Tow vehicles

When we started shopping last year our tow vehicle was going to be a 2006 Lexus GX470 with the V8. It probably would have been just OK with the Lance 1985 that was a finalist for us.

But we purchased a 26-foot box TT instead and the GX would have been sadly out-matched on mass and wheelbase for safe driving. So now I have my Expedition instead.

I've been towing with my 4-Runner V8 for the last two years. The TT is 2800 lbs empty and 3200 lbs loaded. Yes, I travel light, usually just myself or with one other. TT was weighed at the scales. I also weighed the hitch weight with my sher-line scale - 500 lbs. with full propane and battery.

I spent over two weeks in the Rockies in Colorado a year and a half ago. The truck did an admiral job. It obviously slowed down with the grades and higher altitude/thinner air, but it downshifted fine, usually, and when it didn't, I did it manually. The engine is smooth and silky, so it wasn't bad. The platform was also stable for me. I thought this might be a problem, but it was fine.

To put this in perspective, I have had two larger TTs and have towed with a 1/2 ton SUV and a 3/4 ton SUV, TTs were about 6000 and 7800 lbs loaded. The 2500 Yukon XL 8.1 towed the largest TT very well as expected. However, RELATIVELY SPEAKING, the combination I have now tows ALMOST as well. With that being said, I would NOT want to tow too much more (maybe up to 3600-4000 lbs?). That is just MY preference.

Regarding payload, again this isn't too much of an issue for me. I don't remember the exact payload rating, but I think it's in the 1100-1200 lb range. Heck, this isn't too far off some 1/2 ton pick up trucks. Yes, I have 500 lb total hitch weight, so I usually keep my generator/inverter and firewood (cut up 2x4s) in the TT. Obviously, this combo is not good for a family of 4 or more, because you'd be pushing the payload limit too much IMHO.

It seems no matter what TV/TT combo I have used, I get about 7.5 - 8 mpg, same as the present combo with the 4-Runner and Sportsmen Classic. Like everyone says, the wind resistance from a TT is your worst enemy. YMMV.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

Campnjoe wrote:
Any one here tow with a Toyota 4Runner and if you do what are you towing. I'm sure somewhere in here this is already a topic but what are you all towing with and what type of camper

I towed this 27' TT across the country with a Nissan Armada...it was a very solid combo.

I towed a 21' Starcraft Hybrid with my 4Runner but it had the V8 in it. Pulled very nicely and we never had an issue. It was the best vehicle I have ever owned but traded it off for a Tundra because we knew we were going to get a bigger trailer. I also did not like carrying the generator inside with us. Taking wood for fires was also an issue.

They stopped putting the V8 in the 4Runners saying that the new V6 was more powerful and efficient. Not sure how one of those would work.

I towed a 2013 Lance 1885, on a scale it weighed 5100 lbs loaded. My 4Runner was a 2011 trail model with a V6. It did a fair job, but heavy head winds were a problem. I moved to a Tundra with the 5.7 V8 and the difference is dramatic. Our mountain passes are now much easier.

My view of performance is influenced by the fact that I carried a big truck camper towing a jeep with a 2008 F450. The rig weighed 19,400 lbs and would pull the passes with ease. there is nothing like diesel power. Old age stopped the TC business because a got too crippled to use the cab over bed. The Lance trailer has a walk-around bed.
Ron

You might get more replies on your "tow vehicles" thread in the "tow vehicles" section of the forum. :S

It does a great job pulling an Aliner, Trail Manor, PUP, Casita or very small TT - we have a similar vehicle (see my signature).

Campnjoe wrote:
Any one here tow with a Toyota 4Runner and if you do what are you towing. I'm sure somewhere in here this is already a topic but what are you all towing with and what type of camper

V8, or V6 about 2,000 lbs difference in tow capacity. 5,000 to 7,000 lbs.

Hi,

You probably would need to find something really light, like a Scamp, or ALiner.com

The problem is that the 4Runner is a heavy vehicle, with a limited GVWR, so the cargo rating is not huge. The engine is small. Transmission might not like working hard to push a lot of air out of the way. So if your curb weight is say 4,400 pounds and the GVWR is say 5,500 pounds, that leaves limited capacity, of 1,100 pounds for the hitch weight, passengers and any gear that you might want to carry inside the compact truck.



Good luck,

Fred.