Towing with 4-Runner

[gregga]

Hello all
I have a friend that is going out this Sat to look for a TT for her and her 5 year old daughter. She has a 2006 4-Runner with a V6 and a factory installed hitch. I'm trying to get an idea of what her tow rating is for this truck.
I will be going with her to help her find something (really going to push Jayco hard as I'm a bit partial to them) and I want to make sure she doesnt get in over her head from a weight standpoint and that she finds something that will not put her and her daughter in danger when towing. I can just see the deals face light up when a single female walks in looking for a TT! He would probably try to sell her a 30 footer and tell her she's "fine"!
Thanks

[TexasA&M]

Tow rating is somewhere around 5klbs, if I recall correctly. I'd look for a trailer that is ~3,500lbs unloaded and try to keep the packing light. That should offer enough cushion to make for a comfortable tow.

[gregga]

Thanks Texas!!

[29BHS ECO]

gregga-- Check Toyota factory sticker (probably on the door post) for the actual tow rating. Don't forget that the tires have probably been changed since new & may not have the correct tow rating. You might be able to take the vin number to a Toyota dealer and get the orignal specs for the 4runner. Larry

[gregga]

Sounds like a good idea!
Thanks

[TexasA&M]

You can also just Google it. A quick search shows the tow rating with a V6 to be 5klbs. Check the tires as well, but most likely they will be ok unless they were replaced with the cheapest possible replacements.

From what I remember, all 4Runners came with a towing package, so there was no difference between models as far as tow ratings go; V8 4Runners were rated at 7klbs (give or take for 2WD and 4WD) and V6 4Runners were rated at 5klbs. You should already have the trans cooler, wiring, etc, that will set the vehicle up for its rating. There is also a sticker on the hitch that will show the rating (the vehicles with higher ratings got better hitches) so I believe that the sticker on the hitch matches the actual tow ratings in most (all) cases.

As long as you look at trailers in the 3,500lb range, you shouldn't have a problem. The 4Runner is a great platform, and it's only real drawback is the short wheelbase.

[cablerum]

I would suggest looking at a Jayco x17z. I just bought a 2010 version of this trailer. It has all anyone would need for up to a family of 4 comfortably. The sticker on the side says it's weight is 3133lbs. I tow with a v8 Ram but I'm sure the 4Runner would handle it just fine.

[MrKong]

She could also look at the X19. They dropped the weight from 3714 back down to 3220 or there about, when they went to the 12 model from the 11.

[Rustic Eagle]

Gregga,

Great that you are taking the time to confirm what your friends TV is capable of towing, because you will find that many RV dealers reference "unload" or "UVW" weights which can be missleading..... always think in terms of "loaded TV and loaded TT weights when shopping.

Here are a couple of JOF 4-Runner threads (or reference to) that may be helpful, and/or create some additional questions:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...-runner&page=2

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...light=4-runner

Don't let the RV sales person mislead you when he/she pulls out their handy-dandy "Tow Vehicle Tow Rating Bible, be aware of the following: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3866

Hope this helps.

Bob

[ertwdan]

I've pulled the 2012 SLX 184BH loaded with a '96 4Runner and unless I am bucking a 50 mph headwind the 'Runner pulls it quite fine at freeway speeds (65mph). I drive with overdrive off and have found my trans as installed is handling the tow OK. You do wnat to anticipate hills, but it is not harder to tow than the Pop-Up I towed last year. I did install a WD hitch mainly for the anti-sway characteristics. I've only put about 250 miles on so far, but we are planning a 600 mile trip in 2 weeks so we'll see how that goes.

[gregga]

Great input guys. We are looking at the 18ft range for her and under 3500 lbs dry

[LongIslandCamper]

Originally Posted by cablerum

I would suggest looking at a Jayco x17z. I just bought a 2010 version of this trailer. It has all anyone would need for up to a family of 4 comfortably. The sticker on the side says it's weight is 3133lbs. I tow with a v8 Ram but I'm sure the 4Runner would handle it just fine.

That's the exact combination we have. 2012 x17z being pulled by a 2007 V6 4Runner. 4Runner is rated for 5K towing and it tows nicely.

[TTChamp]

Hi Gregga,

I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner with the V6 and we just bought a 2012 Jayco X18D. The $runner has no problem pulling the camper up to about 70 mph... then you really have to put a lot of peddel to the floor to maintain speed.

I do recomend a weight distribution hitch, I wouldn't want to go verry far without one... the truck squats in the rear and the steering feels a little light without it .. long and short of it is that the 18 ft pulls just fine with the 4Runner.

[gregga]

Hitch and sway bars will be included in the deal! I'll make sure of that.
Sounds like she's towards an 18 Ft Funfinder that is around 3500 Dry (still trying to push Jayco). Anyone know anything about these camepers?

[bayleightucker]

tow a 2012 slx 184 with our ford f150 6cyl. pulls it just fine, as stated already check those tires.