4Runner V8 & Jay Flight 23 RB Question

[Xavblk]

Hello Folks: Any concerns with this setup? I am purchasing a Jay Flight 23RB (total length 26 Feet 10 Inches), weight 4568 lbs including options. My max tow rating is 7000 lbs. Does anyone have a similar setup or pull with a V8 4runner? I do understand that I have a short wheelbase of 109 inches but just wondering...any responses would be appreciated. I also have a Reese double cam weight distribution setup with sway control that will be installed on the new trailer. Thanks is advance. Xavblk

[DocBrown]

Although you probably won't be packing that trailer full up, it has a 6250# GVWR. Most likely your loaded towing weight is going to sit around 5500# which could give you a 715# tongue weight. Engine power is not going to be your issue.

What you need to find out is your payload capacity. This is where your real limitation is going to be. Then subtract the weight of your family, your dog, anything else you carry in the TV, the weight of the WD hitch, and the tongue weight. Most SUVs have low payloads, so for example if yours is 1200#, that sounds like a lot. Subtract the potential 715# tongue weight and you are left with 488#. If your hitch is 75# you have 413# left. Not much.

Now lets talk about the length. I have a full size half ton PU with a 7500# capacity and a 1600# payload and I would be hesitant to tow that trailer.

I have twice with 2 different setups towed very close to my rated capacities. It's doable and set up properly it's safe. There is a marked difference in towing with a "right sized" tow vehicle. I think you're going find you are limited to short trips on relatively flat terrain.

[rodandmir]

We used to tow our x213 with a 4Runner with no issues. It is only about 2 feet shorter and about the same weight. never used or needed sway control.
We had a button inside that allowed us to lower or raise the rear of the vehicle to compensate for the trailer weight compressing the soft rear suspension.
We now tow with a diesel Grand Cherokee with no issues

Just make sure that your electric brakes are set up correctly

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by rodandmir

never used or needed sway control.

A note about sway control. You are right, you shouldn't "need it". If you are using it to fix a sway problem then it's just a band aid.

Sway control is really insurance. You don't need it until you need it. I had in a incident many years ago where my back wheels hit a slick spot on the road and the back end of the truck moved sideways. I thought I was going to dump the trailer. I always wonder what could have happened had I not had a sway control bar. They are about $100 and many WD hitches have it built in. Cheap insurance.

[Xavblk]

DocBrown: My payload is 950. Does the average payload specification include or exclude an 150 lb driver? Also you seem to have towing and payload capacity, why would you be hesitant to pull the 23 RB?

Rodandmir: what was your trailer weight when you used the 4runner? Did you stay local or did you venture far?

[TWP723]

What year is your 4Runner?

[DocBrown]

950? Wow, that's really low. Payload usually already accounts for the driver, however read your owners manual as sometimes they don't include the driver.

Wow, only 950#.

[Xavblk]

The 4runner is a 2004 V8 full time 4WD.

[volvite]

I'm towing a 2015 JayFlight 28BHS with a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder with the 5.6L V8. The only complaint I can come up with now is the 7 MPGs I get when towing. While yes a bigger truck would be better, my SUV fits my needs. I wouldn't mind trading it in for a 2015 Diesel Grand Cherokee, but not sure I'm ready for that payment.

[saintsfan]

I know what you are going through trying to work out a safe and reliable tow package. My first TV was a 2006 4-Runner v6 Limited pulling our new 2011 x18d. Maximum GVWR 4600lbs with a tv rating of 5000lbs. Not exactly numbers that inspire lots of confidence. After 18 months of camping within a 100 miles of home, we up graded to a 2008 Sequoia. I realize changing your tv is not always easy to do. We loved our 4-runner and it worked well on flat roads but was keeping us from making the longer trips to the mountains.
Also being able to relax and enjoy the driving to and from the CG instead of stressing over weight limits and packing too heavy has a value of its own.

[volvite]

Here's my setup.

[Xavblk]

Nice photo. What is the towing capacity, wheelbase and payload on the Pathfinder V8?

[Jmooney]

Your payload is everything you expect to add to a completely empty Pathfinder.


Driver, Passengers, Gear, Dog, Beer, etc..... and the tongue weight of the TT


You are pushing the GVWR of the tow vehicle I think.


The GVWR sets some limits related to Alex limits, Tire weight limits, Safe Braking abilities and engine/Tranny limits

[volvite]

Originally Posted by Xavblk

Nice photo. What is the towing capacity, wheelbase and payload on the Pathfinder V8?

I have the 5.6L V8. Same motor that's in the Titan and Armada. Maximum Trailer Weight is 7,000lbs. My Trailer dry is just over 5,000lbs with two full propane tanks. GVWR for the trailer is 7,200 lbs. My trailer Tongue weight allowance is 700lbs. My trailer has a tongue weight of just over 600lbs. Payload is 1393lbs. 112.2inch wheelbase.

Originally Posted by Jmooney

Your payload is everything you expect to add to a completely empty Pathfinder.


Driver, Passengers, Gear, Dog, Beer, etc..... and the tongue weight of the TT


You are pushing the GVWR of the tow vehicle I think.


The GVWR sets some limits related to Alex limits, Tire weight limits, Safe Braking abilities and engine/Tranny limits

Thanks for your heads up and concern. From my understanding the payload usually already accounts for the driver. I may be wrong. However the Pathfinder towed my trailer about 150 miles about 2 weeks ago over a 5,000ft pass with no issues except an average MPG of 7 MPG on the way there and 8 MPG on the way back.

[Jmooney]

Your welcome. Be safe out there .

[Ont Pete]

just curious if u have ever run across the scales to actually see what your axle weights are? Mostly here I hear about the axle weight of trucks and different trailers but just curious about the suvs and whether peeps have had them checked.

[volvite]

Originally Posted by Ont Pete

just curious if u have ever run across the scales to actually see what your axle weights are? Mostly here I hear about the axle weight of trucks and different trailers but just curious about the suvs and whether peeps have had them checked.

I have not yet. I've only taken one real trip with my TT. I don't really count the trip from the dealer to my house. I'll put it on my list of things to do on the next trip and report back.

[Subaru297]

I would be curious to see your actual scaled weights as well. We have a 2014 28BHS and the first time I took it out the tongue weight was in the 900 to 1000lbs range and it overloaded our "old" 2013 F150 (157" wheelbase)which had a similar 1400lb payload that your pathfinder has.
We managed to redistribute some weight (load up the bunks) and get down to about 13% tongue weight which is about 830lbs.
Trailer is 6280lbs with all the permanent gear in it. No food or clothes.

That winch and brush bar will also eat into your payload a fair bit.

Cheers