How is a V8 4Runner as a Tow Vehicle?

[JoshuaH]

We are thinking of selling our Pop-Up and getting something with solid walls, not large by any means. We are not dead set on what camper it will be, just starting to keep an eye out for a good deal on something used. There is a 17ft Hybrid I might look at just to give you an idea of what we are thinking.

This will probably require a larger tow vehicle as well to replace our 06 V6 Jeep Liberty.

I've always like Toyota products, thinking about perhaps looking for a V8 4Runner, probably in the late 2000s model year range. Would consider a Sequoia also but not sure if I want to go that large.

Anyone tow with one?

[crcr]

Here's a different pic of the 4th Gen 4Runner factory transmission cooler, small but it had one:

[crcr]

RTCastillo wrote:

crcr wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

It does not have a transmission cooler. I did a water-whisk test in a rest area in Tejon after the Grapevine climb and it was just a very slight sizzle. Heard from other 4runner owners that Toyota's generally have strong transmission. This is my 3rd 4runner and there is no need to ask me why, lol.

The 4th Gen V8 models definitely do have a small OEM transmission cooler. I don't recall if the V6 had one or not.

There is none.

Japanese have the minimalist and simplicity mind set. They don't over do features -- meaning, they only put in there what you'll need assuming you will be operating it within the vehicle's parameters.

The 4th Gen V8's DID have an OEM cooler, though it is small. I removed mine on my 2008 and installed a larger one. It sits down low in front of the radiator. I don't recall if the V6 models had one or not. Here is a pic of the OEM trans cooler on the 4th Gen V8:

[JoshuaH]

falconbrother wrote:
Another option: Look for a Tahoe or Suburban. They are everywhere, parts are cheap, they all come with V8s, they have a history of long term ownership (there's a blue million 9th gen Suburbans still on the road), they keep going and going, many of them will already have the tow package from the factory, front and rear climate control, etc, etc.. The average tow weight rating for a Suburban is 7200lbs as it sits with no modifications. Many of them are higher than that.

Granted, Toyota makes a good vehicle. But, I'm not loyal to a brand. Most manufacturers have some good runs and bad runs. If I were looking for a Toyota it would be the Tundra. In SUVs Suburban or Expedition. Trucks, long list..

Yea I've thought about that, problem is my Father-In-Law is a HUGE Ford fan, make fun of Chevy kind of person. He does it for fun but I would NEVER and I mean NEVER hear the end of the jokes if I bought a Chevy.

And to be honest, I've driven a service vehicle for the last 20 years of my employment, all either Ford and Chevy. They were always in the shop, it was rare to make it until an oil change was due before something else broke down. It usually went like this, well since it is in the shop, it will be due for an oil change soon, might as well do that while it is here.

Not saying I would never buy a Ford or Chevy, but it would have to be a really good deal. And I know every brand has it's bad runs, but I think your odds are a lot better with a Toyota. I haven't ruled out a Sequoia either (SUV version of the Tundra) and when the time comes I will be on the lookout for one of those too, but I really don't think we need anything that large, and the 4Runner even with the same engine gets about 2-3mpg more than the Tundra from what I've read, I know not a lot but it helps. This vehicle will also be my wife's daily driver which is usually just to work and back but it wont be "just" the tow vehicle, otherwise I wouldn't care as much about the mpg.

I like the Tundra trucks as well but we need an SUV to fit our needs.

I really appreciate the good information from everyone, has been very helpful.

[falconbrother]

Another option: Look for a Tahoe or Suburban. They are everywhere, parts are cheap, they all come with V8s, they have a history of long term ownership (there's a blue million 9th gen Suburbans still on the road), they keep going and going, many of them will already have the tow package from the factory, front and rear climate control, etc, etc.. The average tow weight rating for a Suburban is 7200lbs as it sits with no modifications. Many of them are higher than that.

Granted, Toyota makes a good vehicle. But, I'm not loyal to a brand. Most manufacturers have some good runs and bad runs. If I were looking for a Toyota it would be the Tundra. In SUVs Suburban or Expedition. Trucks, long list..

[Yosemite_Sam1]

crcr wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

It does not have a transmission cooler. I did a water-whisk test in a rest area in Tejon after the Grapevine climb and it was just a very slight sizzle. Heard from other 4runner owners that Toyota's generally have strong transmission. This is my 3rd 4runner and there is no need to ask me why, lol.

The 4th Gen V8 models definitely do have a small OEM transmission cooler. I don't recall if the V6 had one or not.

There is none.

Japanese have the minimalist and simplicity mind set. They don't over do features -- meaning, they only put in there what you'll need assuming you will be operating it within the vehicle's parameters.

[crcr]

RTCastillo wrote:

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

It does not have a transmission cooler. I did a water-whisk test in a rest area in Tejon after the Grapevine climb and it was just a very slight sizzle. Heard from other 4runner owners that Toyota's generally have strong transmission. This is my 3rd 4runner and there is no need to ask me why, lol.

The 4th Gen V8 models definitely do have a small OEM transmission cooler. I don't recall if the V6 had one or not.

[crcr]

I owned a 2008 V8 4Runner. Yes, they have an OEM trans cooler, but I put a bit larger one on. I towed a 21' Rockwood Mini-Lite, it had a slide, I don't recall the weight. The 4Runner handled it fine, though I wouldn't tow anything any bigger than that.

They are a rock solid vehicle. If you're going to tow, don't settle for a V6 model, find a good used V8 model, they made them as I recall through 2009, though I don't think there are many 2009's with the V8. 2003 to 2008 or 2009 were the years that offered a V8. I also once owned a 2009 V6, and the hitch on the 4th Gen TR4 V6 is rinky dink, and you would need to replace it with a frame hitch for serious towing. The V8 models came with a really good frame hitch.

I knew of one guy who had over 450,000 miles on his V8 4Runner, and still going! You could also buy a used Land Cruiser -- they had the same great V-8.

Good Luck!

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Seems no need if you are staying within tow limits.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

bgum wrote:
An after market tranny cooler can be added for about $200 part and labor. Do it yourself for $30-50 .

This I got to check out. Thanks!

[bgum]

An after market tranny cooler can be added for about $200 part and labor. Do it yourself for $30-50 .

[Yosemite_Sam1]

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

It does not have a transmission cooler. I did a water-whisk test in a rest area in Tejon after the Grapevine climb and it was just a very slight sizzle. Heard from other 4runner owners that Toyota's generally have strong transmission. This is my 3rd 4runner and there is no need to ask me why, lol.

[JoshuaH]

Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

[Yosemite_Sam1]

If you stay within 5,000 lbs gross weight, a 6 cyl 4runner is enough. In another thread, I mentioned my 3,205 lbs dry and about 5,000 lbs gross weight RV was not even straining at 6% grade 14-mile all uphill Grapevine I-5 in Cali.

[camp-n-family]

We towed with an ‘03 V6 and an ‘04 V8. The V8 was a beast and towed great. We started with a 19’ hybrid with the V6. The trailer was 3800lbs loaded and it would struggle with headwinds mostly due to the 4sp transmission. We traded up to the V8 model and it was night and day difference. Didn’t even know the trailer was there and ended up with a 26’ bunkhouse at 5500lbs next. The T4R still did a good job but the long trailer length was pushing the limits of the short wheelbase suv. I had it lifted with larger than stock soft BFGs that didn’t help. We eventually traded up to a Tundra.

I still miss my T4R, just wish they would put a small V8 in it again. I wouldn’t hesitate to pull 5500lbs with it but would recommend keeping the length under 24’ and use a good WD hitch with built in sway. We used an Equil-i-zer and then a Hensley. Just make sure you have the upgraded frame mounted hitch on the T4R (same as the one found on the Lexus LX470) as the base cross member mounted one is not to be used with a WD hitch. Canadian made V8s have the frame mounted one as stock but I don’t think that was the case with the US models.