Towing Trailer with a 4Runner

SpeakEasy wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:
I've looked hard at 4Runners and was really interested in one for a while. The problem is that the OEM hitch is not mounted properly for use with a weight distributing hitch. And you will definitely need a WDH.

This is the thread about towing with a 4Runner.

Bottom line, if you want to tow with a late-model V6, you will have to replace the OEM hitch with one that bolts to the frame.

Yeah. That.

I am one of the unfortunate ones who found himself with a 4Runner that was unable to handle the towing task that I expected of it. Believe me, I have looked into this in great detail. For the 2010 model at least, and probably more recent ones as well, there is no way the 4Runner can tow with a weight distribution hitch system, and a trailer that is near that 5000lb towing limit will absolutely need weight distribution. It's a *itch of a problem. I ended up having to trade my 4Runner in.

-Speak

This really ticks me off, too.

I've towed a 4000 lb trailer with a Sequoia, and only briefly around the block without the WD bars on. About 3/4 mile convinced me that the WDH was a total necessity. The steering was obviously squirrely in even a short time.

No doubt the 4Runner will PULL 4000 lb. But not a 4000 lb RV---I wouldn't even try a low profile that weighed very much, without WDH. Toyota has trashed what would otherwise be a great tow vehicle for a lightweight trailer. And the location of the 4-pin pigtail sucks.

I'm not paying that kind of money for a vehicle and have to spend a lot more to make it capable.

Now if I already HAD a 4Runner, especially one that was paid for and wanted to keep it, I would consider adding a brake controller, an aftermarket hitch and re-working the pigtail. That would be AFTER I paid close attention to tongue weight and cargo capacity of the trailer/4Runner combo.

I've decided I want/need something more sturdy than an ultra-light single-axle trailer, so am looking at buying a Sequoia and a trailer that will work at about 5500 lb. Right now the Winnebago Micro-Minnie 2106FBS is the leading contender.

4Runners are a very popular family vehicle, gets reasonably good mileage, reliable, good resale, etc. For me, unless it's a small lightweight trailer I wouldn't consider it as a good choice as a tow vehicle. They have light duty suspension and brakes which would make me nervous towing in the mountains. This is just my opinion, I like my tow vehicles to be HD and more than borderline on the towing specs.

SoundGuy wrote:

JnJnKatiebug wrote:
If the OP is planning a long distance cross country trip then the wind resistance is a big deal and that tow vehicle would be out of the question. If they intend to go down to the local campground a few times a year it is no big deal.

Disagree. The trailer and truck have no idea how far any trip is and any towing at highway speed will highlight immediately just how inadequate the OP's 4Runner really is for towing any full height trailer. :R The OP however can eliminate wind resistance as a concern by sticking to a low profile trailer such as a popup ... OR by upgrading to a vehicle more suitable for towing a full height trailer.

In your own words SoundGuy, what a load of rubbish. What experience do you have with the 4Runner to say that it is inadequate to tow any high wall tt? Have you ever owned or even towed with one? Or are you just in the boat that if it's not a V8 truck it's useless?

The 4Runner, from experience, is a very capable tow vehicle within its ratings, just like any other vehicle.

JnJnKatiebug wrote:
If the OP is planning a long distance cross country trip then the wind resistance is a big deal and that tow vehicle would be out of the question. If they intend to go down to the local campground a few times a year it is no big deal.

Disagree. The trailer and truck have no idea how far any trip is and any towing at highway speed will highlight immediately just how inadequate the OP's 4Runner really is for towing any full height trailer. :R The OP however can eliminate wind resistance as a concern by sticking to a low profile trailer such as a popup ... OR by upgrading to a vehicle more suitable for towing a full height trailer.

COGirl wrote:
Also, what other factors should we consider when purchasing a trailer?

COGirl wrote:
We have two small children

I think you just answered your own question.

Post a picture of the door jamb sticker or post the number that states weight of cargo and occupants not to exceed xxxx lbs.

SoundGuy wrote:

JnJnKatiebug wrote:
With the right hitch setup you could pull a small trailer up to about 20 feet long with an empty weight of 3,000 to 3,500 pound. Anything over that will be a challenge. It's all about cargo capacity.

Disagree. While payload capacity is certainly a most important consideration for just about anyone towing with anything less than a 3/4 ton, with such a limited tow vehicle as the OP's 4Runner they'd also want to be very concerned about the effect significant wind resistance created by any full height trailer at highway speeds that will severely tax the capabilities of their vehicle, regardless that it may "technically" fall within various weight ratings. JMO, but they'd be far better off to stick with a low profile popup and avoid this issue entirely.

It greatly depends on the intended use. If the OP is planning a long distance cross country trip then the wind resistance is a big deal and that tow vehicle would be out of the question. If they intend to go down to the local campground a few times a year it is no big deal.

We camp with some friends who have a popup. Works great if it is not raining. Setting up and breaking down in the rain with wet canvas is a pain. Also they say if another camper is close by they hear everything that is going on. We made a trip to Colorado and a bear came thru the campground in the middle of the night. I don't think they slept much the rest of the trip.

SoundGuy wrote:

COGirl wrote:
We have two small children so passenger weight isn't so much an issue.

Well that's a fallacy as any kid I know grows like a weed right before your eyes. They also tend to require a LOT of "kid stuff", all of which adds weight. Been there, done that. :W

Valid point! While neither of our kids use a stroller, they will require stuff to keep them entertained plus additional snacks, extra clothes, etc. I should know better.

JnJnKatiebug wrote:
With the right hitch setup you could pull a small trailer up to about 20 feet long with an empty weight of 3,000 to 3,500 pound. Anything over that will be a challenge. It's all about cargo capacity.

Disagree. While payload capacity is certainly a most important consideration for just about anyone towing with anything less than a 3/4 ton, with such a limited tow vehicle as the OP's 4Runner they'd also want to be very concerned about the effect significant wind resistance created by any full height trailer at highway speeds that will severely tax the capabilities of their vehicle, regardless that it may "technically" fall within various weight ratings. JMO, but they'd be far better off to stick with a low profile popup and avoid this issue entirely.

COGirl wrote:
We have two small children so passenger weight isn't so much an issue.

Well that's a fallacy as any kid I know grows like a weed right before your eyes. They also tend to require a LOT of "kid stuff", all of which adds weight. Been there, done that. :W

remember that a pair of 40 lb children tend to come with things like strollers and toys and car seats and whatever else they have pumping up how much weight they bring.