Anyone tow with 4Runner

[Tania C]

Anyone towing with a 6 cyl. 4Runner? I am about to pick up a 2009 Jay Feather 17C and want to get an idea of the equipment I need. I already have a receiver and 7-pin connector. Someone suggested the Equalizer WDH, Brake Controller, transmission cooler, mirrors. Another recommended getting another tow vehicle. :-O

Thanks,

Tania
Atlanta, GA

[Rustic Eagle]

Tania,

Welcome to the Jayco forums.

I'm sure that someone will chime in that has towing experince with their 4Runner, but there was this forum thread where one member posted a little about his 4Runner: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...4runner&page=3

Bob

[Tania C]

Thanks, Bob! I just sent a message to wl_Perry.

[Robcr@comcast.net]

Hi Tania,

I tow a 17z with a 2011 6cyl 4Runner, for the last season anyway. As I expected, it can struggle a little on hills which I just keep down shifting to accomodate. It did fine on highway and flatter roads. Gas mileage is cut in half most of the time, about 9-10 MPG. But other than that it has been solid. I do have a WDH on it, a brake controller, and I added Timbrens to the rear suspension, as I found the tongue weight on mine to be really close to max, and had some slight sag/bounce. The Timbrens took card of it and were incredibly easy to put in. I've seen other post where folks use air lifts/bags, or air shocks to acheive a similar result. I love them both the 17z and the 4runner (this is my 2nd one). Hope that is helpful. Enjoy

Rob

[Tania C]

Thanks Rob! What kind of WDH do you have? Some have recommended the Equalizer. It looks heavier than the trailer! ;-) Did you consider a tranny cooler, or does your 4-Runner already have one?

[Robcr@comcast.net]

The dealer I bought from sold me a Reese Pro Series WDH, and yes it seems really huge on my small truck/trailer. It weighs about 75 pounds, the trunion bars are rated for 800lbs, but the drop hitch is rated for like 10,000lbs. I've asked around, and it doesn't seem like there are many significantly lighter models that can handle the load. My 2011 4runner came with tranny cooler, so I did not need to install. I think that how, where, when, and how much you tow would dictate whether a tranny cooler was needed or not. There are some other posts on that, and I have found lots of help on this website,many great people here with loads of experience. Enjoy

Rob

[TexasA&M]

I am fairly certain that all 2003+ 4Runners have tranny coolers installed at the factory. You never say what year 4Runner you'll be towing with. If it is a 2003-2008, it is very easy to see the tranny cooler... just lift the hood and it is sitting right there in front of the A/C condenser.

[Tania C]

It's a 2009 SR5 4x4.

[Tania C]

Hey Rob,
Do you think a WDH rated at 600/6000 would do the job. Do you think the tongue weight would ever exceed 600 lbs on the trailer?

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Tania C

snip....... Do you think a WDH rated at 600/6000 would do the job.....snip

Tania,

IMO the 600/6000 WDH would be ideal. Your '09' 17C HTT has a GVWR of 3,500lbs (maximum loaded weight), and Jayco/WDH manufactures recommend a 10% to 15% loaded tongue weight of the HTT's actual loaded weight.

So under maximum loaded conditions of 3,500 lbs (which is very realistic do to the low CCC of the 17C) that would be a 350lb to 525lb loaded tongue weight range which falls within the 600/6000 WDH capabilities.

Bob

[TexasA&M]

I don't think you'll have any issue with the 2009. We have a 2005 V8 4x4 and tow our 4,000lb boat around without issue. Tongue weight is somewhere around 375lbs. The vehicle handles the load very well, but I did add a set of Timbrens so that the rear didn't squat so much with the trailer hooked up.

A TT will handle differently than a boat, but with a WDH you shouldn't have any problem.

Just for grins, here is our 4Runner with boat in tow.

[Tania C]

Nice! I hope I end up liking my Jayco half as much as I like my 4Runner. ;-)

[29BHS ECO]

Tania C--Everyone seams to be talking weight weight weight while drag is as big of a problem. Check the Toyota web site for the frontal square foot area recomended for a 4runner. Larry

[TexasA&M]

Drag will obviously be more of an issue on a TT than another kind of trailer, but with an anti sway WDH, and only towing 3,500lbs, the 4Runner will be fine.

[Tania C]

Ok, received my Prodigy 2, and my Equal-i-zer yesterday. Poor FedEx guy...Dang! That thing is HEAVY!

[clutch]

That smallish V6 will work very hard even with 3500#. Keep it out of OverDrive.

[2edgesword]

A follow-up question to the OP, does anyone tow with a Chevy Volt?

Just kidding .

[Quahog]

Originally Posted by 2edgesword

A follow-up question to the OP, does anyone tow with a Chevy Volt?

Just kidding .

Rumor has it the Volt makes a smokin' tow vehicle! :hihi:

[TexasA&M]

Originally Posted by clutch

That smallish V6 will work very hard even with 3500#. Keep it out of OverDrive.

The 4.0 V6 is actually one of the larger displacement V6s out there and is a very strong motor. Having towed 4,000lbs with Toyota's older 3.4 V6 (the trailer was not a TT), I do not see any problem with the engine keeping up with a 3,500lb trailer. Keep the tranny in 4th (it's a 5 speed) and you'll be fine.

I'd be more concerned about the short wheelbase than anything. Braking shouldn't be a problem as my boat doesn't have brakes and the 4Runner stops it fine. Having trailer brakes will make it that much better.

Would a larger vehicle pull this load better? Yes, but that doesn't mean it can't be done safely and enjoyably with the 4Runner.

Now that you've got the WDH, hook it all up and don't look back!

[29BHS ECO]

Tania C Please remember that towing a 35oo lb boat trailer is nothing compared to a 3500 lb travel trailer. Like I said before the the wind resistance from the tt is the killer. You will be able to tow the tt with the forerunner, but you probably won't be happy not to mention the extra wear & tear on the truck. just my $.02 Larry