My 6-cyl 4runner can!

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Apprehensive at first. We can't get in and out of LA basin without passing the dreaded-white knuckle Grapevine-Tejon (14 miles - 6 degree grade), Cajon Pass (also 14 miles - 6 degrees) and Conejo.

In a Carpenteria trip, our first, we avoided Conejo uphill by taking the Malibu-I 10 route.

But can't with the Yosemite trip. Oh yeah, and snowed out.

Took the Grapevine-Tejon on a wing and a prayer. A pleasant surprise. Both downhill and uphill, the 4runner is in full control and way up with power to spare (on 3,400 rpm tops with no sign of over exertion).

I'm pulling a Coleman 17FQ (no kidding, you can't make this up) rated at 3,650 pounds and nearing 5,000 pounds loaded.

Cajon pass next - this time with more confidence on the way to North Rim Grand Canyon.

[atreis]

I have to agree about the Toyota V6. It really is a great engine. I've been towing with mine now for 9 years and two trailers, and am nearing 200K miles on the minivan. All I've had to do is basic maintenance (oil, brakes, tires).

I use an aftermarket receiver rated for WD. I highly recommend using a good WD hitch if you find you can. It is worth checking to make sure first though.

[SpeakEasy]

gmw photos wrote:
A weight distributing hitch is an excellent addition for safety. I would not rule it out just because you read on a forum that you can't use it on your model of car. Research it on the Toyota website ( in your reading on it, be specific about what year your vehicle is ), and do some reading from several sources then come to a conclusion whether to use one or not.

You are absolutely right, and I hope he doesn't just take my word for it. I was going along happily with my rig (4Runner; 4000-lb trailer; 750-lb tongue weight; WD Hitch) when I started seeing forum comments about the 4Runner not being suitable for a WD Hitch. I didn't want to believe it, and for a time I just ignored it. But it kept coming back up here and there. I started to research it. I looked into it THOROUGHLY over a period of months. For my 4Runner - the V6 2010 model - there was no question about it. Two separate e-mail communications with the factory verified it: don't use a WD hitch.

The hitch receiver is bolted to the frame rather than being welded. The four bolts take the brunt of the forward-rotational torque that is applied by a WD hitch. I towed over 3000 miles with no problems. But after I learned the limitations, I could no longer do it.

The remedy was fairly costly: trading in a great vehicle that I had only owned for a year and a half and buying a more expensive truck. But I am glad I did it. Now I know I'm safe, and I'm not putting anyone else at risk by ignoring the engineers at the factory.

Granted, SOME 4-runners do not have this limitation, but there are relatively few of them out there. They are the older V8 models. Great vehicles, but no longer in production.

The problem I had, and the OP may have as well, is that 12% to 15% of the trailer's weight, which is the target range for tongue weight, put me over the 500-lb limit for the 4-runner's hitch without WD. I was screwed either way.

-Speak

[gmw_photos]

RTCastillo wrote:

gmw photos wrote:
A weight distributing hitch is an excellent addition for safety. I would not rule it out just because you read on a forum that you can't use it on your model of car. Research it on the Toyota website ( in your reading on it, be specific about what year your vehicle is ), and do some reading from several sources then come to a conclusion whether to use one or not.

I stopped my add-ons with a portable generator and have not experienced uncontrolled sway or buckling so I may not need one after all. But thanks for the advice.

Well, ok. But from that comment, you're not really understanding the purpose and function of a weight distribution hitch.

But if you're happy, that's all that counts I reckon.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

RandomAbstract wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:
RandomAbstract

"The trailer I was is an Outdoors RV 21RBS. On the edge of too heavy for the Grand Cherokee. So, $40k for the trailer and $70k for a truck to pull it. * image not shown due to your preference setting *"> "

I'm pretty sure you are making us envious with this trailer and tow truck combo, lol.

Oops. When reading your reply, realized I made a typo. The rig I WANT is as described. I am about $109,999 short at the moment. 😞

I spent 3 months last year living in my Coachmen with no water because it was below freezing and the underbelly isn't insulated. The Outdoors trailer would have fixed that. (I used the black/gray tanks with anti-freeze and jerry cans for water. Worked fine.)

I had to temporarily move to arid regions for health reasons, so my trailer money went to doctors. 😞

I visited the Outdoors RV factory in Oregon 3 years ago. Very impressed, especially for someone who likes to frequent BLM land,

Lol, I do hope you'll be able to close your funding gap soonest and in turn recover your health in arid regions. I see why being a snow bird or sun chaser with an RV can put you in good health, and in very good mood too.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

gmw photos wrote:
A weight distributing hitch is an excellent addition for safety. I would not rule it out just because you read on a forum that you can't use it on your model of car. Research it on the Toyota website ( in your reading on it, be specific about what year your vehicle is ), and do some reading from several sources then come to a conclusion whether to use one or not.

I stopped my add-ons with a portable generator and have not experienced uncontrolled sway or buckling so I may not need one after all. But thanks for the advice.

[RandomAbstract]

RTCastillo wrote:
RandomAbstract

"The trailer I was is an Outdoors RV 21RBS. On the edge of too heavy for the Grand Cherokee. So, $40k for the trailer and $70k for a truck to pull it. * image not shown due to your preference setting *"> "

I'm pretty sure you are making us envious with this trailer and tow truck combo, lol.

Oops. When reading your reply, realized I made a typo. The rig I WANT is as described. I am about $109,999 short at the moment. 😞

I spent 3 months last year living in my Coachmen with no water because it was below freezing and the underbelly isn't insulated. The Outdoors trailer would have fixed that. (I used the black/gray tanks with anti-freeze and jerry cans for water. Worked fine.)

I had to temporarily move to arid regions for health reasons, so my trailer money went to doctors. 😞

I visited the Outdoors RV factory in Oregon 3 years ago. Very impressed, especially for someone who likes to frequent BLM land,

[gmw_photos]

A weight distributing hitch is an excellent addition for safety. I would not rule it out just because you read on a forum that you can't use it on your model of car. Research it on the Toyota website ( in your reading on it, be specific about what year your vehicle is ), and do some reading from several sources then come to a conclusion whether to use one or not.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

RandomAbstract

"The trailer I was is an Outdoors RV 21RBS. On the edge of too heavy for the Grand Cherokee. So, $40k for the trailer and $70k for a truck to pull it. * image not shown due to your preference setting *"> "

I'm pretty sure you are making us envious with this trailer and tow truck combo, lol.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

RandomAbstract wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:

Ralph Cramden wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:
Geez Ralph, now you have me worrying about something else: tires.

My 4runner is still on stock tires and suspension system. Read varying opinions to change to truck tires and add air-spring suspensions at the back.

But also read from a couple who've traveled thousand of miles coast-to-coast on all road conditions on a 4runner also pulling 5,000 lbs trailer with no problem.

Don't worry about the tires on the Toyo........The tires on the trailer may be the ones to worry about. Forget the forum BS about what brand they are....I'd want a load range D at least, and its a good bet if the Coachmen used a 3500lb axle they put on load range C.

Thanks! That calls for another research -- although I do walk throughs on my mind's checklist even for short trips.

My Coachmen came with 'C's. I immediately went to 'D's.

Tires are what keep you alive on the road.

Learning something new everyday.

Whew, my tires are rated D.

Now, now, the brand is unknown. Must be generic and the cheapest out there for the manufacturer. I just hope the NHTS/DOT is doing their job that these are according or exceeding to their safety standards.

That and my not doing anything foolish or reckless.

[RandomAbstract]

Ralph Cramden wrote:

RandomAbstract wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:

rexlion wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:
Apprehensive at first. We can't get in and out of LA basin without passing the dreaded-white knuckle Grapevine-Tejon (14 miles - 6 degree grade), Cajon Pass (also 14 miles - 6 degrees) and Conejo.

In a Carpenteria trip, our first, we avoided Conejo uphill by taking the Malibu-I 10 route.

But can't with the Yosemite trip. Oh yeah, and snowed out.

Took the Grapevine-Tejon on a wing and a prayer. A pleasant surprise. Both downhill and uphill, the 4runner is in full control and way up with power to spare (on 3,400 rpm tops with no sign of over exertion).

I'm pulling a Coleman 17FQ (no kidding, you can't make this up) rated at 3,650 pounds and nearing 5,000 pounds loaded.

Cajon pass next - this time with more confidence on the way to North Rim Grand Canyon.

5000 lbs? The Dutchmen website shows a cargo weight capacity of just 645 lbs for the 17fq. Are you grossly overweight, or did the spec change?

Am referring to 4runner's towing capability while the trailer's dry weight is 3,205 lbs. I drive with all my fluid tanks empty.

I was wondering. I have a Coachman Clipper 17FQ and it weighs 4,000 pound fully loaded and dripping wet. Was also wondering how a 3,500 pound axle could hold up to 5,000 pounds.

I cheat and tow it with a Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi!

Because a certain percentage of the 4000 lbs is on the tow vehicle as tongue weight and with a single axle trailer that percentage is typically higher than a tandem axle trailer. Also a 3500 lb axle is capable of carrying way more than the 3500 lb rating as engineers always list the capacity of anything a long ways below than the true number. The weak point may be the tires. Someone will be along shortly to tell you that you need load range W Goodyear Endurance or Sailuns or something.

Your Coachman may also in actuality have a D35 or if it has Torflex a #10L, which are 4K axles......same as a D30 or #10, different rating.

All the manufacturer has to meet when they print the Fed certification is GVWR less TW does not exceed axle rating.

I will stop and ask my tire dealer for those elusive load range W tires. 😄 .

Thanks for the encouragement on the axle. I had toyed with putting a 5,000 pound axle on it and mounting the spring on top for clearance. But, then I would need a heavier frame . . . . Never ends.

The trailer I was is an Outdoors RV 21RBS. On the edge of too heavy for the Grand Cherokee. So, $40k for the trailer and $70k for a truck to pull it. 😞

[RandomAbstract]

RTCastillo wrote:

Ralph Cramden wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:
Geez Ralph, now you have me worrying about something else: tires.

My 4runner is still on stock tires and suspension system. Read varying opinions to change to truck tires and add air-spring suspensions at the back.

But also read from a couple who've traveled thousand of miles coast-to-coast on all road conditions on a 4runner also pulling 5,000 lbs trailer with no problem.

Don't worry about the tires on the Toyo........The tires on the trailer may be the ones to worry about. Forget the forum BS about what brand they are....I'd want a load range D at least, and its a good bet if the Coachmen used a 3500lb axle they put on load range C.

Thanks! That calls for another research -- although I do walk throughs on my mind's checklist even for short trips.

My Coachmen came with 'C's. I immediately went to 'D's.

Tires are what keep you alive on the road.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Ralph Cramden wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:
Geez Ralph, now you have me worrying about something else: tires.

My 4runner is still on stock tires and suspension system. Read varying opinions to change to truck tires and add air-spring suspensions at the back.

But also read from a couple who've traveled thousand of miles coast-to-coast on all road conditions on a 4runner also pulling 5,000 lbs trailer with no problem.

Don't worry about the tires on the Toyo........The tires on the trailer may be the ones to worry about. Forget the forum BS about what brand they are....I'd want a load range D at least, and its a good bet if the Coachmen used a 3500lb axle they put on load range C.

Thanks! That calls for another research -- although I do walk throughs on my mind's checklist even for short trips.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

SpeakEasy wrote:
OP, I hope you're not using a weight-distribution hitch with that 4-Runner. I was, and had to trade in my 4-Runner when I found out that Toyota does "not recommend" using weight distribution with that vehicle.

-Speak

Wow, thanks for the warning. I was actually looking at it.

I have a sway bar for which I've already bent the hitch adapter and replaced, Camping World experts said "because I backed up my trailer with it" even if it's almost a very straight backing.

[Ralph_Cramden]

RTCastillo wrote:
Geez Ralph, now you have me worrying about something else: tires.

My 4runner is still on stock tires and suspension system. Read varying opinions to change to truck tires and add air-spring suspensions at the back.

But also read from a couple who've traveled thousand of miles coast-to-coast on all road conditions on a 4runner also pulling 5,000 lbs trailer with no problem.

Don't worry about the tires on the Toyo........The tires on the trailer may be the ones to worry about. Forget the forum BS about what brand they are....I'd want a load range D at least, and its a good bet if the Coachmen used a 3500lb axle they put on load range C.

[SpeakEasy]

OP, I hope you're not using a weight-distribution hitch with that 4-Runner. I was, and had to trade in my 4-Runner when I found out that Toyota does "not recommend" using weight distribution with that vehicle.

-Speak