a weight distribution rated for 1,200 lbs. but have driven not quite a few miles without it. It's an afterthought looking at how that 5,000 lbs trailer is sitting on that single 2 5/8' ball. I admit it added some stability or confidence -- which might actually be psychological.
I have encountered most of the adverse driving conditions I can imagine and I don't want to add anymore into my worry.
