SpeakEasy wrote:
Yosemite Sam1 wrote:
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
I have encountered most of the adverse driving conditions I can imagine and I don't want to add anymore into my worry.
I hear you. I didn't need to add to my worries either, and I really wanted to keep that 4Runner. It towed like a dream. However, when I was faced with the fact that the manufacturer would not endorse use of a WDH, I had to deal with it. I contacted Toyota directly, and they told me directly that use of the WDH was not recommended. It has to do with the way the receiver is attached to the frame. There are mere bolts to make that attachment, and the rotational torque applied by the WDH was not appropriate for that attachment point. Se la vie.
-Speak
Thanks and I appreciate the info.
Time for me to check my own understanding (lol).
I might mis-understood "not necessary" with "not recommended" (i.e., harmful and dangerous).
Yes indeed, the 4runner tows like a dream -- an author/RVer in fact wrote about it entitled "The Little Machine Than Can" (or something).
